County Crime & Safety

Menominee County, WI, consistently reports one of the highest crime rates in the state. In 2022, the violent crime rate was 793.8 per 100,000 residents, significantly higher than Wisconsin’s average of 320.9. Property crime also remains elevated, with a rate of 1,434 per 100,000. Reporting systems rely on local sheriff data and FBI Uniform Crime Reports. Despite proactive policing and community programs, residents are advised to stay vigilant, especially regarding theft and assault, which make up the majority of reported incidents.

Elections

Menominee County, WI, with about 3,500 registered voters as of 2022, is unique as the only county on tribal land (Menominee Indian Tribe). Elections include federal, state, tribal, and local races; in 2020, 82% voted for the Democratic presidential candidate. Polling locations include the County Courthouse and tribal offices. Key issues are sovereignty, healthcare, and education. The county clerk oversees local election administration. Party activity is largely Democratic-leaning. Despite its size, turnout is robust—70% in 2022 midterms—reflecting high community engagement.

Education, Employment and Housing

Menominee County, WI, operates one public school district: Menominee Indian School District, serving about 900 students in K-12, with Menominee Indian High School as its single high school. The high school graduation rate averages 82% (2022 data), while only about 7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The county has three public schools, and school safety scores are slightly below the state average, with active cultural education and language revitalization programs. Adult education opportunities are limited locally, often requiring travel or online options for higher education.

Menominee County, WI, had an employment rate of approximately 49% in 2022. Major employment sectors include public administration (24%), health care and social assistance (18%), and educational services (15%). The most common occupations are in office/administrative support (18%) and management/business (14%). About 85% of workers are employed within Menominee County, with a median commute time of 17 minutes. The unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the state, at about 10% as of 2022. (Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2022; Wisconsin DWD)

Menominee County, WI, has a homeownership rate of approximately 57%, with median home values around $108,000 (2023). Rental options are limited, with a median rent of roughly $750 per month. The housing stock is predominantly single-family homes, with minimal new construction and some mobile homes. Most residences are concentrated in the Keshena area and surrounding rural neighborhoods. Property values have remained relatively stable over the past five years. Property tax rates average 1.5%, lower than Wisconsin’s state average, making the area affordable for both homeowners and renters despite limited housing inventory.

Demographics

As of the 2020 Census, Menominee County, WI, had a population of 4,255, making it the least populous county in the state. The median age was 32.6 years. About 50.2% of residents were male and 49.8% female. The county is predominantly Native American, with 85.6% identifying as American Indian or Alaska Native, 11.7% as White, and the remainder made up of other racial or mixed backgrounds. Hispanic or Latino individuals comprised 2.9% of the population.