Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

The number of people reoffending has dropped to historic levels, according to the Michigan Department of Corrections.

In a recent report to the legislature, the MDOC said Michigan’s recidivism rate is 21%, the lowest on state record. The rate looks at those who are three years from their parole date and records how many reoffended and returned to prison within that three-year period.

The agency said they use multiple evidence-based programs to continue reducing the rate. These include supporting access to housing, recovery programs and vital documents, job placement assistance and effective supervision and care while people are incarcerated and on parole.

The Executive Budget Recommendation for the Fiscal Year 2026 has $6.6 million in peer recovery coaches, $2 million for the development of transitional housing and $750,000 to expand educational programs.

Education programs offered in prisons have seen “significant” success, with thousands of individuals graduating since they started, officials said. Michigan offers 14 skilled trades programs and 12 post-secondary education programs in correctional facilities. More programs are expected to be added next year.

“This report shows that when we provide a full circle support system to those reentering our communities, they are less likely to return,” MDOC Director Heidi E. Washington said. “I am proud of our dedicated MDOC staff, and appreciate the support of our partners, all of whom help motivate and lift up those who we are welcoming back into our communities. WIth increased support for reentry programming, we are very likely to see the state recidivism rate continue to decline.”

According to the agency, the average cost per person incarcerated per year is more than $50,000 as of 2025. Low recidivism rates not only help reduce those costs, they also support Michigan economies by increasing the number of people joining the workforce. Lower incarceration rates may also ease staffing requirements at facilities in Michigan.

The MDOC also recently released their prison population report, linked below. The report showed the lowest prison population since 1991. There were 32,778 people incarcerated at the time of the report, down from the 2007 peak of 51,554.