About Wexford County
Wexford County is located in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, covering approximately 575 square miles of diverse terrain that includes forests, lakes, and rolling hills. Wexford County Seat is Cadillac, a vibrant city situated between Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell, serving as the governmental and commercial hub for Wexford County. Established in 1869 and organized in 1871, Wexford County was named after County Wexford in Ireland. The population stands at approximately 33,673 residents according to recent census estimates, with Cadillac being the largest county.
- Key county offices include Wexford County Clerk, the Register of Deeds, the County Treasurer, and the Equalization Department (Assessor).
- Wexford County's location along US-131 and M-115 highways provides strong transportation access to larger Michigan markets.
Wexford County is home to the Manistee National Forest, numerous recreational waterways, and is recognized as a destination for outdoor recreation including fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, and skiing. Major landmarks include the William Mitchell State Park, the North American Snowmobile Festival location, and the historic downtown Cadillac district. Wexford County government operates from Wexford County Building located at 437 East Division Street in Cadillac, MI 49601.
The economy historically centered on logging and manufacturing, particularly automotive supplier facilities, but has diversified significantly into tourism, healthcare, and service industries.
Sheriff, Police & Law Enforcement
Sheriff & Law Enforcement
Wexford County Sheriff's Office is responsible for maintaining law and order throughout Wexford County, particularly in unincorporated areas. This office handles a variety of duties, including patrolling rural regions, managing Wexford County jail, processing arrests, and maintaining criminal records.
Police Departments
In addition to Wexford County Sheriff's Office, law enforcement in Wexford County is provided by municipal police departments, including the Cadillac Police Department and the Manton Police Department. These agencies are responsible for maintaining public safety within their respective city limits and often collaborate with the Sheriff's Office on major investigations and regional law enforcement initiatives. Coordination between these agencies ensures full coverage and response to criminal activities across Wexford County.
Law Enforcement & Arrests
Wexford County Sheriff's Office, located at 437 East Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601, is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated areas and provides county-wide services including jail operations, court security, and civil process.
- Written requests for arrest records should be submitted to the Sheriff's Office Records Division, specifying the individual's name and approximate date of arrest.
- Mugshot photographs taken during booking are generally available through FOIA requests, though fees for copying and staff time may apply according to Wexford County's published fee schedule.
- Processing time for FOIA requests typically ranges from 5 to 15 business days depending on the complexity of the request.
Wexford County Jail, operated by the Sheriff's Office at the same address, houses pre-trial detainees and sentenced misdemeanants; inmate information can be obtained by calling the jail directly at or through the Sheriff's Office during business hours. Within Wexford County, municipal law enforcement is provided by the Cadillac Police Department for the City of Cadillac, the Manton Police Department for the Village of Manton, and Michigan State Police posts provide supplemental coverage. Arrest records and booking information are public records under Michigan's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at MCL 15.231 et seq.
There are no federally recognized tribal lands within Wexford County requiring separate tribal law enforcement coordination.
Criminal, Arrest & Jail Records
Criminal Records
The criminal records system in Wexford County includes a range of documents, including felony, misdemeanor, traffic violations, and sex offender registry information. For full background checks, residents can use services provided by the Michigan State Police, which compiles statewide criminal history information. The Michigan State Police also offers resources for residents seeking detailed criminal records.
Arrest Records
Arrest records in Wexford County are maintained by Wexford County Sheriff's Office. These records document the details of arrests made within Wexford County, including the nature of the offense and personal information about the arrestee. Residents and attorneys can request access to arrest records through the Sheriff's Office, in compliance with the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. A typical arrest record in Wexford County includes the date of arrest, charges, and any court proceedings related to the case.
Jail & Inmate Records
Wexford County Jail, located in Cadillac, is the primary detention facility for people arrested within Wexford County. The booking process at the jail includes fingerprinting, photographing, and recording personal information. Inmate lookup services are available through the Sheriff's Office, allowing the public to obtain information about current detainees. Visitation rules are specific to this facility, requiring appointments and adherence to security protocols.
- The bond and bail process follows Michigan state guidelines, allowing for the release of detainees pending court appearances, provided bail conditions are met.
Mugshots & Booking Photos
Mugshots in Wexford County are taken and retained by Wexford County Sheriff's Office during the booking process. These booking photos are part of the public record and can be accessed through the Sheriff's Office or online databases that compile such information. While Michigan does not have specific mugshot removal laws, individuals may petition for removal or sealing of records under certain conditions, such as expungement or dismissal of charges.
Courts & Case Records
Wexford County is served by the 84th District Court, located at 437 East Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601, phone, which handles civil cases up to $25,000, landlord-tenant disputes, misdemeanors, traffic violations, and preliminary examinations for felonies. The 28th Circuit Court, sharing the same address at Wexford County Courthouse, phone, exercises general jurisdiction over felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $25,000, domestic relations including divorce and custody, and appeals from District Court.
- The Michigan courts provide online case search capabilities through the statewide system, though Wexford County case information can be accessed by visiting the specific court clerk offices in person or by phone request.
- Fees for certified copies of court documents are established by MCL 600.2559 and typically include $10 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for certified copies.
- Requests for bulk records or archived cases may require additional processing time and research fees as outlined in Wexford County's FOIA procedures.
Property & Public Records
Wexford County Register of Deeds, located at 437 East Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601, phone, maintains all land records including warranty deeds, quit claim deeds, mortgages, mortgage discharges, liens, easements, survey plats, condominium documents, and other instruments affecting real property title. The office operates under Michigan's recording statutes (MCL 565.1 et seq.) and provides public access to recorded documents dating back to Wexford County's organization.
- Certified copies of recorded documents cost $1.00 for the first page and $0.50 for each additional page, with an additional $5.00 certification fee.
- Wexford County provides a free online GIS property mapping system accessible through Wexford County website, offering parcel identification numbers, ownership information, assessed values, tax status, and aerial imagery.
- The Register of Deeds office accepts walk-in requests during regular business hours (typically 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekdays) and written requests by mail with payment.
An online property records search is available through the Register of Deeds section of Wexford County website at wexfordcounty.org, allowing users to search by grantor, grantee, document type, or legal description at no charge for viewing images. Property tax records and assessments are maintained by Wexford County Equalization Department and individual township and city assessors, with inquiries directed to the Equalization Office for Wexford County Treasurer's Office, phone, handles tax collection, delinquent tax foreclosures, and maintains tax payment history. Users can search by address, parcel number, or owner name.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates for events occurring in Wexford County are available through Wexford County Clerk's Office, located at 437 East Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 Michigan vital records are governed by the Public Health Code, MCL 333.1 et seq, which restricts access to birth records to the registrant (if of legal age), parents named on the record, legal guardians, and legal representatives with proper documentation. Death certificates are available to immediate family members, legal representatives, and individuals demonstrating a direct and tangible interest.
- The fee for a certified birth or death certificate is $34.00 for the first copy and $16.00 for each additional copy of the same record ordered simultaneously.
- Processing time for in-person requests is typically immediate to 24 hours if the record is on file locally; mail requests generally take 2-3 weeks.
- Marriage licenses are issued by Wexford County Clerk's Office with a three-day waiting period after application (waivable by court order), a license fee of $30.00, and the license is valid for 33 days from issuance.
- Certified marriage certificates cost $15.00.
- Divorce records (Judgments of Divorce) are maintained by the 28th Circuit Court, not the County Clerk, and must be requested from the Circuit Court Clerk.
Business & Licensing
Business registration and licensing in Wexford County involves multiple jurisdictions depending on the business type and activity. Wexford County Clerk's Office, located at 437 East Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601, phone, accepts filings for Doing Business As (DBA) registrations and fictitious name certificates as required under MCL 445.1. The filing fee is typically $10.00 and the registration is valid for five years.
- The Michigan business entity search database is freely accessible online at cofs.lara.michigan.gov, allowing searches by entity name, identification number, or registered agent.
- The Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce, located at 222 Lake Street, Cadillac, MI 49601, phone, website cadillacmichigan.com, provides business development resources, networking, and local business directories.
For formal business entity formation including corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships, and limited partnerships, businesses must register with the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through the Corporations Division. Building permits, zoning compliance, and land use permits are handled by individual municipalities within Wexford County or by township boards in unincorporated areas; for county-level zoning and planning matters, contact Wexford County Planning and Zoning Department for Professional and occupational licenses such as for contractors, cosmetologists, and healthcare providers are issued by state-level boards under LARA, not at Wexford County level. Sales tax licenses and withholding tax registration are managed by the Michigan Department of Treasury.
Some business types may require health permits from the District Health Department #10, which serves Wexford County, or liquor licenses from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.
Elections & Voter Records
Elections in Wexford County are administered by Wexford County Clerk, serving as the County Clerk and Election Coordinator, located at 437 East Division Street, Cadillac, MI 49601 Wexford County follows Michigan election law (MCL 168.1 et seq.) and collaborates with municipal clerks in each township, city, and village for voter registration and precinct operations. Michigan offers online voter registration through the Secretary of State at Michigan.gov/Vote, available to residents with a valid Michigan driver's license or state ID.
- In the November 2024 general election, Wexford County reported voter turnout of approximately 68-71% of registered voters, consistent with Michigan's relatively high participation rates in presidential cycles.
- Citizens may request these records under Michigan's FOIA statute.
- Wexford County's transparency in elections is strong, with precinct-level results publicly reported and most election administration records accessible upon request.
The voter registration deadline is 15 days before any election; however, Michigan also allows same-day voter registration with proof of residency at the clerk's office or polling place through Election Day. To find your polling place in Wexford County, voters can use the Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/Vote by entering their name and date of birth, or contact their local city or township clerk. Absentee ballot applications are available through the Michigan.gov/Vote portal, Wexford County Clerk, or local municipal clerks; Michigan law allows any registered voter to request an absentee ballot without stating a reason, and applications must be received by the Friday before the election or voters may request absentee ballots in person at their clerk's office through 4 PM on the Monday before the election.
The next major election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, featuring U.S. House of Representatives seats, one U.S. Senate seat, Michigan Governor and other statewide constitutional officers, state legislative seats, county offices, and local positions.
Public election records in Michigan include voter registration lists (with certain personal information redacted per MCL 168.522), precinct-level election results, campaign finance disclosure reports filed with Wexford County clerk or Michigan Secretary of State, candidate qualifying petitions and nominating documents, and records of absentee ballot issuance and return. Wexford County posts unofficial election results on election night and certifies results through the County Board of Canvassers approximately two weeks after each election. Campaign finance reports for county-level candidates are filed with Wexford County Clerk and are available for public inspection.
Economy & Demographics
Wexford County's economy has evolved from its lumber industry origins into a diversified mix of manufacturing, healthcare, tourism, and retail sectors. Major employers include Munson Healthcare Cadillac Hospital, a critical access hospital and regional medical center employing over 600 people; automotive suppliers including Johnson Controls and Wexford Machine; and educational institutions including Baker College's Cadillac campus and the Cadillac Area Public Schools.
- The median household income in Wexford County is approximately $52,000 according to recent American Community Survey data, slightly below the Michigan state median.
- Remote work trends have begun attracting residents seeking lower cost of living while maintaining professional employment with distant employers.
Tourism represents a significant economic driver, with Wexford County's 137 lakes, proximity to Manistee National Forest, and snowmobile trail networks attracting seasonal visitors who support hospitality, dining, and recreation businesses. The North American Snowmobile Festival held annually in Cadillac generates substantial economic impact during winter months. Manufacturing remains important, with precision machining, plastics production, and automotive component fabrication providing middle-income employment.
Agriculture, particularly dairy farming, livestock, and Christmas tree production, contributes to the rural economy in townships outside Cadillac. The unemployment rate has historically tracked close to or slightly above the statewide average, ranging between 4-6% in recent non-pandemic years. Economic development efforts are coordinated through the Cadillac Area Economic Development Corporation and Wexford County Economic Development, focusing on business retention, expansion, and attraction particularly in the industrial park areas along US-131.
Retail development along M-115 and near the Cadillac lakefront has expanded the tax base.
Transparency Score
Court Records: Yes: Available Online/In-Person | Property: Yes: Free Online GIS and Records Search | Arrest/Jail: Limited: Phone/In-Person Required | Vital Records: Limited: In-Person or Mail | Business: Yes: State Online Search Available | Elections: Yes: Online Voter Tools | Overall Score: 7/10, Wexford County provides good digital access to property and court records with room for improvement in jail roster and vital records online access.