Clare County, Michigan

Clare County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the population was 31,252. The county seat is Harrison ⁶.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,490 km² (575 mi²). 1,468 km² (567 mi²) of it is land and 22 km² (8 mi²) of it (1.46%) is water.

Adjacent Counties

*Roscommon County (northeast)
*Gladwin County (east)
*Isabella County (south)
*Osceola County (west)
*Missaukee County (northwest)

As of the census ² of 2000, there were 31,252 people, 12,686 households, and 8,753 families residing in the county. The population density was 21/km² (55/mi²). There were 22,229 housing units at an average density of 15/km² (39/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.36% White, 0.33% Black or African American, 0.72% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.30% from other races, and 1.03% from two or more races. 1.09% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 12,686 households out of which 27.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.30% were married couples living together, 9.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.00% were non-families. 26.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the county the population was spread out with 24.40% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 24.90% from 25 to 44, 26.40% from 45 to 64, and 17.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.60 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $28,845, and the median income for a family was $33,934. Males had a median income of $30,032 versus $20,733 for females. The per capita income for the county was $15,922. About 12.10% of families and 16.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.40% of those under age 18 and 10.70% of those age 65 or over.

Government

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts,keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, andparticipates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The [[county commission|countyboard of commissioners]] controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. InMichigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, streetmaintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Clare County elected officials

* Prosecuting Attorney: Norman Gage
* Sheriff: Jeffrey Goyt
* County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Carol A. McAulay
* County Treasurer: Lois Chinn
* Drain Commissioner: Shane Haskins
* County Surveyor: Paul A. Lapham
* Road Commissioners: Donald Armentrout; Richard Haynak; Tim Haskin

(information as of September 2005)