text:
Midland County, Michigan

Midland County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 83,494. The county seat is Midland. The county's name is due to its closeness to the geographical Lower Peninsula's geographical center. It was founded in 1831. However, it was not until 1855 that the county was effectively organized.

Midland County comprises the Midland, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area and is included in the Saginaw–Midland–Bay City Combined Statistical Area in the Mid/Central Michigan region.

Early history
For many centuries, Midland County was inhabited by Native Americans, and by the time of European contact it was inhabited by the Chippewa Indian Tribe.

19th century
In the year of 1831, Midland County's borders had been set. In 1850, Midland County was officially organized. In 1874, the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad linked Midland to the nationwide railroad network. The City of Midland, the county seat, is officially incorporated in 1887, and 3 years later in 1890, Herbert Henry Dow arrives and founds the Dow Chemical Corporation, now one of the largest chemical companies in the world.

Civil War
When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, many men from the county enlisted in the Union Army, many in Company B of the 10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and Company H of the 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, but some ended up in different regiments. Not all of them came back alive and several were wounded. Many veterans of the war are also buried in the county. There were a total of 5 different Posts, or veteran groups, of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans organization, in Midland County.

Some of the regiments which included men from Midland County are: 10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 29th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 16th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 7th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 1st Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, and 23rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

20th century
In the 20th century the county saw significant growth with the entrenchment of the Dow Chemical Corporation and the establishment of major roads, highways, and a few minor airports. However, in the late 20th century the Pere Marquette Railroad was closed, which cut off passenger train travel from the region.

World War 1
In World War 1, once the US had entered the war in 1917, the Dow Chemical Corporation, based mainly in the city of Midland, was involved with the production of poisonous gases for use during the war, and with the production of ammunition. Additionally, 675 men from Midland joined the US military during the war, and 8 of them died in the line of duty.

World War 2
In World War 2, many men from the county enlisted in the US Military, and several would die. Additionally Dow turned its factories towards supplying the war effort and they would assist in manufacturing explosives, flares, and medicine. There is also a large memorial to veterans from Midland County from this war.

Cold War
During the Cold War, an Army National Guard depot was set up in the city of Midland. In the Vietnam War, Dow and the rest of Midland County were the main suppliers of Napalm used during the conflict. Several men would also die in the Korean War and Vietnam War.

21st century
In the 21st century, the Sons of Union Veterans, the successor to the Grand Army of the Republic, founded the U.S. Grant Camp No. 67, which serves the Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City area. During the War on Terror, many men from the county enlisted and few died. The Midland County Veterans Memorial was refurbished. The city of Coleman also built a new war memorial. Curiously, none of these memorials reference the service of Midland men in the Civil War.

In May 2020, Midland County residents in parts of the city of Midland, the village of Sanford, Edenville Township, Midland Township, Tittabawassee, Thomas Township, Saginaw Township, Lincoln Township, Homer Township and Dow Chemical were forced to evacuate due to high flooding which was caused by the breach of the Edenville and Sanford dams.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 528 sqmi, of which 516 sqmi is land and 12 sqmi (2.2%) is water.

Adjacent counties

 * Gladwin County (north)
 * Bay County (east)
 * Saginaw County (southeast)
 * Gratiot County (south)
 * Isabella County (west)
 * Clare County (northwest)

Highways

 * follows a northwest-to-southeast route within the county. As a freeway, the route passes Coleman, Sanford, and Midland. West of Midland County, the highway can be used to access Clare and US 127, a north–south freeway. East of Midland County, the highway can be used to access Bay City, where it has a junction with I-75/US 23, a major north–south freeway.
 * is a business route serving the city of Midland.
 * is north–south route in the northwest of the county. The route continues north into Gladwin County, where it can be used to access Beaverton and Gladwin.
 * is an east–west highway that runs through the center of Midland County. The route continues west into Isabella County, where it can be used to access Mt. Pleasant and Big Rapids. The highway has its eastern terminus on the Midland-Bay county line, at a junction with US-10 in the city of Midland.
 * is a north–south route that serves the center of the county. The route runs along the Michigan meridian.

Airports
Scheduled airline service is available from MBS International Airport in Freeland, Michigan and Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan. Midland also has a general aviation airport, Jack Barstow Municipal Airport.

Public transportation
There is no regularly scheduled public transportation (bus service). Residents can call in advance to schedule pickup for transport within the county by two government sponsored agencies ("Dial-A-Ride" within the city of Midland and "County Connection" for those outside the city of Midland but still within Midland County) for a nominal fee.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 82,874 people, 31,769 households, and 22,683 families residing in the county. The population density was 159 /mi2. There were 33,796 housing units at an average density of 65 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 95.50% White, 1.05% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 1.49% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 28.6% were of German, 11.5% English, 10.2% United States or American, 8.9% Irish and 6.1% Polish ancestry, 96.7% spoke only English, while 1.6% spoke Spanish at home.

There were 31,769 households, out of which 34.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.10% were married couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% were non-families. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.90% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $45,674, and the median income for a family was $55,483. Males had a median income of $45,656 versus $27,470 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,383. About 5.70% of families and 8.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.50% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

 * The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw is the controlling regional body for the Catholic Church.
 * The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan in Saginaw, Michigan is the controlling body for the Episcopal Church.

Economy
According to the Midland Daily News, the top employers in Midland County are:

Politics
Midland County is rather conservative for an urban county. It has been a consistent stronghold of the Republican Party, having supported its presidential candidates in every election from 1968 onward and all but twice since 1884. It is one of the few counties where Franklin D. Roosevelt was shut out in all four of his successful campaigns.

Government
The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships. Due to funding cuts, the Midland County Sheriff does not have a patrol division. Former patrol officers now serve in the Citizens Assistance Responders (CAR) division and will respond to requests for assistance.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: J. Dee Brooks
 * Sheriff: Myron Greene
 * County Clerk: Ann Manary
 * County Treasurer: Cathy Lunsford
 * Register of Deeds: Julie Atkinson
 * Drain Commissioner: Douglas D. Enos

(information as of June 2020)

Board of Commissioners
7 members, elected from districts (7 Republicans)

Cities

 * Coleman
 * Midland (county seat)

Village

 * Sanford

Charter townships

 * Larkin Charter Township
 * Midland Charter Township

Civil townships

 * Edenville Township
 * Geneva Township
 * Greendale Township
 * Homer Township
 * Hope Township
 * Ingersoll Township
 * Jasper Township
 * Jerome Township
 * Lee Township
 * Lincoln Township
 * Mills Township
 * Mount Haley Township
 * Porter Township
 * Warren Township

Unincorporated communities

 * Averill
 * Edenville
 * Floyd
 * Gordonville
 * Hope
 * Laporte
 * North Bradley
 * Oil City
 * Pleasant Valley
 * Poseyville
 * St. Elmo

Education
The Midland County Educational Service Agency, based in Midland, services the students in the county. The intermediate school district offers regional special education services, early education programs, and technical career pathways for students of its districts.

Midland County is served by the following regular public school districts:

 * Bullock Creek School District
 * Coleman Community Schools
 * Meridian Public Schools
 * Midland Public Schools

The county also has the following independent charter districts:

 * Academic and Career Education Academy
 * Windover High School

Midland County has the following private schools:

 * Blessed Sacrament Elementary School (Roman Catholic)
 * Edenville SDA Elementary School (Seventh-day Adventist)
 * Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran School (WELS)
 * Midland Christian School (Nonsectarian)
 * Midland Montessori School (Montessori method)
 * St. Brigid Catholic School (Roman Catholic)
 * St. John's Lutheran School (Lutheran)

title: Midland County, Michigan


text:
Menominee County, Michigan

Menominee County is a county located in the Upper Peninsula in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 23,502. The county seat is Menominee. The county's name comes from an American Indian word meaning "wild rice eater" used to describe a tribe. The county was created in 1861 from area partitioned out of Delta County, under the name of Bleeker. When county government was organized in 1863, the name was changed to Menominee.

Menominee County is part of the Marinette, WI–MI micropolitan statistical area.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1338 sqmi, of which 1044 sqmi is land and 294 sqmi (22%) is water.

Major highways

 * – enters west line of county from Dickinson County. Runs E to intersection with US 41 at Powers.
 * – runs north from S tip of county to Powers, then E through Wilson and Indiantown into Delta County.
 * – runs NE from Menominee along edge of Green Bay, into Delta County.
 * – runs NW-SE through northern part of county. Passes Labranche, Whitney, and Perronville.

Airport

 * Menominee–Marinette Twin County Airport - in NW Menominee, is a public-owned public-use general-aviation airport.

Adjacent counties
By land

 * Dickinson County (northwest)
 * Marquette County (north, Eastern Time Zone border)
 * Delta County (northeast, Eastern Time Zone border)

By the Menominee River

 * Marinette County, Wisconsin (west)

By Green Bay

 * Door County, Wisconsin (east)

Cities

 * Menominee (county seat)
 * Stephenson

Villages

 * Carney
 * Daggett
 * Powers

Civil townships

 * Cedarville Township
 * Daggett Township
 * Faithorn Township
 * Gourley Township
 * Harris Township
 * Holmes Township
 * Ingallston Township
 * Lake Township
 * Mellen Township
 * Menominee Township
 * Meyer Township
 * Nadeau Township
 * Spalding Township
 * Stephenson Township

Unincorporated communities

 * Birch Creek
 * Cedar River
 * Cunard
 * Eagles Nest
 * Faithorn
 * Harris
 * Hannahville
 * Hermansville
 * Indiantown
 * Ingalls
 * Labranche
 * Leapers
 * Nadeau
 * Perronville
 * Wallace
 * Whitney
 * Wilson

Indian reservations

 * The Hannahville Indian Community occupies several scattered territories within Menominee County, mostly within Harris Township and a small piece extending into Gourley Township. Another smaller piece extends east into neighboring Bark River Township in Delta County.

Demographics
In 2020, the county had a population of 23,502.

Education
School districts include:
 * Bark River-Harris School District
 * Carney-Nadeau Public Schools
 * Menominee Area Public Schools
 * Norway-Vulcan Area Schools
 * North Central Area Schools
 * Stephenson Area Public Schools

Hannahville Indian School, a Bureau of Indian Education-affiliated tribal school (which also functions as a charter school), is in the county.

Government
Menominee County was strongly Republican-leaning at its start, but has been more middle-leaning during the 20th century. Since 1876, the Republican Party nominee has carried the county vote in 69% of the elections (25 of 36 elections).

Menominee County operates the County jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions – police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance etc. – are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: Jeffrey Rogg
 * Sheriff: Michael Holmes
 * County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Marc Kleiman
 * County Treasurer: Barbara Parrett
 * Drain Commissioner: Caleb Kleiman
 * Road Commissioners: Ken Bower, James Marsicek, Leonard Kosewski

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Menominee County, Michigan


text:
Mecosta County, Michigan

Mecosta County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 39,714. The county seat is Big Rapids.

The county is named after Chief Mecosta, the leader of the Potawatomi Native American tribe who once traveled the local waterways in search of fish and game. Chief Mecosta was one of the signers the Treaty of Washington in 1836. The easily navigated waterways soon led to a boom in lumber industry growth. Workers settled the area in 1851, and the county was officially settled and the government officially organized in 1859. Mecosta County is home to over 100 lakes, rivers, and streams with the Muskegon River winding its way through the county seat and largest city Big Rapids (originally named Leonard).

Mecosta County was set off on April 1, 1840, but remained attached for administrative purposes to Kent County until 1857, when it was attached to Newaygo County. The county government was organized on February 11, 1859, with the village of Leonard as its seat.

Mecosta County comprises the Big Rapids, MI, Micropolitan Statistical Area and is included in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Muskegon, MI, Combined Statistical Area.

History
The surveyor general approved the United States survey of Mecosta County on February 22, 1839, and the state legislature established the county boundaries on April 1, 1840.

In 1852, John Davis purchased 160 acre in Mecosta Township and John Parish purchased 57 acre in Big Rapids. They were the first two permanent county residents. On July 20, 1852, the first family to reside in the county, William and Margaret Brockway and their two children, moved into a logging shanty on Mitchell Creek. On February 12, 1853, Alice Victoria Brockway was born to the couple. Alice was the first white child born in the county. In the spring of 1853, the Brockways moved to a 200 acre farm in Aetna Township.

In March 1854, Zerah and George French and nine members of their family moved to a shanty close to Mitchell Creek and the Muskegon River. Zerah and George French are considered the co-founders of Big Rapids. In the spring of 1855, James and Laura Montague and their children became the third family to settle in the county. Their 160 acre farm in Green Township was located where 19 Mile Road intersects the west bank of the Muskegon River.

The organization of Leonard (Big Rapids) Township and Green Township was authorized in February 1858. On April 5, 1858, the first township elections were held and Jesse Shaw was elected supervisor of Leonard Township and Jesse A. Barker was elected supervisor of Green Township. On February 11, 1859, the State Legislature authorized the organization of Mecosta County and established the Village of Leonard as the county seat. The first county elections were held on April 4 and these county officials were elected: Orrin Stevens, Clerk and Register of Deeds; Alfred L. Clark, Sheriff; Charles Shafer, Treasurer; Jesse A. Barker, Judge of Probate; and Augustine N. Williams, Surveyor. Mr. William T. Howell of Newaygo was appointed Prosecuting Attorney. On May 2, Luther Cobb and Jesse A. Barker convened the first meeting of the board of supervisors and Jesse A. Barker was chosen chairman. The population of Mecosta County was 671 inhabitants in 1860.

The first issue of the Big Rapids Pioneer, a five-column folio, was printed on April 17, 1862. Charlie Gay was the proprietor, owner, and co-editor with Ceylon C. Fuller. The paper was under the same management for nearly 22 years, and 140 years later, the paper is still being published.

The plat for the Village of Big Rapids was recorded on November 3, 1859, and the plat for French's addition (Glen Elm) was recorded on May 9, 1860. The state legislature authorized the incorporation of the City of Big Rapids in April 1869. The first city elections were held on April 19, 1869, when these officials were elected: George F. Stearns, Mayor; Charlie Gay, Recorder; W. Irving Latimer, Treasurer; and William Van Loo, Supervisor. Mecosta County had 5,642 residents in 1870.

The Grand Rapids and Indiana was the first railroad to enter Mecosta County. In June 1869, the GR&I railroad crossed the Little Muskegon River and the Village of Morley was created. Construction of the next section of track to the Village of Paris started in late July 1869 and the Village of Stanwood came into existence. The GR&I reached the city limits of Big Rapids on June 20, 1870, and the Village of Paris on July 1, 1870. Construction of the GR&I continued for several years until the line reached Petoskey in December 1873.

Early county prisoners were housed in the county sheriff's private house, a local hotel, the Kent County jail, or the Newaygo County jail. In 1862, county residents decided not to erect a county jail. The first county jail was erected in the summer of 1868, situated where the Old Historic Jail built in 1893 is presently located on Stewart Street. Construction for the present county jail was completed in 1965. This jail was renovated in 1986. The Mecosta County Board of Commissioners approved another jail renovation and expansion in 2000 with scheduled completion in 2001.

The 1880 census reported Mecosta County to have a population of 13,973. In the early 1880s, rented county offices were located in two downtown buildings near the corner of Elm and Michigan. In 1883, the Board of Supervisors submitted to the voters the proposition to authorize a two-year tax for the purpose of erecting a county courthouse. County voters passed the courthouse tax issue in April 1884. Construction on the first courthouse began in 1885 and was completed in 1886. A ground-breaking ceremony for the present Mecosta County Building (second courthouse) occurred on April 8, 1969. Construction of the Mecosta County Building was completed in late August 1970 and a dedication ceremony was held on November 7, 1970.

In the early 1900s, water power harnessed by hydroelectric dams became the energy base for the manufacturing of furniture and other wood products. The extraction of bedrock deposits of oil, gas, glacial sand, and gravel soon became important economic activities. Although logging activities dominated early history, health services and education have become more significant and enduring forces in shaping the community. Mecosta County has grown in population through the years to over 42,000 with a wealth of opportunity in industry, education, and small-town country living.

Mecosta County was first settled by African Americans in the 1860s when James Guy obtained 160 acre in Wheatland Township, with a deed signed by Abraham Lincoln. The Homestead Act of 1862 allowed each settler 160 acre, resulting in African Americans owning 1,392 acre in the area where Remus sits today. They were woodsmen and farmers who established schools and churches in their community. Referred to as the "Old Settlers", a reunion is held every year in the Remus area to celebrate those who originally settled here.

Woodbridge N. Ferris, who later became a Michigan governor, established Ferris Industrial School in 1884 in Big Rapids. The 600 acre school became Ferris Institute, Ferris State College, and is currently home of the Bulldogs and Ferris State University. Before his death in 1928, Ferris had trained 50,000 students and attained a yearly enrollment of 1,800. Currently, enrollment is over 14,000.

The tourist industry within the area has had steady growth and is now an important source of income while development opportunities continue to exist. With Mecosta County's numerous lakes, streams, and rivers opportunities for water and fishing activities are limitless: golf courses, bike trails, and other outdoor experiences.

Ice Mountain bottling plant
In 2009, Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation won their controversial case, The Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation v Nestle Waters North America, which had begun in 1999. The Nestle/Perrier/Great Spring Waters of America/Ice Mountain bottling plant in Stanwood, Mecosta County, began production on May 23, 2002, extracting groundwater from the Muskegon aquifer that qualifies as a source of “spring water” under federal law. The case has the potential of being one of the most important cases in terms of influencing and defining Michigan's water law jurisprudence. The decision involves the interpretation and application of the common law and several environmental statutes, mainly the Michigan Environmental Protection Act, the Inland Lakes and Streams Act, and the Wetland Protection Act. Citizens, disappointed by the inaction of the Michigan Department for Environmental Quality (MDEQ) and their disinclination to adequately monitor the bottling plant, had formed their own organization to conserve Michigan's water. For example, in 2003, the MDEQ, although they had determined that the bottling plant had already had a "measurable impact on certain waters and wetlands". MDEQ argued that "water levels in the impacted waters" in 2003 were at the "highest levels they have been in three years, thereby mitigating concern over possible imminent harm associated with Nestlé’s continued operation at a reduced rate of 250 gallons per minute (gpm) averaged over a monthly time period." In 2009, an out-of-court settlement was reached. "Nestle/Ice Mountain’s water pumping permit was reduced by almost half. Nestlé agreed to lower its spring pumping in Mecosta earlier in the spring during fish spawning and continue low pumping during the summer months to protect the already stressed stream and lake."

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 571 sqmi, of which 555 sqmi is land and 16 sqmi (2.8%) is covered by water.

National protected area

 * Manistee National Forest (part)

Adjacent counties

 * Osceola County (north)
 * Lake County (northwest)
 * Clare County (northeast)
 * Isabella County (east)
 * Montcalm County (south & southeast)
 * Newaygo County (west & southwest)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, 40,553 people, 14,915 households, and 9,888 families resided in the county. The population density was 73 /mi2. The 19,593 housing units averaged 35 /mi2. The racial makeup of the county was 92.68% White, 3.60% Black or African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.87% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.79% from two or more races. About 1.28% of the population were Hispanic or Latino, of any race; 25.5% were of German, 20.6% English, 9.2% Irish, and 5.3% Polish ancestry according to the 2010 American Community Survey. 95.9% spoke only English, while 1.7% spoke Spanish and 1.1% German at home.

Of the 14,915 households, 29.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.30% were married couples living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.70% were not families. About 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the county, the population was distributed as 22.50% under the age of 18, 19.80% from 18 to 24, 23.00% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.20% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.2 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $33,849, and for a family was $40,465. Males had a median income of $32,127 versus $22,467 for females. The per capita income for the county was $16,372. About 9.6% of families and 16.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

Bus service

 * MOTA
 * Dial-a-Ride

Economy
Major employers in the county include:
 * Ferris State University, Big Rapids
 * Haworth, Big Rapids
 * Spectrum Health, Big Rapids
 * Wolverine Worldwide, Big Rapids

Government
The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget, but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: Amy Clapp
 * Sheriff: Brian Miller
 * County Clerk: Marcee Purcell
 * County Treasurer: Sherry Earnest
 * Register of Deeds: Karen Hahn
 * Drain Commissioner: Jackie Fitzgerald
 * Road Commissioners: John R. Currie; Paul Jefts; Randy Maxwell
 * 49th Circuit Court Judges: Hon. Scott Hill-Kennedy; Hon. Kimberly Booher
 * 77th District Court Judge: Hon. Peter Jakelvic

(information as of August 2016)

City

 * Big Rapids (county seat)

Villages

 * Barryton
 * Mecosta
 * Morley
 * Stanwood

Census Designated Place

 * Canadian Lakes

Unincorporated Communities

 * Altona
 * Chippewa Lake
 * Millbrook
 * Paris
 * Remus
 * Rodney
 * Sylvester
 * West Millbrook

Townships

 * Aetna Township
 * Austin Township
 * Big Rapids Township
 * Chippewa Township
 * Colfax Township
 * Deerfield Township
 * Fork Township
 * Grant Township
 * Green Charter Township
 * Hinton Township
 * Martiny Township
 * Mecosta Township
 * Millbrook Township
 * Morton Township
 * Sheridan Township
 * Wheatland Township

Education
The Mecosta–Osceola Intermediate School District, based in Big Rapids, services the districts in the county. The intermediate school district offers regional special education services, a residential at-risk youth center, and technical career programs for its students.

Mecosta County is served by the following regular public school districts:

 * Big Rapids Public Schools
 * Chippewa Hills School District
 * Morley Stanwood Community Schools

The county also has one charter school, Crossroads Charter Academy.

Mecosta County has the following private schools:

 * Brockway Christian Academy (Methodist)
 * St. Michael Elementary School (Catholic)
 * St. Peters Lutheran School (Lutheran)

title: Mecosta County, Michigan


text:
Mason County, Michigan

Mason County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 29,052. The county seat is Ludington.

Mason County comprises the Ludington, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area.

History
The county is named for Stevens T. Mason, Governor of Michigan from 1835 to 1840. It was created by the Michigan Legislature in 1840 as Notipekago County, then renamed Mason County in 1843. The county was administered by Ottawa County prior to the organization of county government in 1855.

Mason County does not have an official flag.

Geography
According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1242 sqmi, of which 495 sqmi is land and 747 sqmi (60%) is water.

Major highways

 * – runs east–west through central part of county. Runs from Ludington through Amber, Scottville, Custer, and Branch.
 * – enters Mason County at 2 mi east of SW corner; runs north to intersect US-10 near Ludington. Runs concurrent with US-10 east for 5 mi, then runs north. Exits county at 4 mi east of NW corner of county.
 * – runs NW from Ludington along shoreline of Lake Michigan to Ludington State Park.
 * is a business spur running east of Ludington.

U.S. Bicycle Routes

 * enters Mason County from Pentwater; has a concurrency with USBR 20; proceeds north into Manistee County
 * begins (until near future) at SS Badger with US 10; has a concurrency with USBR 35; goes through Freesoil; proceeds east into Lake County; proceeds east for about 310 miles to Marine City

Adjacent counties
By land By water
 * Manistee County – north
 * Lake County – east
 * Newaygo County – southeast
 * Oceana County – south
 * Sheboygan County, Wisconsin – southwest
 * Manitowoc County, Wisconsin – west

National protected area

 * Manistee National Forest (part)

Demographics
As of the 2000 United States Census, of 2000, there were 28,274 people, 11,406 households, and 7,881 families in the county. The population density was 57 /sqmi. There were 16,063 housing units at an average density of 32 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the county was 95.84% White, 0.73% Black or African American, 0.78% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.82% from other races, and 1.53% from two or more races. 3.01% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 24.5% were of German, 10.4% Polish, 8.8% English, 8.5% Irish, 7.7% American and 5.0% Swedish ancestry. 96.0% spoke English and 2.2% Spanish as their first language.

There were 11,406 households, out of which 29.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.40% were married couples living together, 9.20% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.90% were non-families. 26.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 2.92.

The county population contained 24.20% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 26.20% from 25 to 44, 25.80% from 45 to 64, and 16.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.50 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.40 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $34,704, and the median income for a family was $41,654. Males had a median income of $33,873 versus $22,616 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,713. About 8.20% of families and 11.00% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.50% of those under age 18 and 7.00% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Mason County has usually voted Republican in national elections. Since 1884, the county's voters have selected the Republican Party nominee in 82% (28 of 35) of the national elections through 2020.

Mason County operates the county jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions – police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance etc. – are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: Lauren Kreinbrink
 * Sheriff: Kim C. Cole
 * County Clerk: Cheryl Kelly
 * County Treasurer: Andrew Kmetz IV
 * Register of Deeds: Diane L. Englebrecht
 * Drain Commissioner: Dan Rohde
 * County Surveyor: Jim Nordlund
 * County Board of Commissioners by district:
 * District 1: Nick Kreiger
 * District 2: Gary Castonia
 * District 3: Jody Hartley
 * District 4: Lewis G. Squires
 * District 5: Steven K. Hull
 * District 6: Janet S. Anderson (chair)
 * District 7: Ron Bacon

(information as of Jan 2021)

Cities

 * Ludington (county seat)
 * Scottville

Villages

 * Custer
 * Fountain
 * Free Soil

Charter township

 * Pere Marquette Charter Township

Civil townships

 * Amber Township
 * Branch Township
 * Custer Township
 * Eden Township
 * Free Soil Township
 * Grant Township
 * Hamlin Township
 * Logan Township
 * Meade Township
 * Riverton Township
 * Sheridan Township
 * Sherman Township
 * Summit Township
 * Victory Township

Unincorporated communities

 * Branch (partially)
 * Chapple Corners
 * Fairview
 * Fern
 * Ferryville
 * Tallman
 * Walhalla

Indian reservation

 * The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, a federally recognized Odawa Native American tribe, occupies a small reservation of approximately 740 acres within Custer Township. The tribe also occupy another reservation within Brown Township just north in Manistee County.

Education
The West Shore Educational Service District, based in Ludington, services the districts in the county along with those of Lake and Oceana. The intermediate school district offers regional special education and general education services, as well as technical career programs for its students.

Mason County is served by the following regular public school districts:

 * Ludington Area School District
 * Mason County Central Schools
 * Mason County Eastern Schools

The county also has one charter school, the Gateway to Success Academy.

Mason County has the following private schools:

 * Covenant Christian School (Non-denominational)
 * Ludington Area Catholic School (Catholic)

title: Mason County, Michigan


text:
Marquette County, Michigan

Marquette County is a county located in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 66,017. The county seat is Marquette. The county is named for Father Marquette, a Jesuit missionary. It was set off in 1843 and organized in 1851. Marquette County is the largest county in land area in Michigan, and the most populous county in the Upper Peninsula.

Marquette County comprises the Marquette, MI micropolitan statistical area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3425 sqmi, of which 1808 sqmi is land and 1616 sqmi (47%) is water. It is the largest county in Michigan by land area and fourth-largest by total area.

The Huron Mountains are located in the county. To the north of the county is Lake Superior.

Adjacent counties

 * Alger County, east
 * Delta County, southeast
 * Menominee County, south/CT Border
 * Dickinson County, south/CT Border
 * Iron County, southwest/CT Border
 * Baraga County, west
 * Houghton County, northwest
 * Keweenaw County, north

National protected areas

 * Hiawatha National Forest (part)
 * Huron National Wildlife Refuge
 * Ottawa National Forest (part)

Cities

 * Ishpeming
 * Marquette (county seat)
 * Negaunee

Charter townships

 * Chocolay Charter Township
 * Marquette Charter Township

Civil townships

 * Champion Township
 * Ely Township
 * Ewing Township
 * Forsyth Township
 * Humboldt Township
 * Ishpeming Township
 * Michigamme Township
 * Negaunee Township
 * Powell Township
 * Republic Township
 * Richmond Township
 * Sands Township
 * Skandia Township
 * Tilden Township
 * Turin Township
 * Wells Township
 * West Branch Township

Census-designated places

 * Big Bay
 * Gwinn
 * Harvey
 * K.I. Sawyer
 * Michigamme
 * Palmer
 * Republic
 * Trowbridge Park
 * West Ishpeming

Other unincorporated communities

 * Alder
 * Antlers
 * Arnold
 * Beaver Grove
 * Birch
 * Brookton Corners
 * Carlshend
 * Clarksburg
 * Dukes
 * Eagle Mills
 * Empire Iron Mine
 * Gordon
 * Green Garden
 * Greenwood
 * Homeier
 * Huron Mountain
 * Lakewood
 * Lawson
 * Little Lake
 * Maple Grove
 * McFarland
 * Midway Location
 * National Mine
 * North Lake
 * Northland
 * Sand River
 * Selma
 * Snowville
 * South Greenwood
 * South Republic
 * Suomi Location
 * Vick
 * Witch Lake

Indian reservations

 * The L'Anse Indian Reservation, which is primarily based in Baraga County to the west, has a small portion within Chocolay Township.
 * The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which is headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie in Chippewa County, occupies a very small piece of property within the city limits of Marquette.

Demographics
In 2020, the population of the county was 66,017.

Top employers
Last updated June 8, 2021.

According to the Lake Superior Community Partnership website, the top employers in the county are:

* Bolded values have been updated for 2021.

Education
Northern Michigan University is a four-year university in Marquette. It was established in 1899.

School districts
Marquette County is divided into the following school districts:

 * Gwinn Area Community Schools
 * Ishpeming Public School District
 * Marquette Area Public Schools
 * Negaunee Public Schools
 * NICE Community School District
 * Powell Township Schools
 * Republic-Michigamme School District

Historical markers
There are ten historical markers in the county:
 * Cliffs Shaft Mine
 * Dandelion Cottage
 * Father Marquette Park
 * First Steam Railroad in Upper Peninsula
 * Ishpeming: Historic Ski Center
 * Jackson Mine
 * Marquette County Courthouse
 * Marquette Iron Range
 * Northern Michigan University
 * Sam Cohodas Lodge / Sam Cohodas

Government
Marquette County was reliably Republican following the American Civil War; its voters went Republican (or Republican-splinter) in every election from 1876 through 1932. However, that shifted in 1936; since then, the Republican nominee has carried the county in only five out of 22 elections through 2020, four of which were nationwide Republican landslides and the other had native Michigander Gerald Ford as the Republican nominee. At present, it has since become the only Democratic-leaning county in the Upper Peninsula.

The county government operates Sawyer International Airport, the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions—police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.—are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * County Clerk: Linda Talsma
 * County Treasurer: Jacqueline Solomon
 * Drain Commissioner: P. Michael Farrell
 * Mine Inspector: Steve Bertucci
 * Prosecuting Attorney: Jenna M. Nelson
 * Register of Deeds: Aidan Mckindles
 * Sheriff: Gregory S. Zyburt

Airports

 * Sawyer International Airport, a county-owned public-use facility, 20 mi south of Marquette on the site of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, which closed 29.597370003963725 years ago in 1995.

Transit

 * MarqTran provides local transit services in and around Marquette.
 * Indian Trails provides intercity bus service.

Major highways

In addition to the 169.42 mi of state highways in the county, the Marquette County Road Commission maintains 283.85 mi of primary county roads which include County Road 492 (CR 492), and 988.25 mi of secondary county roads. The road commission provides maintenance such as snow removal under contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for the state trunklines. In 2010, the commission planned to build CR 595. The project was canceled after the permit was denied by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the project funding was diverted.

title: Marquette County, Michigan


text:
Manistee County, Michigan

Manistee County ( ) is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,032. The county seat is Manistee. The county is named for the Manistee River. Manistee County is part of Northern Michigan and has a shoreline on Lake Michigan.

History
Manistee County was set off in 1840 from Michilimackinac County as an unorganized county. In 1851, it was attached to Grand Traverse County for legal purposes. Manistee County was organized in its own right on February 13, 1855.

Etymology
The name "Manistee" is from an Ojibwe word first applied to the principal river of the county. The derivation is not certain, but it may be from ministigweyaa, "river with islands at its mouth".

Historical markers
There are thirteen recognized Michigan historical markers in the county:
 * Harriet Quimby Childhood Home
 * John J. Makinen Bottle House
 * First Congregational Church, Manistee
 * Great Fire of 1871
 * Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
 * Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Rectory
 * Kaleva, Michigan
 * Manistee City Library
 * Manistee Fire Hall
 * Our Saviour's Lutheran Church
 * Ramsdell Theatre
 * Trinity Lutheran Church [Arcadia]
 * William Douglas House

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1281 sqmi, of which 542 sqmi is land and 738 sqmi (58%) is water. Manistee County is considered to be part of Northern Michigan.

Adjacent counties
By land By water
 * Benzie County - north
 * Grand Traverse County - northeast
 * Wexford County - east
 * Lake County - southeast
 * Mason County - south
 * Manitowoc County, Wisconsin - southwest
 * Kewaunee County, Wisconsin - west

Protected areas

 * Manistee National Forest (part)
 * Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness
 * Orchard Beach State Park

City

 * Manistee (county seat)

Villages

 * Bear Lake
 * Copemish
 * Eastlake
 * Kaleva
 * Onekama

Census-designated places

 * Arcadia
 * Brethren
 * Filer City
 * Oak Hill
 * Parkdale
 * Stronach
 * Wellston

Other unincorporated communities

 * Dublin
 * Harlan
 * Marilla
 * Norwalk
 * Pierport
 * Pleasanton
 * Portage Point
 * Red Park
 * Wick-A-Te-Wah
 * Williamsport

Townships

 * Arcadia Township
 * Bear Lake Township
 * Brown Township
 * Cleon Township
 * Dickson Township
 * Filer Charter Township
 * Manistee Township
 * Maple Grove Township
 * Marilla Township
 * Norman Township
 * Onekama Township
 * Pleasanton Township
 * Springdale Township
 * Stronach Township

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 24,527 people, 9,860 households, and 6,714 families residing in the county. The population density was 45 /mi2. There were 14,272 housing units at an average density of 26 /mi2. As of 2020, its population was 25,032.

In 2000, the racial makeup of the county was 94.16% White, 1.63% Black or African American, 1.30% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.01% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. 2.61% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 23.5% were of German, 16.9% Polish, 8.8% English, 8.8% American and 7.1% Irish ancestry. 96.2% spoke English and 2.3% Spanish as their first language.

There were 9,860 households, out of which 27.40% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.10% were married couples living together, 9.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.90% were non-families. 27.30% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.86.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.60% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 26.30% from 25 to 44, 26.30% from 45 to 64, and 18.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 103.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.00 males.

In 2000, the median income for a household in the county was $34,208, and the median income for a family was $41,664. Males had a median income of $33,211 versus $20,851 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,204. About 6.90% of families and 10.30% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.50% of those under age 18 and 7.90% of those age 65 or over.

Education
School districts include:
 * Bear Lake School District
 * Benzie County Central School
 * Kaleva Norman Dickson School District
 * Manistee Area Schools
 * Mason County Eastern District
 * Mesick Consolidated Schools
 * Onekama Consolidated Schools

Government
The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: Jason Haag
 * Sheriff: Brian Gutowski
 * County Clerk: Jill Nowak
 * County Treasurer: Rachel Nelson
 * Register of Deeds: Penny Pepera
 * Drain Commissioner: Ken Hilliard
 * County Surveyor: Patrick Bentley

(information as of February 2012)

County ambulance service
As of early 2021 North Flight EMS has since transferred the primary ambulance service to Mobile Medical Response.

Fire departments

 * Arcadia Township Fire Department
 * Bear Lake Township Fire Department
 * City of Manistee Fire Department
 * Cleon Township Fire Department
 * Dickson Township Fire Department
 * East Lake Township Fire Department
 * Filer Township Fire Department
 * Manistee Township Fire Department
 * Maple Grove Township Fire Department
 * Norman Township Fire Department
 * Onekama Township Fire Department
 * Stronach Township Fire Department

Airport
Manistee County-Blacker Airport is approximately 3 mi northeast of Manistee. It offers direct flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Major highways
Previously, an additional highway, M-110, was designated to run from US 31 at Parkdale to Orchard Beach State Park. However, the highway was returned to local control in 2003.
 * runs through Manistee and Bear Lake, paralleling Lake Michigan further inland than M-22.
 * begins 5 mi north of Manistee and goes through Onekama and Arcadia, paralleling the Lake Michigan shoreline and offering a scenic route.
 * begins 2 mi north of Manistee and runs across the Lower Peninsula to Tawas City via Cadillac, Lake City, Houghton Lake, and West Branch.
 * is a diagonal highway, running southeast–northwest across the northeast corner of the county. It enters Benzie County to the north and Wexford County to the east.

Bicycle routes

 * comes from Mason County and goes through Manistee, Onekama, and Arcadia to proceed north to Benzie County with M-22

title: Manistee County, Michigan


text:
Macomb County, Michigan

Macomb County is a county located in the eastern portion of the U.S. state of Michigan, bordering Lake St. Clair, and is part of northern Metro Detroit. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 881,217, making it the third-most populous county in the state. The county seat is Mt. Clemens. Macomb County is part of the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city of Detroit is located on the county's southern border. Macomb County contains 27 cities, townships and villages, including three of the top ten most-populous municipalities in Michigan as of the 2020 census: Warren (#3), Sterling Heights (#4) and Clinton Township (#8). Most of this population is concentrated south of Hall Road (M-59), one of the county's main thoroughfares.

History
The Ojibwe lived in the area for centuries before European contact and were preceded by other cultures of ancient indigenous peoples.

The first European colonists were French, and they arrived in the area during the 17th century. Other early settlers were French fur trappers, who sometimes married Ojibwe women, and Jesuit missionaries. A Moravian colony was established in the county in the late 18th century. In addition to the original French and English settlers, later immigrants included Germans, Belgians, and others from Europe. In the 19th century, the county received many European-American migrants from New York and New England, who were attracted to the area for land and booming jobs in the lumber and other resource industries.

Macomb County was formally organized on January 15, 1818, as the third county in the Michigan Territory. The county was named in honor of Detroit-born Alexander Macomb, Jr., a highly decorated veteran of the War of 1812 and hero of the Battle of Plattsburg. He was made Commanding General of the U.S. Army in 1828.

As was typical in development, the county at first encompassed a much larger area than at present. As population increased in the area, the state legislature removed territory in 1819 and 1820 to form the counties of Oakland, Lapeer, Genesee, and St. Clair.

After World War II, Macomb and neighboring Oakland County grew rapidly due to the suburbanization - between 1950 and 1960 the county population more than doubled. However, as opposed to the more white-collar Oakland County, Macomb County residents were generally auto workers and other middle-class blue-collar workers.

In May 2008, Macomb County voters approved the inclusion of a County Executive in a new charter to be submitted to the voters by 2010. A charter commission was elected in November 2008 to draft a charter for submission to Governor Granholm, which was submitted and approved and placed on the November 2009 ballot. The Charter passed with a 60.4% to 39.6% margin.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 571 sqmi, of which 479 sqmi is land and 92 sqmi (16%) is water. The county's southeastern border with Canada is located across Lake St. Clair.

Lake St. Clair borders the county on the east.

Macomb County is mostly considered a part of Southeast Michigan. However, the far northern parts of the county, including Richmond and Armada, are often considered to be part of Michigan's Thumb region.

The county comprises mostly rural/agricultural communities to the north and a mix of suburban and urban areas to the south.

Adjacent counties
By land By water
 * St. Clair County, Michigan - northeast
 * Lapeer County, Michigan - northwest
 * Oakland County, Michigan - west
 * Wayne County, Michigan - south

 * Lambton County, Ontario, Canada - southeast

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 840,978 people living in the county. 85.4% were White, 8.6% Black or African American, 3.0% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% of some other race and 2.1% of two or more races. 2.3% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). 14.8% were of German, 14.3% Polish, 11.1% Italian, 6.5% Irish and 5.9% American ancestry.

In 2000, 87.6% of county residents spoke only English at home; 1.7% spoke Italian, 1.4% Polish, 1.2% Spanish, 1.1% Arabic, and 1.1% Syriac.

European ethnic groups that have settled in Macomb County since the late 20th century include Bosnians, Albanians and Macedonians.

Among Asian ethnic groups, eight numbered over 1,000 people in Macomb County. They were Arabs, Asian Indians, Chaldeans, Filipinos, Chinese, Koreans, Vietnamese, and Hmong. Pakistanis are also represented in Macomb County's population.

Native American tribes had more than 2,478 residents in Macomb County in 2000.

In 2000, there were 309,203 households, out of which 31.10% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.30% were married couples living together, 10.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.80% were non-families. 26.90% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.30% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.09.

In 2000, the age distribution of the county was as follows: 24.10% under the age of 18, 8.00% from 18 to 24, 31.50% from 25 to 44, 22.80% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $52,102, and the median income for a family was $62,816. Males had a median income of $48,303 versus $30,215 for females. The per capita income for the county was $24,446. About 4.00% of families and 5.60% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.00% of those under age 18 and 6.40% of those age 65 or over.

According to the 2006 American Community Survey, the average family size was 3.15. The population of 25 and over was 571,463. 86.9% of that population had graduated from high school, and 21% of the population had a Bachelor's degree or higher. About 14.3% of that population was disabled. 12.5% of Macomb's population could speak another language at home.

Of Michigan's five largest counties, Macomb experienced the most population growth (102.5%) in the post-World War II years of accelerating suburban development, between 1950 and 1960. Its population has continued to grow to the present day, albeit at a slower pace since 1980.

Parks and recreation
Macomb County is home to more than 130 parks covering 12,000 acre managed by the state, regional, county, and local government. There are four major public parks in the County - Freedom Hill County Park, Macomb Orchard Trail, Lake St. Clair Metropark, and Stony Creek Metropark. The county also has 31 miles of shoreline and over 100 marinas.

Government
The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners, which for the 2019–21 term is chaired by Bob Smith, controls the budget and creates and adopts ordinances and resolutions related to County functions. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

The Macomb Intermediate School District serves all school districts based in the county.

Elected officials

 * County Executive: Mark A. Hackel (Democrat)
 * Prosecuting Attorney: Peter Lucido (Republican)
 * Sheriff: Anthony Wickersham (Democrat)
 * County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Anthony Forlini (Republican)
 * County Treasurer: Larry Rocca (Republican)
 * Public Works Commissioner: Candice Miller (Republican)
 * Macomb County Board of Commissioners: 13 members, elected from districts (5 Democrats, 8 Republicans)
 * Circuit Court: 13 judges (non-partisan)
 * Probate Court: 2 judges (non-partisan)

Politics
Macomb County has shown Republican tendencies in statewide elections, while tending to favor Democratic candidates at the federal and local level. Since the 2010s, Macomb County has shifted towards the Republicans, and after the 2020 elections the party gained control of the Board of Commissioners for the first time as well as four of the five countywide offices. The county gained fame in the 1980s and '90s as a bellwether of state and national politics. Macomb's large cohort of middle-class, socially conservative whites gave it one of the nation's most prominent concentrations of "Reagan Democrats". Outsider candidates with a conservative-populist bent have done well there in the past, such as Pat Buchanan in 1992 and Donald Trump in 2016 and 2020. Macomb County voters were primarily responsible for the failure of the Regional Transit Authority proposal to create a public transit system in the Metropolitan Detroit region.

The more populated communities south of M-59 (Warren, Sterling Heights, Clinton Charter Township), closer to Detroit city proper are friendlier to Democrats. Warren leans Democratic, while Sterling Heights, after voting for Barack Obama in 2012, voted for Trump by about 12 points in both 2016 and 2020, but in 2018, voted for Gretchen Whitmer and Debbie Stabenow by 3 points, and Clinton Charter Township after voting for Obama in 2012, voted for Trump in 2016, but swung back to Whitmer and Stabenow in 2018 and Joe Biden in 2020. The communities north of M-59 further removed from Detroit are more strongly Republican, all backing Trump in 2016 and 2020 and Bill Schuette in 2018.

Air

 * Coleman A. Young International Airport (DET) (Detroit) - General aviation only
 * Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) (Romulus) - Major commercial airport, a hub for Delta Air Lines and Spirit Airlines
 * Oakland County International Airport (PTK) Waterford Township) - Charter passenger facility
 * St. Clair County International Airport (near Port Huron, Michigan) - A minor international airport on the Canada–US border.
 * Selfridge Air National Guard Base (Mount Clemens) - Military airbase
 * Romeo State Airport (2 miles east of Romeo, Michigan) - Small general aviation airport within Macomb County
 * Ray Community Airport (2 miles southeast of Ray, Michigan) - Small general aviation airport within Macomb County
 * Marine City Airport (4 miles west of Marine City, Michigan) - Small general aviation airport in neighboring Saint Clair County
 * Oakland/Troy Airport (2 miles east of Troy, Michigan) - Small general aviation airport in neighboring Oakland County

Major highways

 * runs –west through Detroit and serves Ann Arbor to the west (where it continues to Chicago) and Port Huron to the northeast. The stretch of the current I-94 freeway from Ypsilanti to Detroit was one of the first American limited-access freeways. Henry Ford built it to link his factories at Willow Run and Dearborn during World War II. It was called the Willow Run Expressway.
 * runs east–west from the junction of I-96, I-275, and M-5 to I-94, providing a route through the northern suburbs of Detroit.
 * is a major road that runs from Marysville to downtown Detroit. The portion of the road between 23 Mile Road and New Haven Road is not numbered. Between New Haven Road and Main Street in the city of Richmond, the road is part of M-19. Between Richmond and Marysville the road is not numbered.
 * starts in New Haven goes up Gratiot to Richmond. The route leaves Gratiot and goes northwest through Richmond and then north through Memphis. Then it goes north through St. Clair and Sanilac Counties and ends at M-142 near Bad Axe in Huron County.
 * begins as part of 23 Mile Road, east of I-94, and ends in Marysville.
 * which is called the Van Dyke Freeway and Christopher Columbus Freeway from 18 Mile Road in Sterling Heights to 27 $1/2$ Mile Road in Washington Township. It is also called the POW/MIA Memorial Freeway from 27 $1/2$ Mile Road in Washington Township to the freeway's end at 34 Mile Road in Bruce Township, however, it is locally known as the Van Dyke Freeway. It continues as Van Dyke Road or Van Dyke Avenue north to Port Austin and south through Warren to Gratiot Avenue in Detroit.
 * (Veterans Memorial Freeway) from Utica to Pontiac, continues east as Hall Road to Gratiot Avenue and as William P. Rosso Highway to its terminus at I-94 and west as various surface roads to I-96 near Howell
 * (Groesbeck Highway) begins in Detroit at Gratiot (M-3) and ends at Hall Road (M-59).
 * , known by many due to the film 8 Mile, forms the dividing line between Detroit on the south and the suburbs of Macomb and Oakland counties on the north. It is also known as Baseline Road outside of Detroit, because it coincides with the baseline used in surveying Michigan; that baseline is also the boundary for many Michigan counties.

Other roads

 * Jefferson Avenue is a scenic highway that runs parallel to the shore of the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair. It is also the principal thoroughfare for the Grosse Pointes, where it is called Lake Shore Drive.
 * "Mile" roads: Surface street navigation in Metro Detroit is commonly anchored by "mile roads," major east–west surface streets that are spaced at one-mile intervals and increment as one travels north and away from the city center. Mile roads sometimes have two names, the numeric name (ex. 15 Mile Road) used in Macomb County and a local name (ex. Maple Road) used in Oakland County mostly.

Rail
Into the end of the 1950s the New York Central Railroad operated multiple trains from Mackinaw City at the north end of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, with stops at Warren station. The last Bay City to Detroit passenger train through Warren stopped on March 19, 1964.

Cities

 * Center Line
 * Eastpointe (formerly East Detroit)
 * Fraser
 * Grosse Pointe Shores (partial)
 * Memphis (partial)
 * Mount Clemens (county seat)
 * New Baltimore
 * Harrison Township, Michigan
 * Richmond (partial)
 * Roseville
 * St. Clair Shores
 * Sterling Heights
 * Utica
 * Warren

Villages

 * Armada
 * New Haven
 * Romeo

Charter townships

 * Chesterfield Charter Township
 * Clinton Charter Township
 * Harrison Charter Township
 * Shelby Charter Township
 * Washington Charter Township

Civil townships

 * Armada Township
 * Bruce Township
 * Lenox Township
 * Macomb Township
 * Ray Township
 * Richmond Township

Unincorporated communities

 * Anchor Bay Gardens
 * Anchor Bay Harbor
 * Anchor Bay Shores
 * Broad Acres
 * Cady
 * Chesterfield
 * Chesterfield Shores
 * Clifton Mill
 * Davis
 * Lakeside
 * Lottivue
 * Macomb
 * Meade
 * Milton
 * Mount Vernon
 * Point Lakeview
 * Preston Corners
 * Ray Center
 * Saint Clair Haven
 * Sebille Manor
 * Shelby
 * Waldenburg
 * Washington
 * Wolcott Mills
 * Yates

Education
School districts:

 * Almont Community Schools
 * Anchor Bay School District
 * Armada Area Schools
 * Center Line Public Schools
 * Chippewa Valley Schools
 * Clintondale Community Schools
 * East Detroit Public Schools
 * Fitzgerald Public Schools
 * Fraser Public Schools
 * Lakeview Public Schools
 * Lake Shore Public Schools
 * L'Anse Creuse Public Schools
 * Memphis Community Schools
 * Mount Clemens Community School District
 * New Haven Community Schools
 * Oxford Area Community Schools
 * Richmond Community Schools
 * Rochester Community School District
 * Romeo Community Schools
 * Roseville Community Schools
 * South Lake Schools
 * Utica Community Schools
 * Van Dyke Public Schools
 * Warren Consolidated Schools
 * Warren Woods Public Schools

Actors and actresses

 * Dean Cain, actor, Mount Clemens
 * Dave Coulier, actor/comedian, St. Clair Shores
 * Adrienne Frantz, actress and singer, Mount Clemens, Michigan
 * Faye Grant, actress, St. Clair Shores
 * Kathleen Rose Perkins, actress, New Baltimore
 * Crystal Reed, actress, Roseville, Michigan

Athletes

 * George Herbert Allen, coached in the NFL and USFL, St. Clair Shores
 * David Booth, NHL player, Washington Township
 * Kyle Connor, NHL player for the Winnipeg Jets
 * Dave Debol, NHL player, St. Clair Shores
 * Danny DeKeyser, NHL Player, Macomb County
 * Joe DeLamielleure, NFL Player, Center Line
 * John DiGiorgio, NFL Player, Macomb, Shelby Township
 * Sheldon Dries, NHL player, Macomb Twp.
 * Denny Felsner, NHL player, Warren
 * Derian Hatcher, NHL player, Sterling Heights
 * Kevin Hatcher, NHL player, Sterling Heights
 * Pat Hentgen, MLB player, Fraser
 * Bryan Herta, race car driver, Warren
 * Matt Hunwick, NHL player, Warren
 * Ron Kramer, NFL player, Eastpointe
 * Craig Krenzel, NFL player, Sterling Heights
 * Chad LaRose, NHL player, Fraser
 * John Mazza, PBA bowler, Shelby Township
 * Shirley Muldowney, race car driver, Armada
 * John Smoltz, MLB player, Warren
 * Jim Sorgi, NFL player, Fraser
 * Matt Taormina, NHL player, Warren
 * Michele Van Gorp, WNBA player from Duke University, Warren
 * Doug Weight, NHL player, Warren
 * Mark Wells, member of the 1980 Olympic hockey team, St. Clair Shores
 * Johnny White, race car driver, Warren
 * Ernie Whitt, MLB player, Roseville
 * Frank Zombo, NFL player, Sterling Heights
 * Kyle Cook, NFL player, Macomb Twp.
 * Steve Oleksy, NHL player, Chesterfield Twp.
 * Tyler Conklin, NFL player, Chesterfield Twp.
 * Sean Murphy-Bunting, NFL Player, Macomb Twp.

Musicians

 * Kid Rock, Romeo
 * Mitch Ryder, Roseville
 * Justin Jeffre, (98 Degrees), Mount Clemens
 * Uncle Kracker, Harrison Township
 * Eminem, Warren
 * Fred 'Sonic' Smith, St. Clair Shores
 * Alice Cooper, Eastpointe
 * Chuck Inglish, Mt. Clemens

Other

 * Joe Cada, professional poker player, Shelby Township
 * Dick Enberg, sportscaster, Armada
 * Martha Griffiths, Lieutenant Governor of Michigan (1983–1991), Armada
 * Alex Groesbeck, politician, Warren
 * Butch Hartman, creator of the cartoon show The Fairly OddParents, New Baltimore
 * Ian Hornak, Artist, Mount Clemens
 * George F. Lewis, proprietor of newspapers
 * Jerry M. Linenger, NASA astronaut, Eastpointe
 * Carey Torrice, politician, Clinton Township
 * Howard Wiest, Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, Washington Township

title: Macomb County, Michigan


text:
Mackinac County, Michigan

Mackinac County is a county in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 10,834. The county seat is St. Ignace. Formerly known as Michilimackinac County, in 1818 it was one of the first counties of the Michigan Territory, as it had long been a center of French and British colonial fur trading, a Catholic church and Protestant mission, and associated settlement.

The county's name is shortened from "Michilimackinac", which referred to the Straits of Mackinac area as well as the French settlement at the tip of the lower peninsula. Mackinac County is one of two U.S. counties to feature shorelines on two Great Lakes, being Lake Huron and Lake Michigan (the other county being neighboring Chippewa County).

History
Michilimackinac County was created on October 26, 1818, by proclamation of territorial governor Lewis Cass. The county originally encompassed the Lower Peninsula of Michigan north of Macomb County and almost the entire present Upper Peninsula. As later counties were settled and organized, they were divided from this territory.

On April 1, 1840, areas in the Lower Peninsula were laid off to create 30 new counites. By 1841, the County of Michilimackinac was confined to the Upper Peninsula and its nearby islands, bordering Chippewa and Menominee counties.

On March 9, 1843, Michigan further divided the Upper Peninsula into six counties. At this time, the County of Michilimackinac more closely resembled its modern configuration, including only a portion of the Upper Peninsula closest to the Straits of Mackinac, plus several islands.

At the time of founding, the county seat was the community of Michilimackinac Island on Michilimackinac Island, later known as Mackinac Island, Michigan. This has been an important center for fur trading before the 1830s, when European demand declined. The county was organized in 1849 as Mackinac County. In 1882 the county seat was moved from Mackinac Island to St. Ignace, Michigan, which had been founded as a French Jesuit mission village during the colonial years.

Mackinac County is home to the Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians, a Native American state recognized tribe located in St. Ignace.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 2101 sqmi, of which 1022 sqmi is land and 1079 sqmi (51%) is water. Mackinac County lies at the boundary of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.

St. Ignace is the northern terminus of the Mackinac Bridge. Mackinac Island is within the county.

Due to its sparse population, the county has no weather stations.

Adjacent counties
By land By water
 * Chippewa County (northeast)
 * Luce County (northwest)
 * Schoolcraft County (west)

 * Presque Isle County (southeast)
 * Cheboygan County (south)
 * Emmet County (south)
 * Charlevoix County (southwest)

National protected area

 * Hiawatha National Forest (part)

Cities

 * Mackinac Island
 * St. Ignace (county seat)

Civil townships

 * Bois Blanc Township
 * Brevort Township
 * Clark Township
 * Garfield Township
 * Hendricks Township
 * Holmes Township (Defunct)
 * Hudson Township
 * Marquette Township
 * Moran Township
 * Newton Township
 * Portage Township
 * St. Ignace Township

Census-designated place

 * Naubinway

Unincorporated communities

 * Allenville
 * Brevort
 * Caffey
 * Caffey Corner
 * Cedarville
 * Charles
 * Curtis
 * Engadine
 * Epoufette
 * Evergreen Shores
 * Garnet
 * Gilchrist
 * Gould City
 * Gros Cap
 * Hessel
 * Huntspur
 * Kenneth
 * Millecoquins
 * Moran
 * Ozark
 * Patrick Landing
 * Pickford
 * Pointe Aux Pins
 * Pontchartrain Shores
 * Port Dolomite
 * Port Inland
 * Rexton
 * Rockview
 * Simmons

Indian reservations

 * Mackinac Bands of Chippewa and Ottawa Indians
 * The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, which is headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie in Chippewa County to the north, occupies two small territories within Mackinac County. One is located in St. Ignace Township about 3 mi north of the city of St. Ignace on the shores of Lake Huron. The other portion is located in rural northwest Clark Township.

Demographics
The 2010 United States census reported that Mackinac County had a population of 11,113, a decrease of 830 (-6.9%) from the 2000 census. In 2010 there were 5,024 households and 3,219 families in the county. The population density was 11 /mi2. There were 11,010 housing units at an average density of 11 /mi2>). Racially, 76.5% of the population were White, 17.3% Native American, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.2% Asian, 0.2% of some other race and 5.3% of two or more races; 1.1% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). Culturally, 18.5% were of German, 8.8% English, 8.0% French, French Canadian or Cajun, 7.6% Irish and 5.1% Polish ancestry. By the 2020 census, its population was 10,834.

In 2010, there were 5,024 households, of which 20.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.7. Among them, 18.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 19.3% from 25 to 44, 34.0% from 45 to 64, and 22.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 49 years. The population was 50.5% male and 49.5% female.

The median household income was $39,055 and the median family income was $50,984. The per capita income was $22,195. About 10.5% of families and 14.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.3% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

Religiously, Christianity is the predominant religion for the county and region of the Upper Peninsula. Mackinac County is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Marquette.

Education
School districts include:

K-12:
 * Engadine Consolidated Schools
 * Les Cheneaux Community Schools
 * Mackinac Island Public Schools
 * Pickford Public Schools
 * Rudyard Area Schools
 * St. Ignace Area Schools
 * Tahquamenon Area Schools

Elementary:
 * Bois Blanc Pines School District
 * Moran Township School District

Newspapers

 * The Mackinac Island Town Crier is the weekly seasonal newspaper of Mackinac Island.
 * The St. Ignace News is the weekly newspaper for the Upper Peninsula area of the Mackinac Straits.

Television
The following television stations can be received in St. Ignace:
 * Channel 4:WTOM-TV "TV 7&4" (NBC) (Cheboygan) (simulcasted in Channel 7, Harrietta)
 * Channel 8:WGTQ "ABC 29&8" (ABC) (Goetzville) (simulcasted in Channel 29, Kalkaska)
 * Channel 10:WWUP-TV "9&10 News" (CBS) (Goetzville) (simulcasted in Channel 9, Tustin)

Radio
The following stations can be heard in St. Ignace:

Government
Mackinac County is reliably Republican. Since the 1964 landslide of Lyndon B. Johnson, it has only supported a Democrat twice. Bill Clinton won the county in his 1992 and 1996 victories; the latter remains the last time a Democratic presidential candidate has won the county.

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: J. Stuart Spencer
 * Sheriff: Edward Wilk
 * County Clerk: Hillary Vowell
 * County Treasurer: Jennifer Goudreau
 * Register of Deeds: Mary Jo Savard
 * County Surveyor: Jeffrey M. Davis

(information as of April 2015)

Historical markers
There are 34 official state historical markers in the county:
 * Across the Peninsula
 * American Fur Company Store
 * Battlefield of 1814
 * Biddle House
 * Bois Blanc Island
 * British Cannon
 * British Landing
 * Early Missionary Bark Chapel
 * Epoufette
 * Fort de Buade
 * Fort Holmes
 * Grand Hotel
 * Gros Cap Island & St. Helena Island
 * Historic Fort Mackinac
 * Indian Dormitory
 * Island House (Mackinac Island)
 * Lake Michigan
 * Lake View Hotel
 * Little Stone Church
 * Mackinac Conference
 * Mackinac Island
 * Mackinac Straits
 * Market Street
 * Mission Church
 * Mission House
 * Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan
 * Old Agency House
 * Round Island Lighthouse
 * Sainte Anne Church
 * St. Ignace
 * St. Ignace Mission
 * Skull Cave
 * Trinity Church (Mackinac Island)
 * Wawashkamo Golf Club

Airports
The Mackinac County Airport (83D) in St. Ignace and Mackinac Island Airport (MCD) on Mackinac Island are located within Mackinac County. The nearest airports with scheduled commercial passenger service are Chippewa County International Airport (CIU) in Sault Ste. Marie and Pellston Regional Airport (PLN).

Major highways

M-185 does not allow motor vehicles with the exception of emergency vehicles and service vehicles.

Ferry
Numerous companies operate ferries to Bois Blanc Island and Mackinac Island. Ferries to and from Mackinac Island sail from St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, while the Bois Blanc Island ferry sails from Cheboygan.

Rail

 * Canadian National Railway

Attractions

 * British Landing
 * Fort Mackinac
 * Garlyn Zoo
 * Straits State Park
 * Deer Ranch
 * Castle Rock (Michigan)

title: Mackinac County, Michigan


text:
Luce County, Michigan

Luce County is a county located in the Upper Peninsula in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 5,339, making it the second-least populous county in Michigan (behind Keweenaw County). The county seat is Newberry, Luce County's only incorporated community. The county was set off and organized in 1887 and named after former Michigan Governor Cyrus G. Luce.

In 2002, Newberry was designated as the moose capital of Michigan by the state legislature.

Luce County is served by The Newberry News, a weekly community newspaper that began in 1886.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1912 sqmi, of which 899 sqmi is land and 1013 sqmi (53%) is water. Luce County is part of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It has a northern border with Canada across Lake Superior.

McMillan Township, the largest municipality in Michigan by land area (at 588.78 sqmi of total land area), is part of Luce County.

Major highways

 * is Michigan's longest state trunkline highway. An east–west route, M-28 can be used to access Sault Ste. Marie to the east, and Munising and Marquette to the west.
 * is a north–south connector between M-28 west of Newberry to US 2 in Mackinac County.
 * is a u-shaped highway, beginning at M-28 south of Newberry. Motorists also use M-123 to access Tahquamenon Falls and Whitefish Point.

Airport
Luce County Airport (KERY), provides service for the county and surrounding communities.

Adjacent counties

 * Chippewa County (east)
 * Mackinac County (south)
 * Schoolcraft County (southwest)
 * Alger County (west)
 * Thunder Bay District, Ontario (north)
 * Algoma District, Ontario (northeast)

Village

 * Newberry (county seat)

Civil townships

 * Columbus Township
 * Lakefield Township
 * McMillan Township
 * Pentland Township

Unincorporated communities

 * Betty B Landing
 * Carpenter Landing
 * Danaher
 * Deer Park
 * Dollarville
 * Eightmile Corner
 * Fourmile Corner
 * Helmer
 * Laketon
 * Lencel
 * Marks
 * McLeods Corner
 * McMillan
 * McMillan Corner
 * McPhees Landing
 * Natalie
 * Pine Stump Junction
 * Roberts Corner
 * Soo Junction

Indian reservations

 * Luce County contains one very small portion of the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians tribal community, which is headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie in Chippewa County. This small plot of land is located within Pentland Township but is administered autonomously.

Demographics
The 2010 census indicated Luce County had a population of 6,631. This is a decrease of 393 people from the 2000 United States census. This is a -5.6% change in population. In 2010 there were 2,412 households and 1,542 families residing in the county. The population density was 7 /mi2. There were 4,343 housing units at an average density of 5 /mi2. In 2020, its population was 5,339.

At the 2010 census, the racial makeup of the county was 80.4% White, 11.1% Black or African American, 5.0% Native American, 0.3% Asian and 3.1% of two or more races; of them, 1.2% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). In 2010 among its population, 14.5% were of German, 7.6% French, French Canadian or Cajun, 7.4% Irish, 6.8% English, 6.3% American and 5.5% Finnish ancestry. At the 2022 American Community Survey, its racial makeup was 87.6% non-Hispanic white, 1% Black or African American, 6.9% Native American, 0.2% Asian American, 0.1% Pacific Islander, 4.2% multiracial, and 2% Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 2,412 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.2% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.1% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.25 and the average family size was 2.77. In the county, the population was spread out, with 17.9% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 29.6% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. The population was 57.7% male and 42.3% female.

In 2010, the median income for a household in the county was $42,083, and the median income for a family was $49,948. The per capita income for the county was $18,294. About 12.6% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.7% of those under age 18 and 12.5% of those age 65 or over. From 2017–2021, its median household income was $49,667.

Religiously, the Association of Religion Data Archives in 2020 determined Christianity was the dominant religion. Roman Catholicism and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America were the largest Christian groups in the county.

Government
The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: Cameron Harwell
 * Sheriff: Eric Gravelle
 * County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Sharon J. Price
 * County Treasurer: Belinda Bridges

(information as of March 2024)

title: Luce County, Michigan


text:
Livingston County, Michigan

Livingston County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 193,866. It is part of the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county seat and most populous city is Howell. The county was platted in 1833, but for three years remained assigned to Shiawassee and Washtenaw counties for revenue, taxation and judicial matters. It was formally organized in 1836. As one of Michigan's "Cabinet counties", a group of ten counties whose names honor members of President Andrew Jackson's Cabinet, it is named after former US Secretary of State Edward Livingston. Livingston County's location in Southeast Michigan offers residents relatively convenient access to the metropolitan centers of Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Flint. Livingston County residents regularly commute to those centers, using the three major expressways which pass through the county: I-96, US 23, and M-59. Although continuing to be composed largely of bedroom communities, the county is experiencing and maintaining significant growth in both the service and industrial economic sectors. Major employers include Tribar, PepsiCo, Citizens Insurance, and ThaiSummit. The Brighton Recreation Area is in the county.

Geography
According to the US Census Bureau, the county has an area of 585 sqmi, of which 565 sqmi is land and 20 sqmi (3.4%) is water.

Adjacent counties

 * Shiawassee County – northwest
 * Genesee County – northeast
 * Oakland County – east
 * Washtenaw County – south
 * Jackson County – southwest
 * Ingham County – west

Demographics
As of the 2010 United States Census, the county had 180,967 people, 55,384 households, and 43,531 families. The population density was 320 PD/sqmi. There were 58,919 housing units at an average density of 104 /mi2. 96.7% of the population were White, 0.8% Asian, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.4% Native American, 0.4% of some other race and 1.3% of two or more races. 1.9% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). 20.8% were of German, 11.2% Irish, 10.6% English, 10.6% Polish, 6.5% American, 5.2% Italian and 5.1% French, French Canadian or Cajun ancestry. 95.9% spoke only English at home, while 1.7% spoke Spanish.

There were 55,384 households, of which 39.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.50% were married couples living together, 6.80% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.40% were non-families. 17.10% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the county, 28.80% of the population was under the age of 18, 6.60% was from age 18 to 24, 31.70% was from age 25 to 44, 24.60% was from age 45 to 64, and 8.30% was 65 years or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.10 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.70 males.

With a median household income of $67,400 (2008 estimate - $72,700) and a median family income of $75,284, Livingston County is the 88th highest-income county in the United States and has the second-highest median income in Michigan (after Oakland) in 2010. Males had a median income of $54,358 versus $32,073 for females. The county's per capita income was $28,069. About 2.40% of families and 3.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.60% of those under age 18 and 4.50% of those age 65 or over.

A majority of the county's population resided in the southeastern communities of Brighton Township, Genoa Township, Hamburg Township, Green Oak Township, the Village of Pinckney, Putnam Township and the city of Brighton.

The US Census Bureau in 2000 identified Brighton, Howell and the nearby city of South Lyon to be a contiguously urbanized area, one of the newest such areas in the United States.

Media
There are two local newspapers, the Livingston County Daily Press & Argus, owned by Gannett Company, and The Community Journal, which is an independently owned weekly.

The Daily Press & Argus, which publishes daily except Saturday, was launched in 2000 through the combination of two weekly newspapers, The Livingston County Press and The Brighton Argus, which served the communities for many decades.

The Community Journal was launched in February 2010 by Steve Horton and Buddy Moorehouse, two veteran newspapermen. It publishes Tuesdays, covering Pinckney, Fowlerville, and the Howell areas. Its editor is Stephenie Koehn. The Journal is published along with the Fowlerville News and Views, which has been published for 25 years by Horton and his wife Dawn.

A weekly all-local paper,The Livingston Community News, was launched in May 2003 with offices in downtown Brighton and was closed in July 2009 when The Ann Arbor News, the newspaper's parent company, ceased publication. Community Journal editor Koehn was a reporter with The Livingston Community News.

Other media in the county include WHMI-FM, a Classic Hits radio station that has local news on the hour, and www.LivingstonTalk.com, a web-based product launched in the fall of 2009 by Moorehouse and fellow veteran journalist Maria Stuart. Moorehouse and Stuart previously worked as editors for a combined 45 years at the Daily Press and Argus.

The Marketeer is a free monthly magazine that is mailed to more than 42,000 in Livingston County. Its content is primarily advertising from local businesses plus articles and information about people and community events. The Marketeer has been published by George Moses Company since 1974.

Politics
Livingston County falls entirely within Michigan's 7th Congressional district and is currently represented by Democrat Elissa Slotkin, who defeated Republican Mike Bishop in the 2018 election when the county was in the state’s 8th congressional district.

Livingston County has reliably supported the Republican Party since its founding. Since 1884, the Republican nominee has carried the county in 29 of 35 elections, and all but one since 1936 (losing only in 1964).

County government
The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions – police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. – are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Elected officials

 * Prosecuting Attorney: David Reader
 * Sheriff: Michael Murphy
 * County Clerk: Elizabeth Hundley
 * County Treasurer: Jennifer Nash
 * Register of Deeds: Brandon Denby
 * Drain Commissioner: Brian Jonckheere

(information as of May 2019)

Major highways

 * – runs ESE and SE through central part of county, passing Fowlerville, Howell, Brighton.
 * – business loop through central Howell, parallel to and on the north side of I96. Length 7.6 mi.
 * – runs north–south through eastern part of county, passing Hartland, Brighton, Whitmore Lake.
 * - runs east and SE through lower part of county, passing Pinckney and Hamburg, to intersection with US23 north of Whitmore Lake.
 * – runs west from east county line to intersection with I96, 3.4 mi WNW of Howell.
 * – enters west line of county near SW corner. Runs east and NE to intersection with M36, 3 mi inside county border.
 * – runs south from Pinckney 2.3 mi to intersection with N. Territorial Road.

Cities

 * Brighton
 * Fenton (partial)
 * Howell (county seat)

Villages

 * Fowlerville
 * Pinckney

Charter townships

 * Brighton Charter Township
 * Genoa Charter Township
 * Green Oak Charter Township

Civil townships

 * Cohoctah Township
 * Conway Township
 * Deerfield Township
 * Hamburg Township
 * Handy Township
 * Hartland Township
 * Howell Township
 * Iosco Township
 * Marion Township
 * Oceola Township
 * Putnam Township
 * Tyrone Township
 * Unadilla Township

Census-designated places

 * Hartland
 * Whitmore Lake (partial)

Other unincorporated communities

 * Anderson
 * Bullis Crossing
 * Chalkerville
 * Chilson
 * Cohoctah
 * Cohoctah Center
 * Deer Creek
 * Deerfield Center
 * Fleming
 * Green Oak
 * Gregory
 * Hallers Corners
 * Hamburg
 * Hell
 * Island Lake
 * Kaiserville
 * Lakeland
 * Nicholson (partial)
 * Oak Grove
 * Parkers Corners
 * Parshallville
 * Plainfield
 * Pettysville
 * Rushton
 * Tyrone Center
 * Unadilla
 * Williamsville

title: Livingston County, Michigan