Mecosta County

As of the 2020 Census, Mecosta County, MI, had a population of approximately 42,000 people. The racial composition was predominantly White (92.2%), followed by African American (2.4%), Native American (1.6%), Asian (0.8%), and other races including two or more races (2.9%). Hispanics or Latinos of any race made up about 2.8% of the population. The median age was 34.4 years, and the household median income was around $45,567. The county includes various incorporated cities, with Big Rapids being the largest and home to Ferris State University.

As of the latest data, Mecosta County, MI has a median home value of around $150,000. The median rent is approximately $700 per month. The homeownership rate stands at about 75%, while roughly 25% of the population are renters. The housing market has been relatively stable, with a slight upward trend in home prices. The average household size is 2.5 people. The county offers a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and seasonal vacation properties, catering to a diverse range of housing needs.

Mecosta County, Michigan, typically conducts various elections throughout the year including local, state, and federal positions. Elections encompass positions such as county commissioners, school board members, and municipal officials. For example, in a recent election cycle, candidates for the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners included:

1. Ron Koehler (District 1)
2. Tom O’Neil (District 2)
3. Greg Gage (District 3)
4. Phil Currie (District 4)

Additionally, local school district elections often feature candidates like trustees or board members. Voter turnout in Mecosta County can vary; for instance, the turnout in the 2020 Presidential Election was about 68%, where around 14,000 out of 20,588 registered voters participated. Election results, candidate lists, and other pertinent information are regularly updated on the Mecosta County Clerk's official website or the Michigan Secretary of State's website for accurate and current data.

As of the most recent data, Mecosta County, MI has educational attainment levels that are below national and state averages. Approximately 86% of residents in Mecosta County have a high school diploma or higher, compared to 88.5% in Michigan and 88% nationally. Around 16% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, which is lower than the state average of 29% and the national average of 33%. Ferris State University, located in Big Rapids, contributes to the educational landscape, offering higher education opportunities within the county. However, overall, more intense efforts may be needed to raise education levels to match or exceed the broader averages.

Mecosta County, MI had an unemployment rate of around 5.6% in 2021, which is higher than both the Michigan state average of 5.1% and the national average of 4.8%. The county has a labor force of approximately 20,000 people with a civilian workforce participation rate of around 58%.

Top industries in Mecosta County include:

1. Education and Health Services: Ferris State University significantly contributes to local employment.
2. Manufacturing: Companies like Wolverine World Wide.
3. Trade, Transportation, and Utilities.
4. Retail Trade.
5. Leisure and Hospitality.

In comparison to state and national averages, Mecosta County shows a higher employment concentration in education and health services due mainly to Ferris State University, while it has lower representation in financial activities and professional/business services. Manufacturing remains a robust sector, aligning closely with Michigan’s overall industrial profile.

As of the latest available data, Mecosta County, MI, has a median household income of approximately $42,000. This is notably lower than both the national median household income, which stands at approximately $68,700, and the state of Michigan's median household income of around $59,500.

Statistics Table:

This disparity highlights the economic challenges in Mecosta County compared to broader state and national figures.

As of the most recent data available, Mecosta County, Michigan exhibits the following crime rates:

• Violent Crime Rate: 1.82 per 1,000 residents
• Property Crime Rate: 12.35 per 1,000 residents

The table below breaks down reported crime statistics in Mecosta County:

Please note that crime rates can fluctuate and it's advisable to consult local law enforcement or official state resources for the most current data.