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Grant Township, Mason County, Michigan

Grant Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 925.

The township was named in 1867 for General Ulysses S. Grant, who soon afterward became the 18th president of the United States.

Geography
The township is in northwestern Mason County, bordered to the north by Manistee County and to the west by Lake Michigan. U.S. Route 31 runs north-south along the eastern border of the township. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 48.92 sqmi, of which 48.73 sqmi are land and 0.19 sqmi, or 0.39%, are water.

The township hall is located on Hoague Road near the intersection of LaSalle Road.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 850 people, 325 households, and 249 families residing in the township. The population density was 17.5 PD/sqmi. There were 499 housing units at an average density of 10.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.29% White, 0.24% African American, 1.41% Native American, 1.29% from other races, and 1.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.59% of the population.

There were 325 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.1% were non-families. 17.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $39,018, and the median income for a family was $45,000. Males had a median income of $36,389 versus $21,607 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,611. About 8.2% of families and 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.8% of those under age 18 and 9.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Grant Township, Mason County, Michigan


text:
Hamlin Township, Mason County, Michigan

Hamlin Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,711 at the 2020 census, up from 3,408 in 2010.

History
Hamlin Township was organized in 1860. It was named in honor of Hannibal Hamlin, 15th vice president of the United States.

Geography
The township is in western Mason County, sitting on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Hamlin Lake, a dammed lake on the Big Sable River, occupies a large portion of the township, and the Lincoln River forms the southern border of the township. Big Sable Point Light and Ludington State Park are located within the township along Lake Michigan. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.40 sqmi, of which 27.45 sqmi are land and 6.95 sqmi, or 20.21%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,192 people, 1,343 households, and 992 families residing in the township. The population density was 116.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,123 housing units at an average density of 77.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.43% White, 0.06% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.60% from other races, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.79% of the population.

There were 1,343 households, out of which 27.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.3% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.1% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.77.

In the township the population was spread out, with 21.7% under the age of 18, 4.9% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 31.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,594, and the median income for a family was $49,231. Males had a median income of $38,111 versus $24,750 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,658. About 5.0% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.3% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

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

title: Hamlin Township, Mason County, Michigan


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Logan Township, Mason County, Michigan

Logan Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 329 at the 2020 census.

Logan Township was named in honor of John A. Logan, a candidate in the 1884 United States presidential election.

Geography
The township is in the southeast corner of Mason County, bordered by Lake County to the east, Oceana County to the south, and Newaygo County at the township's southeast corner. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.14 sqmi, of which 36.06 sqmi are land and 0.08 sqmi, or 0.22%, are water. The Big South Branch of the Pere Marquette River flows across the township from southeast to northwest.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 329 people, 149 households, and 109 families residing in the township. The population density was 9.2 PD/sqmi. There were 388 housing units at an average density of 10.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.48% White, 0.61% Asian, 0.30% from other races, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.52% of the population.

There were 149 households, out of which 16.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.2% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.55.

In the township the population was spread out, with 16.4% under the age of 18, 3.3% from 18 to 24, 19.8% from 25 to 44, 39.2% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 53 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $30,341, and the median income for a family was $34,643. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,762. About 8.8% of families and 14.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.0% of those under age 18 and 21.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Logan Township, Mason County, Michigan


text:
Ludington, Michigan

Ludington is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat and the largest city in Mason County. The population was 7,655 at the 2020 census.

The city is located at the mouth of the Pere Marquette River at Lake Michigan. Nearby are Ludington State Park (which includes the Big Sable Point Light), Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness, and Manistee National Forest. Ludington is the home port of the SS Badger, a vehicle and passenger ferry with daily service in the summer across Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin.

History
In 1675, Father Jacques Marquette, French missionary and explorer, died and was laid to rest near the modern site of Ludington. A memorial and 40 ft iron cross were built in 1955 to mark the location.

In 1845, Burr Caswell moved to the area near the mouth of the Pere Marquette River as a location for trapping and fishing. In July 1847, when he brought his family to live there, they became the first permanent residents of European ancestry. Two years later they built a two-story wood-framed house on their farm. After the organization of Mason County in 1855, the first floor of this building was converted into the county's first courthouse. Restored in 1976 by the Mason County Historical Society, the structure stands today as a part of White Pine Village, a museum consisting of several restored and replica Mason County buildings (see external links).

The town was originally named Pere Marquette, then later named after the industrialist James Ludington, whose logging operations the village developed around. Ludington was incorporated as a city in 1873, the same year that the county seat was moved from the village of Lincoln to the city of Ludington. The area's population boom in the late 19th century was due to these sawmills and also the discovery of salt deposits.

By 1892, 162 million board feet (382,000 m3) of lumber and 52 million wood shingles had been produced by the Ludington sawmills. With all of this commerce occurring, Ludington became a major Great Lakes shipping port.

In 1875, the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad (F&PM) began cross-lake shipping operations with the sidewheel steamer SS John Sherman. It became apparent quite early that the John Sherman was not large enough to handle the volume of freight, and the F&PM Railroad contracted with the Goodrich Line of Steamers to handle the break bulk freight out of the Port of Ludington.

In 1897, the F&PM railroad constructed the first steel car ferry, the Pere Marquette. This was the beginning of the creation of a fleet of ferries to continue the rail cargo across Lake Michigan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin. The fleet was later expanded to carry cars and passengers across the lake. By the mid-1950s, Ludington had become the largest car ferry port in the world. Unfortunately, due to disuse and declining industry, the fleet eventually dwindled. Currently only one carferry, the SS Badger, makes regular trips across the lake from Ludington, one of only two lake-crossing car ferries on Lake Michigan.

During the late 1910s and early 1920s, Ludington was the home of the Ludington Mariners minor league baseball team.

Geography
Ludington is in western Mason County, on the east shore of Lake Michigan and north shore of its inlet, Pere Marquette Lake. It is 58 mi north of Muskegon, 25 mi south of Manistee, Michigan, and 50 mi west of Reed City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Ludington has a total area of 3.61 sqmi, of which 3.36 sqmi are land and 0.25 sqmi, or 6.80%, are water.

The Ludington North Breakwall Light is at the end of the north pierhead on Lake Michigan. Ludington is part of Northern Michigan.

Climate
Ludington has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dfb) bordering on the hot-summer subtype Dfa seen further south in Michigan. Winters are cold and snowy, and summers too are moderated by Lake Michigan, with the record high being below 100 F.

Transportation
All four highways in Mason County go through, or near Ludington.
 * enters the city from the east, connecting with Reed City, Clare, Midland and Bay City. It continues across Lake Michigan into Wisconsin via the SS Badger, providing carferry service to Manitowoc.
 * is a freeway to the south of a junction with US 10 east of Ludington. US 31 and US 10 run concurrently for about 5 mi east of Ludington before US 31 turns northerly again at Scottville.
 * is a section of the former US 31 along Pere Marquette Highway east of the city.
 * is a spur route providing access to Ludington State Park, to the north of the city, from US 10 downtown.
 * both run through Ludington; USBR 20 ends at the SS Badger.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 8,076 people, 3,549 households, and 2,004 families residing in the city. The population density was 2396.4 PD/sqmi. There were 4,432 housing units at an average density of 1315.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.2% White, 1.1% African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 2.0% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.3% of the population.

There were 3,549 households, of which 26.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.8% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 43.5% were non-families. 37.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.7% 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 2.87.

The median age in the city was 43 years. 21.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 21.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.7% were from 45 to 64; and 21.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.8% male and 54.2% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 8,357 people, 3,690 households, and 2,166 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,482.2 PD/sqmi. There were 4,227 housing units at an average density of 1,255.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.0% White, 1.0% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 1.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2% of the population.

There were 3,690 households, out of which 28.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.2% were married couples living together, 13.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.3% were non-families. 36.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.21 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 84.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,089, and the median income for a family was $36,333. Males had a median income of $31,970 versus $22,809 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,215. About 12.9% of families and 16.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.7% of those under age 18 and 8.0% of those age 65 or over.

Industry
Just south of Ludington is the Ludington Pumped Storage Power Plant, which generates pumped storage hydroelectricity. In town, there are Whitehall Industries, a division of the UACJ group (aluminum extrusion and aluminum fabrication), Occidental Petroleum Corporation (manufacturer of calcium chloride products), Great Lakes Castings Corporation, Amptech, Inc., and Carrom Company. The Fitch Four Drive Tractor Company was founded in Ludington. FloraCraft, Great Lakes Castings, and Brill are also three big factories there. Whitehall Industries has three manufacturing facilities in Ludington.

Media
Ludington is home to four radio stations and one newspaper. The original radio station was WKLA, which continues today with a talk radio format at 1450 AM. In the 1970s, WKLA-FM (Adult Contemporary) and WKZC-FM (Country, licensed to nearby Scottville) were added. In 1999, WMOM-FM (Top 40, licensed to Pentwater) signed on the air. The Ludington Daily News has been serving the Ludington area from its location on N. Rath Avenue since the 1880s. The Daily News website records over 4,000 visitors each day.

Education
Students in Ludington attend Ludington Area Schools. Students attend Ludington Elementary School (grades PreK-5), O.J. DeJonge Middle School (grades 6-8), and Ludington High School (grades 9-12). Ludington's teams are known as the "Orioles".

Notable people

 * Merrie Amsterburg – musician
 * Antoine Ephrem Cartier – early settler and developer of Ludington
 * Warren Antoine Cartier – early settler and developer of Ludington
 * Burr Caswell – early settler and developer of Ludington area and Mason County
 * Charles F. Conrad – founder of the Lake Michigan Carferry Service
 * Mike Hankwitz – college football coach
 * Henry L. Haskell – inventor of Haskelite and the carroms game
 * Ike Kelley – National Football League player
 * Père Jacques Marquette – 17th century French missionary who on his way to St. Ignace was brought ashore near the present site of Ludington, where he later died. A shrine in Ludington, in the form of a cross, marks the place where Father Marquette died.
 * William L. Mercereau – superintendent of steamships for the Pere Marquette Railway
 * William Rath, lumber baron and mayor

Notable events

 * The Port of Ludington Maritime Museum was opened June 10, 2017. It is housed in the former U.S. Coast Guard station, now on the National Register of Historic Places.

Guinness world records

 * Guinness world record of ice cream dessert over a half mile long on June 11, 2016 - see House of Flavors record
 * Guinness world record of 1,387 sand angels at Stearns Park Beach on June 10, 2017.

Landmarks

 * Warren A. and Catherine Cartier House, NRHP designated mansion

title: Ludington, Michigan


text:
Meade Township, Mason County, Michigan

Meade Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 179 at the 2020 census.

History
Meade Township was established in 1910. It was named for George Meade, a Union Army general.

Geography
Meade Township is in the northeast corner of Mason County, bordered to the north by Manistee County and to the east by Lake County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 37.50 sqmi, of which 37.41 sqmi are land and 0.09 sqmi, or 0.23%, are water. The Big Sable River flows northwesterly across the southwest part of the township, and the Little Manistee River crosses the northeast corner of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 287 people, 70 households, and 52 families residing in the township. The population density was 7.6 PD/sqmi. There were 228 housing units at an average density of 6.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 71.08% White, 22.30% African American, 2.09% Native American, 1.05% Asian, 0.35% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 2.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.44% of the population.

There were 70 households, out of which 17.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.7% were married couples living together, 4.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.7% were non-families. 20.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.54.

In the township the population was spread out, with 8.0% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 45.3% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 298.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 319.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $50,536, and the median income for a family was $54,250. Males had a median income of $26,000 versus $26,875 for females. The per capita income for the township was $14,334. About 2.1% of families and 8.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under the age of eighteen and 20.0% of those 65 or over.

title: Meade Township, Mason County, Michigan


text:
Pere Marquette Charter Township, Michigan

Pere Marquette Charter Township is a charter township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,416 at the 2020 census.

The township was named for French explorer Père Jacques Marquette. The township surrounds the city of Ludington on Lake Michigan, but the city and the township are administered autonomously.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 15.85 sqmi, of which 14.09 sqmi are land and 1.75 sqmi, or 11.06%, are water. Pere Marquette Lake, an inlet of Lake Michigan that is fed by the Pere Marquette River, is in the center of the township. The city of Ludington borders the northeast part of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,228 people, 858 households, and 665 families residing in the township. The population density was 158.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,403 housing units at an average density of 99.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.81% White, 0.13% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.81% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.18% from other races, and 1.66% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.24% of the population.

There were 858 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.7% under the age of 18, 5.8% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 28.7% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $44,432, and the median income for a family was $51,078. Males had a median income of $43,125 versus $23,594 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,160. About 2.7% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.0% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Riverton Township, Michigan

Riverton Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,232 at the 2020 census.

History
Riverton Township was organized in 1868. The township was named from the fact that the Pere Marquette River forms its northern border.

Geography
The township is in southwestern Mason County. It is bordered to the south by Oceana County and to the north by the Pere Marquette River. The city of Scottville borders the township to the northeast, and the city of Ludington, the county seat, is 8 mi to the northwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.67 sqmi, of which 35.22 sqmi are land and 0.45 sqmi, or 1.26%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,335 people, 442 households, and 353 families residing in the township. The population density was 37.9 PD/sqmi. There were 550 housing units at an average density of 15.6 per square mile (6.0/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 96.55% White, 0.07% African American, 0.60% Native American, 0.07% Asian, 2.25% from other races, and 0.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.22% of the population.

There were 442 households, out of which 38.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.5% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.1% were non-families. 15.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.01 and the average family size was 3.36.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.1% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $38,482, and the median income for a family was $41,528. Males had a median income of $32,188 versus $24,306 for females. The per capita income for the township was $14,566. About 10.6% of families and 16.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 24.1% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Riverton Township, Michigan


text:
Scottville, Michigan

Scottville is a city in Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,356 at the 2020 census.

History
The area was first mapped in 1874 as a stop along the Pere Marquette Railway. It was originally called "Mason Center", as it was in the center of the county. It was later renamed "Sweetland", after James Sweetland, who built a sawmill there in 1878. Hiram Scott platted the land in 1882, and won the right to rename the settlement "Scottville" after winning a coin toss. Scottville was incorporated as a village in 1889 and as a city in 1907.

On July 23, 2007, Governor Jennifer Granholm announced Scottville as the community chosen by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to take part in the Cool Cities Michigan Main Street program. Scottville was to receive five years of intensive technical assistance through MSHDA, to help create opportunities for new development, economic growth and jobs. A similar award, the Blueprints for Downtowns award, were announced to be received by the communities of Caro, Clio and Ypsilanti.

Geography
Scottville is in central Mason County, 8 mi east of the city of Ludington and Lake Michigan, 3 mi west of the village of Custer, and 8 mi southwest of the village of Fountain (11 mi by road).

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.49 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,214 people, 483 households, and 309 families living in the city. The population density was 814.8 PD/sqmi. There were 578 housing units at an average density of 387.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.9% White, 0.9% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.5% Asian, 2.0% from other races, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.3% of the population.

There were 483 households, of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 19.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.0% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.09.

The median age in the city was 35.1 years. 28.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25% were from 25 to 44; 24.3% were from 45 to 64; and 13.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,266 people, 525 households, and 345 families living in the city. The population density was 866.5 PD/sqmi. There were 574 housing units at an average density of 392.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.47% White, 0.63% African American, 0.87% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 1.26% from other races, and 2.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.82% of the population.

There were 525 households, out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 17.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,750, and the median income for a family was $36,875. Males had a median income of $26,583 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,703. About 15.5% of families and 18.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.8% of those under age 18 and 1.9% of those age 65 or over.

Education
West Shore Community College, a two-year college established in 1967, is located just northwest of Scottville.

With regard to K-12 education, it is in the Mason County Central Schools school district.

Notable people

 * Maynard James Keenan, musician

title: Scottville, Michigan


text:
Sheridan Township, Mason County, Michigan

Sheridan Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,044.

History
Sheridan Township was established in 1889. It was named for Philip Sheridan, a Union Army general.

Geography
The township is in eastern Mason County, bordered to the east by Lake County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.93 sqmi, of which 34.27 sqmi are land and 1.66 sqmi, or 4.62%, are water. Round Lake is the largest of a cluster of more than seven lakes which cross the western side of the township. Tallman Lake is on the southern border of the township, crossing into Branch Township to the south.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 969 people, 409 households, and 280 families residing in the township. The population density was 28.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,013 housing units at an average density of 29.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.11% White, 0.21% African American, 0.52% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.52% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.44% of the population.

There were 409 households, out of which 20.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 25.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.33 and the average family size was 2.80.

In the township the population was spread out, with 19.9% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 31.5% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $30,357, and the median income for a family was $35,000. Males had a median income of $34,167 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,679. About 10.2% of families and 15.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 8.2% of those age 65 or over.


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Sherman Township, Mason County, Michigan

Sherman Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,127 at the 2020 census.

History
The township was organized in 1867. It was named for William Tecumseh Sherman, a Union Army general.

Geography
Sherman Township is in central Mason County. The village of Fountain is in the northeast part of the township. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.29 sqmi, of which 36.23 sqmi are land and 0.06 sqmi, or 0.15%, are water. The township is drained by the north and south branches of the Lincoln River, a west-flowing tributary of Lake Michigan.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,090 people, 414 households, and 313 families residing in the township. The population density was 30.1 PD/sqmi. There were 509 housing units at an average density of 14.1 per square mile (5.4/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 95.32% White, 0.64% African American, 0.92% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 2.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

There were 414 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.3% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.2% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $34,083, and the median income for a family was $37,368. Males had a median income of $31,324 versus $21,548 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,251. About 4.1% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.5% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.


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Summit Township, Mason County, Michigan

Summit Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 995 at the 2020 census.

History
The township was organized in 1860. Some say Summit Township was named from its lofty elevation, while others believe it was named from the optimistic spirit of its organizers.

Geography
Summit Township is in southwestern Mason County, bordered to the south by Oceana County and to the west by Lake Michigan. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 14.29 sqmi, of which 12.80 sqmi are land and 1.49 sqmi, or 10.43%, are water. Bass Lake is in the southern part of the township, and half of a large storage reservoir for the Ludington Pumped Storage Hydroelectric Plant is in the north.

U.S. Route 31, a four-lane freeway, crosses the township from north to south, leading north to just east of Ludington, the Mason county seat, and south to Muskegon.

Communities

 * Fairview is an unincorporated community in the township. It had a post office from 1860 until 1876.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,021 people, 398 households, and 308 families residing in the township. The population density was 79.4 PD/sqmi. There were 790 housing units at an average density of 61.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.36% White, 0.10% African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.10% Pacific Islander, 0.88% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.35% of the population.

There were 398 households, out of which 29.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.6% were married couples living together, 5.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 18.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% 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 2.91.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.7% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 21.6% from 25 to 44, 29.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $44,432, and the median income for a family was $50,000. Males had a median income of $35,875 versus $23,625 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,335. About 1.0% of families and 3.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.8% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Summit Township, Mason County, Michigan


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Victory Township, Michigan

Victory Township is a civil township of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,406 at the 2020 census.

History
The township was organized in 1868. It was perhaps named in commemoration of Union victory in the Civil War.

Communities

 * Chapple Corners was an unincorporated community on the Big Sable River. It was founded in 1864 and had a post office from 1874 until 1881.

Geography
The township is in northwestern Mason County. U.S. Route 31 runs north to south along the township's eastern border. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.50 sqmi, of which 35.93 sqmi are land and 0.57 sqmi, or 1.56%, are water. The Lincoln River, with its north and south branches, drains the central and southern part of the township, while the northern part drains to the Big Sable River, which crosses the northwest corner of the township as part of Hamlin Lake. Both rivers drain west to Lake Michigan.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 1,444 people, 497 households and 376 families residing in the township. The population density was 40.2 /sqmi. There were 572 housing units at an average density of 15.9 /sqmi. The racial make-up was 95.91% White, 0.55% African American, 0.83% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.97% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.87% of the population.

There were 497 households, of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.6% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.3% were non-families. 20.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.12.

25.6% of the population were under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64 and 15.7% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median household income was $41,667 and the median family income was $44,402. Males had a median income of $32,391 and females $21,591. The per capita income was $17,140. About 7.0% of families and 7.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.5% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Victory Township, Michigan


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Barryton, Michigan

Barryton is a village in Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 405 at the 2020 census, up from 355 in 2010. The village is located in Fork Township on M-66.

History
The village of Barryton was established in 1894.

In 2020, a petition was started to dissolve the village. The petition gained enough signatures to be placed on the ballot for the 2020 election. The measure was subsequently defeated. If it had succeeded, it would have been the first village to ever voluntarily disincorporate in the state of Michigan.

Geography
Barryton is in northeastern Mecosta County, in the southern part of Fork Township. It is 21 mi by road east of Big Rapids, the county seat, and 30 mi northwest of Mount Pleasant. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.03 sqmi, of which 0.96 sqmi are land and 0.08 sqmi, or 7.54%, are water. The West Branch and the North Branch of the Chippewa River join in Barryton to form the main stem of the Chippewa, part of the Saginaw River watershed.

Major highway

 * runs north-south through the village of Barryton.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 355 people, 154 households, and 89 families residing in the village. The population density was 369.8 PD/sqmi. There were 195 housing units at an average density of 203.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.0% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.3% Asian, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.6% of the population.

There were 154 households, of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 42.2% were non-families. 39.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 20.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.31 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the village was 41.2 years. 22% of residents were under the age of 18; 13.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.7% were from 25 to 44; 21.1% were from 45 to 64; and 23.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.7% male and 51.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 381 people, 159 households, and 104 families residing in the village. The population density was 402.6 PD/sqmi. There were 188 housing units at an average density of 198.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.28% White, 1.84% African American, 0.79% Native American, and 2.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.57% of the population.

There were 159 households, out of which 31.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.0% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.39 and the average family size was 2.90.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.6% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 19.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $23,333, and the median income for a family was $28,750. Males had a median income of $28,125 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,166. About 15.1% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.8% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

Culture
Barryton is home to the Barryton Lilac Festival. The annual festival is held the first full weekend of June and includes a car show, carnival rides, 5k race, flea market, and parade.

Education
Barryton has one elementary school, Barryton Elementary. The original school was built in 1935 (with a new one completed in 2020 ) and has about 260 students from preschool to fourth grade. The school is part of Chippewa Hills School District.

title: Barryton, Michigan


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Big Rapids, Michigan

Big Rapids is a city and the seat of government of Mecosta County, Michigan. The population was 7,727 at the 2020 census, down from 10,601 in 2010. The city is surrounded by Big Rapids Charter Township but they are completely separate jurisdictions. Big Rapids is home of the main campus of Ferris State University, a four-year public university.

History
Big Rapids was settled in 1855 by brothers George and Zera French. As the village of Leonard, at the intersection of Elm and Stewart streets, it became the seat of Mecosta County on February 11, 1859, but local lumbermen knew the site as Big Rapids. On September 29, 1859, the Leonard post office was renamed Big Rapids. Big Rapids was platted on November 3, 1859, surrounding the courthouse site of Leonard. The unincorporated community of Big Rapids was first cited on June 10, 1861, rather than Leonard, when the Mecosta County board of supervisors mentioned their seat of government, and in 1865 was consistently cited throughout the year. Big Rapids was incorporated as a city in 1869.

Geography
Big Rapids is in northwestern Mecosta County in central Michigan. It is 56 mi north of Grand Rapids and 42 mi south of Cadillac, both via U.S. Route 131. The city sits along the Muskegon River, which passes Ferris State University and the local middle school on its way southwest to Lake Michigan. As with most of the area, Big Rapids lies on an ancient sea bed and has a sandy subsoil which lies above an iron ore base.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.56 sqmi, of which 4.45 sqmi are land and 0.12 sqmi, or 2.56%, are water.

Government
The city levies an income tax of 1 percent on residents and 0.5 percent on nonresidents.

Bus

 * Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service between Grand Rapids and Petoskey, Michigan. The southbound bus stops in Big Rapids at 2:35 pm, and the northbound bus stops in Big Rapids at 6:03 pm. Since August 1, 2014, buses stop in the Save-A-Lot parking lot across the street from the Racquet & Fitness Center.
 * Public dial-a-ride bus service is provided by the Big Rapids Dial-A-Ride.

Airports

 * Roben-Hood Airport is located 2 mi north of the Big Rapids business district and provides services to businesses and general aviation throughout the Midwest.
 * Gerald R. Ford International Airport is the nearest international airport, located roughly one hour south of Big Rapids near Grand Rapids.

Cycling and hiking
The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, a 92 mi multi-use trail from Grand Rapids to Cadillac, passes through Big Rapids.

Population decline
Big Rapids' population peaked in the 1980s. Since the 1980s, Big Rapids has lost over 46% of its population. There are a number of reasons for the decline, one being the decline in enrollment at Ferris State University. Quality of life concerns have also played a role. Mecosta County (like most rural areas) struggles with poor education, lack of high-paying jobs, and high rates of substance abuse.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 7,727 people, 3,085 households, and 1,044 families living in the city. The population density was 1738.4 PD/sqmi. There were 3,590 housing units at an average density of 806.7 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 83% White, 5.8% African American, 0.5% Native American, 2.1% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 7.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 5.1% of the population.

There were 3,085 households, of which 22.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 21.5% were married couples living together, 10% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.4% had a male householder with no wife present, and 66.2% were non-families. 42.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.09 and the average family size was 2.91.

The median age of the city was 22 years. 12.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 51.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 17.6% were from 25 to 44; 10.7% were from 45 to 64; and 7.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 53.7% male and 46.3% female.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 10,601 people, 3,330 households, and 1,323 families living in the city. The population density was 2431.4 PD/sqmi. There were 3,623 housing units at an average density of 831.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 88.0% White, 6.8% African American, 0.7% Native American, 1.5% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 2.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 3,330 households, of which 22.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 22.9% were married couples living together, 12.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 60.3% were non-families. 36.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.88.

The median age in the city was 21.8 years. 12.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 54% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 15.9% were from 25 to 44; 11.2% were from 45 to 64; and 6.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.

Climate
This climatic region has large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Big Rapids has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Notable people

 * Matt Borland, NASCAR crew chief
 * Justin Currie, NFL player; raised in Big Rapids
 * May Erlewine, musician
 * Ben Hebard Fuller, major general and Commandant of the Marine Corps; born in Big Rapids
 * Clint Hurdle, outfielder with four MLB teams; manager of the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates; born in Big Rapids
 * James Hynes, novelist; grew up in Big Rapids
 * Tom Shanahan, a sportswriter and author; grew up in Big Rapids
 * Anna Howard Shaw, a leader of the women's suffrage movement in the nineteenth century; lived in Big Rapids as a young woman
 * Daisy Tapley, African American classical singer; born in Big Rapids

Education

 * Big Rapids Public Schools
 * Crossroads Charter Academy
 * Ferris State University
 * St. Peter's Lutheran Church and School
 * St. Mary's Catholic School

title: Big Rapids, Michigan


text:
Big Rapids Township, Michigan

Big Rapids Township is a charter township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 3,917.

The city of Big Rapids is surrounded by the charter township but, like all cities in Michigan, is a completely separate jurisdiction from any townships adjacent to it. But whereas cities, as municipal corporations, can cross county lines, civil and charter townships, as administrative divisions of a county, cannot.

History
In February 1858, the Newaygo County Supervisors approved the organization of Green and Leonard townships in the unorganized "paper" county of Mecosta. The Mecosta county government was organized on February 11, 1859, with the village of Leonard as its seat. The Leonard post office changed its name to Big Rapids on September 29, 1859. Thus the June 1, 1860, U.S. Federal Census lists inhabitants of Leonard Township, with their post office as "Big Rapids".

In 1865, by act of the Michigan Legislature, the name of Leonard Township was changed to Big Rapids Township.

Geography
The township is in western Mecosta County and is bordered to the west by Newaygo County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 30.9 sqmi, of which 30.5 sqmi are land and 0.4 sqmi, or 1.40%, are water. The Muskegon River, a tributary of Lake Michigan, flows southward through the eastern part of the township.

U.S. Route 131, a four-lane freeway, crosses the township, leading north 41 mi to Cadillac and south 54 mi to Grand Rapids.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,249 people, 1,200 households, and 813 families residing in the township. The population density was 105.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,287 housing units at an average density of 42.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 94.06% White, 2.06% African American, 0.40% Native American, 1.91% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race were 1.02% of the population.

There were 1,200 households, out of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.7% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the township, 23.0% of the population was under the age of 18, 15.3% was from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 23.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $47,933, and the median income for a family was $60,583. Males had a median income of $38,510 versus $30,893 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,761. About 6.0% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.2% of those under age 18 and 8.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Big Rapids Township, Michigan


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Canadian Lakes, Michigan

Canadian Lakes is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The area is mostly within the southwest portion of Morton Township, southwest of Mecosta and east of Stanwood. As of the 2020 census, the CDP population was 3,202, up from 2,756 in 2010. The area defined by the CDP includes small portions in eastern Austin Township.

Geography
Most of the area is served by the Stanwood ZIP code 49346, although "Canadian Lakes, Michigan", is an acceptable name for mail delivery by the post office. The village of Stanwood is 7 mi west of the community. Small portions of the CDP are served by other postal delivery areas. A small portion in the southern area of the CDP along the Little Muskegon River is served by the Lakeview ZIP code, 48850, and a small area in the eastern part of the CDP is served by the Mecosta ZIP code, 49332. Lakeview is 9 mi to the south, and Mecosta is 5 mi to the northeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 11.6 sqmi, of which 10.3 sqmi are land and 1.3 sqmi, or 10.82%, are water. The community is named for a collection of lakes in the valley of the Little Muskegon River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,922 people, 923 households, and 726 families residing in the community. The population density was 202.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,624 housing units at an average density of 171.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the community was 97.81% White, 0.52% African American, 0.21% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 1.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.73% of the population.

There were 923 households, out of which 10.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.2% were married couples living together, 2.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 18.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.32.

In the community, the population was spread out, with 10.1% under the age of 18, 2.8% from 18 to 24, 13.0% from 25 to 44, 36.4% from 45 to 64, and 37.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 61 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.0 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $51,595, and the median income for a family was $56,595. Males had a median income of $45,000 versus $31,842 for females. The per capita income for the community was $30,770. About 3.1% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.5% of those under age 18 and 1.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Canadian Lakes, Michigan


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Chippewa Township, Mecosta County, Michigan

Chippewa Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,227.

Communities

 * Chippewa Lake is a small community in the southwest part of the township, on the south shore of Chippewa Lake. A post box only post office is located there with the ZIP code 49320. The community has had a post office since 1870.

Geography
The township is in northern Mecosta County, bordered to the north by Osceola County. It is 12 mi northeast of Big Rapids, the county seat, and 8 mi west of Barryton.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.4 sqmi, of which 33.0 sqmi are land and 2.4 sqmi, or 6.83%, are water. Chippewa Lake is in the southwest part of the township. The lake and the majority of the township are in the watershed of the West Branch of the Chippewa River, an east-flowing tributary of the Tittabawassee River and part of the Saginaw River watershed leading to Lake Huron. The northern part of the township drains to the Muskegon River, which flows southwest to Lake Michigan.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,239 people, 518 households, and 356 families residing in the township. The population density was 37.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,139 housing units at an average density of 34.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.34% White, 0.16% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 1.53% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.32% of the population.

There were 518 households, out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.2% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.1% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 2.81.

In the township the population was spread out, with 20.7% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 23.6% from 25 to 44, 28.2% from 45 to 64, and 19.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $33,859, and the median income for a family was $36,563. Males had a median income of $32,778 versus $20,375 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,336. About 8.1% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.0% of those under age 18 and 10.1% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Colfax Township, Mecosta County, Michigan

Colfax Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,962 at the 2020 census.

History
Colfax Township was organized in 1869.

Communities

 * Byers began around a shingle mill in 1870. It was also a depot on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. It had a post office from 1877 until 1902.
 * Rodney is an unincorporated community in the southeast part of the township at 43.67361°N, -85.32833°W. The Rodney ZIP code, 49342, serves areas in the eastern and north central parts of the township. The Rodney ZIP code also serves the most of the western part of Martiny Township as well as small areas of northeast Austin Township and northwest Morton Township to the south and the southeast corner of Grant Township and the southwest part of Chippewa Township to the north. The town is the home to the characters of Jef Mallett's Frazz, a comic strip about a school janitor named Edwin "Frazz" Frazier, a Renaissance man and ultra-triathlete. His bored genius sidekick Caulfield, girlfriend Jane Plainwell, friend James Burke, boss Mr. Spaetzle, discordant teacher Mrs. Olsen, and athletic adversary Coach Hacker all reside in Rodney, and are (except for Caulfield, who is a student) staff at the fictional Bryson Elementary School.

Geography
Colfax Township is in central Mecosta County, with Big Rapids, the county seat, 2 mi west of the township's western border. State highway M-20 passes through the center of the township, connecting Big Rapids to the west with Rodney on the eastern edge of the township, then continuing southeast to the village of Mecosta.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.8 sqmi, of which 35.1 sqmi are land and 0.7 sqmi, or 2.06%, are water. The majority of the township drains west to the Muskegon River, which crosses the township's southwest corner. The southeast corner of the township drains to the West Branch of the Little Muskegon River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,975 people, 734 households, and 566 families residing in the township. The population density was 56.2 PD/sqmi. There were 806 housing units at an average density of 22.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.76% White, 0.46% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, and 1.82% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.41% of the population.

There were 734 households, out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.8% were non-families. 17.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 7.8% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 27.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,071, and the median income for a family was $50,917. Males had a median income of $36,250 versus $23,938 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,418. About 5.9% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 4.5% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Fork Township, Michigan

Fork Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,627 at the 2020 census.

History
Fork Township was organized in 1867.

Communities

 * Deciple was an unincorporated place focused around a shingle mill. It had a post office from 1884 until 1894.

Geography
Fork Township occupies the northeast corner of Mecosta County, with Osceola County bordering the township to the north, Isabella County bordering it to the east, and Clare County touching the township's northeast corner. The village of Barryton is in the southern part of the township. State highway M-66 crosses the township from south to north. According to the United States Census Bureau, Fork Township has a total area of 35.2 sqmi, of which 34.8 sqmi are land and 0.4 sqmi, or 1.20%, are water. The township is drained by the North Branch and West Branch of the Chippewa River, which is formed by their confluence in Barryton.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,678 people, 669 households, and 487 families residing in the township. The population density was 48.0 PD/sqmi. There were 950 housing units at an average density of 27.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.62% White, 0.77% African American, 0.48% Native American, and 1.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.37% of the population.

There were 669 households, out of which 29.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.9% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 23.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 2.91.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 24.3% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 17.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $28,750, and the median income for a family was $31,486. Males had a median income of $27,105 versus $21,397 for females. The per capita income for the township was $14,124. About 11.9% of families and 14.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.4% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Fork Township, Michigan


text:
Grant Township, Mecosta County, Michigan

Grant Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 702.

Geography
The township is in northern Mecosta County and is bordered to the north by Osceola County. The Muskegon River forms the northwest border of the township. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.0 sqmi, of which 32.6 sqmi are land and 1.4 sqmi, or 4.05%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 680 people, 274 households, and 198 families residing in the township. The population density was 20.9 PD/sqmi. There were 338 housing units at an average density of 10.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.21% White, 0.59% African American, 0.59% Native American, 0.29% from other races, and 1.32% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.29% of the population.

There were 274 households, out of which 27.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.0% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 21.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 29.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $36,071, and the median income for a family was $39,167. Males had a median income of $30,972 versus $22,000 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,886. About 5.0% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.2% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Green Charter Township, Michigan

Green Charter Township is a charter township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 3,219. The township was organized in 1858, before Mecosta County was detached from Newaygo County.

Communities
Paris is an unincorporated community and the largest settlement within the township. It is located at 43.77333°N, -85.5025°W on the Muskegon River about 5 mi north of Big Rapids.

Geography
Green Township is in the northwest corner of Mecosta County, bordered to the north by Osceola County, to the west by Newaygo County, and at its northwest corner by Lake County. U.S. Route 131 crosses the west side of the township, leading south to Big Rapids and Grand Rapids, and north to Reed City and Cadillac.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 37.6 sqmi, of which 37.0 sqmi are land and 0.6 sqmi, or 1.58%, are water. The Muskegon River, a tributary of Lake Michigan, flows southward through the eastern part of the township. The river forms the township's northeast border with Grant Township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,209 people, 1,247 households, and 864 families residing in the township. The population density was 86.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,414 housing units at an average density of 38.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.20% White, 0.87% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.03% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.03% of the population.

There were 1,247 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.0% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.7% were non-families. 23.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.57 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.7% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $39,036, and the median income for a family was $43,884. Males had a median income of $36,970 versus $25,036 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,212. About 11.1% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.0% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

Factory controversy
In 2023, plans to build a battery factory by China-based manufacturer Gotion have been met with resistance with some local residents because of Gotion's connection to the Chinese government. This controversy resulted in the entire town board being recalled. On November 7, 2023 and following two earlier resignations, the remaining five members of the Green Charter Township board were recalled. Before the recall, the board had unanimously approved a property tax abatement initiative to attract the Gotion plant to Mecosta County.

Construction for the plant began in February of 2024. In March of 2024, Gotion filed a federal lawsuit against the township for breach of contract regarding the connection of the plan to the township's water system.

title: Green Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Hinton Township, Michigan

Hinton Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,054.

History
John Hinton was the first white settler here in 1855. The township was named for him when it was organized in 1860. A post office named Hinton operated from July 1862 until October 1863.

Communities
There are no incorporated municipalities in the township. There are some unincorporated communities or named locales in the northern portion of the township along 5 Mile Road:

 * Altona is in the northwest part of the township, located where 5 Mile Road crosses the Little Muskegon River at 43.53972°N, -85.31361°W In 1868, William Seaton and Bartley Davis built a sawmill and Harrison J. Brown a flour mill on the Little Muskegon where the village of Altona was later platted, but never incorporated. A post office operated from February 1872 until November 1937.
 * Halls Corner is in the northeast part of the township, located by the junction of 70th Avenue and 5 Mile Road approximately 4.5 mi east of Altona and 5 mi south of Mecosta at 43.53972°N, -85.22472°W.
 * Sylvester is in the north central part of the township by the junction of 85th Avenue and 5 Mile Road, approximately 3 mi east of Altona and 1.5 mi west of Halls Corner at 43.53972°N, -85.25444°W David Fowler opened the first store in Hinton Township here in 1868. A post office operated from September 1872 until July 1904 and was named for Sylvester Dresser, a pioneer lumberman in the area. A series of grocers set up shop over the first century of the town's existence, until the last one, William Yurisko, saw his establishment burn to the ground on New Year's Eve, 1957. The Grand Rapids Herald ran a photo of the burning store next to an article titled, "Last Store Burns: Mecosta County Town of Sylvester Becomes History". As it turns out, William Yurisko was not the last grocer in Sylvester. The town's few businesses include a popular general store known as King's Trading Post, which was featured in the September 8, 1996, edition of The Grand Rapids Press for its thriving ice cream cone trade.
 * The Canadian Lakes area is immediately north of the northwest part of the township.

Geography
Hinton Township is in southern Mecosta County, bordered to the south by Montcalm County. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.8 sqmi, of which 35.7 sqmi are land and 0.04 sqmi, or 0.20%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,035 people, 372 households, and 287 families residing in the township. The population density was 29.0 PD/sqmi. There were 424 housing units at an average density of 11.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.71% White, 0.10% African American, 0.58% Native American, 0.10% Asian, 0.77% from other races, and 1.74% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.74% of the population.

There were 372 households, out of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.5% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.6% under the age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,976, and the median income for a family was $45,893. Males had a median income of $31,912 versus $19,911 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,964. About 5.2% of families and 9.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.5% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Hinton Township, Michigan


text:
Martiny Township, Michigan

Martiny Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,594 at the 2020 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.4 sqmi, of which 32.0 sqmi are land and 3.5 sqmi, or 9.75%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,606 people, 699 households, and 492 families residing in the township. The population density was 49.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,417 housing units at an average density of 44.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.70% White, 0.19% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.12% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.62% of the population.

There were 699 households, out of which 21.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.4% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.5% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.70.

In the township the population was spread out, with 19.9% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 22.5% from 25 to 44, 30.0% from 45 to 64, and 21.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $31,681, and the median income for a family was $35,602. Males had a median income of $28,816 versus $25,455 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,825. About 5.6% of families and 7.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.0% of those under age 18 and 7.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Martiny Township, Michigan


text:
Mecosta, Michigan

Mecosta is a village in Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 386 at the 2020 census, down from 457 in 2010. The village is within Morton Township. Mecosta Township, which is also in Mecosta County, is located several miles to the west.

Geography
The village is in central Mecosta County, in the northeast part of Morton Township. State highway M-20 passes through the village, leading northwest 17 mi to Big Rapids, the county seat, and east 24 mi to Mount Pleasant.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.12 sqmi, all of it recorded as land. The East Branch of the Little Muskegon River flows southwest through the center of the village, part of the Muskegon River watershed leading to Lake Michigan.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 457 people, 166 households, and 122 families living in the village. The population density was 408.0 PD/sqmi. There were 203 housing units at an average density of 181.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 88.6% White, 2.0% African American, 0.9% Native American, 0.4% Pacific Islander, 1.3% from other races, and 6.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1% of the population.

There were 166 households, of which 40.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.8% were married couples living together, 22.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 26.5% were non-families. 19.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.75 and the average family size was 3.16.

The median age in the village was 33.6 years. 30.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.1% were from 25 to 44; 23.9% were from 45 to 64; and 11.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 51.0% male and 49.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 440 people, 167 households, and 112 families living in the village. The population density was 384.7 PD/sqmi. There were 200 housing units at an average density of 174.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 88.18% White, 2.27% African American, 0.45% Native American, 1.36% from other races, and 7.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.73% of the population.

There were 167 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 19.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.9% were non-families. 28.1% 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 2.63 and the average family size was 3.13.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.6% under the age of 18, 10.5% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 111.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,857, and the median income for a family was $30,208. Males had a median income of $28,125 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the village was $14,620. About 17.3% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.0% of those under age 18 and 12.1% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people
Mecosta was home to American political theorist, historian, social critic, literary critic, and fiction author Russell Kirk. Kirk resided at Piety Hill, currently the location of the Russell Kirk Center for Cultural Renewal.

title: Mecosta, Michigan


text:
Mecosta Township, Michigan

Mecosta Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in Michigan. The population was 2,744 as of the 2020 census. The village of Mecosta, which is also in Mecosta County, is in Morton Township, several miles to the east.

Geography
Mecosta Township is in western Mecosta County and is bordered to the west by Newaygo County. The village of Stanwood is in the southeast part of the township, bordered to the east by Austin Township. Big Rapids, the Mecosta county seat, is 4 mi north of Mecosta Township's northern border.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.9 sqmi, of which 34.0 sqmi are land and 1.9 sqmi, or 5.33%, are water. The Muskegon River flows across the township from northeast to southwest, widening to form Rogers Dam Pond in the northeast and the upstream end of Hardy Dam Pond in the southwest.

U.S. Route 131 crosses the center of the township, leading north to Big Rapids and south to Grand Rapids.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,435 people, 938 households, and 681 families residing in the township. The population density was 71.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,184 housing units at an average density of 34.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.92% White, 0.49% African American, 0.66% Native American, 0.12% Asian, 0.21% Pacific Islander, 0.29% from other races, and 1.31% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.36% of the population.

There were 938 households, out of which 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.5% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. 21.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 28.5% from 25 to 44, 26.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,287, and the median income for a family was $42,321. Males had a median income of $32,337 versus $22,219 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,494. About 6.7% of families and 11.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.4% of those under age 18 and 2.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable residents

 * Charles C. Johnson (born 1864), Michigan state representative

title: Mecosta Township, Michigan


text:
Millbrook Township, Michigan

Millbrook Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,064 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The township is in the southeast corner of Mecosta County, bordered to the east by Isabella County and to the south by Montcalm. The unincorporated community of Millbrook is in the northeast corner of the township. State highway M-66 crosses the center of the township from north to south. Big Rapids, the Mecosta county seat, is 30 mi by road to the northwest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.9 sqmi, of which 35.8 sqmi are land and 0.1 sqmi, or 0.24%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,081 people, 407 households, and 312 families residing in the township. The population density was 30.3 PD/sqmi. There were 461 housing units at an average density of 12.9 per square mile (5.0/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 95.28% White, 1.11% African American, 0.28% Native American, 0.09% Asian, 0.37% Pacific Islander, 1.30% from other races, and 1.57% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.13% of the population.

There were 407 households, out of which 34.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.4% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.3% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.63 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.4% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $35,238, and the median income for a family was $36,645. Males had a median income of $31,500 versus $21,429 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,064. About 9.3% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.9% of those under age 18 and 6.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Millbrook Township, Michigan


text:
Morley, Michigan

Morley is a village in Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 517 at the 2020 census.

Geography
Morley is in southwestern Mecosta County on the border between Aetna Township to the west and Deerfield Township to the east. It is 18 mi south of Big Rapids, the county seat, and 7 mi north of Howard City.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Morley village has a total area of 0.99 sqmi, of which 0.90 sqmi are land and 0.10 sqmi, or 9.60%, are water. The Little Muskegon River flows southwesterly through the southeast part of the village, where it is impounded to form Morley Pond.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 493 people, 182 households, and 115 families residing in the village. The population density was 547.8 PD/sqmi. There were 223 housing units at an average density of 247.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.3% White, 1.0% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.7% of the population.

There were 182 households, of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.7% were married couples living together, 17.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.8% were non-families. 28.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.28.

The median age in the village was 33.6 years. 30% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24% were from 25 to 44; 24% were from 45 to 64; and 14.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 46.7% male and 53.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 495 people, 194 households, and 120 families residing in the village. The population density was 536.9 PD/sqmi. There were 218 housing units at an average density of 236.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.58% White, 0.20% African American, 1.01% Native American, 0.20% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.40% of the population.

There were 194 households, out of which 35.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.8% were married couples living together, 13.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.1% were non-families. 30.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.7% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 21.6% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 76.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 77.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $31,442, and the median income for a family was $34,688. Males had a median income of $28,750 versus $18,438 for females. The per capita income for the village was $11,634. About 11.3% of families and 17.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.6% of those under age 18 and 19.7% of those age 65 or over.

Transportation

 * Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service between Grand Rapids and Petoskey, Michigan.
 * Bus service between Morley and nearby cities is also provided by the Mecosta Osceola Transit Authority (MOTA).
 * A portion of the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park extends through Morley. A multi-use trail constructed on the former Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad bed, the trail runs 92 mi from Comstock Park near Grand Rapids on the south to Cadillac on the north. It is used primarily by bicyclists in the summer and by snowmobilers in the winter.

Notable people

 * Maude Farris-Luse, supercentenarian

title: Morley, Michigan


text:
Morton Township, Michigan

Morton Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,426 at the 2020 census.

Communities

 * Canadian Lakes is an unincorporated community in the southwest part of the township.
 * The village of Mecosta is in the northeast part of the township.

Geography
Morton Township is in central Mecosta County, 17 mi southeast of Big Rapids, the county seat. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.6 sqmi, of which 33.0 sqmi are land and 2.6 sqmi, or 7.27%, are water. A cluster of small lakes, including Canadian Lakes, Lake Mecosta, Round Lake, and Blue Lake, occupy the western half of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,597 people, 1,618 households, and 1,216 families residing in the township. The population density was 108.5 PD/sqmi. There were 2,794 housing units at an average density of 84.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 94.77% White, 1.61% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 2.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population.

There were 1,618 households, out of which 17.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.9% were married couples living together, 5.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.50.

In the township the population was spread out, with 16.8% under the age of 18, 4.5% from 18 to 24, 16.6% from 25 to 44, 33.0% from 45 to 64, and 29.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 54 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,422, and the median income for a family was $46,571. Males had a median income of $35,195 versus $25,288 for females. The per capita income for the township was $24,729. About 6.4% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Morton Township, Michigan


text:
Sheridan Township, Mecosta County, Michigan

Sheridan Township is a civil township of Mecosta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,314 at the 2020 census.

Geography
The township is in eastern Mecosta County, bordered to the east by Isabella County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.8 sqmi, of which 34.8 sqmi are land and 1.0 sqmi, or 2.71%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,357 people, 519 households, and 387 families residing in the township. The population density was 39.0 PD/sqmi. There were 921 housing units at an average density of 26.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 92.41% White, 3.54% African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.22% from other races, and 2.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.33% of the population.

There were 519 households, out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.5% were married couples living together, 9.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.6% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 26.2% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $31,050, and the median income for a family was $34,861. Males had a median income of $30,893 versus $21,964 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,076. About 11.8% of families and 14.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.1% of those under age 18 and 9.4% of those age 65 and over.


text:
Stanwood, Michigan

Stanwood is a village in Mecosta County of the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 194 at the 2020 census. The village is within Mecosta Township.

Stanwood holds the record for the hottest recorded temperature in the state of Michigan along with Mio when it reached 112 F on July 13, 1936.

Geography
Stanwood is in western Mecosta County, in southeastern Mecosta Township. It is bordered to the east by Austin Township. Big Rapids, the county seat, is 9 mi to the north, and Morley is 6 mi to the south.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.24 sqmi, all of it recorded as land. Macks Creek cuts across the southwest corner of the village, flowing northwest toward the Muskegon River.

Demographics
The area was settled by Ontario native John Bell in the 1850s. He was one of the first settlers in the area and logged in what would become Bell's Siding, which was a logging community, that was located near modern-day Morley Stanwood Middle School and High School.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 211 people, 76 households, and 59 families residing in the village. The population density was 879.2 PD/sqmi. There were 84 housing units at an average density of 350.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.3% White, 2.8% African American, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8% of the population.

There were 76 households, of which 40.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.9% were married couples living together, 17.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 22.4% were non-families. 18.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.07.

The median age in the village was 37.4 years. 26.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.8% were from 25 to 44; 29.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 51.2% male and 48.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 204 people, 77 households, and 58 families residing in the village. The population density was 836.0 PD/sqmi. There were 83 housing units at an average density of 340.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 99.51% White, and 0.49% from two or more races.

There were 77 households, out of which 33.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.3% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 18.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 30.9% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $39,000, and the median income for a family was $43,750. Males had a median income of $31,875 versus $25,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $17,121. None of the families and 3.8% of the population were living below the poverty line.

Transportation

 * Indian Trails provides daily intercity bus service between Grand Rapids and Petoskey, Michigan.

Economy
Nestlé Waters North America has a plant in Stanwood that produces Ice Mountain and Nestlé Pure Life bottled water.

Notable people

 * Ray Herbert, baseball player

title: Stanwood, Michigan