Leelanau County

Leelanau County, MI, boasts a population of approximately 22,000 people. The demographic composition includes around 93% White, 3% Native American, 2% Hispanic or Latino, 1% Asian, and 1% African American. Age distribution shows around 20% under 18, 60% between 18-64, and 20% aged 65 and over. Median household income is about $70,000, with a poverty rate of approximately 7%. The county features a relatively low population density, with 61 people per square mile.

As of 2023, Leelanau County, MI has a median home value of approximately $474,000. The housing market is relatively competitive, with homes typically selling within 40 days. The median rent is about $1,200 per month. Owner-occupied housing units make up around 80% of the market, while renters occupy about 20%. The county is known for its scenic beauty, driving a higher demand for vacation homes and seasonal properties. The property tax rate averages around 1.23%.

Leelanau County, MI, conducts elections for various local, state, and federal positions. Local elections typically include positions for County Commissioners, Township officials, and School Boards. Federal elections cover President, Senators, and House Representatives.

In recent elections, key positions filled include:

• County Commissioners: 7 members representing different districts.
• 2022 Midterms: For the Michigan House 104th district seat, Democrat Betsy Coffia and Republican Jack O'Malley ran. Coffia won with 53.1% of the vote compared to O'Malley's 46.9%.
• 2020 Presidential Election: Joe Biden received 51.2% of the vote, while Donald Trump garnered 47.3%.

Key local issues and proposals often involve funding for schools, infrastructure, and public services. Voter turnout in recent general elections has ranged from 60% to 75% of registered voters, reflecting active civic participation in the county.

Leelanau County, MI, shows commendable educational attainment compared to both state and national averages. Approximately 95% of residents aged 25 and over have at least a high school diploma, compared to the national average of around 88% and the Michigan state average of 91%. Additionally, about 43% of Leelanau residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher, surpassing the national average of 33% and the state of Michigan's average of 29%. These figures highlight Leelanau County as relatively well-educated, potentially contributing to various socioeconomic benefits for the community.

As of the most recent data, Leelanau County, MI, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 61.2%, with an unemployment rate of around 4.8%. The county's workforce is distributed across several key industries, notably tourism, agriculture, and construction. Specifically, agriculture and related activities, including cherry orchards and vineyards, employ a significant portion of the population.

In comparison to national and state averages, Leelanau's reliance on agriculture is substantially higher. Nationally, the agriculture sector employs about 1.3% of the workforce, while Michigan averages around 2%. Tourism is another vital sector for Leelanau, reflecting the county's natural beauty and attractions, which is higher than the national average. Conversely, Leelanau has a lower representation in manufacturing, a sector that comprises about 8% of employment nationally and roughly 14% at the state level in Michigan.

Overall, the county's employment landscape is shaped heavily by its natural resources and scenic landscapes, differing noticeably from broader employment trends.

As of the latest available data, Leelanau County, Michigan, has a median household income of approximately $68,700. This figure is somewhat higher than the state average for Michigan, which stands at around $59,600. Nationally, the median household income in the United States is approximately $68,703, making Leelanau County's average income nearly on par with the national average, albeit slightly below it. Here's a quick statistics table for comparison:

Leelanau County's slightly higher median household income compared to the state average may reflect its relatively affluent populace, often driven by its scenic locales and tourism-based economy.

Leelanau County, MI, generally enjoys a low crime rate compared to national averages. For instance, the violent crime rate is significantly lower than the U.S. average. According to recent data:

These values indicate that Leelanau County has lower incidences of violent and property crimes compared to broader averages. The county is known for its safety and low probability of becoming a crime victim.