Berrien County

As of the 2020 U.S. Census, Berrien County, MI, has a population of approximately 153,000. The racial composition is 75.1% White, 15.5% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, 0.6% Native American, and 2.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents make up 6.3% of the population. The median household income stands around $48,000. The county covers 1,581 square miles, with 1,390 sq mi of land and 191 sq mi of water.

As of 2023, Berrien County, MI, has a median home value of approximately $185,000. The median rent is around $850 per month. The homeownership rate is roughly 72%, and the county has a mix of urban and rural areas. The housing market has shown moderate appreciation rates in recent years. About 18% of homes in Berrien County were built before 1940, reflecting its historical architecture. The average household size is about 2.5 people. Housing affordability remains better than many urban areas, making it an attractive location for families and retirees.

As of recent 2023 information for Berrien County, Michigan:

Upcoming Election: November 7, 2023

Key Candidates:

• Berrien Springs Public Schools Board: Several candidates running for Board positions.
• St. Joseph City Commission: Multiple candidates, including prominent local names, vying for seats.

Voter Resources:

• Registered Voters: Approximately 120,000.
• Polling Locations: 53 locations countywide.
• Early Voting: Begins 30 days prior to the election date.

Recent Election Turnouts and Results (2022 General Election):

• Voter Turnout: ~55%
• Gubernatorial Race:
  • Gretchen Whitmer (Dem) received 48,000 votes.
  • Tudor Dixon (Rep) received 51,000 votes.

For detailed and updated information, check Berrien County Clerk’s official website or contact their office directly.

As of the latest data, Berrien County, Michigan, exhibits the following educational attainment levels for residents aged 25 and over:

• High school graduate (including equivalency): Approximately 89.5%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: About 21.8%

For context, the national averages are:

• High school graduate or higher: 88.6%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 32.1%

The state of Michigan mirrors these figures more closely with:

• High school graduate or higher: 90.5%
• Bachelor's degree or higher: 28.6%

Comparatively, Berrien County has a slightly higher rate of high school graduates than the national average (by nearly 1%) but falls below both the national and state averages for bachelor's degree attainment. This suggests a relatively well-educated populace at the high school level but less so at the collegiate level.

As of the latest data available in 2021, Berrien County, MI has an employment rate of around 92%, with a labor force participation rate of approximately 59%. The top industries in this county include manufacturing, healthcare, retail trade, and education services. Manufacturing employs about 20% of the workforce, significantly higher than the national average of 10% and the state average of 14%. Healthcare and social assistance account for roughly 15%, aligning closely with national (15%) and state averages (16%).

Retail trade employs around 12% of workers, similar to the national (11%) and state averages (11%). Education services account for about 10% of jobs, which is again comparable to national (9%) and state (10%) figures. The county's focus on manufacturing stands out, showcasing a regional strength in this industry compared to broader averages.

Berrien County, MI, has a median household income of approximately $50,200 according to recent data. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Michigan is about $59,600. Nationally, the median household income in the United States is roughly $68,700.

This shows that Berrien County's median household income is below both the state and national averages, reflecting economic disparities within the region.

As of the most recent data, Berrien County, MI, has varied crime rates across different types of offenses. Below is a brief summary and a table for a clearer understanding:

In 2022, the overall crime rate in Berrien County was approximately 3,965 incidents per 100,000 people. Violent crime stood at around 435 incidents per 100,000 people, while property crime was significantly higher at about 3,530 incidents per 100,000 people.

Crime Statistics Table:

These figures provide an overview of crime rates in Berrien County, helping in community awareness and safety measures.