These 10 Counties Are Home to the Drunkest Women in Michigan

New data made public by the Michigan State Police reveals some statistics that may surprise you.

The top 10 Michigan counties for drunk driving arrests among women in 2024 were overwhelmingly rural — and northern. Eight of the 10 worst counties are in the Upper Peninsula, while the other two are in northern Lower Michigan. (We're talking rates among each county's population; not sheer numbers of arrests.)

READ MORE: These 10 Michigan Counties Are Weakest on Drunk Drivers

Would you have thought Detroit, Grand Rapids, Lansing, or Flint might have had higher rates of drunk driving arrests among women? They're not even close.

There are a few potential reasons why Northern Michigan leads the pack for drunk driving arrest rates among women.

Why Are Rural Areas Seeing Higher Drunk Driving Rates Among Women?

First, isolation may play a role. Think about it. In rural areas like the U.P., public transportation and rideshare options are virtually non-existent. That increases the likelihood that anyone who goes out drinking ends up trying to drive themselves home.

Tourism and Bar Culture May Contribute

Second — and this is especially true during the summer months — northern Michigan is heavy on tourism and overall general "bar culture". Events, festivals, and bars are all common gathering spots for smaller communities, and alcohol is often involved.

Could Poverty Be Fueling the Trend?

Socioeconomic factors may also play a role. Poverty rates are often higher in the most rural counties. Fewer resources are typically available for addiction support or mental health services. Drinking can become a coping mechanism for some people.

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Whatever the cause, the numbers don't lie. The following 10 counties are home to the drunkest women in Michigan.