Exploring the 2024 Presidential Election Landscape: Kent County, Michigan

Kent County, Michigan, home to Grand Rapids, is a key area to watch in the 2024 presidential election. The county flipped for Biden in 2020 after voting for Trump in 2016, indicating a shift in political sentiment.

• Unemployment rate: 4.4%
• Housing index: 78.4 (very difficult)
• Median household income: $77,000
• Bachelor’s degree attainment: 24.9%
• 2020 presidential election margin: Biden +6.1
• 2016 presidential election margin: Trump +3

Home prices in Grand Rapids have nearly doubled since the pandemic, with a recent county survey finding 25% of households spending at least 30% of their income on housing. This reflects a tight housing market, with demand exceeding supply, particularly for single-family homes.

While the area once enjoyed a booming job market, with unemployment rates as low as 2.6%, Grand Rapids is currently experiencing a manufacturing downturn, pushing the unemployment rate up to 4%. This downturn is fueled by uncertainty about the future of electric vehicles (EVs), impacting manufacturing industries reliant on auto parts and furniture.

The region's reliance on family-owned businesses, a historical strength, is also posing challenges. With a reluctance among heirs to take over their parents' firms, there are concerns about these businesses being acquired by companies less loyal to the region.

The 2024 Presidential Election: A Look at Erie County, Pennsylvania

Erie County, Pennsylvania, located in Western Pennsylvania, presents a different economic landscape compared to its neighbor, Pittsburgh.

• Unemployment rate: 4.0%
• Housing index: 71.9 (difficult)
• Median household income (2022): $56,000
• Bachelor’s degree attainment: 18.4%
• 2020 presidential election margin: Biden +1
• 2016 presidential election margin: Trump +2

Erie County is characterized by a "managed decline," struggling with the decline of old industries. While new facilities for plastics and biofuels have emerged, the region lags behind Pittsburgh's thriving postindustrial economy driven by knowledge and medical workers.

The Pennsylvania economy exhibits a stark division between its eastern and western regions. The eastern region is heavily tied to Philadelphia, while the western region shares similarities with Ohio. This economic divide could potentially favor Republicans in the 2024 presidential election, a trend seemingly recognized by the Trump campaign.

Key Takeaways for the 2024 Presidential Election

• Both Kent County, Michigan, and Erie County, Pennsylvania, are facing economic challenges and political shifts leading up to the 2024 presidential election.
• Housing market conditions, unemployment rates, and the state of the manufacturing sector are key factors influencing voter sentiment in both regions.
• The future of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a significant uncertainty for manufacturing industries in both Michigan and Pennsylvania.
• Political strategies and campaign activities are likely to focus on addressing these economic concerns, particularly in Pennsylvania, where the Trump campaign has recognized the potential impact of the economic divide.