About Clare County
Clare County is located in the central lower peninsula of Michigan, covering approximately 575 square miles of land and water. Clare County Seat is Harrison, a city situated at the geographic center of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Established in 1871, Clare County was named after County Clare in Ireland. Clare County has a population of approximately 31,000 residents as of recent census estimates. Clare County is known for its abundant natural resources, including the Muskegon, Tobacco, and Cedar rivers, which provide exceptional fishing and recreational opportunities.
Clare County is home to portions of the Huron-Manistee National Forest and offers year-round outdoor recreation including hunting, snowmobiling, and camping. Major landmarks include Wilson State Park along Budd Lake and the historic Clare County Courthouse in Harrison. The economy traditionally relied on lumber, oil, and gas extraction, with modern growth in tourism and retirement communities.
Clare Register of Deeds's office is located at 225 W. Main Street in Harrison, handling all land records and deed recordings. Clare County Clerk, also at the Harrison courthouse complex at 225 W.
Main Street, manages vital records, elections, and county administration. Clare County Equalization Department is the Assessor, overseeing property valuations and tax assessment across Clare County's townships and municipalities. Clare County maintains a small-town character while acting as a four-season recreation destination in Michigan's heartland.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Clare County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Clare County, particularly in unincorporated areas. The office is tasked with patrolling these regions, managing Clare County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records.
Police Departments
In addition to Clare County Sheriff's Office, several city and municipal police departments operate within Clare County. The Clare City Police Department and the Harrison Police Department are two primary agencies responsible for law enforcement within their respective jurisdictions. These departments handle local policing duties, including traffic enforcement, crime investigation, and community policing initiatives. They often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major crimes and incidents that require additional resources or cross-jurisdictional cooperation.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Clare County Sheriff's Office, located at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625, is the primary law enforcement agency for Clare County. The Sheriff's website provides inmate lookup services where the public can search for current detainees by name, booking date, or charges. Jail roster information is updated regularly and includes booking photos, charges, bond amounts, and projected release dates.
- There is typically a fee for copying and processing these requests.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the jail's online inmate roster or by specific FOIA request to the arresting agency.
- Processing times for arrest record requests typically range from 5 to 15 business days depending on the complexity of the request and redaction requirements under Michigan law.
Within Clare County, municipal police departments include the Harrison Police Department and the Clare Police Department, each serving their respective cities with patrol and investigative services. Arrest records in Clare County are public documents available under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL 15.231 et seq.
Michigan State Police also maintains a post in Clare County that assists with major investigations and traffic enforcement on state highways.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Clare County includes a variety of records, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic offenses, and the sex offender registry. Clare County residents can use this tool to conduct background checks, which include information on arrests, convictions, and sex offender status.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Clare County are maintained by Clare County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Clare County, including the nature of the charges and the circumstances of the arrest. Residents and attorneys can request arrest records by contacting the Sheriff's Office directly. The records typically include information such as the arrest date, charges, and personal details of the individual arrested. Access to these records is governed by the Michigan Freedom of Information Act, which outlines the public's right to obtain government records.
Jail & Inmate Records
Clare County Jail, located in Harrison, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Clare County. The booking process at the jail includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available to the public, allowing individuals to find information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to the facility, requiring visitors to schedule appointments and adhere to strict guidelines.
- The bond and bail process in Michigan allows for the posting of bail to secure the release of an inmate, with specific procedures outlined by Clare County Jail for handling such transactions.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Clare County are taken and retained by Clare County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the arrest records and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office. While some mugshots may be available online through third-party websites, the official source for these images is the Sheriff's Office. Michigan does not have specific laws for the removal of mugshots from public records, but individuals can request corrections or updates if inaccuracies are found.
Courts & Case Records
Clare County operates several judicial divisions serving the public. The 55th Circuit Court, located at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625, handles felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, and appeals from lower courts. The court can be contacted through the office’s website. The 80th District Court, also located at Clare County courthouse complex, handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, and traffic violations.
- Court records in Michigan are governed by the Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.) and court rules that presume public access to most non-sealed court files.
- Online case access may be available through the Michigan Courts Online Case Inquiry System for certain case types.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents typically range from $10 to $20 for the first page plus additional per-page charges.
The Probate Court for Clare County, phone, has jurisdiction over estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and mental health commitments. Clare County courts maintain case lookup services where parties can search by case number, party name, or attorney. The Clerk of the Court offices for each division maintain all case files, dockets, judgments, and orders.
Walk-in public access to court records is available during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Some records may be sealed or restricted under Michigan Court Rules, including certain juvenile cases, adoption records, and cases involving personal protection orders where privacy concerns warrant limitation of access.
Property & Public Records
Clare County Register of Deeds, located at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625, phone, maintains all land records for Clare County dating back to its establishment in 1871. The Register of Deeds office records and preserves documents including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage releases, land contracts, liens (tax, mechanic's, judgment), easements, right-of-way agreements, survey plats, and condominium master deeds. Michigan law requires most instruments affecting real property to be recorded to provide constructive notice to subsequent purchasers and creditors.
- There is typically no charge for basic searching, though certified copies and document downloads may incur fees ranging from $1 to $5 per page.
- The Equalization Department at provides property valuation information, assessment rolls, and tax calculation data.
- Certified copies of recorded documents require a $5 certification fee plus copy charges.
- Same-day service is typically available for in-person requests submitted before 3:00 PM.
The office offers online land record searching through a subscription-based service where users can search by grantor/grantee name, property address, parcel identification number, or document type and date range. Property tax records are maintained separately by Clare County Equalization Department and individual township and city assessors. Clare County Treasurer's office, phone, handles tax collection, delinquent tax enforcement, and tax sale procedures.
Clare County offers a Geographic Information System (GIS) parcel viewer accessible through Clare County website, allowing free public searching of parcel boundaries, ownership, assessment values, and property characteristics.
Vital Records
Vital records for Clare County, Michigan are maintained by multiple agencies depending on the record type and date. Birth and death certificates occurring in Clare County are filed with the County Clerk at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625 Michigan law (MCL 333.2831 et seq, Public Health Code) governs vital records access and confidentiality. Certified birth certificates cost $34 for the first copy and $16 for each additional copy ordered at the same time. Death certificates are $34 for the first copy and $16 for additional copies.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically same-day if the record is readily located; mail requests take 2-4 weeks.
- Marriage licenses are issued by the County Clerk's office with a $20 license fee, three-day waiting period, and 33-day validity period.
- Marriage certificates (copies of the recorded marriage) cost $10 for certified copies.
- Online ordering is available through the state VitalChek service at michigan.gov/mdhhs, though convenience fees apply in addition to the standard certificate fees.
Only eligible persons as defined by Michigan statute may obtain certified copies, including the registrant (for birth records), spouse, parent, child, legal representative, or person with documented legal interest. Two forms of identification are required, with at least one being photo ID. Divorce records are maintained by the 55th Circuit Court, not the County Clerk.
For vital records more than several decades old or when local access is unavailable, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Vital Records Office in Lansing is the state repository. Walk-in service is available at the County Clerk's office Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Business & Licensing
Business licensing and registration records in Clare County are maintained by several agencies depending on the business type and activity. Clare County Clerk at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625, phone, accepts filings for Doing Business As (DBA) certificates, also known as assumed name or fictitious name registrations, required when a business operates under a name other than the owner's legal name. The DBA filing fee is approximately $10 and must be published in a local newspaper and renewed every five years.
- The Michigan business entity search is available free online at michigan.gov/corpentitysearch, allowing searches by entity name, identification number, or registered agent.
- Permit fees vary based on project valuation and type.
- Clare County Chamber of Commerce, located in Harrison, provides business support services and maintains a directory of local businesses at clarecountychamber.com.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and nonprofit organizations, businesses must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through the Corporations Division. Professional licenses for occupations such as builders, electricians, plumbers, and health professionals are issued by state agencies, not Clare County. Clare County Building and Planning Department, phone, issues building permits, electrical permits, mechanical permits, and zoning approvals for construction and development activities.
Sales tax licenses are issued by the Michigan Department of Treasury, not locally. Special use permits, land divisions, and site plan reviews are handled by individual townships and municipalities within Clare County. Business personal property tax returns must be filed annually with local assessors.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Clare County, Michigan are administered by Clare County Clerk's Office, located at 225 W. Main Street, Harrison, MI 48625. Clare County Clerk is the chief election official and can be contacted through the office’s website. The office maintains voter registration records, processes absentee ballot applications, certifies election results, and coordinates with the 21 local clerks in Clare County's cities and townships.
- Voter registration in Michigan is available online at michigan.gov/vote, by mail, or in person at the County Clerk's office, Secretary of State branch offices, or designated voter registration agencies.
- Michigan law (MCL 168.759) allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without stating a reason.
Michigan offers Election Day registration, allowing qualified citizens to register and vote on the same day at their clerk's office during early voting or at their polling place on Election Day with proof of residency. The registration deadline for advance registration is 15 days before any election. Voters can find their polling place, view sample ballots, and check registration status through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote.
Public election records in Clare County include the qualified voter file (with limited personal information redacted per MCL 168.522), campaign finance reports filed by candidates and committees, candidate filing documents, precinct-level election results, and poll books. These records are available under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act. The November 2024 general election saw approximately 68% voter turnout in Clare County, slightly below the statewide average, with strong participation in the presidential race.
The next major election will be held on November 3, 2026, featuring midterm elections for U.S. House of Representatives, one U.S. Senate seat, Michigan Governor (if the cycle aligns), state legislative seats, county offices, and local positions.
Applications can be submitted online through the michigan.gov/vote portal, by mail, or in person at the clerk's office. Absentee ballots can be returned by mail, deposited in official drop boxes, or delivered in person to the clerk's office up until 8:00 PM on Election Day. Clare County maintains excellent election transparency with precinct-level results published on Clare County website following certification, campaign finance records available for public inspection, and regular updates on election procedures and deadlines.
Economy & Demographics
Clare County's economy is characterized by a mix of natural resource industries, tourism, healthcare, and retirement services. Historically dependent on timber harvesting and oil and gas extraction, Clare County has diversified while maintaining its resource-based economic foundation. Major employers include MidMichigan Medical Center-Clare, providing healthcare services and employing several hundred workers, and Clare County Public Schools and Harrison Community Schools systems.
- The median household income in Clare County is approximately $43,000, below the Michigan state median, reflecting Clare County's rural character and significant retiree population.
Manufacturing facilities in Clare County produce automotive components, wood products, and industrial supplies. The tourism and recreation sector generates substantial economic activity, particularly related to fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and camping in the Huron-Manistee National Forest areas. Retail trade and food service businesses cluster in Harrison and Clare County, serving both locals and seasonal visitors.
Agriculture remains economically important with farms producing hay, corn, soybeans, and livestock, though farming represents a smaller percentage of employment than in past decades. Clare County has experienced steady growth in retirement-related services as Michigan residents and out-of-state retirees settle in lakefront communities. Oil and gas extraction continues with active wells throughout Clare County, though production levels have declined from historical peaks.
Unemployment rates in Clare County typically track slightly above state averages, ranging from 5-7% depending on seasonal factors. Economic development efforts focus on expanding broadband internet access, supporting small business development, and promoting Clare County's natural amenities to attract remote workers and entrepreneurs. The absence of major manufacturing facilities or large corporate headquarters limits high-wage employment opportunities, making economic diversification a continuing priority for county development officials.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online Case Lookup | Property: Yes: Online Parcel Viewer & Recording Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Inmate Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail Required | Business: Yes: State Online Entity Search, County DBA In-Person | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools & Results | Overall Score: 7.5/10, Clare County provides good digital access to court, property, and jail records with online search capabilities, though vital records still require traditional request methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cities & Towns in Clare County
Explore public records for 5 cities and communities in Clare County, Michigan.