Mason County

As of the latest U.S. Census data, Mason County, MI, has a population of approximately 29,000 people. The racial composition is predominantly White (94.6%), with smaller percentages of Hispanic or Latino (3.2%), African American (0.7%), Native American (0.9%), and Asian (0.5%). The median age is around 48 years. The county has around 12,300 households, with an average household size of 2.3 persons. The median household income is roughly $49,000, and the poverty rate is about 13%. The area covers 1,242 square miles, including both land and water.

As of the latest data, Mason County, MI has a median home value of approximately $132,000. Renters pay an average monthly rent of around $700. The homeownership rate stands at 79.1%, with about 21.9% of residents renting. The median household income is approximately $49,300. The housing market is relatively stable, with moderate annual appreciation rates. Housing types vary, with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and seasonal cottages, reflecting the area's appeal for both permanent residents and vacationers.

As of the most recent update, Mason County, MI elections include local, state, and federal races. Key positions include County Commissioners, City Council members, and various local judges. Specific candidate names and numerical values (e.g., voter turnout, percentage breakdowns) are available on the Mason County Clerk's official website or local government repositories.

For example, in the 2022 general elections, incumbents and challengers contested seven County Commissioner seats, with voter turnout reported at approximately 55%. Detailed results showed precinct-level data with percentage shares for each candidate, reflecting the community’s political leanings. For the most current candidates and figures, residents are encouraged to consult official Mason County election resources or recent publications closer to the election date.

As of the most recent available data, Mason County, MI, has an educational attainment level where approximately 89% of adults have completed high school, comparable to the national average of around 88%. However, the percentage of Mason County residents with a bachelor's degree or higher is roughly 17%, which is below the national average of about 33% and the Michigan state average of around 28%. These figures highlight that while high school completion rates are strong, higher education attainment lags behind both state and national levels, potentially impacting local workforce qualifications and economic opportunities.

As of the latest data, Mason County, MI, has a labor force participation rate of approximately 60.2%, with an unemployment rate hovering around 5.0%. The county's top industries include manufacturing, which employs around 24% of the workforce, healthcare and social assistance at about 15%, and retail trade, which employs approximately 13%.

Comparatively, the national unemployment rate is around 3.5%, while Michigan's state average is close to 4.1%. Nationally, healthcare and social assistance employ about 13% of the workforce, while manufacturing and retail trade employ around 8% and 10%, respectively. These figures show Mason County's higher reliance on manufacturing compared to both state and national averages.

This industrial composition reflects regional economic strengths but also highlights potential vulnerabilities to sector-specific downturns, particularly in manufacturing.

As of the latest available data, the median household income in Mason County, MI is approximately $47,000. This falls below both the national median household income, which is around $68,700, and the Michigan state median, which is about $59,600. The gap highlights the economic disparities that can exist even within the same state.

Income Comparison Table

These figures illustrate that households in Mason County have a significantly lower median income compared to both state and national levels, which can affect the local standard of living and economic opportunities.

Mason County, MI, maintains fairly low crime rates compared to national averages. As of the most recent data:

• Violent crime: approx. 156 incidents per 100,000 people
• Property crime: approx. 1,251 incidents per 100,000 people

The statistics are as follows:

It's important to note that these figures are indicative and subject to change as new data becomes available. Reduced overall crime rates make Mason County a relatively safe place to live.