Genesee County genealogy

Genesee County, Michigan Genealogy: Records & How to Trace Your Ancestors

Researching ancestors from Genesee County, Michigan? Here's where the records are — the free path first, then how to get the whole family history traced and written.

Search Michigan ancestors free

Genesee County's seat is Flint. Look up your surname among the deceased residents of Michigan in our public-record database.

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Where Genesee County records are kept

Original Genesee County vital, probate, and land records are held at the county courthouse in Flint — the county recorder or clerk's office. Statewide death registration in Michigan began around 1867, so for earlier Genesee County deaths you'll rely on the county courthouse, church registers, and cemetery transcriptions. The Archives of Michigan & the Library of Michigan in Lansing holds the broader historical and microfilmed county records.

The free records for Genesee County

  1. Census — every federal census through 1950 is free and places your family in Genesee County by household every ten years.
  2. Death records — search our Michigan database and the state death index for the death year and place.
  3. Obituaries — the Library of Congress's Chronicling America has free Michigan newspapers, including Flint-area papers.
  4. Cemeteries — Genesee County cemetery and tombstone transcriptions, many public domain, fill gaps where a certificate doesn't exist.
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Frequently asked questions

How do I find genealogy records in Genesee County, Michigan?

Start with the free federal census (public through 1950) and our free Michigan database, then check the county courthouse in Flint for vital, probate, and land records, plus obituaries and cemetery transcriptions.

Where is the Genesee County, Michigan courthouse?

The Genesee County seat is Flint, where the county recorder or clerk holds original vital, probate, and land records.