About Cass County
Cass County, Michigan is located in the southwestern corner of the state, bordering Indiana to the south and just east of Lake Michigan. Established in 1829 and organized in 1831, Cass County was named after Lewis Cass, Governor of Michigan Territory and later U.S. Secretary of State. Cass County seat is Cassopolis, a small village that is the administrative center. Cass County includes approximately 508 square miles and has a population of around 51,606 residents according to recent census estimates. Cass County is characterized by rolling farmland, numerous lakes including Magician Lake, Diamond Lake, and portions of the St. Joseph River watershed. Major communities include Dowagiac, the largest city in Cass County, along with Edwardsburg, Marcellus, and Vandalia. Cass County's economy has historically been rooted in agriculture, particularly fruit production and corn farming, though manufacturing and tourism related to lake recreation play significant roles today. Cass County Administration Building is located at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031, housing many county offices. Cass County Clerk's office manages vital records, elections, and county board proceedings. Cass County Register of Deeds maintains property records and can be reached at the same building. Cass County Equalization Department is the Assessor, overseeing property valuations throughout Cass County. What makes Cass County unique is its rich Underground Railroad history, with several documented safe houses and routes, commemorated at various historical sites. Cass County also features a significant Pokagon Band of Potawatomi presence, with tribal lands and the Four Winds Casino Resort contributing to the local economy and culture.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Cass County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order across Cass County, particularly in unincorporated areas. It oversees the operations of Cass County Jail, manages patrols, and handles criminal investigations. The office also processes arrests and maintains criminal records.
Police Departments
In addition to Cass County Sheriff's Office, several municipal police departments operate within Cass County. These include the Dowagiac Police Department and the Edwardsburg Police Department. Each department serves its respective city, handling local law enforcement duties and coordinating with the sheriff's office on larger investigations and emergencies. These agencies work together to ensure full coverage and public safety throughout Cass County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Cass County Sheriff's Office, located at 321 M-62, Cassopolis, MI 49031, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas of Cass County. Cass County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same location, houses inmates for Cass County and provides inmate lookup services. Citizens can search for current inmates by contacting the jail directly or visiting the Sheriff's Office in person during business hours.
- Under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified as MCL 15.231 et seq, arrest records are considered public records and can be requested from the arresting agency.
- Written FOIA requests should specify the records sought and can be directed to the Sheriff's Office or municipal police departments.
- Processing fees may apply for copying and labor.
- For arrest records involving tribal police, requests should be directed to the tribal government.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
Criminal records in Cass County, MI are maintained by local law enforcement agencies and the court system. Background checks are typically obtained through state-level repositories or authorized vendors. For an authoritative source, see Criminal Records Search - Cass County, MI (Arrests, Jails & Most Wanted Records).
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Cass County, MI are public under most state public-records laws unless sealed or expunged by a court. They are maintained by the arresting agency, primarily the County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments.
Jail & Inmate Records
The Cass County jail is operated by the County Sheriff's Office and houses pretrial detainees and short-sentence inmates. Inmate locator tools allow public searches by name or booking number.
- Look up current inmates and booking information at Inmate Services | Cass County, MI.
- Sheriff's Office: Cass County Sheriff's Office<!-- --> - <!-- -->Cass<!-- --> - <!-- -->Michigan<!.
- The bond and bail process allows for the release of detainees under conditions set by the court; inquiries about recently arrested individuals can be directed to the jail's administrative office.
Courts & Case Records
Cass County's judicial system consists of several courts with different jurisdictions. Cass County Circuit Court, located at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031, has jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, and family matters including divorce and child custody. The Circuit Court phone number is unlisted. The 8th District Court serves Cass County and handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by Michigan Court Rules and statute, generally $10 for certification plus copying costs of $1 per page for the first page and 50 cents for additional pages.
- Requests for records can be made in person, by mail, or in some cases by email to the clerk's office.
Cass County Court is also located in Cassopolis at 120 N Broadway and can be contacted through the office’s website. Cass County Probate Court, handles estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. Michigan courts provide online case lookup through the Michigan Court Access Portal at courts.michigan.gov/micase, where users can search by case number, party name, or attorney name for cases in Cass County. Some records may be restricted from online viewing.
In-person record searches are available at the respective court clerk offices during business hours, typically Monday through Friday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Under MCL 600.917, Michigan court records are presumed to be public unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule.
Property & Public Records
Cass County Register of Deeds, located at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031, maintains all land records for Cass County including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, easements, surveys, and plat maps. The office can be contacted through the office’s website. Land records in Michigan are public under MCL 565.25 and subsequent statutes governing recording. The Register of Deeds office provides an online search portal accessible through Cass County website at www.casscountymi.org, where users can search by name, parcel number, or document type.
- Document copies cost $1 for the first page and 50 cents for each additional page, with certified copies requiring an additional fee.
- Recording fees for new documents vary by document type, with deeds typically costing $30 for the first page and $3 for each additional page.
Some basic searches may be free, but obtaining copies of documents typically requires payment. Property tax records are maintained by Cass County Treasurer's office through the office the Equalization Department for Cass County maintains a GIS parcel viewer accessible online that provides property boundaries, tax information, ownership data, and property characteristics. This service allows citizens to view aerial imagery, zoning, and assessed values.
To obtain certified copies of recorded documents, requesters must visit the Register of Deeds office in person or submit a written request by mail with specific document information including book and page number or liber and page reference. The office accepts cash, checks, and credit cards for payment. All records from 1831 to present are maintained, with older records available on microfilm and recent records digitized.
Vital Records
Vital records for Cass County, Michigan are primarily handled through Cass County Clerk's office located at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031 Birth certificates for births occurring in Cass County can be requested from the County Clerk for events from 1867 forward, though the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Division for Vital Records and Health Statistics in Lansing maintains statewide records and is often more efficient for requests.
- Birth certificate fees are $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies ordered at the same time from the state, while county fees may vary.
- Processing time is typically 4-6 weeks by mail or immediate for in-person requests if records are available.
- Marriage licenses must be obtained from Cass County Clerk's office, where couples must apply in person with valid identification and pay the license fee of $30.
- VitalChek, an online vendor, offers expedited vital records ordering for Michigan at www.michigan.gov/mdhhs for an additional processing fee.
The state office can be contacted through the office’s website. Under MCL 333.2882, birth records less than 100 years old are confidential and only available to the person named on the certificate (if 18 or older), parents, legal guardians, or legal representatives with proper identification. Death certificates follow similar procedures under MCL 333.2882, with access restricted to immediate family members, legal representatives, or those demonstrating legitimate interest. There is no waiting period in Michigan, and the license is valid for 33 days.
Marriage records are public and can be searched at the County Clerk's office. Divorce records are maintained by the Circuit Court, not the Clerk's office. Acceptable identification includes driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID.
Business & Licensing
Business records and licensing in Cass County involve multiple agencies depending on the business type and activity. Cass County Clerk's office at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031, maintains assumed name (DBA - Doing Business As) registrations for businesses operating under fictitious names in Cass County. These filings are public records searchable at the Clerk's office.
- The Michigan business entity search is available online at www.michigan.gov/corpentitysearch where users can search by business name, ID number, or registered agent.
- This free database provides information on business status, formation date, registered office, and officers.
However, most business entity formations including corporations, LLCs, partnerships, and nonprofit organizations are registered with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through the Corporations Division. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by state-level licensing boards under LARA, not Cass County. Sales tax licenses are obtained through the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Local business licensing varies by county, with the City of Dowagiac and other incorporated communities maintaining their own business licensing requirements. Building permits, zoning approvals, and land use permits are handled by Cass County Planning Department and local municipal building departments. The Planning Department can be contacted through the office’s website. zoning information and building permits in unincorporated areas, contact Cass County Building and Zoning Department.
The Southwestern Michigan Economic Growth Alliance and local chambers of commerce, including the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce (www.dowagiac.com), provide business development resources and networking opportunities for county businesses.
Official Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I search for someone recently arrested in Cass County, Michigan?
Where can I find mugshots or booking photos in Cass County, Michigan?
How do I get a criminal background check in Cass County, Michigan?
How can I look up sex offenders in Cass County, Michigan?
How do I register to vote in Cass County, Michigan?
How do I look up property records in Cass County, Michigan?
How do I get a birth or death certificate in Cass County, Michigan?
How do I find business license records in Cass County, Michigan?
Cities & Towns in Cass County
Explore public records for 9 cities and communities in Cass County, Michigan.
Economy & Demographics
Cass County's economy is diverse, blending agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and tribal gaming enterprises. Agriculture remains foundational, with Cass County producing significant quantities of soybeans, corn, wheat, and specialty crops including grapes for Michigan's growing wine industry. Dairy farming and livestock operations contribute substantially to the agricultural economy. The median household income in Cass County is approximately $54,000, slightly below the Michigan state average.
Major employers include the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, whose Four Winds Casinos (including the flagship Four Winds Resort in New Buffalo just west of Cass County and facilities in Hartford) employ hundreds of county residents and generate substantial economic impact through gaming, hospitality, and entertainment. Manufacturing has historically been important, with companies like DEPCO, a steel fabrication company in Dowagiac, and various automotive suppliers providing industrial jobs. The Lee Memorial Health System and Cass County Medical Care Facility are significant healthcare employers.
Tourism centered on Cass County's numerous lakes drives seasonal economic activity, with vacation rentals, marinas, restaurants, and recreation services supporting year-round and seasonal residents. The unemployment rate in Cass County typically tracks slightly above the state average, ranging from 4-6% in recent non-pandemic years. Economic development efforts focus on diversifying the economy, improving broadband infrastructure in rural areas, and supporting small business growth.
Cass County benefits from proximity to major markets including South Bend, Indiana and Kalamazoo, Michigan. Recent development projects include downtown revitalization in Dowagiac and expansion of industrial parks along M-51 and US-12 corridors. Workforce development partnerships with Lake Michigan College and Southwestern Michigan College address skills gaps in manufacturing and healthcare sectors.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Cass County, Michigan are administered by Cass County Clerk, who is the County Election Coordinator. The Clerk's office is located at 120 N Broadway, Cassopolis, MI 49031, and can be contacted through the office’s website. Election information is available on Cass County website at www.casscountymi.org. Voter registration in Michigan is available online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote, where eligible residents can register, update their registration, check voter status, and view sample ballots.
- Michigan offers same-day voter registration, allowing residents to register and vote at their clerk's office through Election Day, or register by mail or online up to 15 days before an election.
- To register, applicants must be U.S.
- Cass County Clerk maintains these records and provides election results on Cass County website following each election.
- Any registered voter in Cass County can request an absentee ballot by submitting an application to their city or township clerk.
- Absentee ballots can be requested for any election and voters can choose to be placed on the permanent absentee voter list.
Citizens, at least 18 years old by Election Day, and residents of Michigan and their community for at least 30 days before the election. Voters can find their polling place by visiting the Michigan Voter Information Center and entering their name and date of birth, or by contacting the County Clerk. In Cass County, polling places are located in various township halls, fire stations, and community centers throughout Cass County's 16 townships and municipalities.
Election records that are public in Michigan include voter registration lists (available for purchase for election related purposes under MCL 168.522-523), campaign finance reports filed with the County Clerk for local candidates, candidate filing information and petitions, precinct-level election results, and poll books. Senate races, Michigan Governor (if 2026), Michigan Secretary of State, Attorney General, State Senate, State House, county commissioners, and various local offices and ballot proposals. Michigan voters have access to no-reason absentee voting under a constitutional amendment approved in 2018.
Applications are available at www.michigan.gov/vote or through local clerk offices. Transparency in Cass County elections is strong, with detailed precinct results published online, public testing of voting equipment before elections as required by MCL 168.798, and access to election materials under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act.