Ottawa County

As of the 2020 Census, Ottawa County in Michigan had a population of approximately 296,200 people. The racial composition was 85.7% White, 3.2% African American, 3.8% Asian, and 4.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprised 10.6% of the population. The median household income was around $74,200, and the poverty rate stood at about 7.1%. The county covers 1,631 square kilometers (630 square miles).

As of recent data, Ottawa County, MI, has a median home value of approximately $280,000. The median rent is around $1,100 per month. Homeownership rate stands at 76%, with about 24% of residents renting their homes. The market shows a year-over-year appreciation rate of 8.5%. Average property taxes are about 1.6% of the home's assessed value. The housing market is relatively competitive, with homes typically receiving multiple offers and selling within 20 days.

Ottawa County, MI, conducts elections for various offices, including county commissioners, judicial positions, and local government officials. In the 2022 general election, voter turnout was approximately 54.2%. Key races included:

1. County Commission: Several districts with contested seats. Example:

   • District 5: Incumbent Republican Frank Garcia vs. Democratic challenger Lisa Clark.

2. Judicial Races:

   • 20th Circuit Court: Incumbent Judge Karen Miedema faced challenger John Hulsing.

3. Local Offices:

   • Sheriff: Incumbent Republican Sheriff Steve Kempker ran unopposed.
   • County Clerk/Register: Incumbent Justin Roebuck ran unopposed.

For specific numerical vote counts and additional candidate details, visit the Ottawa County Clerk's website or the Michigan Secretary of State’s office.

Ottawa County, MI, boasts a well-educated population with approximately 94.6% of residents aged 25 and older holding at least a high school diploma, surpassing the national average of 88.5% and the Michigan state average of 91.7%. About 41.2% of the county's residents have earned a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.1% and Michigan's 31.3%. This higher educational attainment reflects the community's strong emphasis on education and access to quality schools and higher education institutions. Ottawa County's educational statistics demonstrate a highly educated populace that exceeds both state and national levels.

Ottawa County, MI, boasts a diverse employment landscape. As of the latest data, the county has an employment rate of approximately 95.5%, slightly higher than the national average of around 93.7%. Key industries driving the local economy include manufacturing, health care, and education. Manufacturing holds a notable presence, employing roughly 26% of the workforce, compared to the national average of about 8.5% and the Michigan state average of 14.3%. Health care and social assistance account for approximately 11%, and educational services represent around 8%, aligning closely with state and national figures. Retail trade and professional services also contribute significantly to employment. Overall, Ottawa County's economy is notably manufacturing-centric, distinguishing it from broader state and national trends where services dominate.

As of the most recent data, the average household income in Ottawa County, MI is approximately $73,000 per year. This is higher than the national average household income, which is around $68,700. Comparatively, the state of Michigan has an average household income of about $57,000. Below is a statistics table for better comparison:

Ottawa County's income is evidently higher than both state and national averages, reflecting the area's relatively prosperous economic conditions.

As of the most recent data available, Ottawa County, MI, has relatively low crime rates compared to national averages. The county reported a total of 2,058 criminal incidents in 2019. Below is a summary table for various types of crimes:

Ottawa County’s violent crime rate stands at 1.8 per 1,000 residents, significantly lower than the national average of 3.7 per 1,000 residents. The property crime rate is 18.1 per 1,000 residents, compared to the national average of 22.0 per 1,000.