Revealed: The Shocking Annual Cost of a Michigan Prisoner

For decades, Michigan prisons had what you might call a reliable customer base. People came in, did their time, left, and plenty came right back—like it was the worst Airbnb in history with a suspiciously loyal clientele that taxpayers pay for and an extraordinarily high cost to house. How much? We'll get there, but first...

RELATED: Michigan Department Of Corrections Most Wanted Escapees

MDOC Reports Record-Low Recidivism

The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), in a recent press release, announced something new: the lowest recidivism rate on record—21%. What does that mean? Nearly 80% of parolees released in 2021 have stayed out of prison. In other words, the prison "frequent flyer" punch card is officially losing its perks.

Programs Helping Parolees Stay Out

MDOC has been making sure parolees don't boomerang back by offering housing help, job placement, recovery resources, and even skilled trade programs. There are now 14 different trade programs and 12 college-level programs behind bars—meaning someone could walk out with more marketable skills than half your connections on LinkedIn.

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But the results speak volumes: Michigan's prison population has dropped to its lowest level since 1991, with fewer beds filled and less strain on the correctional staff.

Obviously, the benefits for taxpayers are adding up. Lower recidivism (repeat stays) isn't just a feel-good stat—it means less of your money is being burned on revolving-door incarceration.

RELATED: What is the Leading Cause of Death in Michigan Prisons?

The Price Tag of Michigan Incarceration

And just how much does it cost for one prisoner, per year, in Michigan? More than $50,000. Yup—one inmate equals a brand new truck, a down payment on a house, or a couple weeks of groceries at Meijer (kidding...maybe a month).