[6] As of the census[12] of 2000, there were 11,333 people, 4,704 households, and 3,052 families residing in the county.

29.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

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

The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only 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 December 2016) The West Shore Educational Service District, based in Ludington, services the districts in the county along with those of Mason and Oceana counties.