In the 20th century the county saw significant growth with the entrenchment of the Dow Chemical Corporation and the establishment of major roads, highways, and a few minor airports.

However, in the late 20th century the Pere Marquette Railroad was closed, which cut off passenger train travel from the region.

[9] Additionally, 675 men from Midland joined the US military during the war, and 8 of them died in the line of duty.

Additionally Dow turned its factories towards supplying the war effort and they would assist in manufacturing explosives, flares, and medicine.

During the Cold War, an Army National Guard depot was set up in the city of Midland.

In the Vietnam War, Dow and the rest of Midland County were the main suppliers of Napalm used during the conflict.

In the 21st century, the Sons of Union Veterans, the successor to the Grand Army of the Republic, founded the U.S. Grant Camp No.

Curiously, none of these memorials reference the service of Midland men in the Civil War.

It has been a consistent stronghold of the Republican Party, having supported its presidential candidates in every election from 1968 onward and all but twice since 1884.

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.

Due to funding cuts, the department no longer had the staff to be proactive and prevent criminal activity.

The Sheriff's department redesigned their website in 2006 to provide timely information to citizens and encourage them to submit tips and questions.