Population
673K
County Seat
Grand Rapids
Libraries
28
Schools
222
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by Sam Rokni — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: all Kent County record-source URLs verified against the official local and Michigan state publishers on the review date. 2 primary .gov / official sources cited below.
Kent County — Key Numbers (2026)
Population, demographics, and county-seat data for Kent County, Michigan — verified against U.S. Census 2024 estimates.
673,002
Population
Census estimate
252,694
Households
Census estimate
$76,247
Median income
Annual household
$242,200
Median home value
Census ACS
Grand Rapids
County seat
In Michigan
Criminal records
see state portal
Court records
30 sources
Wants & warrants
see state portal
Property records
see state portal
Vital records
see state portal
Voter records
see state portal
Professional licenses
see state portal
Recorded documents
see state portal
Count of verified official sources per record type. Multiple sources One source Use state portal
Kent County Records at a Glance
| Record type | Kent County verified sources |
|---|---|
| Court records | City Archives and Records Center | City of Grand Rapids, Mic… Search Court Records | Kent County, MI |
| Criminal records | No verified source — see Kent County state portal below |
| Wants & warrants | No verified source — see Kent County state portal below |
| Property records | No verified source — see Kent County state portal below |
| Vital records | No verified source — see Kent County state portal below |
| Voter records | No verified source — see Kent County state portal below |
| Professional licenses | No verified source — see Kent County state portal below |
| Recorded documents | No verified source — see Kent County state portal below |
Count of officially verified .gov / .us record sources cataloged for Kent County. Data verified June 04, 2026.
What Changed in 2026 — Kent County Records
2026
Kent County official government portal active
The official Kent County government website at www.accesskent.com continues to serve as the canonical local source.
2026
Kent County court records portal verified
State court system links for Kent County verified against the Michigan judiciary portal in 2026.
2026
FBI Identity History Summary (federal complement)
For records that may exist outside Michigan, the FBI Identity History Summary at fbi.gov complements all county-level state records.
The 4-Step Kent County Records Pathway
1
Step 1 — Start at the Kent County clerk/courthouse
For most local records (court cases, property deeds, marriage licenses), the Kent County clerk's office is the first stop.
2
Step 2 — Use the Michigan statewide systems
Criminal background, court case search, voter registration, and professional licensing are all run at the Michigan state level — not by the county.
3
Step 3 — Federal sources for federal records
Federal court cases (PACER), federal tax liens (IRS), military records (NPRC), and immigration data (ICE) are all federal — not held by the county.
4
Step 4 — Cross-check before relying on data
Most county portals lag 24-48 hours behind the courthouse. For time-sensitive verification, call the clerk directly.
Five Things People Get Wrong About Kent County Records
❌ Myth: "Kent County maintains all criminal records."
✓ Truth: False. Criminal records for Kent County are held by the Michigan state repository, NOT the county. The county sheriff has only the local arrest log.
❌ Myth: "Records sealed in Kent County are gone everywhere."
✓ Truth: False. Sealing removes records from public search but they still exist at the courthouse and may appear in FBI records (Identity History Summary).
❌ Myth: "Free 'instant background' sites have Kent County data."
✓ Truth: False. Only the official Michigan state repository has verified, current Kent County data. Free sites often have stale data.
❌ Myth: "The Kent County assessor's value is what I'll sell my home for."
✓ Truth: False. The Kent County assessor's value is for property tax purposes only — usually below market value.
❌ Myth: "All county records older than 50 years are public."
✓ Truth: Partially false. Public-records rules vary by record type AND state. Court records and deeds are usually older-public; vital records remain restricted longer (often 75-125 years).
Primary Sources (All Verified)
- www.accesskent.com — Official Kent County government website
- www.grandrapidsmi.gov — Court records — official source
- fbi.gov — FBI Identity History Summary (federal record)
Related — Kent County & Michigan Records
For records not specific to Kent County, use Michigan's statewide system or the national hub.
📍 Michigan statewide record systems:
- Michigan Court Records →
- Michigan Criminal Records →
- Michigan Property Records →
- Michigan Vital Records →
- Michigan Voter Records →
- Michigan Wants & Warrants →
- Michigan Licenses →
- Michigan Recorded Documents →
🇺🇸 National hubs:
Related Public Records
Michigan statewide records: Court records · Criminal records · Wants & warrants · Property records · Vital records · Voter records · Licenses · Recorded docs
National directories: Court records · Criminal records · Property records · Vital records · Federal databases
About Kent County, Michigan
Kent County is located in west central Michigan. The county seat is Grand Rapids (official site: http://www.accesskent.com/).
- Households: 252,694
- Median household income: $76,247
- Median home value: $242,200
- Below poverty line: 10.7%
- Land area: 848.9 sq mi
- Population density: 792.8 people / sq mi
City Archives and Records Center | City of Grand Rapids, Michigan
Official Free
Justice Court, Police Court, 61st District Court), 1850- Daily Fire Logs (Station Journals), 1891- Deeds (city-owned property), ca. 1852- Downtown Development Authority records · Election Documentation File, 1959- Election Results, 1954- Fingerprint Cards, ca.
Search Court Records | Kent County, MI
Official Free
Notice Kent County Offices and Clinics Closed May 25 in Observance of Memorial Day · More on the Closure · Search · Home · Departments & Offices · Courts · 17th Circuit Court · Resources · Search Court Records · Government Websites by CivicPlus® · Copyright © 2025 County of Kent.
Resources | Kent County, MI
Official Free
Watch livestreams of hearings held by the various judges in the 17th Circuit Court. View information that could be useful without the need to consult someone. Copyright © 2025 County of Kent. All rights reserved.
FOIA (Public Record Requests) | Kent County, MI
Official Free
Property / Parcel Lookup - View in Kent County. Information is updated at the end of each annual assessment cycle. Probate Hearing Schedule - View cases scheduled within the next 6 weeks if searched by name - all past, present and future scheduled events if searching by case number. Probate Letters and Orders - Order certified orders of name changes and letters related to current Probate Court cases. Probate Name Search - Search Probate Court records and order
17th Circuit Court | Kent County, MI
Official Free
The 17th Judicial Circuit Court (Court) in Kent County, Michigan is pleased to present its inaugural 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan, “Our Path Forward – Striving for Excellence.” 2024 proved to be the right time for the Court to embark on a strategic planning process; it provided time to ...
Pay Online | Kent County, MI
Official Free
63rd District Court · Resources · Pay Online · You can pay civil infraction and misdemeanor payments online using Michigan Courts ePay . Government Websites by CivicPlus® · Copyright © 2025 County of Kent. All rights reserved. | Employee Intranet · Loading · Do Not Show Again Close ·
Location Map | 61st District Court
Official Free
Located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the 61st District Court has six judges and one full-time, law trained magistrate . The Court hears cases which arise within the boundary of the City of Grand Rapids. 61st District Court Kent County Courthouse 180 Ottawa NW, Suite 1400 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 ...
Correctional Facility - Kent County, Michigan
Official Free
The VINE toll-free number for the Michigan VINE system is 1-800-770-7657. Learn more · The Correctional Facility houses inmates committed to the custody of the Sheriff. The Correctional Facility employs modular and dormitory housing designs to accommodate approximately 1,500 inmates of all security classifications. The facility is programmed for internal security to consist of a combination of direct and indirect supervision. Nominate a Kent County Employee for Quality Service!
About | Kent County, MI
Official Free
These cases are just like cases in circuit or district court, except usually a trust, estate, or fiduciary is one of the parties, so the proceedings have some relation to the regular business of the Probate Court. Finally, the Probate Court holds Wills for safekeeping and hears proceedings for change of name, drain appeals and secret marriages. Copyright © 2025 County of Kent.
Payable Ticket Search Page - State of Michigan
Official Free
Michigan.gov Home Help Contact Us FAQ Policies · Copyright © 2013 State of Michigan
Forms | Kent County, MI
Official Free
For a complete list of forms, visit the State Court Administrative Office website, and select one of these categories: Numerical Index Probate Court Forms, Conservatorships, Guardianships, Estates and Trusts, Mental Health Treatment, or Name Changes · All new and reissued letters in guardianships and conservatorships will expire annually on the date which is 8 weeks beyond the anniversary date of the appointment.
Motions | Kent County, MI
Official Free
View 17th Circuit Court - Judges' Motion Calendar for available motion date and time information. Before the judge will enter a judgment of divorce in a matter in which the FOC is involved, the Domestic Relations fee must be paid. Copyright © 2025 County of Kent.
Home | Courtland Township | BS&A Online
Official Free
Courtland Township | Kent | MI · Search our collection of records for properties, taxes, utilities, and plots. What are you looking for? Address · Name · Parcel Number · For Citizens and Professionals · All Services · Popular · Resident · Real Estate and Title Companies ·
Hearing Schedule | Kent County, MI
Official Free
Probate Court events scheduled within the next six weeks are displayed. The schedule is subject to change and is provided as a public service only. You must appear as ordered. Select judge and date for a specific days' docket or enter party last and first name or enter a case number to search. Copyright © 2025 County of Kent.
2022 Court Caseload Report 17th Circuit Court of Kent County Summary Appellate
Official Free
Out of County Violators · Civil · 2022 Court Caseload Report · 17th Circuit Court of Kent County Summary · Designated · Delinquency · Traffic · Child · Protective · Personal · Protection · Total · Beginning Pending · 0 · 711 · 83 · 156 · 0 · 950 ·
Case Lookup | 61st District Court
Official Free
Online records are for convenience and may not reflect the most recent updates · Find public case information filed in the 61st District Court using the FullCourt public access portal . Online records are provided for convenience and may not show very recent updates
Corrections | Kent County, MI
Official Free
The Kent County Correctional Facility houses individuals in the custody of the Sheriff. It is designed to hold up to 1,500 inmates across all security levels.
Kent County Clerk - Self-Service
Official Free
This search site is provided as a service to our customers. All data contained herein is subject to change without notice. By using this service, in any form, the user agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the County and anyone involved in storing, retrieving, or displaying this information ...
Case Types | Kent County, MI
Official Free
More divorce cases are filed in Circuit Court than any other type of lawsuit or proceeding. Filing for a divorce is similar to filing any other lawsuit. The prepared Summons and Complaint are filed with the Clerk of the Court. If the case involves minor children, copies of the complaint, answer, motions, notices, and judgment must be served on the Friend of the Court.
Information Page for WMGS Index to Kent County Deaths 1867 - 1929
Official Free
This page has been visited by 11,867 people looking for Western Michigan Connections.
Today's Grand Rapids Press Obituaries
Official Free
Today's Grand Rapids Press Obituaries · Submit an Obituary · Marilyn J. Boersma · Kentwood, MI · Reginald Grant Cridler Jr. Montrose, CO · Allen Peter Darzniek · Grand Rapids, MI · Sally Grayvold · Wyoming, MI · Joseph Holmes · Cedar Park, TX · Brian Kell Hunt ·
Kent County Assistance Payments Worker 8-11
Official Free
Providing all families with information about the expectations and goals of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Encouraging and guiding families in their efforts to become self supporting. Assistance Payments Worker Position Description (8-E10) Assistance Payments Worker 11 Position Description · Job Specification Position Location/Remote Office: This position may work remotely or work hybrid (remote/office).
Search Cemeteries - Find a Grave
Official Free
Also known as: Algoma Cemetery, Morningstar Cemetery · 10515 Grange Ave. NE · Rockford, Kent County, Michigan, USA · 3 requests · 1,454 memorials · 88% photographed · 1,210 with GPS · Also known as: Alpine Town Hall Cemetery, Old Alpine Cemetery · 2382 Seven Mile Road ·
Census | 1860
Official Free
Through responsible budgeting and thoughtful planning, Kent County government is committed to providing resources and services that promote a high quality of life for the entire community.
Civil Department - Kent County, Michigan
Business, Voter & Other
Kent County, Michigan government portal.
co.kent.mi.us
Kent County, MI | Official Website
Official Free
Kent County, Michigan - Your Partner, Your Place. Located in the heart of West Michigan, Kent County is a vibrant community spanning 872 square miles, seamlessly blending urban convenience with rural charm .
Meetings, Minutes & Agendas | Kent County, MI
Official Free
All KCC meetings air Monday and Wednesday at 8:30 pm and Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30 pm on LiveWire Cable Channel, 24. The minutes of the Kent County Board of Commissioners will not be posted until they are officially approved at a later meeting date. Agendas are available prior to the meetings .
Election results - Michigan Voter Information Center
Official Free
Loading · Your voter information · Vote at home · Register · Vote in person · Accessible voting · Your polling place · Language services (michigan.gov) · Preregister or register to vote online · Apply for an absentee ballot online
Notary services
Official Free
A notarization on a document certifies that the person whose signature is entered on the document personally appeared before the notary, established his or her identity, and personally signed the document in the presence of the notary. To meet the qualifications of a Michigan Notary Public, all the following must be met by the applicant. Be a U.S. citizen or possess proof of legal presence · Be a resident of the county in which you request appointment (if you do not reside in Michigan, maintain a principal place of business in the county you request appointment)
Business Registration | Kent County, MI
Official Free
Search Business Names Online The registering of the name places that name on public record indicating that the registrant(s) is/are conducting business under an assumed name. A DBA protects a business from possible name duplications by other businesses . Check State of Michigan Business Entity ...
Preliminary Plat & Condominium Review
Official Free
Cadillac TSC (Counties: Lake, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, and Osceola) Plat/Condominium Coordinator Cadillac TSC 7915 US-131 Cadillac, Michigan 49601 Grand Rapids TSC (Counties: Allegan, Barry, Ionia, and Kent) Plat/Condominium Coordinator Grand Rapids TSC 2660 Leonard St., NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I look up court cases in Kent County?
Kent County court cases are filed with the County Clerk. Search the City Archives and Records Center | City of Grand Rapids, Michigan portal: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/departments/clerks-office/city-archives-and-records-center/. For federal matters, see PACER.
Are Michigan marriage records public?
Marriage records in Michigan are generally public — anyone can verify that a marriage occurred and request a non-certified copy. Certified copies (needed for legal purposes like name changes or immigration) may be restricted to the spouses, immediate family, or those with a court order.
Does an active warrant show up on a background check in Michigan?
Yes. Active warrants in Michigan appear on name-based criminal background checks through the Michigan State Police system the moment they are entered. Some employers also run a separate NCIC warrant query, which catches federal warrants as well.
What's the difference between a court record and a criminal record in Michigan?
A court record shows everything filed in a specific case — pleadings, motions, judgments. A criminal record (rap sheet) is a person-centric history from the Michigan State Police that aggregates arrests and dispositions across all courts in Michigan. Court records are searched by case; criminal records by person.