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Vandercook Lake, Michigan

Vandercook Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Jackson County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population of the CDP was 4,721 at the 2010 census. It is located within Summit Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 4.83 sqmi, of which 4.57 sqmi is land and 0.26 sqmi (5.38%) is water.

The community is in central Jackson County, in the eastern part of Summit Township. It sits on the eastern side of Vandercook Lake, a water body on the Grand River. Part of the community is bordered to the north by the city of Jackson, the county seat. U.S. Route 127 forms the eastern edge of the CDP; the highway leads north 6 mi to Interstate 94 northeast of Jackson and south 24 mi to Hudson.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,809 people, 1,847 households, and 1,346 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,054.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,935 housing units at an average density of 424.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.13% White, 1.19% Black or African American, 0.54% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.56% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.39% of the population.

There were 1,847 households, out of which 34.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.1% were non-families. 23.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.3% 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 3.07.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $40,238, and the median income for a family was $49,115. Males had a median income of $36,555 versus $25,222 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,359. About 3.7% of families and 5.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.3% of those under age 18 and 3.6% of those age 65 or over.

School district
Vandercook Lake is served by the Vandercook Lake Public Schools district, which includes
 * Vandercook Lake High/Middle School
 * Townsend Elementary School - Now used for child care, preschool and grades K-5.
 * McDevitt School - No longer in use and is now a vacant building.

The high school mascot is the Jayhawk. The district's sports teams also use the nickname "Vandy" on uniforms and in cheers.

Recreation
Vandercook Lake County Park is a 17 acre park that includes a swim area, three ball diamonds, a boat launch, playground area, fishing area, grills, two picnic shelters, and modern restrooms. Quiet World Sports operates a kayak livery from the park.

title: Vandercook Lake, Michigan


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Waterloo Township, Michigan

Waterloo Township is a civil township of Jackson County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,931 at the 2020 census.

Communities
Waterloo is an unincorporated community in the east part of the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 49.54 sqmi, of which 47.62 sqmi is land and 1.92 sqmi (3.88%) is water.

The township occupies the northeast corner of Jackson County, bordered to the north by Ingham and Livingston counties, and to the east by Washtenaw County. It is 17 mi northeast of Jackson, the county seat. The Portage River, a tributary of the Grand River, rises at the outlet of Mud Lake in the unincorporated community of Waterloo and flows west across the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,069 people, 1,083 households, and 836 families residing in the township. The population density was 64.0 PD/sqmi. There were 1,383 housing units at an average density of 28.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.50% White, 2.87% African American, 0.42% Native American, 0.13% Asian, 0.36% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.72% of the population.

There were 1,083 households, out of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.3% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.8% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% 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 3.07.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 33.8% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 9.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $55,119, and the median income for a family was $57,351. Males had a median income of $44,306 versus $26,349 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,609. About 4.6% of families and 3.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.4% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Notable individuals
Notable individuals that have lived in Waterloo Township include:

 * John Knauf, justice of the North Dakota Supreme Court

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

title: Waterloo Township, Michigan


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Alamo Township, Michigan

Alamo Township is a civil township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 3,805.

Geography
The township is in the northwest corner of Kalamazoo County and is bordered by Allegan County to the north and Van Buren County to the west. U.S. Route 131 passes through the east side of the township, leading south to Kalamazoo and north to Grand Rapids.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 94.3 km2, of which 93.8 km2 are land and 0.5 km2, or 0.53%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,820 people, 1,378 households, and 1,091 families residing in the township. The population density was 105.3 PD/sqmi. There were 1,424 housing units at an average density of 39.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.60% White, 0.97% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 1.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.89% of the population.

There were 1,378 households, out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.9% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.8% were non-families. 18.0% 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 2.69 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.0% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 27.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $50,409, and the median income for a family was $58,964. Males had a median income of $40,536 versus $29,566 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,116. About 4.3% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

History
In 2021, the Township Board closed the Alamo Township Museum.

title: Alamo Township, Michigan


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Augusta, Michigan

Augusta is a village in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 885 at the 2010 census. The village is mostly within Ross Township, though a small portion extends south into Charleston Township.

Augusta is situated on the M-96 highway, about 5 mi northeast of Galesburg, and about 7 mi west of downtown Battle Creek. Kalamazoo is an additional 10 mi west of Galesburg. Fort Custer Recreation Area is immediately south of the village on the east side of the Kalamazoo River.

Augusta was established in 1832.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.02 sqmi, of which 1.01 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 885 people, 362 households, and 223 families living in the village. The population density was 876.2 PD/sqmi. There were 394 housing units at an average density of 390.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.0% White, 1.5% African American, 1.4% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 362 households, of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.4% were non-families. 29.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.02.

The median age in the village was 39.2 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.4% were from 25 to 44; 30.6% were from 45 to 64; and 11% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 899 people, 368 households, and 238 families living in the village. The population density was 962.7 PD/sqmi. There were 392 housing units at an average density of 419.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.77% White, 0.67% African American, 1.11% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 1.89% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.33% of the population.

There were 368 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.5% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 28.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 36.8% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.7% 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 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,375, and the median income for a family was $52,250. Males had a median income of $36,087 versus $30,625 for females. The per capita income for the village was $19,207. About 6.0% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.2% of those under age 18 and 6.5% of those age 65 or over.

Schools
In 1951, members of the community, along with those from neighboring Galesburg, formed a joint public school district. Today, Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools consists of a primary school and a high school in Galesburg and a middle school in Augusta.

Points of interest

 * The Fort Custer Recreation Area is immediately south of the village on the east side of the Kalamazoo River.
 * The Barn Theatre is Michigan's oldest professional equity summer stock theatre.
 * Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor is an outdoor youth education center.

Notable people

 * Wayne Lamb, dancer and choreographer, director for the Barn Theatre

title: Augusta, Michigan


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Charleston Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan

Charleston Township is a civil township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2020 census recorded a population of 1,904, slightly down from 1,975 at the 2010 census.

Geography
The township is on the eastern side of Kalamazoo County, bordered to the east by the city of Battle Creek in Calhoun County and to the west by the smaller city of Galesburg. The village of Climax lies along the township's southern border, and the village of Augusta is partially in the northern part of the township. Interstate 94 runs through the center of the township, connecting Battle Creek to the east with Kalamazoo to the west, and serving the township with one exit.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 92.1 km2, of which 90.1 km2 are land and 2.0 km2, or 2.20%, are water. The Kalamazoo River flows through the northwest part of the township between Augusta and Galesburg.

History
A section of the township was settled in 1833 by Robert Burdick and three of his married sons who had migrated from Otsego County, New York. It was known as "Burdick Settlement".

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,813 people, 679 households, and 533 families residing in the township. The population density was 52.0 PD/sqmi. There were 708 housing units at an average density of 20.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.47% White, 0.55% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.55% from other races, and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.38% of the population.

There were 679 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.5% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.4% were non-families. 17.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.66 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 28.0% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $50,707, and the median income for a family was $54,188. Males had a median income of $39,271 versus $29,079 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,921. About 5.3% of families and 7.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.


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Climax, Michigan

Climax is a village in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 767 at the 2010 census. The village is located within Climax Township on the northern boundary with Charleston Township, and is roughly 12 mi west of Battle Creek and 16 mi east of Kalamazoo. Climax shares a school district with the neighboring town of Scotts.

History
In 1825, John Mullet was among the first white settlers in Climax, along with Calvin White (1831), and the Farnsworth brothers (1832) More Euro-American settlement of this area began in 1838. It was incorporated as a village in 1899.

Climax got its name in 1834, when the family of Judge Caleb Eldred found a prairie after months of searching for good farmland. His son, Daniel B. Eldred, climbed a tree to look around and said, "This caps the climax of everything we saw."

On December 3, 1896, Climax and the surrounding area was the first community to receive free rural mail service from the U.S. Post Office in the state of Michigan.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.06 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 767 people, 280 households, and 213 families living in the village. The population density was 723.6 PD/sqmi. There were 303 housing units at an average density of 285.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.3% White, 0.5% African American, 0.1% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 280 households, of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.8% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 23.9% were non-families. 18.9% 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 2.74 and the average family size was 3.11.

The median age in the village was 37.9 years. 26.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 30.3% were from 45 to 64; and 9.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 50.3% male and 49.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 791 people, 279 households, and 212 families living in the village. The population density was 769.9 PD/sqmi. There were 291 housing units at an average density of 283.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.08% White, 0.88% African American, 0.63% Native American, 1.14% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.16% of the population.

There were 279 households, out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.0% were non-families. 19.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.9% under the age of 18, 8.7% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $44,464, and the median income for a family was $50,625. Males had a median income of $35,833 versus $27,604 for females. The per capita income for the village was $18,658. About 2.8% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.5% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

title: Climax, Michigan


text:
Climax Township, Michigan

Climax Township is a civil township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2020 census recorded a population of 2,364.

The village of Climax is located within the township along the northern boundary with Charleston Township.

Geography
The township is in eastern Kalamazoo County, bordered to the east by Calhoun County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 94.0 km2, of which 93.6 km2 are land and 0.4 km2, or 0.46%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,412 people, 885 households, and 693 families residing in the township. The population density was 66.6 PD/sqmi. There were 927 housing units at an average density of 25.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.68% White, 0.37% African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.46% from other races, and 0.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.58% of the population.

There were 885 households, out of which 36.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.3% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.6% were non-families. 18.1% 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 2.73 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.6% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.9 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $47,620, and the median income for a family was $49,800. Males had a median income of $35,896 versus $27,194 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,381. About 2.5% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

title: Climax Township, Michigan


text:
Comstock Township, Michigan

Comstock Charter Township is a charter township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan, located east of the city of Kalamazoo and is part of the Kalamazoo–Portage Metropolitan Area. The 2020 census recorded the population within the township at 15,231.

Communities

 * Comstock is an unincorporated community in the western portion of the township along the Kalamazoo River and M-96 at 42.28667°N, -85.51333°W for which the township is named. The first sawmill in Kalamazoo County opened here along Comstock Creek in 1831, and a gristmill was built soon after in 1832. A post office was established here in February 1832. Comstock School opened in 1833. The Comstock ZIP code 49041 offers only P.O. box service.
 * Comstock Northwest is a census-designated place in the northwest section of the township and borders the city of Kalamazoo.
 * East Comstock is a named place located just east of the community of Comstock on M-96, near the dam forming Morrow Lake on the Kalamazoo River at 42.28611°N, -85.48972°W.
 * Galesburg is a city on M-96 that borders the eastern portion of the township. The Galesburg ZIP code 49053 serves much of the eastern portion of the township.
 * Lawndale is a named place between East Comstock and Galesburg along M-96 at 42.28639°N, -85.46222°W.

Schools
Comstock Township residents are served by three public school systems:
 * Comstock Public Schools, Comstock (Kalamazoo), Michigan
 * Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools; Galesburg, Michigan
 * Gull Lake Community Schools; Richland, Michigan

Forest Academy is a K-8 charter school located in Comstock Township.

History
Township 2 South Range 10 West was first surveyed in January 1827 by Robert M. Clark. The first settler, William Tolland, came there in 1829 but apparently never purchased any land, despite living there for several years. In 1830, land entries were recorded for William Harris for the southwest quarter of section 17 and Major G. Van Dwyer for the southwest quarter of section 13 (the eastern portion of the section is now part of Galesburg). In 1831 land entries were recorded for Horace H. Comstock, Caleb Eldred, Thomas W. Merrill, Mumford Eldred, Stephen Eldred, Leland Lane, and others. Settling in the eastern part of the township in or near what is now Galesburg were Nathaniel Matthews, Ralph Tuttle, Sherman Cummings, George Townsend, and Nathan Cothren. H. H. Comstock, Caleb Eldred, and Cryus Lovell settled in the western part of the township near what became Comstock.

Comstock Township was organized by an act of the Territorial Legislature in 1834. Previously, it was a part of Arcadia Township (later renamed Kalamazoo Township), which initially comprised all eight townships in the northern half of Kalamazoo County. In June 1832, Richland Township was set off, consisting of Richland, Ross, Charleston, and Comstock townships. On March 7, 1834, Comstock township was set off, comprising Comstock and Charleston townships and also Climax Township, which had been set off from Brady Township. Climax was set off from Comstock on December 30, 1837, and Charleston in 1838.

Comstock Township became a charter township in 1964.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 91.3 km2, of which 86.3 km2 are land and 5.0 km2, or 5.49%, are water. The Kalamazoo River flows from east to west through the center of the township, including through Morrow Lake, a reservoir.

Demographics
A densely populated portion of the township adjacent to the city of Kalamazoo is part of the census-designated place (CDP), Comstock Northwest.

As of the census of 2000, there were 13,851 people, 5,366 households, and 3,809 families residing in the township. The population density was 420.2 PD/sqmi. There were 5,601 housing units at an average density of 169.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 91.98% White, 4.01% African American, 0.43% Native American, 1.16% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.70% from other races, and 1.71% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.67% of the population.

There were 5,366 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.0% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.5% 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 3.04.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,140, and the median income for a family was $54,866. Males had a median income of $40,845 versus $29,195 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,857. About 6.0% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Comstock Township operates under a home rule charter government, with a supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and four trustees forming the township board of governance.

Public utilities
The city of Kalamazoo and the city of Galesburg provide water and sanitary sewer service to the urban areas within the township.

Public safety
The Comstock Fire and Rescue department was established in 1924. It currently operates three fire stations that house six engines. The department employs a full-time fire chief and fire inspector, as well as a number of full-time and paid on-call staff that operate the three fire stations 24 hours a day.

The township contracts with the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's department to provide police patrol during designated hours within the township.

Transportation
Comstock Township is served by the following highways:
 * Interstate 94 (exits 80, 81, and 85).
 * State highways M-96 and M-343.

The Kalamazoo Metro Transit public transportation system provides bus service within Comstock Township to the Kalamazoo Transportation Center in downtown Kalamazoo.

The Norfolk Southern and the Grand Trunk Western \ Canadian National railroads provide freight rail service within the township. Amtrak provides passenger rail service 4 miles west in nearby downtown Kalamazoo. Interurban electric rail service that ran from Kalamazoo to Battle Creek through the township ended in 1929.

The Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport is 5 miles southwest in nearby Kalamazoo and provides daily commercial passenger and freight service.

"Bedding Plant Capital of the World"
The fertile soil along the Kalamazoo River valley led the Comstock area to become known as the "Bedding Plant Capital of the World". Comstock Township is home to the largest bedding plant cooperative in the United States. Hundreds of thousands of plants, many varieties of which can be found throughout the county's parks and boulevards, are sold each year to retail garden centers nationwide.

Bell's Brewery
Comstock Township is the home of the Bell's Brewery production facility. Established as the Kalamazoo Brewing Company in 1985 by Larry Bell, the brewery moved production from its original downtown Kalamazoo location to a 60000 sqft facility in Comstock Township in 2003. The brewery expanded its Comstock facility to nearly 100000 sqft in 2012. The brewery is the largest brew house in the state of Michigan, with an annual capacity of over 1 million barrels.

Midlink Business Park
Midlink Business Park is a multi-use commercial center that was once the home of a General Motors Fisher Body plant located in Comstock Township. Following the closure of the GM plant in 1998, the site was purchased by a mix of public and private partners to transform the 2.2 million-square-foot facility into a business park. As of 2010, there were 13 businesses operating within the 340-acre site, including a 95-room hotel.

title: Comstock Township, Michigan


text:
Comstock Northwest, Michigan

Comstock Northwest is a census-designated place (CDP) in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,455 at the 2010 census, up from 4,472 at the 2000 census.

Geography
The CDP is in the northwest portion of Comstock Charter Township, just northeast of Kalamazoo. It also includes a small sliver of land in northeast Kalamazoo Charter Township between the city of Kalamazoo and Comstock Charter Township. The CDP is bordered to the west by Kalamazoo and to the southwest by unincorporated Eastwood.

M-343 is the main highway through the community. It leads southwest 4 mi to the center of Kalamazoo and northeast 5 mi to Richland.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Comstock Northwest CDP has a total area of 8.2 km2, of which 0.04 sqkm, or 0.54%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 4,472 people, 1,965 households, and 1,208 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,404.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,079 housing units at an average density of 652.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 87.81% White, 7.51% African American, 0.27% Native American, 1.65% Asian, 0.96% from other races, and 1.79% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.10% of the population.

There were 1,965 households, out of which 28.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.3% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.5% were non-families. 32.4% 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 2.27 and the average family size was 2.88.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 10.1% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $43,590, and the median income for a family was $56,115. Males had a median income of $41,698 versus $31,713 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $23,961. About 5.3% of families and 6.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Comstock Northwest, Michigan


text:
Cooper Township, Michigan

Cooper Charter Township is a charter township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 10,418 at the 2020 census, up from 10,111 at the 2010 census. The township was organized in 1837.

History
The township is named after Sarah Sabina Cooper, the wife of Horace H. Comstock, an early pioneer of the area and founder of nearby Comstock. She was the niece of the author James Fenimore Cooper.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 94.9 km2, of which 94.1 km2 are land and 0.8 km2, or 0.84%, are water. A community called Cooper Center exists in the physical center of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 8,754 people, 3,187 households, and 2,489 families residing in the township. The population density was 241.2 PD/sqmi. There were 3,269 housing units at an average density of 90.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.16% White, 1.36% African American, 0.30% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.39% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.20% of the population.

There were 3,187 households, out of which 35.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.9% were married couples living together, 8.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 17.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.2% 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 3.07.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.8% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 27.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 96.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $47,004, and the median income for a family was $52,737. Males had a median income of $40,500 versus $27,817 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,566. About 3.0% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Cooper Township, Michigan


text:
Eastwood, Michigan

Eastwood is an unincorporated community in Kalamazoo Charter Township, Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and does not have any legal status as an incorporated municipality. The population was 6,340 at the 2010 census.

Geography
Eastwood is in north-central Kalamazoo County, in the eastern part of Kalamazoo Charter Township. It is bordered to the north, west, and south by the city of Kalamazoo and to the east by Comstock Charter Township. According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.1 km2, of which 0.03 sqkm, or 0.65%, are water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,265 people, 2,572 households, and 1,527 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,139.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,778 housing units at an average density of 1,392.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 74.96% White, 19.27% Black or African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.83% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 1.74% from other races, and 2.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.61% of the population.

There were 2,572 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.3% were married couples living together, 14.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.95.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 11.2% from 18 to 24, 32.5% from 25 to 44, 18.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.3 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $35,763, and the median income for a family was $40,208. Males had a median income of $33,895 versus $24,574 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $17,313. About 9.5% of families and 12.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.8% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Some portions are in Kalamazoo Public Schools while others are in Comstock Public Schools.

title: Eastwood, Michigan


text:
Galesburg, Michigan

Galesburg is a city in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,049 at the 2020 census.

Galesburg is located along the north side of the Kalamazoo River. The city is situated on M-96 and is just north of I-94 (with exits due south of the city's west side and about 1 mi to the east). Kalamazoo is about 10 mi to the west and Battle Creek is about 10 mi to the east.

History
Galesburg was established in 1835 originally with the name Morton. It was platted in 1837 when it was given its current name and incorporated as a village in 1861 and as a city in 1931. Galesburg is named for George L. Gale, an early settler.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.45 sqmi, of which 1.41 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,009 people, 766 households, and 497 families residing in the city. The population density was 1424.8 PD/sqmi. There were 837 housing units at an average density of 593.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.5% White, 2.4% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.4% of the population.

There were 766 households, of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 19.1% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.1% were non-families. 27.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 35.6 years. 25.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.6% were from 25 to 44; 25.4% were from 45 to 64; and 12.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.3% male and 52.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,988 people, 765 households, and 491 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,429.8 PD/sqmi. There were 811 housing units at an average density of 583.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.38% White, 0.96% African American, 0.91% Native American, 0.15% Asian, 0.20% from other races, and 1.41% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.16% of the population.

There were 765 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.4% were married couples living together, 17.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 28.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.3% under the age of 18, 11.0% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 12.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,663, and the median income for a family was $44,038. Males had a median income of $35,167 versus $24,886 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,785. About 11.0% of families and 12.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * William Rufus Shafter, United States military officer

Schools
In 1951, members of the Galesburg community and those of neighboring Augusta joined to form a public school district. Galesburg-Augusta Community Schools currently consist of a primary school and a high school in Galesburg, and a middle school in Augusta.

title: Galesburg, Michigan


text:
Greater Galesburg, Michigan

Greater Galesburg was a census-designated place (CDP) in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan, surrounding the city of Galesburg. As a CDP, it was used for statistical purposes and does not have any legal status as a municipality. The population was 1,631 at the 2000 census. The CDP was deleted and not reported in the 2010 census

The CDP area included land in Comstock Charter Township on the west and Charleston Township on the east. The area was closely identified with the city of Galesburg, but was outside of the city's municipal boundaries.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP had a total area of 7.7 sqmi, of which, 6.7 sqmi of it was land and 1.0 sqmi of it (13.07%) was water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,631 people, 633 households, and 450 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 245.2 PD/sqmi. There were 658 housing units at an average density of 98.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.38% White, 0.86% Black or African American, 0.06% Native American, 0.37% Asian, 0.43% from other races, and 1.90% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.04% of the population.

There were 633 households, out of which 34.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.6% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.8% were non-families. 22.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 27.0% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 33.5% from 25 to 44, 21.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $47,125, and the median income for a family was $55,172. Males had a median income of $35,417 versus $30,179 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $19,368. About 7.4% of families and 9.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.4% of those under age 18 and 3.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Greater Galesburg, Michigan


text:
Kalamazoo Township, Michigan

Kalamazoo Charter Township is a charter township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 22,777 at the 2020 census.

The cities of Kalamazoo and Parchment are adjacent to the township and have annexed much land that was formerly within the township, such that the township now consists of two non-contiguous sections of land and one small section that is connected by a narrow point across Riverview Drive. Two census-designated places (CDPs) are within the township: Eastwood and Westwood. These are defined for statistical purposes and do not have any legal status as municipalities. However, both have an identity as communities, although the areas defined by the CDPs may not precisely correspond to local use of the terms. The CDPs can include nearby areas that locals might not consider as part of the community with the same name.

Kalamazoo Township was initially organized under the name of "Arcadia Township" by an act of the Territorial Legislature on July 30, 1830. A separate act on the same day organized the government of Kalamazoo County. Initially Arcadia Township consisted of all eight of the northern tier of townships in Kalamazoo County. In June 1832, Richland Township was set off, consisting of Richland, Ross, Charleston, and Comstock townships. On March 2, 1836, Arcadia Township was renamed as Kalamazoo Township, the same day that the village of Bronson was renamed as Kalamazoo. On March 11, 1837, Cooper Township was set off, consisting of Cooper and Alamo townships. On March 22, 1839, Oshtemo Township was set off from Kalamazoo.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 30.5 km2, of which 30.3 km2 are land and 0.3 km2, or 0.95%, are water.

Government
The government of the township provides a number of services to its residents including its police department, fire stations, building and inspection services, and a planning and zoning board. The township allows residents to attend public meetings as well as bimonthly board meetings to voice concerns.

Committees, boards, and commissions

 * Board of Trustees (elected): Don Martin (Supervisor, Democrat), Mark E. Miller (Clerk, Democrat), Sherine Miller (Treasurer, Democrat), Ashley Glass (Democrat), Steven Leuty (Democrat), and Lisa Moaiery (Democrat)
 * Zoning Board of Appeals: James Short (Chairman), Shawn Blue, Robert Mihelich, Frederick Nagler, Nicolette Leigh, Maryanne Sydlick (first alternate), and Lisa Moaiery (second alternate and trustee)
 * Board of Review: Kevin Sampson, Shawn Gallagher, and James Rodbard
 * Climate Committee: Mark Miller Chairman, Dexter Mitchell (township manager), Ashley Glass (secretary), Lisa Maoiery (trustee), Craig Sherwood (township resident), Nicholette Leigh (township resident), Tom Stegink (township resident), Jennifer Drake (township resident), Tim Taser (township resident)
 * Planning Commission: Frederick Nagler (Chairman), Christopher Mihelich (secretary), Steven Leuty (trustee and ex officio), Warren Cook, William Chapman, Denise Hartsough, and Peter Morrison
 * Elections Committee: Mark Miller (township clerk and committee chairman), Clara Robinson (trustee and member), and Lisa Moaiery (trustee and member)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 21,675 people, 9,349 households, and 5,338 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,856.4 PD/sqmi. There were 9,856 housing units at an average density of 844.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 82.46% White, 12.31% African American, 0.30% Native American, 1.17% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.61% from other races, and 2.13% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.07% of the population.

There were 9,349 households, out of which 25.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.4% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.9% were non-families. 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.9% 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 2.89.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 14.0% from 18 to 24, 29.8% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 14.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.9 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,463, and the median income for a family was $46,161. Males had a median income of $35,993 versus $28,064 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,844. About 6.0% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.3% of those under age 18 and 2.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Kalamazoo Township, Michigan


text:
Oshtemo Township, Michigan

Oshtemo Charter Township is a charter township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2020 census recorded a population of 23,747, up from 21,705 at the 2010 census. The township was organized in 1839.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.2 km2, of which 92.9 km2 are land and 0.3 km2, or 0.37%, are water.

Oshtemo Township is located at the Kalamazoo County - Van Buren County line, adjacent to and west of the city of Kalamazoo and Kalamazoo Township; adjacent to and north of Texas Charter Township and adjacent to and south of Alamo Township.

A Superfund site is located in the township at K & L Avenue Landfill.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 17,003 people, 7,551 households, and 4,024 families residing in the township. The population density was 472.8 PD/sqmi. There were 7,987 housing units at an average density of 222.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 84.97% White, 9.39% African American, 0.30% Native American, 2.26% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.08% from other races, and 1.97% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.33% of the population.

There were 7,551 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 46.7% were non-families. 33.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% 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.

In the township the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 17.1% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 13.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $38,433, and the median income for a family was $57,515. Males had a median income of $40,798 versus $28,257 for females. The per capita income for the township was $24,249. About 7.6% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.1% of those under age 18 and 7.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Oshtemo Township, Michigan


text:
Parchment, Michigan

Parchment is a city in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2020 census recorded a population of 1,926. The name is derived from the parchment company that used to manufacture paper on the East bank of the Kalamazoo River.

Parchment is located just northeast of the city of Kalamazoo, and it is mostly surrounded by Kalamazoo Township.

History
The Kalamazoo Vegetable Parchment Company was founded in 1909. The founder, Jacob "Uncle Jake" Kindleberger, set up shop along the Kalamazoo River. The company then started selling pieces of land located around the mill to the mill workers. In 1932, Kindleberger left a tract of 40 acre located in the center of the city; this later became Kindleberger Park in his honor. In 1939, Parchment became a city by a majority vote. It has been known as The Paper City since then. Over the years, the KVP Company was bought by or merged with other companies, including Sutherland Paper Company, Brown Company, James River, and finally Crown-Vantage. In 2000 paper making in Parchment ended, and thereafter the city has struggled to sustain itself. Its population has debated what to do with the old paper mill property. As of 2011, the first mill building was demolished with plans to demolish the other building at a later date.

Contamination
The mill site came under scrutiny again in July 2018, when the city discovered fluorosurfactant (PFAS) contamination in the drinking water. Samples from Parchment's water system showed the drinking water was contaminated with PFAS at a level of 1,587-ppt—over 20 times the EPA limit. Residents were advised to stop using the water for drinking/cooking immediately, while the city worked to discover the source of the contamination. Michigan Governor Rick Snyder declared a State of Emergency on July 29. Bottled water was distributed to residents by volunteers, and the City of Kalamazoo connected its water system to Parchment. Because of the unknown source of the PFAS, and the associated costs for new wells and testing, Mayor Robert Britigan III predicted that Parchment will have to permanently use Kalamazoo's drinking water.

The source of the PFAS contamination has not been discovered, but officials believe a former 80 acre landfill along the Kalamazoo River may be the source. The landfill site is also the former home of the paper mill in the city, and the landfill was capped in 2000 after then-owner Crown-Vantage went bankrupt. PFAS have been known to be used in paper-making and associated paper-manufacturing processes.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 0.93 sqmi, of which 0.92 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

Parchment is east of the Kalamazoo River.

Demographics
In the November 2010 gubernatorial election, 588 ballots were cast in the city of Parchment.

Schools
The city of Parchment has three elementary schools, one middle school, one high school, and Barclay Hills Education Center, an alternative public school. Parchment High School was built in 1959 to accommodate the city's growing population. Prior to 1959, Parchment students went through 8th grade and then went to Kalamazoo Central High School. In the mid 1950s Kalamazoo Public school district was considering annexing Parchment into their district. Laurence Tisch, who read water meters for the city started a petition with his wife Jean Tisch to build a new High School. The community was successful in purchasing property and the school was built. The first class graduated in 1961.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,804 people, 786 households, and 484 families residing in the city. The population density was 1960.9 PD/sqmi. There were 881 housing units at an average density of 957.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 84.6% White, 8.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 1.3% Asian, 1.3% from other races, and 4.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population.

There were 786 households, of which 31.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 40.2% were married couples living together, 16.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.4% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% 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 2.89.

The median age in the city was 38.5 years. 24.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.3% were from 25 to 44; 28.9% were from 45 to 64; and 12% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.2% male and 53.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,936 people, 822 households, and 531 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,263.6 PD/sqmi. There were 873 housing units at an average density of 1,020.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.67% White, 4.18% African American, 0.01% Sicilian, 0.31% Native American, 0.67% Asian, 0.36% from other races, and 1.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.93% of the population.

There were 822 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.4% were married couples living together, 16.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.3% were non-families. 31.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 29.6% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 81.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 80.9 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $40,074, and the median income for a family was $46,957. Males had a median income of $36,415 versus $25,484 for females. The per capita income for the city was $18,911. About 2.5% of families and 4.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.4% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Parchment, Michigan


text:
Pavilion Township, Michigan

Pavilion Township is a civil township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 6,387 at the 2020 census, up from 6,222 at the 2010 census.

Geography
The township is in central Kalamazoo County and is bordered to the west by the city of Portage. The city of Kalamazoo touches the northwest corner of the township. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 94.2 km2, of which 90.7 km2 are land and 3.5 km2, or 3.74%, are water. Several lakes occupy the township, the largest of which are Long Lake on the western border and Indian Lake on the southern border.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,829 people, 2,114 households, and 1,644 families residing in the township. The population density was 167.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,253 housing units at an average density of 64.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.61% White, 1.13% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.65% from other races, and 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.08% of the population.

There were 2,114 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.2% were non-families. 17.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% 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 3.08.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.5% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,675, and the median income for a family was $52,135. Males had a median income of $39,773 versus $28,340 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,351. About 5.6% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.9% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Pavilion Township, Michigan


text:
Portage, Michigan

Portage is a city in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. The population was 48,891 at the 2020 census. It is the smaller of the two main cities included in the Kalamazoo-Portage Metropolitan Statistical Area, which had a population of 261,670 in 2020.

History
Portage was settled in 1830, later was incorporated in 1963.

On May 7, 2024, the city was struck by a high-end EF2 tornado, causing significant damage to homes and properties. A FedEx distribution center was severely damaged after the tornado caused part of the roof to collapse. Over 500 buildings were damaged, with 60 being destroyed, including a strip mall.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 35.17 sqmi, of which 32.23 sqmi is land and 2.94 sqmi is water.

Austin Lake is in the southeast part of the city and was named for Moses Austin, who had emigrated to Portage Township from Genesee County, New York, in 1833. A settlement grew on the north shore of the lake, known as Austin or Austin Lake. A post office named "Austin's Lake" was established on May 18, 1850, with Austin as postmaster, and operated until August 15, 1853. The place was also a station on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad in 1867. West Lake is adjacent to Austin Lake with Portage Road running between the two lakes.

2010 census
At the 2010 census there were 46,292 people, 19,199 households, and 12,426 families living in the city. The population density was 1436.3 PD/sqmi. There were 20,559 housing units at an average density of 637.9 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 86.9% White, 4.9% African American, 0.4% Native American, 3.8% Asian, 1.0% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.1%.

Of the 19,199 households 32.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.3% were non-families. 29.1% of households were one person and 10.5% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age was 38.1 years. 24.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.7% were from 25 to 44; 26.9% were from 45 to 64; and 13.6% were 65 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 44,897 people, 18,138 households, and 12,134 families living in the city. The population density was 1,394.2 PD/sqmi. There were 18,880 housing units at an average density of 586.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the city was 90.75% White, 3.73% African American, 0.30% Native American, 2.64% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.70% from other races, and 1.84% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.93% of the population.

Of the 18,138 households 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 9.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.1% were non-families. 27.2% of households were one person and 8.4% were one person aged 65 or older. The average household size was 2.45 and the average family size was 3.01.

The age distribution was 26.4% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.8 males.

The median household income was $49,410 and the median family income was $61,285. Males had a median income of $42,377 versus $29,399 for females. The per capita income for the city was $25,414. About 3.1% of families and 4.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.9% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Portage is the site of Pfizer's largest manufacturing facility, at 1,300 acres. The U.S. government prepped millions of doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine on December 13, 2020, for shipment to sites across the nation, a mammoth logistical undertaking in support of the most complex immunization program in history.

Education
Most of Portage is in the Portage Public Schools school district. Some of Portage is in Comstock Public Schools, some is in Vicksburg Community Schools, and some is in Schoolcraft Community Schools.

title: Portage, Michigan


text:
Prairie Ronde Township, Michigan

Prairie Ronde Township is a civil township located in the southwestern corner of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,369 at the 2020 census.

Prairie Ronde is the birthplace of the women's suffragist Olympia Brown.

Geography
The township is bordered by Van Buren County to the west, Cass County at the southwest corner, and St. Joseph County to the south. Kalamazoo, the county seat, is 18 mi to the northeast.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 94.4 km2, of which 92.8 km2 are land and 1.6 km2, or 1.73%, are water.

There are no incorporated or unincorporated communities within the boundaries of the township. A village named Shirland, to be located on Section 25 (near the present-day Olde Mill Golf Course), was platted and recorded in 1831, but it never developed. The village of Schoolcraft is just to the east in Schoolcraft Township, and all of Prairie Ronde Township is served by the Schoolcraft ZIP code (49087).

Surface water features include Harrison and Paw Paw Lakes in the northern part of the township. Much of the township lies within the drainage area of Flowerfield Creek, which is part of the Rocky River sub-watershed, itself part of the larger St. Joseph River watershed. The Michigan Nature Association maintains a 20 acre nature sanctuary along Flowerfield Creek in Prairie Ronde Township.

History
The township is named for its distinctive geographic feature, the Prairie Ronde, a 14000 acre grassland and the largest of the eight prairies in what would become Kalamazoo County. The name Prairie Ronde (French for "round meadow") is said to have been given by French explorer Robert Sieur de la Salle during an overland crossing of the region in 1680. (Some scholars, however, place LaSalle's route across northern Kalamazoo County, a journey which would not have brought him across the Prairie Ronde. )

Present-day Prairie Ronde Township was the first part of Kalamazoo County to be settled by European-Americans. The first white settler was Bazel Harrison, a nephew of revolutionary leader Benjamin Harrison and first cousin of U.S. President William Henry Harrison. Originally of Virginia, Harrison arrived with his family from Ohio on November 5, 1828.

At the time of settlement, Prairie Ronde was a part of St. Joseph County and in the township of Brady, which included all of future Kalamazoo and Barry counties and a large part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula to the north. Kalamazoo County was set off with its present boundaries in 1829, and the southern half organized as Brady Township in 1830. Prairie Ronde was set off from Brady Township as a separate township with its present limits in May 1836.

At the time of European settlement, the area was inhabited by the Potawatomi people. The Potawatomi were forcibly removed from Kalamazoo County in October 1840.

A Methodist congregation was organized in Prairie Ronde in 1832. In 1836 they built a small chapel near Harrison Lake called the Ebenezer Episcopal Church of Prairie Ronde. This was the first church building of any denomination built north of the St. Joseph River. Around 1850, the congregation moved to Schoolcraft, where it continues today as the Schoolcraft United Methodist Church.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,086 people, 707 households, and 601 families residing in the township. The population density was 58.3 PD/sqmi. There were 733 housing units at an average density of 20.5 per square mile (7.9/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 97.84% White, 0.29% African American, 0.38% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 1.01% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.48% of the population. The most common reported ancestries for township residents are German (26.8%), Dutch (12.8%), and Irish (11.8%).

There were 707 households, out of which 46.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.5% were married couples living together, 4.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.9% were non-families. 12.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the township the population was spread out, with 32.2% under the age of 18, 4.1% from 18 to 24, 32.1% from 25 to 44, 25.5% from 45 to 64, and 6.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $65,385, and the median income for a family was $67,458. Males had a median income of $48,074 versus $27,038 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,431. About 2.6% of families and 4.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 7.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Most of the township belongs to the Schoolcraft Community Schools school district. The northwestern part of the township is within the Mattawan Consolidated School District and a smaller section along the western edge of the township is within the Lawton Community School District.

Listed historic sites
Prairie Ronde Township has one site listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Fanckboner-Nichols Farmstead (5992 W. VW Avenue) was established in 1838 by William and Elizabeth Crose Fanckboner, who had arrived with their five children from near Belvidere, New Jersey, the previous year. Still owned by Fanckboner descendants, the family's Greek Revival farmhouse, built c. 1840, along with later outbuildings, stands in a small farmstead area at one corner of the 30 acre farm property on the corner of West VW Avenue and S 10th Street. The farmstead, added to the Register in 2007, is preserved as an illustration of the lives of the early settlers on the Prairie Ronde.

title: Prairie Ronde Township, Michigan


text:
Richland, Michigan

Richland is a village in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 751 at the 2010 census, up from 593 at the 2000 census.

The village is within Richland Township, about 9 mi northeast of Kalamazoo.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.01 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 751 people, 347 households, and 221 families living in the village. The population density was 743.6 PD/sqmi. There were 376 housing units at an average density of 372.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.7% White, 0.4% African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.5% of the population.

There were 347 households, of which 24.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.4% were married couples living together, 8.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.3% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.16 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the village was 46.8 years. 21.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.1% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 20.9% were from 25 to 44; 31.4% were from 45 to 64; and 22.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 43.9% male and 56.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 593 people, 258 households, and 170 families living in the village. The population density was 494.4 PD/sqmi. There were 301 housing units at an average density of 251.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.29% White, 0.17% African American, 0.17% Native American, 1.35% Asian, 0.17% from other races, and 1.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.52% of the population.

There were 258 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.7% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.1% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 26.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 80.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 78.1 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $50,938, and the median income for a family was $58,542. Males had a median income of $42,250 versus $30,956 for females. The per capita income for the village was $23,777. About 1.2% of families and 1.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including none of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

History
Richland is located in the middle of what was once the Gull Prairie, an upland area relatively free of trees and maintained by natural and man-made fires. The area had a few Pottawatamie villages, one was located on the west side of nearby Gull Lake. Fish and game were plentiful, and the land was very fertile. Since there were few trees to clear, the prairie was among the first areas of Kalamazoo County to be settled. By the 1830s, the Native Americans had been forced west, and Richland was a thriving frontier village. The village even contended with Prairie Ronde for the county seat, but the centrally-located village of Bronson (now Kalamazoo) was ultimately chosen.

Lacking a flowing stream that would have provided water power, Richland never developed significant industry and remained a sleepy farm community until the late twentieth century. In the 1980s and 1990s, small employers such as Richard Allen Medical moved to the edge of town, and Richland became a bedroom community for Kalamazoo. The high quality of the local Gull Lake School District also drew people from surrounding areas. New subdivisions were built in what had been hilly farm country.

Notable people
Brothers Charles S. May and Dwight May, both lieutenant governors of Michigan during the 19th Century, were raised in Richland.

Education

 * Richland Elementary School
 * Thomas M. Ryan Intermediate School
 * Gull Lake Middle School
 * Gull Lake High School
 * The Montessori School - Preschool
 * Vineyard Academy

title: Richland, Michigan


text:
Ross Township, Michigan

Ross Township is a township in Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,851 at the 2020 census, up from 4,664 at the 2010 census.

Communities

 * The village of Augusta is mostly within the township on the southern boundary with Charleston Township.
 * South Gull Lake is a census-designated place within the township defined for statistical purposes. It encompasses the unincorporated communities of Yorkville, Gull Lake, and Midland Park.
 * The village of Richland is to the west, in the adjacent Richland Township.
 * The city of Battle Creek is adjacent to the southeast and Bedford Charter Township to the east.
 * The city of Kalamazoo is 14 mi to the southwest.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.3 km2, of which 86.3 km2 are land and 7.0 km2, or 7.46%, are water. Most of the water area in the township is within Gull Lake, the southeast half of which occupies the northwest part of the township. The township is within the Kalamazoo River watershed.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,047 people, 2,031 households, and 1,476 families residing in the township. The population density was 151.5 PD/sqmi. There were 2,334 housing units at an average density of 70.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.36% White, 0.32% African American, 0.55% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.30% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.27% of the population.

There were 2,031 households, out of which 30.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.5% were married couples living together, 7.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.3% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 2.89.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 5.1% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 30.4% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $58,446, and the median income for a family was $67,831. Males had a median income of $45,139 versus $31,020 for females. The per capita income for the township was $32,715. About 1.8% of families and 3.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 1.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Ross Township, Michigan


text:
Schoolcraft, Michigan

Schoolcraft is a village in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. The village is located in Schoolcraft Township approximately 13 mi south of Kalamazoo on U.S. Route 131. The population was 1,525 at the 2010 census. The village is named in honor of geographer, geologist, and ethnologist Henry Schoolcraft.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.98 sqmi, all land. Schoolcraft is located on a prairie, and much of the land outside of the village is used as farm land, with the primary crops being corn and soybeans.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,525 people, 616 households, and 405 families residing in the village. The population density was 1556.1 PD/sqmi. There were 661 housing units at an average density of 674.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.6% White, 1.0% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 616 households, of which 34.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 10.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.3% were non-families. 28.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.3% 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 3.05.

The median age in the village was 38.1 years. 26.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 28% were from 45 to 64; and 12.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.4% male and 50.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,587 people, 615 households, and 418 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,703.2 PD/sqmi. There were 645 housing units at an average density of 692.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.09% White, 0.38% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.44% Asian, 0.38% from other races, and 2.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.07% of the population.

There were 615 households, out of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.9% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.4% 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 3.19.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 29.6% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $45,380, and the median income for a family was $54,205. Males had a median income of $37,500 versus $27,639 for females. The per capita income for the village was $20,223. About 3.7% of families and 6.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.0% of those under age 18 and 9.2% of those age 65 or over.

History
Euro-American settlement in the Schoolcraft area dates to 1828 (nine years before Michigan's admission to the Union), when Bazel Harrison moved his family from Ohio to present-day Prairie Ronde Township, becoming the first settler in the future Kalamazoo County. The village itself was established in 1831 by surveyor (and future statesman) Lucius Lyon, who had first visited the area as a surveyor under government contract in 1823. Recorded on October 5, 1831, Schoolcraft was the first town in Kalamazoo County. Lyon named the village for his friend Henry Schoolcraft. Schoolcraft was a key member of the 1820 Cass Expedition, organized by territorial governor Lewis Cass to explore the Michigan Territory; the expedition played an important role in encouraging settlement of the territory.

Territorial roads from Schoolcraft to the mouth of the Black River were approved in 1833 and to Edwardsville in 1834. State roads to Edwardsburg, St. Joseph were approved by the Michigan legislature in the 1835–36 session. By Act of State Legislature March 14, 1840, two state roads from Schoolcraft were approved for construction. One road was to be built to Abscota (also found as Abscot), a post office in Calhoun County, Township 4 South, Range 7 West at the corners of Section 5, 6, 7, 8. John Kelly and E.L. Brown of Kalamazoo and Salmon Walker of Calhoun County were appointed to oversee this route. Another road was to be built from Schoolcraft to Albion with E. Larkin Brown and Albert E. Bull of Schoolcraft and Jesse Crowel of Albion as commissionors to lay out and establish said road. In 1844, a state road from Battle Creek to Schoolcraft was authorized. In 1845, a state road from Schoolcraft connecting to the Territorial Road was authorized.

Schoolcraft was incorporated as a General Law Village on January 4, 1866. It was reincorporated March 12, 1869, and received its new charter in 1875.

Local Historic Sites
The Schoolcraft home of Dr. Nathan Thomas served as a "station" on the Underground Railroad. Dr. Thomas, the first doctor in Kalamazoo County and a Quaker who avidly supported and led abolitionist efforts in Michigan, first built the house in 1835 on the corner of Cass St. and Centre St. Between 1840 and 1860, it is estimated that Dr. Thomas and his wife Pamela Brown Thomas sheltered between 1,000 and 1,500 fugitive slaves on their way to Canada. Dr. Thomas built a new house in 1868 and the original house was moved to its present site on Cass St. east of U.S. Route 131. The house is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a registered Michigan Historical Site.

The Schoolcraft United Methodist Church has stood on the corner of Grand Street and Clay Street in Schoolcraft since the early 1850s. The congregation was organized in Prairie Ronde Township in 1832. Its first chapel, called the Ebenezer Episcopal Church of Prairie Ronde, built in 1836, was the first church building of any denomination constructed north of the St. Joseph River.

Cooper's Island is an approximately 23 acre woodland located about 1/4 mile west of U.S. Route 131 on West Eliza St. Containing a rich and rare assortment of mesic forest plants and trees, the woods are the remnant of the Big Island on Prairie Ronde, an island of forest in the midst of prairie at the time of settlement. Famous as the setting for James Fenimore Cooper's 1848 frontier novel The Oak Openings, Cooper's Island is a listed Michigan Historical Site.

The Schoolcraft Ladies Library (at 163 Hayward St.), built in 1896, is also a state listed site. The Ladies Library Association had been founded in 1879 to provide educational opportunities to women in the community (there were no state educational institutions in the area until Western Normal College, now Western Michigan University, was established in Kalamazoo in 1903).

Schools
There are four schools in the Schoolcraft Community Schools school district.

Schoolcraft Early Elementary – Schoolcraft Early Elementary serves approximately 260 students in the Young Fives, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade. The Kindergarten and Young Fives programs are offered half day, every day in the morning or afternoon. The Elementary school is the oldest occupied school in the district, with the original portion of the school having been built in the 1930s. Until completion of the old high school (which is currently the middle school) in the 1950s, this building housed all students in K-12.

Schoolcraft Upper Elementary – The Upper Elementary in Schoolcraft consists of grades 3, 4, and 5, and currently has 342 students enrolled. Grade levels 3, 4, and 5 are the traditional self-contained classrooms. Students in those grade levels do leave their classrooms for specials (physical education, art, computers, library skills, and music).

Schoolcraft Middle School – The Schoolcraft Middle School aims to prepare productive, respectful problem solvers for their next educational endeavor through delivering a challenging, integrated curriculum in a positive environment by a skilled staff. Grades 6th through 8th.

Schoolcraft High School – Grades 9–12. The current high school, which is the newest building in the district's school system, has been occupied since the 1999–2000 school year, with construction being completed in 2000. Due to cooperation with other schools in Kalamazoo County, students also have the opportunity to attend classes at off-campus locations through programs such as the Kalamazoo Area Mathematics and Science Center, Education for Employment and Education for the Arts.

 * School Mascot: Eagle, or the Schoolcraft Eagles
 * School Colors: Purple and Gold

Schoolcraft High School Michigan High School Athletic Association State Team Champions
 * Boys' Track: 1959
 * Girls' Cross-country: 1992 (Class D)
 * Boys' Golf: 1996, 1998, 2002 (Division 4)
 * Football: 1988 (Class D), 1989 (Class C), 2001 (Division 6)
 * Girls' Volleyball: 2008 (Class C)
 * Boys' Basketball: 2011 (Class C)

Notable people

 * Benjamin H. Southworth – Physician, surgeon and American football player.

title: Schoolcraft, Michigan


text:
South Gull Lake, Michigan

South Gull Lake is a census-designated place (CDP) in Ross Township, Kalamazoo County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. It includes the unincorporated communities of Yorkville, Gull Lake, and Midland Park and does not have any legal status as an incorporated municipality. The population of the CDP was 1,182 at the 2010 census, down from 1,526 at the 2000 census.

Geography
The CDP is in northeastern Kalamazoo County, in the northwest part of Ross Township, and comprises area around the southern and eastern shores of Gull Lake. The lake extends into Richland Township to the west, and the northern tip crosses into Barry County, areas which are outside the CDP. The community of Yorkville is in the southern part of the CDP at the outlet of the lake (42.37528°N, -85.40167°W), Gull Lake is at the southeast tip of the lake at 42.37083°N, -85.38667°W, and Midland Park is on the eastern side of the lake at 42.39083°N, -85.38556°W. A summer post office named "Yorkville" operated from 1917 to 1939.

M-89 is a state highway that forms the southern edge of the CDP, leading west 3.5 mi to Richland and east 12 mi to Battle Creek. Kalamazoo is 12 miles to the southwest via Richland.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the South Gull Lake CDP has a total area of 8.2 sqkm, of which 4.7 sqkm, or 57.10%, are water. South Gull Lake drains from its outlet at Yorkville via Gull Creek south to the Kalamazoo River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,526 people, 643 households, and 459 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,161.2 PD/sqmi. There were 885 housing units at an average density of 673.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 99.48% White, 0.13% Native American, 0.07% Asian, and 0.33% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.05% of the population.

There were 643 households, out of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.7% were married couples living together, 6.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.5% were non-families. 23.6% 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 2.37 and the average family size was 2.82.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 21.0% from 25 to 44, 34.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.9 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $65,833, and the median income for a family was $85,848. Males had a median income of $46,932 versus $30,000 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $45,175. None of the families and 1.6% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: South Gull Lake, Michigan


text:
Texas Charter Township, Michigan

Texas Charter Township, officially named the Charter Township of Texas, is a charter township of Kalamazoo County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 17,691, up from 14,697 at the 2010 census. It encompasses the entire portion of the survey township T3S R12W.

The Texas Township Campus of Kalamazoo Valley Community College is located on the southern side of West O Avenue, just east of 8th Street South.

Geography
The township is in western Kalamazoo County, bordered to the east by the city of Portage and to the west by the village of Mattawan in Van Buren County. According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 94.0 km2, of which 89.1 km2 are land and 5.0 km2, or 5.28%, are water.

Interstate 94 crosses the northern part of the township, leading east to Kalamazoo and west to Benton Harbor. US 131 is a north–south highway that runs just east of the township boundary in the city of Portage. Texas Township wholly contains the Al Sabo Preserve, which straddles Portage Creek through southwestern Kalamazoo County.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 14,697 people, 5,231 households, and 4,214 families residing in the township. The population density was 404.9 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 90.6% White, 2.5% African American, 0.03% Native American, 4.1% Asian, 0.0003% Pacific Islander, 0.5% from other races, and 2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.1% of the population.

There were 5,231 households, out of which 39.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 80.6% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 19.4% were non-families. 15% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the township, the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 3.6% from 18 to 24, 23.9% from 25 to 44, 30.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39.5 years. Males account for 49.8% of the total population, with females representing 50.2%.

The median income for a household in the township was $88,250, and the median income for a family was $95,196. The median income for males was $77,386, while the median income for females was $51,673 The per capita income for the township was $32,151.

title: Texas Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Vicksburg, Michigan

Vicksburg is a village in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, United States. The population was 3,706 at the 2020 census. The west part of the village is in Schoolcraft Township and the east part is in Brady Township.

History
John Vickers, the town's namesake, settled in the area in 1831. It was incorporated as a village of the state in 1871. A Michigan Registered Historic Site plaque reads: "VICKERS' MILL: In 1831, John Vickers built a brush dam over the eight-foot waterfall on Portage Creek and erected a log grist mill. The mill is believed to have been the first mill in Kalamazoo County.  The dam created a pond that supplied water power to the mill and formed the sizeable Sunset Lake, around which pioneers built homes and set up businesses.  Vickers died in 1842.  On October 18, 1871, the village was incorporated as Brady, but one day later, a petition passed to rename it Vicksburg."

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 3.15 sqmi, of which 3.01 sqmi is land and 0.14 sqmi is water. Vicksburg is located on the shore of Sunset Lake.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,906 people, 1,120 households, and 773 families residing in the village. The population density was 965.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,233 housing units at an average density of 409.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.9% White, 0.6% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 2.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 1,120 households, of which 39.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.0% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% 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 3.12.

The median age in the village was 33 years. 28.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.3% were from 25 to 44; 23.4% were from 45 to 64; and 11.3% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.3% male and 50.7% female.

Education
Public education is provided by the Vicksburg Community Schools, which serves the village and the surrounding area. Vicksburg High School, Vicksburg Middle School, and Sunset Lake Elementary School are in the village, with two additional elementary schools located in nearby rural areas.

Events
Each year during the second weekend in June, Vicksburg hosts a classic car show.

Vicksburg Car Show 2009 Vicksburg Car Show 2008 Vicksburg Car Show 2007 Vicksburg Car Show 2006

Annual Summer Festival – Located at the Vicksburg Recreation Park, The Vicksburg Lions Club has hosted this event for 37 years. The festival features Otto's Beer & Bratwurst Tent, Family Night, Volleyball and Horseshoe Tournaments, and Live Music. The B&B Annual Summer Festival begins the third Thursday in July and runs through Saturday night.

Christmas in the Village – Located within the whole town of Vicksburg, This event takes place every year in December with family fun events and a parade. It finishes off with the Christmas Tree lighting ceremony.

Vicksburg in the national media
On November 14, 1977 (and continued on November 21, 1977 ), author Bil Gilbert wrote a long feature story in Sports Illustrated on the impact of high school football on life in a small town. He chose to write about Vicksburg High School and mentioned many local citizens and establishments in his article.

Notable people

 * Joe Gembis, head football coach, Wayne State University
 * William Lucking, actor
 * General Glenn K. Otis, US Army
 * Leon Roberts, Major League Baseball outfielder, was born in Vicksburg
 * Bill Snyder, pitcher for the Washington Senators 1919–1920
 * Jim Thurman, TV writer, director and producer

title: Vicksburg, Michigan


text:
Wakeshma Township, Michigan

Wakeshma Township is a civil township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2020 census recorded a population of 1,341, up from 1,301 at the 2010 census.

Communities

 * Fulton is an unincorporated community near the center of the township at 42.115°N, -85.3525°W. It is the only population center in the township.

 * The Fulton area ZIP code is 49052 and serves the eastern and southern portions of the township as well as a portion of southeast Climax Township and western Athens Township in Calhoun County.
 * Fulton is the site of the federally recognized Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi's headquarters. The Band has a reservation near here and jurisdiction over tribal members in neighboring counties. It owns and operates a gaming casino in Battle Creek, Michigan, approximately 25 miles (40 km) northeast of Fulton.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.3 km2, all land. Little Portage Creek and Bear Creek flow through the township.

Adjacent townships in Kalamazoo County are: Brady (west), Pavilion (northwest) and Climax (north). In Calhoun County: Leroy (northeast) and Athens (east). In Branch County: Sherwood (southeast). In St. Joseph County: Leonidas (south) and Mendon (southwest).

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,414 people, 486 households, and 402 families residing in the township. The population density was 39.3 PD/sqmi. There were 502 housing units at an average density of 13.9 per square mile (5.4/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 97.60% White, 0.50% African American, 0.07% Native American, 0.35% Asian, 0.64% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.64% of the population.

There were 486 households, out of which 40.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.8% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.1% were non-families. 13.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.88 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $52,328, and the median income for a family was $53,264. Males had a median income of $36,739 versus $27,292 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,051. About 7.3% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.2% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Wakeshma Township, Michigan