Kent County

As of the 2020 census, Kent County, MI, had a population of approximately 657,974. The racial composition was 74.1% White, 11.4% African American, 4.9% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 6.4% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race made up 11.6% of the population. The median household income was around $65,000, and about 12.4% of the population was below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 872 square miles, with Grand Rapids as its largest city and county seat.

As of 2023, Kent County, MI, has a median home value of approximately $250,000. The average monthly rent is around $1,200. The homeownership rate stands at 75%, while the area exhibits a vacancy rate of about 6%. Property taxes are roughly 1.7% of home value annually. The market shows steady growth, with a year-over-year appreciation rate of 8%. Rentals constitute 25% of the housing, with single-family homes being the predominant type. The average household size is around 2.6 people.

For the November 2023 elections in Kent County, MI, voters will decide on various local positions and issues. Key elections include:

• Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education: Six candidates are running for three open seats.
• City of Grand Rapids: Mayoral and city council races are prominent. The mayoral race includes incumbent Rosalynn Bliss and challenger Daniel Schutte. City commission wards 1, 2, and 3 also feature contested races.
• Millages: Voters will decide on several millage renewals and increases, including those for public transportation, libraries, and public safety.

Additionally, there are various township, village, and other school board elections throughout the county, each with specific candidates and issues pertinent to those jurisdictions. Overall turnout expectations and polling data often shape the competitive landscapes in these elections. For exact, up-to-date information, consulting the Kent County Elections website is recommended.

Kent County, MI, exhibits a moderate level of educational attainment. According to the U.S. Census Bureau data:

• High School Graduates: Approximately 89.9% of adults age 25 and older have a high school diploma or equivalent, which is slightly above the national average of 88.5% and close to the Michigan state average of 90.5%.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher: About 32.8% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, nearly aligning with the national average of 33.1% and slightly above the state average of 31.3%.

Overall, Kent County’s educational attainment is marginally better than the state and national averages, indicating a relatively well-educated population. This reflects positively on the county’s educational institutions and overall access to higher education.

As of recent data, Kent County, MI has an employment rate of approximately 4.5%, slightly below the national average of 5%. The county's workforce numbers around 330,000 individuals. Key industries in Kent County include manufacturing, health care, retail trade, and education, with manufacturing accounting for about 20% of jobs, significantly higher than the national average of 8.5% and the Michigan state average of 14.2%. Health care employs roughly 17% of the workforce, which is comparable to both national and state figures. Retail trade and education each make up approximately 10-12% of the employment, showing similarities to nationwide trends. The diverse economic base in Kent County drives higher employment in sectors such as logistics and technology as well.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Kent County, MI, is approximately $63,000. Comparatively, the national average household income is around $68,700, while the state of Michigan's average household income is approximately $59,500. Here's a summary in table form:

These figures reflect the economic standing of Kent County relative to broader averages, showing it is below the national average but above the state average.

As of the latest data, Kent County, MI, has experienced varied crime rates. In 2022, the crime rate per 100,000 residents was approximately:

• Violent Crime: 365
• Property Crime: 1,817

Crime Statistics Table for Kent County, MI (2022)

This data offers insights into the prevalence of different crime types in Kent County, aiding in local awareness and law enforcement strategies.