About Macomb County
Macomb County, Michigan is located in the southeastern portion of the state, forming part of the Detroit metropolitan area. With a population of approximately 881,000 residents as of recent estimates, it is the third-most populous county in Michigan. Macomb County Seat is Mount Clemens, a historic city situated along the Clinton River. Macomb County includes approximately 483 square miles and borders Lake St. Clair to the east, providing substantial waterfront access and recreational opportunities.
- Macomb County Register of Deeds, also at One South Main Street in Mount Clemens, manages property and land records.
Established in 1818 and named after General Alexander Macomb, a decorated War of 1812 hero, Macomb County has evolved from an agricultural region to a major suburban and industrial center. Macomb County is home to 27 cities and townships, including Warren, Sterling Heights, and St. Clair Shores, with Sterling Heights being Michigan's fourth-largest city.
Major landmarks include the Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Freedom Hill County Park, and Lake St. Clair Metropark. Macomb County Building, located at 40 North Main Street in Mount Clemens, houses the County Clerk's Office, which maintains vital records and election administration.
Macomb County Treasurer and Equalization Department, responsible for tax assessment and collection, operates from Macomb County administration building. What makes Macomb County unique is its position as a bellwether in American politics, its significant automotive manufacturing presence, and its diverse population representing numerous ethnic backgrounds including one of the largest populations of Chaldean and Polish Americans in the United States.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Macomb County Sheriff's Office is responsible for law enforcement in Macomb County's unincorporated areas. It operates Macomb County jail, processes arrests, and maintains criminal records. The Sheriff's Office also runs various community programs and specialized divisions, such as the Marine Division, which patrols the waterways of Lake St. Clair. The office is key to making sure of public safety and coordinating with local police departments for full law enforcement coverage.
Police Departments
Macomb County is served by several law enforcement agencies, including Macomb County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments such as the Warren Police Department, Sterling Heights Police Department, and Clinton Township Police Department. Each department has jurisdiction within its respective city or township, handling local law enforcement duties. These agencies collaborate on major crimes and emergencies, making sure of full coverage and public safety throughout Macomb County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Macomb County Sheriff's Office, headquartered at 43565 Elizabeth Road in Mount Clemens, Michigan 48043, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides countywide services. The Sheriff's Office operates Macomb County Jail, a detention facility housing pretrial detainees and sentenced inmates. Citizens can look up current inmates through Macomb County Sheriff's Office website at macombsheriff.com, which features an online inmate roster with booking information, charges, and bond status.
- Requests for arrest records can be submitted to the Sheriff's Office or the specific municipal police department that made the arrest.
- Most agencies require written FOIA requests with identification of the specific records sought, and may charge reasonable fees for copying and labor.
- Mugshots and booking photos are generally available through the Sheriff's Office inmate lookup system for current detainees, and historical booking photos may be obtained through FOIA requests.
- Response time for FOIA requests is typically five business days, though extensions may be granted for complex requests.
- Macomb County Prosecutor's Office at 40 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, maintains records of criminal prosecutions and can provide case information upon proper request.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Macomb County includes records of felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and the sex offender registry. Macomb County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records, while the Michigan State Police provide statewide background checks. Residents can request criminal records through the Michigan Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT), which offers a full background check service. The Michigan Bureau of Investigation supports these efforts by providing additional resources and data management.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Macomb County are maintained by Macomb County Sheriff's Office and local police departments. These records can be requested by residents and attorneys through the Sheriff's Office, typically requiring a formal request under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. A Macomb County arrest record includes the individual's name, date of arrest, charges, and booking information. The records provide transparency and are part of the public record unless sealed by court order.
Jail & Inmate Records
Macomb County Jail, located in Mount Clemens, is the primary detention facility for Macomb County. It handles the booking process for people arrested in Macomb County, where they are photographed and fingerprinted. Inmate information can be accessed through Macomb County Sheriff's Office website, which provides a lookup tool for recent arrests. Visitation rules are specific, requiring appointments and adherence to strict guidelines. The bond process in Michigan allows for cash or surety bonds, and bail can be posted at the jail or through approved agencies.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Macomb County are taken and retained by Macomb County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These images are part of the arrest record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office website or by request. Michigan does not have specific laws for mugshot removal, but individuals can petition for removal if charges are dropped or they are found not guilty. The availability of mugshots online is subject to privacy considerations and legal guidelines.
Courts & Case Records
Macomb County Circuit Court, located at 40 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 (phone: 586-469-5120), is the trial court of general jurisdiction handling felony criminal cases, civil cases exceeding $25,000, and family law matters including divorce and custody. Macomb County Probate Court, also at 21850 Dunham Road, Mount Clemens, handles estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, mental health proceedings, and juvenile matters.
- These district courts handle misdemeanor criminal cases, civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant matters, and traffic violations.
- Court records can be searched online through Macomb County Court Case Lookup portal, accessible via Macomb County website.
- The Michigan Court Records Access system provides additional online access to certain case information.
- The Circuit Court charges $1.00 per page for copies, with certification adding $10.00 per document.
- District Court fees vary by court but generally follow similar schedules.
Macomb County has multiple District Courts: the 37th District Court in Warren, 38th District Court in Eastpointe, 39th District Court in Roseville and Fraser, 40th District Court in St. Clair Shores, 41-A District Court in Sterling Heights, 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, and 42-II District Court in New Baltimore. According to Michigan Court Rule 8.119 and the Michigan Freedom of Information Act (MCL 15.231 et seq.), most court records are public unless sealed by court order or protected by statute.
Online case access is free for searching, though certified copies require in-person or mail requests with appropriate fees. The Clerk of the Circuit Court maintains an archive of historical records dating back to Macomb County's founding.
Property & Public Records
Macomb County Register of Deeds, located at One South Main Street, 5th Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 (phone: 586-469-5120), maintains all property and land records for Macomb County. The office records and preserves deeds, mortgages, land contracts, liens, discharge of liens, easements, right-of-ways, surveys, plat maps, condominium bylaws, and other instruments affecting real property.
- The Register of Deeds provides a free online property search system accessible through Macomb County website at macombgov.org/registerofdeeds, allowing users to search by name, address, parcel number, or document number.
- Recording fees are established by Michigan statute: $30.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page for most documents.
- This GIS system provides parcel maps, assessment information, tax amounts, ownership history, and aerial photography.
- Certified copies of recorded documents can be requested in person, by mail, or online through the Register of Deeds office, with certification adding $5.00 per document.
This online system includes scanned images of recorded documents dating back several decades. Property tax records are maintained separately by Macomb County Equalization Department and local city and township assessors, with online access available through Macomb County GIS Property Portal. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Macomb County Treasurer's Office, located at 120 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, handles tax collection and tax foreclosure matters. All property records are public under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, MCL 15.231 et seq, with the exception of certain protected information such as social security numbers.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Macomb County are available through Macomb County Clerk's Office, located at 40 North Main Street, First Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 (phone: 586-469-5120). Birth certificates cost $34.00 for the first certified copy and $16.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously. Death certificates cost $34.00 for the first copy and $16.00 for additional copies.
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required for in-person requests.
- Processing time for walk-in requests is typically same-day if the record is on file; mail requests take approximately two to three weeks.
- The marriage license fee is $30.00 if both parties are Michigan residents, $40.00 if one party is a non-resident.
- Certified copies of marriage certificates cost $15.00.
- Divorce records (Judgments of Divorce) are maintained by Macomb County Circuit Court Clerk and can be requested with proper identification and payment of copy fees.
Applicants must be eligible parties under Michigan law (MCL 333.2882), including the registrant, immediate family members, legal representatives, or individuals with a documented legal interest. Marriage licenses are issued by Macomb County Clerk's Office and require both parties to appear in person with valid photo identification and social security numbers. There is no waiting period, and the license is valid for 33 days.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Vital Records Office in Lansing is a backup source for all vital records statewide and can be reached at michigan.gov/mdhhs or 517-335-8656. Online ordering of vital records is available through VitalChek, an authorized third-party vendor, though convenience fees apply. All vital records are governed by Michigan's Public Health Code, MCL 333.1101 et seq.
Business & Licensing
Business license and registration records in Macomb County are maintained by multiple offices depending on the type of business activity. Macomb County Clerk's Office at 40 North Main Street, Mount Clemens, processes Doing Business As (DBA) registrations and fictitious name filings for businesses operating under names other than the owner's legal name, as required by MCL 445.1. These filings cost approximately $10.00 and are public record, searchable at the Clerk's office.
- The Michigan Business Entity Search is available online at michigan.gov/corpentitysearch, providing free access to registered business names, registered agents, formation dates, and status.
- Macomb County Chamber of Commerce, accessible at macombbusiness.com, provides resources for entrepreneurs and maintains directories of member businesses.
For formal business entity formation, including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships, and other entities, businesses must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through the Corporations Division. Professional licenses for occupations such as contractors, electricians, plumbers, and healthcare providers are issued by state-level boards under LARA, searchable at michigan.gov/license. Local business operating licenses may be required by individual cities and townships within Macomb County; applicants should contact their municipal clerk's office.
Building permits, zoning approvals, and occupancy permits are administered by Macomb County Planning and Economic Development Department at 1 South Main Street, Mount Clemens, for unincorporated areas, while cities and townships maintain their own building and zoning departments. Sales tax permits are obtained through the Michigan Department of Treasury, and federal Employer Identification Numbers (EINs) are issued by the Internal Revenue Service.
Elections & Voter Records
Macomb County Clerk's Office serves as Macomb County's election authority, located at 40 North Main Street, First Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043. The Elections Division can be reached at 586-469-5209, and election information is available at macombgov.org/elections. Voter registration in Macomb County can be completed online through the Michigan Voter Information Center at michigan.gov/vote, in person at the County Clerk's office, at any Secretary of State branch office, or at designated voter registration agencies.
- The 2024 general election saw strong turnout in Macomb County, with approximately 65-70% of registered voters casting ballots in this critical swing county that has historically predicted national election outcomes.
- Michigan law provides strong transparency for election records under MCL 168.1 et seq.
- (Michigan Election Law), allowing citizens to observe election processes, request copies of precinct results, and review campaign finance disclosures, making sure of accountability in the democratic process.
Michigan allows same-day voter registration during the early voting period and on Election Day with proof of residency. Traditional mail registration must be received by 15 days before an election. Residents can check their voter registration status, find their polling place, view sample ballots, and track absentee ballots through the Michigan Voter Information Center.
Polling place locations are assigned based on residence address and can be found using the online lookup tool or by calling the Elections Division. Public election records in Macomb County include the Qualified Voter File (voter rolls, available with restrictions under MCL 168.522), campaign finance reports filed with Macomb County clerk for county-level candidates, candidate nominating petitions and filings, precinct-level election results, and canvass reports. The next major election is November 3, 2026, featuring U.S.
House and U.S. Senate races, along with Michigan state offices including Governor, Secretary of State, Attorney General, and state legislative seats. Absentee ballots in Michigan can be requested without providing a reason; applications are available through the michigan.gov/vote portal, through Macomb County clerk, or from local city and township clerks who administer elections at the precinct level.
Once an absentee ballot application is approved, voters are automatically sent applications for future elections. Ballots can be returned by mail, deposited in official drop boxes, or delivered in person to the clerk's office.
Economy & Demographics
Macomb County's economy is deeply rooted in advanced manufacturing, particularly automotive production and related supply chains. Major employers include the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, one of the world's premier automotive design and engineering facilities employing thousands of engineers and designers. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (now Stellantis) operates significant facilities in Macomb County, and hundreds of automotive suppliers including American Axle & Manufacturing, Bosch, and Lear Corporation maintain operations throughout Macomb communities.
- The median household income in Macomb County is approximately $65,000, slightly above the Michigan state median.
Beyond manufacturing, key economic sectors include healthcare (with Henry Ford Macomb County Seat area Hospital and Ascension Macomb County Seat area-Oakland Hospital as major employers), retail trade concentrated along major corridors like Hall Road (M-59), professional and business services, education, and logistics given Macomb County's proximity to major transportation routes. The unemployment rate typically tracks close to the state average, generally between 3.5% and 5.0% in recent years, though manufacturing-dependent areas can experience greater volatility during economic downturns. Selfridge Air National Guard Base contributes significantly to the local economy through military employment and contractor services.
Tourism and recreation centered on Lake St. Clair support marinas, restaurants, and seasonal businesses. Notable economic development projects include ongoing redevelopment of former industrial sites, expansion of the Hall Road retail corridor, downtown revitalization efforts in Mount Clemens and other communities, and investments in technology and research sectors.
Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development actively recruits new businesses and supports expansion of existing employers. Macomb County benefits from its strategic location with access to Interstate 94, Interstate 696, and proximity to Detroit Metro Airport and the Port of Detroit.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Online | Property: Yes: Free Search | Arrest/Jail: Yes: Online Roster | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: Online (State) | Elections: Yes: Online | Overall Score: 8.5/10, Macomb County provides excellent digital access to most public records with online portals for property searches, court case lookup, and inmate information, though vital records require traditional request methods.
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Cities & Towns in Macomb County
Explore public records for 22 cities and communities in Macomb County, Michigan.