This decrease of 326 people from the 2000 United States Census represents a loss of 1.0% population.

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services.

The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances.

In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.

(information as of January 2019) Clare County is in the middle of large state forests.

Wildlife, including bear, deer, eagles, Kirtland's warblers, and turkeys, are located nearby.

Local attractions include: Activities include: The Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District, based in Clare, services the students in the county along with those of Gladwin County.