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Saginaw, Michigan

Saginaw is a city in and the seat of Saginaw County, Michigan, United States. The city proper had a population of 44,202 at the 2020 census. Located along the Saginaw River, Saginaw is adjacent to Saginaw Charter Township and considered part of Greater Tri-Cities region of Central Michigan. The Saginaw metropolitan area had a population of 190,124 in 2020. The city is also the largest municipality in the Greater Tri-Cities, with a combined population of 377,474 in the combined statistical area in 2020.

Established as a fort following the 1819 Treaty of Saginaw, Saginaw was a thriving lumber town in the 19th century. It was an important industrial city and manufacturing center throughout much of the 20th century due to its automobile and automotive parts production led by General Motors. As part of the Rust Belt, its industry and strong manufacturing presence declined, leading to increased unemployment, crime, and a population decline. Modern economic development is focused on comparative advantages in innovation, clean energy, and continued manufacturing exports. However, the city continues to have a higher proportion of manufacturing jobs than the U.S. average.

Etymology
The name Saginaw is widely believed to mean "where the Sauk were" in Ojibwe, from Sace-nong or Sak-e-nong (Sauk Town), due to the belief that the Sauk once lived there. But it is more likely that the name means "place of the outlet", from the Ojibwe sag (opening) and ong (place of).

When Natives told Samuel de Champlain that the Sauk nation was on the western shore of Lake Michigan, Champlain mistakenly placed them on the western shore of Lake Huron. This mistake was copied on subsequent maps, and future references identified this as the place of the Sauks. Champlain himself never visited what is now Michigan.

Early history
The site of what later became the city of Saginaw was originally inhabited by the Anishnabeg. French missionaries and traders first appeared in the area during the late 17th century and encountered the Ojibwe (Chippewa) living in the area. The first permanent settlement by those other than Native Americans was in 1816 when Louis Campau established a trading post on the west bank of the Saginaw River. Shortly thereafter the United States established Fort Saginaw. Campau's trading post was also inhabited by Metis.

During Michigan's territorial period, a county and township government were organized at Saginaw. Growth of the settlement was fueled rapidly during the 19th century by the lumber industry. Saginaw was the site of numerous sawmills and served as a port for Great Lakes vessels. What is now the city of Saginaw resulted from the consolidation of the cities of East Saginaw and Saginaw City (West Side) in 1889.

Fort Saginaw
In 1819, Lewis Cass, in the Treaty of Saginaw, negotiated the prerogative for the United States to own and settle the area with the leaders of the Ojibwe. In 1820, Campau attempted to expand across to the east bank of the river but was rejected by the Chippewas. In 1822, the United States Army established a fort on the west bank of the Saginaw River and named it Fort Saginaw. Two companies were stationed at the fort. A group of investors purchased some land near the fort and had it platted under the name, Town of Sagana. Due to the extremely harsh seasons and illnesses, Fort Saginaw was abandoned by 1824.

By the late 1820s, the American Fur Company was operating a post at Saginaw.

Few plots were sold and after the U.S. Army pulled out, the town languished for most of the following decade. The town was re-platted in December 1830, comprising riverfront from Cass Street, on the south, to Harrison Street, and north to Jefferson. These plots sold slowly. By 1835, only 24 plots had been sold and the remainder were transferred to a new owner, who made another plat in February 1837. However, the financial crisis of the Panic of 1837 dampened interest in purchasing properties. After selling only 58 of the 407 plots, the remainder was sold again in 1841.

Native Americans
Saginaw was the location of the annual government payment to the Ojibwe and Ottawa of the area, starting in the 1830s. This also attracted many French-Canadian and Euro-American merchants, primarily involved in selling watered down whiskey.

Lumber boom
The main cause for the founding and subsequent development of Saginaw was the large demand for lumber as the United States expanded westward. A virgin growth forest principally consisting of white pine trees covered most of Michigan. The convenient access to transportation provided by the Saginaw River and its numerous tributaries fueled a massive expansion in population and economic activity. As the trees were being cut down in the region, logs were floated down the rivers to sawmills located in Saginaw, destined to be loaded onto ships and later railroad cars.

Multiple settlements comprise present-day Saginaw. On the west side of the river the first settlement around what had been Fort Saginaw developed into Saginaw, which was incorporated as a city in 1857, containing the seat of the Saginaw County government. On the east side of the river a parallel settlement, East Saginaw, developed which was incorporated first as a village in 1855, and then as a city in 1859. Also south of East Saginaw, on the east bank of the river, the village of Salina formed. Salina's name relates to the brine that led to a growing industry of salt production in the area. Both Saginaw and East Saginaw quickly became a hub for railroad transportation in addition to ships on the Saginaw River. Lumber production peaked by the early 1870s, but had virtually disappeared by the end of the 19th century. In addition to salt production, which experienced an eventual decline as well, growing industries, such as those supporting the area's agriculture and manufacturing, developed.

Consolidation
On June 28, 1889, the Michigan state legislature passed Act 455 to consolidate the cities of Saginaw and East Saginaw into a single city. Prior to this consolidation, the nearby village of Salina had already become part of East Saginaw. The consolidation of Saginaw became effective with the election of officers on March 12, 1890.

The provisions of the city charter were established by the same act of the legislature that provided for the consolidation. Saginaw was to be governed by a city council consisting of two aldermen elected from 21 wards and a mainly ceremonial executive mayor who was to have fairly weak powers. This was to be, as numerous other elected officials, along with elected or appointed boards, controlled much of the administrative and executive functions of government. The efficient and cohesive functioning of the Saginaw city government also was constrained by remaining rivalries between residents, business owners, and politicians from the former two cities. The distinctions and rivalries between Saginaw's east side and west side persisted into the 20th century in various forms, and continues to influence Saginaw's social, political, economic landscape, even into the 2010s.

Industrialization
In the early 20th century, automobile production proliferated throughout Michigan, but most notably in Detroit. Other Michigan cities became suppliers to Detroit factories, sometimes with factories of their own. In Saginaw, the Jackson-Church-Wilcox Company began as a partnership in 1906 for producing steering gear under the "Jacox" brand. Jackson-Church-Wilcox was acquired by Buick in 1909, and as part of General Motors became the Jackson, Church and Wilcox Division, the first GM division devoted to parts production. In 1919 the Jacox division was merged with Saginaw Malleable Iron and Central Foundry into GM's Saginaw Products Company. This formed the basis for the Saginaw Steering Gear Division, created in 1928. General Motors and other manufacturers established foundries and other automobile-related manufacturing facilities in Saginaw, for the production of chemicals and plate glass, as well as metal fabrication. This early development of a symbiotic relationship with the auto industry set the course for the future of the city.

Before the United States entered World War II, Saginaw's industrial complex became directed towards military production. Turning its efforts to the production of munitions, ordnance and components for military vehicles made Saginaw a significant contributor to the Allies' victory. Saginaw was home to a production facility that produced .30 caliber machine guns more quickly and at lower cost than the Army thought possible, armor-piercing shells for anti-tank use, and more than half a million M1 carbine rifles for the US military during World War II, the "Gun Plant" that later became Steering Gear Plant 2. Saginaw Steering Gear's Plant1 also began wartime production in 1941, concentrating on ball screws that would eventually be used in the wing flaps of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress. Malleable Iron converted its production of Armasteel from engine components to gun parts and tank treads, while Grey Iron specialized in the production of magnesium for use in Pratt & Whitney aeroplane engines.

Migration from across the country, particularly from the Southern United States, drastically increased Saginaw's population during the war years and through the 1950s. This population growth included the expanded presence of African Americans and Latinos in Saginaw. Even before the end of the war, the needs of Saginaw's growth became clear, and were met by significant investment in the city's infrastructure. In 1947, Saginaw and the nearby city of Midland constructed a 65 mi water supply pipeline drawing water from Whitestone Point in Lake Huron to meet the anticipated needs of the communities. In addition, the cities of Midland and Bay City joined with Saginaw to develop and operate an airport on the site of a former POW camp in nearby Tittabawassee Township, which eventually became MBS International Airport.

Governance
In 1908, a new Michigan state constitution was adopted. The new Michigan state constitution mandated increased home rule powers for local units of government, and the Michigan state legislature enacted the Home Rule Cities Act in 1909. Under this statute, cities were permitted to frame and adopt their own city charters and were given great flexibility in structuring their local governments. The government, under the 1889 charter, had continued to be inefficient and provided for much political infighting. In 1913, a new city charter was adopted with voter approval and which followed a commission form of city government that had gained in popular interest among various cities across the United States in the early 20th century. The new government consisted of five commissioners, each elected separately at-large, who served both as the city council and as the executive heads of various city government departments. One of the commissioners served as the mayor, which was a mostly ceremonial role.

The 1913 city charter was followed for little more than two decades when the voters of the city again adopted another new city charter in 1935 following the council-manager form of government. The government under the 1913 city charter retained some of the independent boards that were given authority independent of the elected city commissioners. This caused some inefficiency and political friction. The economic consequences of the Great Depression during the 1930s provided the final catalyst for municipal government reform.

In contrast to the previous government structures, the 1935 charter, having taken effect in 1936, provided for all administration of city government to be headed directly by a single officer, the city manager, who was appointed by, and accountable to a city council of nine members elected as a group by the entire city at-large. The system was designed to address two principal issues with Saginaw's history of municipal government, the inefficiency and politics associated with having executive and administrative authority spread among many different officers and boards, and political rivalries and friction between various geographic areas of the city, mainly the east side and the west side.

Post World War II
In the years following World War II, the Michigan state legislature enacted laws making it increasingly difficult for incorporated cities to expand by annexing territory from neighboring townships. Townships, which had historically served an agrarian, smaller population than that of larger cities, were given the ability to provide nearly all the same services an incorporated city could. Although Midland pursued (and continues to pursue) a policy of "No annexation, no water," Saginaw chose to sell water to neighboring communities under long-term contracts. This allowed the townships to further develop at the expense of the city, the limits of which changed little after consolidation in 1889–90. The unintended consequence of this choice was that Saginaw's population stopped growing, new housing development focused on the suburban townships, and businesses eventually followed.

Population decline
Manufacturing in Saginaw declined in the latter half of the 20th century, leading to high unemployment in the city. As a result, the city's population diminished dramatically. From 2000 to 2010, the population of Saginaw proper decreased by nearly 10,000. Michigan's population during that period decreased by 0.6% percent, the only U.S. state to lose population during the decade of the 2000s. In addition, Saginaw has faced increasing social problems relating to poverty as a result of its high rate of unemployment. The crime rate has been a major area of concern for the community.

Unemployment and crime
Saginaw's economic conditions, compounded by the 2007–2012 global financial crisis, are a significant area of concern for the city's residents. The decline in manufacturing jobs has resulted in higher than average rates of unemployment. Property values in the city have declined, decreasing the amount the city government collects in property taxes. Unemployment in Saginaw peaked in July 2009, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, standing at 23.5%. The unemployment rate dropped to 9.0% as of April 2015; crime has decreased as unemployment has decreased.

Saginaw consistently ranks as having one of the highest crime rates in both Michigan and the United States at large. In 2020, Saginaw had a homicide rate of 50.2 per 100,000 people, narrowly surpassing Detroit's rate (49.7) and dwarfing the State and National Rates (7.6 and 6.5, respectively).

Combating blight
Unemployment and population loss in the late 20th and early 21st centuries has led to urban decay, specifically a rise in abandoned homes that provided locations for criminal activity. In recent years, city officials, law enforcement, and neighborhood watch associations have made progress in preventing this activity by heavily patrolling target areas and offering rewards for reporting illegal or suspicious activities.

Efforts to reduce blight in Saginaw increased greatly in 2013, with the United States Department of the Treasury approving a grant to demolish vacant and abandoned properties via the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. The $100 million grant contained $11.2 million set aside for Saginaw, with Detroit receiving $52.3 million, Flint $20.1 million, Pontiac $3.7 million, and the final $2.5 million going to Grand Rapids. After the grant's approval, Saginaw city officials announced a program to purchase unwanted, abandoned structures from their owners, which would be then added to a list of homes to tear down. Officials estimate that there were nearly 1,200 homes within the city limits worthy of demolition.

Efforts to revitalize downtown increased in 2013. CBS television executive and Saginaw native David Strouse announced an investment plan in late 2013 that would save nearly an entire block of buildings slated for demolition at the intersection of Washington and Genesee, the core of downtown Saginaw. The plan called for the renovation and redevelopment of four buildings, creating market-rate apartments on the upper floors and retail space at ground level. In 2012 a similar deal was made for the Bancroft and Eddy apartments at the same intersection. Once Section8 housing, these buildings are being transformed into market-rate apartments and retail space.

Economic development in the region is focused on comparative advantages in innovation, clean energy, and continued manufacturing exports. Compared to other mid-sized communities, Saginaw has a high number of patent applications per job, and more than 81 times the average US share of jobs in photovoltaic technology research and production. The city continues to have a higher proportion of manufacturing jobs than the US average.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 18.10 sqmi, of which, 17.34 sqmi is land and 0.76 sqmi is water. Saginaw lies on the Saginaw River, 15 mi inland from the Saginaw Bay, an arm of Lake Huron. The city sits in the middle of the Saginaw Bay watershed, the largest in the state of Michigan. It includes the largest contiguous fresh-water coastal wetland in the United States.

Neighborhoods
The City of Saginaw consists of many diverse neighborhoods, including:
 * Downtown
 * Old Town
 * Southwest Village
 * Northmoor
 * Heritage Square
 * Cathedral District
 * Houghton Jones Neighborhood
 * South East Side
 * Triangle Parks
 * St. Stephen's Area
 * Brockway-Carmen Park
 * Butman-Fish Neighborhood
 * Redeemer Area
 * Saginaw High Neighborhood
 * Northeast Side
 * Covenant Neighborhood
 * Northwest Neighborhood
 * Sheridan Park
 * The Woods
 * Adams Boulevard Area

Climate
Saginaw has a humid continental climate influenced by its inland position not on the shore of one of the Great Lakes of Michigan.

Demographics
Saginaw is the largest principal city of the Saginaw-Midland-Bay City, MI CSA, a Combined Statistical Area that includes the Saginaw-Saginaw Township North (Saginaw County), Midland (Midland County), and Bay City (Bay County) metropolitan areas, which had a combined population of 377,474 at the 2020 census.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 51,508 people, 19,799 households, and 12,252 families residing in the city (excludes townships). The population density was 2970.5 PD/sqmi. There were 23,574 housing units at an average density of 1359.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 46.1% African American, 43.5% White, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 5.2% from other races, and 4.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 14.3% of the population.

There were 19,799 households, of which 36.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 26.9% were married couples living together, 28.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 38.1% were non-families. 32.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.19.

The median age in the city was 33.5 years. 28.4% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.1% were from 25 to 44; 25% were from 45 to 64; and 10.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.1% male and 52.9% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 61,799 people, 23,182 households, and 15,114 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,542.9 PD/sqmi. There were 25,639 housing units at an average density of 1,469.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city (excluding townships) was 47.02% White, 43.26% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 5.86% from other races, and 3.03% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 11.75% of the population.

There were 23,182 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 32.9% were married couples living together, 27.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.8% were non-families. 29.5% 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 2.60 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.6% under the age of 18, 9.9% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 18.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,485, and the median income for a family was $29,945. Males had a median income of $31,614 versus $22,714 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,816. About 24.7% of families and 28.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 40.2% of those under age 18 and 16.3% of those age 65 and over.

Economy
During much of the 20th century, Saginaw's economy was dominated by manufacturing related to the automotive industry; most notably, manual transmission assemblies, steering gear boxes and power steering pumps. At the height of manufacturing in the 1960s and 1970s, the city and neighboring Buena Vista Township hosted 12 General Motors plants, an Eaton Manufacturing plant (demolished 2008) where 5,000 people produced auto parts, and numerous smaller concerns.

The General Motors plants in the county were:
 * The original Jackson-Wilcox factory on Saginaw's North Hamilton (ca. 1906), later Saginaw Steering Gear Plant 1, closed 1984, sold by GM in 1987 to Thomson Industries, still operating as of 2009.
 * Chevrolet Saginaw Parts at Sixth and Washington on Saginaw's East Side, built in 1906 as the assembly plant of the Rainier Motor Car Company, acquired by GM in 1907. Closed 1983, demolished 1984.
 * Saginaw Malleable Iron on the Southwest Side (1917). Contracted to build gear housings for GM's Jacox division (the former Jackson Wilcox company, later Saginaw Steering Gear), sold to GM in 1919, later part of Saginaw Products Division, reorganized into a new Central Foundry Division in 1946. Closed May 2007, razed in 2010 and for sale as of May 2013 by the RACER Trust, charged with disposing of abandoned GM properties.
 * Chevrolet Grey Iron, on the North Side of Saginaw, opened as Central Foundry in 1918, operated by Chevrolet Division 1927–1983, thereafter by GM Powertrain Division. Operating today as Saginaw Metal Casting Operations, the only GM manufacturing division still operating in Saginaw County.
 * Chevrolet Saginaw Transmission on East Genesee in Saginaw, built 1919–20 for the Michigan Crankshaft Company, acquired by GM in 1921 and placed under Saginaw Products. Transferred to Chevrolet upon the dissolution of the Crankshaft Division (ca. 1927). Home of the Saginaw 3-speed and 4-speed manual transmissions. Transferred to the Delco Moraine Division in 1984, which became Delphi Automotive in 1995. After 2007, leased and later purchased outright by TRW Automotive, operating as TRW Braking and Suspension until closing in February 2014.
 * Saginaw Steering Gear Plant 2, the "Gun Plant" (see below) adjacent to Malleable Iron; opened March 1941, closed July 2001, razed 2002. For sale by RACER Trust as of May 2013.
 * The 400-acre Saginaw Steering Gear complex in Buena Vista Township. Plant3 opened 1953 next to the then-new US-23 bypass, adding Plants 4, 5 and6 by 1966 and a seventh shortly thereafter. Later known as Saginaw Division, then part of Delphi, sold in 2010 to Nexteer Corporation, is supplying GM, Ford and Chrysler as of 2013.
 * Chevrolet Nodular Iron in Buena Vista Township, built 1964–1965, entered production 1967, announced for closure 1986, closed 1988; since demolished. Property for sale by RACER Trust as of May 2013.

The Saginaw metropolitan area's main shopping district is located in neighboring Saginaw Township along Bay Road and Tittabawassee Road north of town, where several big box stores and regional restaurant chains can be found. Also in the same area is Fashion Square Mall, a regional shopping mall anchored by JCPenney and Macy's. Primary areas within the city of Saginaw for consumer shopping include Old Town and downtown.

Arts and culture
Saginaw's entertainment hub can be found in the downtown area, where venues such as The Dow Event Center and the restored Temple Theatre offer live entertainment. The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra and Saginaw Choral Society are housed in the Temple and each of these organizations performs a full concert series annually at the Temple venue. The Saginaw Historical Society is also located downtown in an elaborate castle. Nearby, the Saginaw Art Museum boasts an impressive permanent collection and recently underwent a massive renovation. The Celebration Square area of downtown boasts an authentic Japanese Tea House, the only one of its kind in Michigan. The Andersen Enrichment Center and Rose Gardens are another attraction in Celebration Square offering ongoing art exhibits, a summer jazz concert series, and winter and summer art fairs. Numerous other arts and cultural organizations serve the community including the Saginaw Arts & Enrichment Commission, Eddy Band, Holidays in the Heart of the City, River Junction Poets, Theodore Roethke House of Poetry, Riverside Film Festival, Lawn Chair Film Festival, Friday Night Live Concerts, River Junction Poets and Saginaw Area Watercolor Society. The Dow Event Center is home to the city's junior ice hockey team, the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League as well as the Saginaw Sting, an indoor football team.

Downtown Saginaw has undergone a resurgence with locally-owned restaurants and coffee shops dotting the area. The downtown Saginaw area contains several office buildings from the late 19th century and early 20th century. They are located near the Saginaw Club, a social club founded in 1889. In December 2016 "The Gallery: Art For Saginaw" opened in the newly redeveloped downtown. At roughly 5,000 square feet it is one of the largest public art galleries in Michigan. The Downtown Farmer's Market offers Michigan produce, flowers, and baked goods from local bakeries and will be moving to an indoor permanent location in 2017. Downtown is not to be confused with the Old Town/West Side City area located on the other side of the river and about one mile (1.6 km) southwest. Old Town has many popular bars, locally owned restaurants, and businesses. The city's roster of local arts organizations includes Pit and Balcony, one of the oldest continuously operating community theaters in the United States, founded in 1932.

Parks and museums
The Castle Museum of Saginaw County History is an important and prominent museum in downtown Saginaw. The museum is housed in a former post office which was built to resemble a castle, and pays homage to the historical French heritage of the area. With more than 100,000 artifacts in its collection, the Historical Society of Saginaw County displays items from their collection as well as those of traveling exhibits.

The Andersen Enrichment Center and Lucille E. Andersen Memorial Rose Garden are part of Saginaw's park system. The facility is used to host private and public events throughout the year. These events include Hollyday Art Fair, Art & Garden Festival, the SAWA Fall Watercolor Exhibition, Jazz in the Rose Garden and Art @ the Andersen and a World AIDS Day service The garden includes a fountain with a sculpture by Marshall Fredericks.

The Saginaw Art Museum hosts temporary exhibitions and permanent collections. The museum also houses The John and Michele Bueker Research Library and Archives of Michigan Art. The museum originated as the home of C.L. Ring who commissioned Charles A. Platt to design the house and gardens. The museum opened to the public in 1948. The museum is a Smithsonian Institution affiliate.

Saginaw is home to a Japanese Cultural Center, Tea House and Garden, as a result of its 52-year Sister-City relationship with Tokushima, Japan. The Garden was completed in 1971. The Tea House, known as Saginaw Awa An, completed in 1986, is considered to be one of the ten most authentic Tea Houses outside the country of Japan. The site is open from April through October and offers traditional tea ceremonies by appointment, and on the second Saturday of each month. Each year in September a Japan Festival is held in the garden, featuring authentic Japanese singers, dancers, and performers, and offering demonstrations of Japanese Culture to those in attendance, including flower arranging, calligraphy, origami, and authentic Japanese cuisine, such as sushi and other dishes.

The city is also home to the Theodore Roethke Home Museum, a National Literary Landmark. The museum honors one of America's greatest 20th-century poets, who was born and raised in Saginaw.

Ojibway Island in the Saginaw River is home to Rust Park and the Ojibway Island City Park Amphitheater.

Sports
The Saginaw area is home to a major junior hockey team and one NCAA Division-II school that has various sports programs. The Saginaw Spirit is an Ontario Hockey League team that became nationally known when television personality Stephen Colbert promoted the team on his show, The Colbert Report. The Spirit hosted and won the 2024 Memorial Cup. Saginaw Sting was an indoor football team that formed in 2007 to play in Saginaw beginning in the 2008 season and is currently on hiatus. At the collegiate level, Saginaw Valley State University competes in numerous sports such as American Football, Basketball, and Volleyball.

Government
Saginaw is classified as a Home Rule City under the Michigan Home Rule Cities Act adopting its own City Charter giving its city a council-manager form of government. The present Charter was adopted in 1935 and took effect on January 6, 1936. Pursuant to the City Charter, Saginaw is governed by a nine-member elected at-large Council. The term of office for a member of the City Council is four years commencing with the first meeting following a regular municipal election. The terms are staggered so the entire Council is not subject to re-election at the same time—either four or five members are elected in each odd-numbered year. The city levies an income tax of 1.5 percent on residents and 0.75 percent on nonresidents.

Primary and secondary schools
The city of Saginaw is served by the Saginaw Public School District, also known as SPSD. The Saginaw Public School District operates twelve elementary schools, two combined elementary/middle schools, two middle schools, one combined middle/high school, and two high schools. The district is governed by a seven-member elected board of education. The board selects a superintendent for the district. The current superintendent is Mr. Nathan Mcclain. The three public high schools in Saginaw are Arthur Hill High School, Saginaw High School, and the Saginaw Arts and Sciences Academy. Michigan Lutheran Seminary is the lone private high school in the city. Charter schools in the city are Saginaw Learn to Earn Academy, North Saginaw Charter Academy, Francis Reh Academy, Saginaw Prep schools, and the International Academy of Saginaw.

Higher education
Saginaw is served by Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University, which are located in nearby University Center, Michigan. Central Michigan University maintains an off-campus center inside the city that offers numerous degree programs. Delta College built a downtown satellite facility that opened in the fall of 2019.

Television stations
Saginaw is part of Nielsen's Flint-Saginaw-Bay City-Midland Designated Market Area which is the 66th largest market in the United States for Television Viewers. Saginaw is the home of CBS affiliate WNEM which maintains its studios and offices inside the city though its license is for Bay City, MI. ABC affiliate WJRT maintains its offices and newsrooms in Saginaw while its studios are in its community of license, Flint. Only NBC affiliate WEYI and Christian station WAQP have the City of Saginaw as their city of record but both maintain their facilities outside of the city. Charter Communications operates a cable television network servicing the City of Saginaw under a franchise agreement.

Radio stations
Saginaw and Saginaw Township are home to the three major radio station clusters serving the Greater Tri Cities. Those include family owned and Saginaw-headquartered MacDonald Broadcasting, and corporate broadcasters Alpha Media and Cumulus Media. Radio stations licensed within the immediate Saginaw area are listed. Many locations in the City of Saginaw also receive stations from Bay City, Midland, Flint, and Lansing.

Newspapers

 * The Saginaw News—Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday
 * Review Magazine— biweekly
 * The Saginaw Press—weekly
 * The Township Times —weekly
 * The Township View—weekly

Transportation

Historically, ships were able to move along the length of the river inside the city, but fixed bridges built over the river closed access south of the northern docks.

Saginaw was a railroad hub to the Pere Marquette Railway. Freight and passenger routes radiated to Bay City to the north, Port Huron to the east, Toledo to the south, Grand Rapids and Chicago to the southwest and Ludington to the west. Grand Trunk Railroad ran trains from Bay City through Saginaw to Durand, for connections to Chicago, Detroit, Port Huron and Toronto. Most passenger routes were discontinued during the 1950s. The last route to Potter Street Station was in 1950. The station was designated a historic site in 1991. The last New York Central Railroad train (formerly Michigan Central Railroad) departed the Genesee Street Station bound for Detroit in 1964. Today, Saginaw hosts the headquarters of the Lake State Railway who continues to operate trains out of the massive former Pere Marquette Saginaw Yard to destinations that include Midland, Bay City, and Plymouth. The Huron and Eastern Railway operates the former GTW mainline through the city, which intersects with Lake State's Midland Line at Mershon Junction. HESR also operates several lines east into the thumb region towards Vassar and Reese. The Mid-Michigan Railroad plays a bit part in the region as well, interchanging with Lake State at Paines, west of the city. The Saginaw Railway Museum, located on the west side of the city, continues to work towards the preservation of the Saginaw Bay area's railroading history.

Saginaw is served primarily by two airports: MBS International Airport, located in nearby Freeland, and Bishop International Airport, located in Flint. Saginaw is also served by three smaller airports: Harry W. Browne Airport in adjacent Buena Vista Township, James Clements Municipal Airport in Bay City, and Jack Barstow Municipal Airport in Midland.

Interstate 75 (I-75) serves as the main arterial route for the Saginaw area while I-675 provides direct access to the center of the city from I-75. I-69 is a nearby east–west corridor providing access to the rest of the Midwestern United States and Canada. The Saginaw River runs through the middle of the city and provides access to Saginaw Bay and the rest of the Great Lakes via docks on the northern side of the city.

In the city and surrounding areas, mass transit is provided by bus under the authority of the Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services (STARS) system. The STARS system connects to Bay City's Bus system at Saginaw Valley State University.

Intercity Bus Service is Provided by Indian Trails, which operates a bus station on the east side of the river.

Major highways

 * passes along the eastern side of the city through Buena Vista Charter Township.
 * provides a short freeway loop through downtown Saginaw and back to I-75 through Saginaw Charter Township.
 * runs from I-69 through downtown Saginaw and north to Standish.
 * is a cross-peninsular road, running across the mitten and the thumb—from Port Sanilac on the Lake Huron shore, through Saginaw, and then on to Muskegon on the Lake Michigan shore. This east–west surface route nearly bisects the Lower Peninsula of Michigan latitudinally.
 * passes through the western suburbs and provides a direct connection to MBS International Airport.
 * runs from the Ohio border through Adrian and Owosso before ending at M-46, in the western suburbs of Saginaw. M-52 also provides an alternate connection to Lansing, Michigan's state capitol.
 * runs from M-47 to I-675.
 * runs east from M-13 to Caro and Cass City and ends at M-53 in Sanilac County.
 * runs from downtown Bay City to M-58 in Saginaw.

Utilities
The City of Saginaw gets its electricity and natural gas from Consumers Energy.

In 1929, the city opened its consolidated water works plant which replaced two separate plants that were on each side of the Saginaw river. This plant treated water brought in from the Saginaw river and piped it out to the residents as well as corner pumps for people that did not have direct connections to the system. Currently, the City of Saginaw jointly owns with the City of Midland the Saginaw-Midland Municipal Water Supply Corporation. Incorporated in 1946, this water treatment system has supplied drinking and industrial water to both cities and many surrounding areas within the county. Due to brackish water in the aquifers below both cities, a 65 mi pipeline was constructed in 1948 to supply water from Lake Huron at White Stone Point, north of Au Gres to water treatment plants in Saginaw and Midland with a second pipe added by 1996. This system has played a role in the decline of the city. The City of Saginaw, in order to obtain new sources of revenue, sold water to areas outside of the city (especially to the Saginaw Charter Township). This caused numerous businesses inside the city to leave for the surrounding areas and development in the city to stagnate. The City of Midland, however, adopted a policy of "No Annexation, No Water" which has led to the growth of the city as well as the surrounding areas.

Healthcare
Aleda E. Lutz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, located at 1500 Weiss, is a hospital serving America's Veterans overseen by the Veterans Health Administration. It has 100 staffed beds and sees 292,000 patients a year.

Covenant Medical Center, located at 1447 North Harrison, is a 623-bed hospital with inpatient and outpatient facilities including an emergency department that provides 95,000 visits per year and is the region's primary trauma center. Lifenet offers helicopter air ambulance services from the Covenant campus.

Mary Free Bed and Covenant HealthCare combined their expertise to establish Mary Free Bed at Covenant HealthCare, aiming to provide advanced rehabilitation services to the Great Lakes Bay Region. The collaboration leverages the strengths of both organizations to offer specialized care and state-of-the-art rehabilitation technology. The partnership became operational in 2018, later investing in the Saginaw community with a new $40.7M building in 2021.

It is the location for "CMU Medical Education Partners", which offers various residency training programs. It also offers walk-in clinics and facilities scattered throughout the county for outpatient surgery, breast cancer diagnosis, physical therapy, sports medicine and eye care.

Ascension Saint Mary's of Michigan, located at 800 South Washington, is a hospital with approximately 225 staffed beds and sees 168,000 patients a year. St. Mary's treats trauma, heart disease, and cancer among other ailments, and opened its Ambulatory Care Center in Saginaw Township in 2000 featuring the county's first suburban emergency room.

In popular culture

 * Saginaw is referred to in the Brian D'Arcy James song: "Michigan Christmas". Brian grew up in Saginaw, Michigan.
 * Bill Anderson and Don Wayne wrote a song entitled "Saginaw, Michigan" which has been covered by a dozen artists. Cowboy singer Lefty Frizzell was the first to perform it, with his version reaching number one on the country charts. Also popularly, it was performed by George Jones.
 * Saginaw served as the destination point for the Seinfeld characters Kramer and Newman during an episode where the pair hatched a scheme to transport bottles and cans via a United States Postal Service mail truck from New York to Michigan to earn 10¢ per recycled item, as opposed to New York's 5¢.
 * In an episode of The CW Television Network's television series, Supernatural, brothers Sam and Dean investigate a murder meant to look like a suicide in Saginaw.
 * "The Saginaw Song" is the title of a poem by Theodore Roethke, a poet who was born in Saginaw in 1908.
 * Saginaw and the Saginaw Valley was a center for songwriting. The well-known tunes "All of Me" "Toot Toot Tootsie" "It Had to Be You" "After the Ball" "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" "Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus" and many others were either written or co-written by songwriters from Saginaw. More modern examples include "Only Women Bleed" and the catalog of Saginaw native Stevland Morris, aka Stevie Wonder, Dick Wagner, and Rudy Martinez ("96 Tears").
 * The 1966 Paul Simon song America includes the line, "It took me four days to hitch-hike from Saginaw". According to an article in Michigan Live, Simon wrote the song when he was in the city

Sister cities

 * Amanokrom, Akuapim North District, Ghana
 * Awka, Anambra, Nigeria
 * Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
 * Tokushima, Tokushima Prefecture, Japan
 * Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico

title: Saginaw, Michigan


text:
Saginaw Charter Township, Michigan

Saginaw Charter Township is a charter township of Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 41,679 at the 2020 census. The city of Saginaw is adjacent to the township to the southeast, but is administratively autonomous.

The township is also a component of the Saginaw Metropolitan Statistical Area and the greater Saginaw-Midland-Bay City Combined Statistical Area in the Mid/Central Michigan region.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 24.8 sqmi, of which 24.6 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (0.56%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 39,657 people, 17,096 households, and 10,685 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,608.9 PD/sqmi. There were 17,859 housing units at an average density of 724.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 88.77% White, 5.28% African American, 0.27% Native American, 2.68% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.47% from other races, and 1.52% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.17% of the population.

There were 17,096 households, out of which 25.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.3% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 31.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.0% 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 township, 21.1% of the population was under the age of 18, 9.2% was from 18 to 24, 24.7% from 25 to 44, 25.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% was 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 83.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $45,147, and the median income for a family was $60,625. Males had a median income of $49,084 versus $30,620 for females. The per capita income for the township was $25,759. 6.6% of the population and 4.4% of families were below the poverty line. 7.0% of those are under the age of 18 and 8.0% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

History
Saginaw Township predates its parent county. When Saginaw Township was organized as part of Oakland County in 1831, in accordance with an 1830 act of Michigan's Territorial Legislature, it covered all of today's Saginaw County (organized in 1835) and part of Bay, Genesee and Midland counties. As the boundaries for these counties were set, and new townships within Saginaw County organized, Saginaw Township was reduced to its present boundaries. The territory of the present City of Saginaw west of the Saginaw River was taken from Saginaw Township when the city of Saginaw was incorporated in 1857.

In May 2020, Saginaw County residents (including parts of Saginaw Township, Thomas Township, and Tittabawassee Township), along with various Midland County residents (including parts of the city of Midland, the village of Sanford, Edenville Township, Midland Township, Lincoln Township, Homer Township and Dow Chemical) were forced to evacuate due to high flooding caused by the breach of the Edenville and Sanford dams.

Public school districts

 * Saginaw Township Community Schools

Public high schools

 * Heritage High School

Private high schools

 * Nouvel Catholic Central High School
 * Valley Lutheran High School

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

title: Saginaw Charter Township, Michigan


text:
Saginaw Township North, Michigan

Saginaw Township North is an unincorporated community and former census-designated place (CDP) in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The community is located within Saginaw Charter Township, and the CDP boundaries consisted of most of the northern portion of the township. Saginaw Township South is in the southern portion of the township.

The population of the Saginaw Township South CDP was 24,994 at the 2000 census. The CDP was dissolved and not included in the 2010 census.

Communities

 * Lawndale is an unincorporated community at the junction of Tittabawassee Road and Lawndale Road on the boundary with Kochville Township. Lawndale was a station on the Pere Marquette Railway. A post office named "Ohman" opened December 15, 1891, named for its first postmaster, William Ohman. The post office name changed to Lawndale on January 20, 1892, and closed on April 30, 1903.
 * Shattuckville is an unincorporated community at M-47/Midland Road, Shattuck Road and Hospital Road. A post office named "Redan" opened in the northeastern part of Saginaw County on May 15, 1872 and was closed February 6, 1874. The office was reestablished as Shattuckville on March 6, 1877 and operated until November 20, 1878. The settlement was named for mill owner Samuel N. Shattuck, who also served as the first and only postmaster. In 1884, Shattuckville had a population of 68, an increase from 46 reported in the 1880 U.S. Census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 13.5 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 24,994 people, 10,704 households, and 6,572 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,851.5 PD/sqmi. There were 11,209 housing units at an average density of 830.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 88.07% White, 5.35% Black or African American, 0.27% Native American, 3.08% Asian, 1.61% from other races, and 1.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.09% of the population.

There were 10,704 households, out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 9.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were non-families. 32.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 20.7% under the age of 18, 10.2% from 18 to 24, 24.6% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 19.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $42,481, and the median income for a family was $56,641. Males had a median income of $47,450 versus $30,300 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,466. About 4.3% of families and 7.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.5% of those under age 18 and 8.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Saginaw Township North, Michigan


text:
Saginaw Township South, Michigan

Saginaw Township South is an unincorporated community and former census-designated place (CDP) in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The community is located within Saginaw Charter Township, and the CDP boundaries consisted of the southern portion of the township. Saginaw Township North is in the northern portion of the township.

The population of the Saginaw Township South CDP was 13,801 at the 2000 census. The CDP was dissolved and not included in the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 7.0 sqmi, of which 6.9 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.99%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,801 people, 6,079 households, and 3,860 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,999.1 PD/sqmi. There were 6,327 housing units at an average density of 916.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 89.86% White, 5.36% Black or African American, 0.25% Native American, 1.96% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.26% from other races, and 1.30% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.41% of the population.

There were 6,079 households, out of which 26.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.7% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.0% 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 21.8% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 26.8% from 45 to 64, and 18.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.8 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $48,605, and the median income for a family was $64,137. Males had a median income of $49,977 versus $30,968 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $28,012. About 4.8% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.6% of those under age 18 and 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Saginaw Township South, Michigan


text:
Shields, Michigan

Shields is an unincorporated community in Thomas Township, Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes, but with no legal status as an incorporated municipality. The population of the CDP was 7,035 at the 2020 census.

The community of Shields is located on M-46/Gratiot Road just west of the Tittabawassee River. In the 2000 census, the CDP included an area bounded on the east by the Tittabawassee River, north to State Street, west to N. Miller Road, south to Geddes Road, west to N. Thomas Road, south to M-46/Gratiot Road, east to Swan Creek, south to the railroad crossing on Schomaker Road, east along the rail tracks to Stroebel Road, northwest to Ronald Drive and east to the Tittabawassee River. Most of the CDP is within Thomas Township with a small portion extending into northwest James Township.

History
A post office operated in Shields from August 15, 1894 until Dec 15, 1902.

The Shields brothers William and Arthur were born in 1826 and 1830 respectively in County Armagh, Ireland. Along with their family, they immigrated to Michigan settling in Thomas Township in 1842. The bachelor brothers settled on 160 acre in section three. Eventually the southeastern part of the Township came to be known as the Shields area.

Paines is a place within James Township and the CDP located on Dutch Road between River Roads and Stroebel Roads. Paines was first settled in 1871 and named for A. B. Paine, a local brick manufacturer. It was a station at the junction of the Michigan Central and the Pere Marquette rail lines. A post office named "Painesville" was established on October 10, 1873, closed on May 29, 1876, and reopened on July 14, 1876. The office was renamed "Paines" on October 19, 1880 and continued until June 30, 1904.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 6.6 sqmi, of which 6.5 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (1.06%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 6,590 people, 2,508 households, and 1,875 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,007.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,587 housing units at an average density of 395.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.74% White, 0.80% African American, 0.27% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.74% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.32% of the population.

There were 2,508 households, out of which 31.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.4% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.2% were non-families. 21.7% 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 2.98.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 24.4% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 25.3% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.5 males.

As of the census of 2010, the median income for a household in the CDP was $52,457, and the median income for a family was $62,566. Males working full-time and year-round had a median income of $44,018 versus $39,471 for full-time, year-round working females. The per capita income for the CDP was $24,397. About 4.4% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.1% of those under age 18 and 7.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Shields, Michigan


text:
Spaulding Township, Michigan

Spaulding Township is a civil township of Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,975 at the 2020 Census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 27.4 sqmi, of which 26.6 sqmi is land and 0.8 sqmi (2.96%) is water. The township's northwestern boundary follows the Shiawassee River, and its tributaries the Flint and Cass rivers flow through the township. The mouth of Misteguay Creek, a Flint River tributary, is located in the southern part of the township.

History
Albert Miller was the first settler of Spaulding Township. He moved to the area in 1832. Upon the organization of Saginaw County in 1835, Miller was appointed Judge of Probate and Justice of the Peace. He was also a member of the state legislature in 1847 and the first president of the Michigan Pioneer Society.

Spaulding Township was named after Phineas Spalding. Spalding moved to the area in May 1834 with his wife, Belinda. The area now known as Spaulding Township was not designated as such until December 30, 1858.

The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge was established in March 1953. The only public entrance into the refuge is off West Curtis Road in Spaulding Township. The refuge consists of over 8850 acre and was established to protect migratory bird habitats.

The Spaulding Township Volunteer Fire Department has provided service to the township since 1955.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,399 people, 900 households, and 676 families residing in the township. The population density was 90.3 PD/sqmi. There were 926 housing units at an average density of 34.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 79.41% White, 12.92% African American, 0.67% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 3.71% from other races, and 2.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 13.26% of the population.

There were 900 households, out of which 29.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.6% were married couples living together, 12.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.8% were non-families. 21.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 26.9% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $36,791, and the median income for a family was $42,794. Males had a median income of $37,619 versus $20,911 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,910. About 7.7% of families and 9.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.8% of those under age 18 and 8.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Spaulding Township, Michigan


text:
St. Charles, Michigan

St. Charles is a village in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The village is located in the northwest corner of St. Charles Township with portions of the village located within Brant and Swan Creek townships. The population was 2,054 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.20 sqmi, of which 2.12 sqmi is land and 0.08 sqmi is water. The Bad River flows through St. Charles.

Demographics
The median income for a household in the village was $50,183.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,054 people, 864 households, and 550 families living in the village. The population density was 968.9 PD/sqmi. There were 928 housing units at an average density of 437.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.0% White, 0.9% African American, 0.7% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.2% of the population.

There were 864 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.4% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.3% were non-families. 30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.93.

The median age in the village was 38.7 years. 24.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.9% were from 25 to 44; 26.7% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,215 people, 865 households, and 615 families living in the village. The population density was 907.4 PD/sqmi. There were 909 housing units at an average density of 372.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.57% White, 0.68% African American, 0.63% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.99% from other races, and 0.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.34% of the population.

There were 865 households, out of which 34.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.2% were married couples living together, 13.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.9% were non-families. 25.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 8.8% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 88.9 males.

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

title: St. Charles, Michigan


text:
St. Charles Township, Michigan

St. Charles Township is a civil township of Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,183 at the 2020 Census.

Communities

 * The village of St. Charles is located in the northwest corner of the township.
 * Clausedale is an unincorporated community in the Township at Fry and Claudesdale Roads.
 * Fergus is identified as a locale by the U.S. Geological Survey in the township at Fergus and McKeighan Roads. Fergus was a station on the Michigan Central Railroad and had a post office from December 28, 1882 to August 15, 1933.
 * Groveton is an unincorporated community in the township on 4th Street between Marion and Burt Roads.
 * Luce is an unincorporated community in the township at its Eastern border with Albee Township at Burt and Gasper Roads.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 37.2 sqmi, of which 37.0 sqmi is land and 0.2 sqmi (0.62%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,393 people, 1,301 households, and 965 families residing in the township. The population density was 91.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,365 housing units at an average density of 36.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.73% White, 0.47% African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.80% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.24% of the population.

There were 1,301 households, out of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.2% were married couples living together, 11.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 22.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% 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 3.04.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.9 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $40,726, and the median income for a family was $48,776. Males had a median income of $40,208 versus $23,708 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,818. About 6.6% of families and 8.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.1% of those under age 18 and 7.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: St. Charles Township, Michigan


text:
Swan Creek Township, Michigan

Swan Creek Township is a civil township of Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,416 at the 2020 Census.

Communities

 * Garfield is an unincorporated community near the center of the township at Lakefield and Teft Roads (43.35139°N, -84.13389°W). Garfield began as a logging settlement in about 1870 with the mills of L. Pennoyer and R. H. Nason. In 1879, Nason, along with Helen B. Allen and W. Husen, also built a salt block here. It was a station on the Michigan Central Railroad, and was named for the nearby Garfield coal mine.
 * Orr is an unincorporated community in the township at Swan Creek and Orr Roads. A post office operated from July 7, 1896, until October 14, 1904
 * Swan Creek is an unincorporated community on the border with James Township at Swan Creek and Van Wormer Roads. A post office operated from July 15, 1869, until October 16, 1871, and from October 20, 1892, until September 15, 1927.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 23.6 sqmi, of which 23.2 sqmi is land and 0.5 sqmi (1.95%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,536 people, 957 households, and 756 families residing in the township. The population density was 109.5 PD/sqmi. There were 984 housing units at an average density of 42.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.71% White, 0.16% African American, 0.47% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 0.43% from other races, and 1.18% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.33% of the population.

There were 957 households, out of which 33.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.6% were married couples living together, 6.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.9% were non-families. 18.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.01.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 28.7% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $45,887, and the median income for a family was $51,157. Males had a median income of $41,953 versus $24,125 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,129. About 4.3% of families and 4.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 3.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Swan Creek Township, Michigan


text:
Taymouth Township, Michigan

Taymouth Township is a civil township of Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,065 at the 2020 Census.

Communities

 * Burt is an unincorporated community in the township and is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes.
 * Fosters is an unincorporated community in the township between the two segments of Busch Road west of Huron & Eastern Railway and Dorwood Road, basically consisting of Saginaw Street, Fosters Road, Railroad Street, Hasting Street and Washington Street.
 * Morseville is an unincorporated community in the township at Morseville and Burt Roads. The Morseville Bridge over the Flint River is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 * Taymouth is an unincorporated community in the township at 43.24278°N, -83.87389°W on Seymour Road between Birch Run and Burt Roads. A post office operated here from January 18, 1858, until June 30, 1903.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.7 sqmi, of which 35.6 sqmi is land and 0.1 sqmi (0.34%) is water.

Demographics
According to the 2000 census, there were 4,624 people, 1,583 households and 1,296 families residing in the township. The population density was 130.0 /sqmi. There were 1,661 housing units at an average density of 46.7 /sqmi. The racial make-up of the township was 95.61% White, 0.65% African American, 0.67% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.13% Pacific Islander, 0.82% from other races and 1.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.44% of the population.

There were 1,583 households, out of which 39.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.8% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present and 18.1% were non-families. 14.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.20.

28.2% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 30.5% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 8.1% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.6 males.

The median household income was $46,581 and the median family income was $51,420. Males had a median income of $41,696 and females $22,458. The per capita income was $18,054. About 6.4% of families and 9.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.7% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Taymouth Township, Michigan


text:
Thomas Township, Michigan

Thomas Township is a civil township of Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2020 Census places the population at 11,931.

Communities

 * Dice is an unincorporated community in the township at Dice and Thomas Roads.
 * Frost is an unincorporated community in the township on Frost Road, between Graham and Lone Roads. A post office operated from April 13, 1880, until December 15, 1887, and again from January 24, 1888, until September 30, 1907.
 * Shields is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 31.9 sqmi, of which 31.5 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi (1.32%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 11,877 people, 4,545 households, and 3,481 families residing in the township. The population density was 376.9 PD/sqmi. There were 4,700 housing units at an average density of 149.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.10% White, 0.62% African American, 0.22% Native American, 0.68% Asian, 0.61% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.64% of the population.

There were 4,545 households, out of which 32.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.1% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.4% were non-families. 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.1% 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 2.97.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.3% under the age of 18, 6.6% from 18 to 24, 26.0% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $52,536, and the median income for a family was $59,271. Males had a median income of $48,523 versus $29,660 for females. The per capita income for the township was $25,700. About 1.7% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.3% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Thomas Township, Michigan


text:
Tittabawassee Township, Michigan

Tittabawassee Township is a civil township of Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2020 Census placed the population at 10,691. The township is named for the Tittabawassee River.

Communities

 * Freeland is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in the Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.5 sqmi, of which 35.2 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi (0.87%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,706 people, 2,383 households, and 1,849 families residing in the township. The population density was 219.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,508 housing units at an average density of 71.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 87.32% White, 8.89% African American, 0.53% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.78% from other races, and 1.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.01% of the population.

There were 2,383 households, out of which 39.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.2% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.4% were non-families. 18.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.9% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 39.2% from 25 to 44, 22.0% from 45 to 64, and 7.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 137.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 148.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $54,980, and the median income for a family was $66,455. Males had a median income of $50,137 versus $30,994 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,554. About 4.3% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.0% of those under age 18 and 6.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government and infrastructure
Saginaw Correctional Facility is located in the township.

Also, the "R1SE Education and Recreation Center", an innovative tutoring facility, is located in Tittabawassee Township.

title: Tittabawassee Township, Michigan


text:
Zilwaukee, Michigan

Zilwaukee is a city in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2020 census places the population at 1,534. The city is adjacent to and was created from Zilwaukee Township. It is the home of the Zilwaukee Bridge.

History
Zilwaukee was founded in 1848 when Daniel and Solomon Johnson, two brothers from New York City, built a saw mill there.

The provenance of the town's name is unknown, but local legends hold that it was a deliberate attempt to attract immigrants who thought they were heading for the larger Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.37 sqmi, of which 2.21 sqmi is land and 0.16 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,658 people, 671 households, and 442 families living in the city. The population density was 750.2 PD/sqmi. There were 723 housing units at an average density of 327.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.3% White, 3.7% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.6% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.7% of the population.

There were 671 households, of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.1% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.1% were non-families. 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.2% 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 2.97.

The median age in the city was 40 years. 22.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.8% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 16.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.8% male and 50.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,799 people, 711 households, and 509 families living in the city. The population density was 810.7 PD/sqmi. There were 729 housing units at an average density of 328.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 93.94% White, 1.78% African American, 0.44% Native American, 0.50% Asian, 2.61% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.23% of the population.

There were 711 households, out of which 28.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.8% were married couples living together, 10.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 22.9% 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 2.53 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.5% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 31.2% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $42,014, and the median income for a family was $47,981. Males had a median income of $37,292 versus $25,586 for females. The per capita income for the city was $19,491. About 5.7% of families and 6.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * John Baird (1860–1934), state senator and state representative, director of Michigan Conservation Department
 * Bernard C. Wetzel (1876–1952), Detroit architect

title: Zilwaukee, Michigan


text:
Zilwaukee Township, Michigan

Zilwaukee Township is a civil township of Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 62 at the 2020 census, which ranks the township the fourth-least populated municipality in the state of Michigan after Pointe Aux Barques Township, Grand Island Township, and West Branch Township.

The city of Zilwaukee is southwest of the township, but the two are administered separately. The township is home to the Crow Island State Game Area, which covers a large portion of the township's area.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 5.98 sqmi, of which 3.58 sqmi is land and 2.40 sqmi (40.1%) is water.

The Saginaw River flows through the center of the township.

Highways

 * / crosses briefly within two sections of the township.  The highway travels through the southwestern portion of the township, and the Zilwaukee Bridge begins within the township and crosses the Saginaw River to the city of Zilwaukee. The highway also passes through the westernmost portion of the township.
 * has a portion of its northern terminus within the township at Interstate 75 / U.S. Route 23.
 * runs north–west through the township along the Saginaw River.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 61 people, 23 households, and 18 families residing in the township. The population density was 10.6 per square mile (4.1/km2). There were 26 housing units at an average density of 4.5 per square mile (1.8/km2). The racial makeup of the township was 90.16% White, and 9.84% African American.

There were 23 households, out of which 26.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.9% were married couples living together, and 21.7% were non-families. 17.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and none had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.65 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.6% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 16.4% from 25 to 44, 34.4% from 45 to 64, and 16.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 144.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 130.0 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $50,625, and the median income for a family was $52,188. Males had a median income of $50,938 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,268. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

title: Zilwaukee Township, Michigan


text:
Applegate, Michigan

Applegate is a village in Sanilac County of the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 241 at the 2020 census. Applegate is in the southeast corner of Washington Township on the boundary with Sanilac Township.

History
Applegate originated in 1856 when George Pack (brother of John Pack) built a sawmill here.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.01 sqmi, of which 1.00 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi is water.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 248 people, 95 households, and 65 families living in the village. The population density was 248.0 PD/sqmi. There were 111 housing units at an average density of 111.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 93.1% White, 3.2% African American, 2.4% Asian, and 1.2% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.2% of the population.

There were 95 households, of which 35.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were married couples living together, 18.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.6% were non-families. 29.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.25.

The median age in the village was 34.6 years. 30.6% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.6% were from 25 to 44; 22.2% were from 45 to 64; and 12.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 45.6% male and 54.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 287 people, 102 households, and 79 families living in the village. The population density was 290.1 PD/sqmi. There were 106 housing units at an average density of 107.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.52% White, 2.09% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.97% of the population.

There were 102 households, out of which 43.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 13.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.5% were non-families. 20.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 32.8% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 19.5% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $32,188, and the median income for a family was $36,094. Males had a median income of $26,964 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,977. None of the families and 3.9% of the population were living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 10.8% of those over 64.

title: Applegate, Michigan


text:
Argyle Township, Michigan

Argyle Township is a civil township of Sanilac County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 687. Argyle Township was organized in 1872.

Communities

 * Argyle is an unincorporated community in the township at M-19/Ubly Road and Argyle Road 43.56417°N, -82.93611°W. The Argyle ZIP code 48410 provides P.O. Box only service. The first settlers were mostly Scots from Ontario, Canada and they named the township and settlement after Argyle, Scotland when it was organized in 1872. A post office was established in February 1876.
 * Laing is a historical settlement at M-19/Ubly Road and Deckerville Road at 43.52056°N, -82.93389°W (Elevation: 768 ft./234 m.). A rural post office named for Herman Laing operated from January 1896 until Jun 1906.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.3 sqmi, of which 36.3 sqmi is land and 0.03% is water.

History
Jacob Sitter (modern "Seder") was the first recognized permanent settler in Argyle Township. On 1 July 1861 Jacob purchased 320 acres in Argyle Township (from the state of Michigan), on which he first built a two-story barn for his livestock (first story) and his family (second story).

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 770 people, 275 households, and 213 families residing in the township. The population density was 21.2 PD/sqmi. There were 326 housing units at an average density of 9.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.7% White, 0.4% Native American, 0.3% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population.

There were 275 households, out of which 34.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 62.9% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.5% were non-families. 19.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.1% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 26.4% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 11.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $35,341, and the median income for a family was $43,125. Males had a median income of $30,400 versus $21,094 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,012. About 4.2% of families and 7.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 14.3% of those age 65 or over.

title: Argyle Township, Michigan


text:
Austin Township, Sanilac County, Michigan

Austin Township is a civil township of Sanilac County of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township had a total population 619. The township was organized in 1851.

Communities

 * Austin Center is an unincorporated community near the center of the township at Cumber and M-19/Ubly Roads 43.6225°N, -82.9375°W (Elevation: 791 ft./241 m.). A Mr. Watson was the first white settler in the area in 1854, soon joined by Alexander McRae, whose wife taught at the first school. A sawmill was built in 1868. The settlement was named after the township, which was first organized in 1851, but did not have its current boundaries until 1864. It was named for pioneer William Austin, who had settled in the county about 1844.
 * Cumber is an unincorporated community in the western part of the Township at Cumber and Wheeler Roads 43.62139°N, -82.9775°W (Elevation: 807 Ft./246 m.). T.M. Bradshaw opened a blacksmith shop in 1869. A post office was established in June 1874.
 * Freidberger (or Freiburgers or Freiburger) is an unincorporated community in the central portion of the Township at Cumber and Freidberger Roads 43.62333°N, -82.9175°W (Elevation: 787 ft./240 m.). A post office operated from July 1888 until June 1906. Once a stop on an early stagecoach route, it was later a stop on the Pere Marquette Railroad. The town declined greatly once the railroad stopped coming.
 * Tyre is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of the Township on Tyre Road at the Huron and Eastern Railway 43.675°N, -82.89111°W (Elevation: 781 ft./238 m.). Tyre was founded in 1857 by Alex Soule, John Getty and others. The Soule family named it after the Biblical Tyre because of the stony terrain. A post office operated from October 1863 until September 1881 and again from November 1881 until July 1964, one year after it was assigned zip code 48474. It was a station on the Pere Marquette Railway. At one time there were five general stores and seven doctors, three drug stores, and its large railroad station was a major agricultural shipping point for crops and livestock.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.2 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 673 people, 242 households, and 186 families residing in the township. The population density was 18.6 PD/sqmi. There were 298 housing units at an average density of 8.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.26% White, 0.15% African American, 0.45% Native American, and 0.15% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.45% of the population.

There were 242 households, out of which 32.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.9% were married couples living together, 7.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.1% were non-families. 20.2% 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 2.76 and the average family size was 3.21.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 27.8% from 25 to 44, 22.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 112.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 104.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $35,139, and the median income for a family was $38,594. Males had a median income of $27,708 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,041. About 9.4% of families and 11.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 14.3% of those under age 18 and 21.4% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Bridgehampton Township, Michigan

Bridgehampton Township is a civil township of Sanilac County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 745.

Communities

 * Carsonville is a village along M-46 at the southern boundary of the township with Washington Township and lies partially within both townships. The Carsonville ZIP code 48419 serves most of the southern portion of the township.
 * Deckerville is a village to the north in Marion Township and the Deckerville ZIP code 49427 serves areas in the northern part of the township.
 * Downington is a historical settlement on Ruth Road along the northern boundary with Marion Township. William Bancroft of Port Huron built a store here in 1862. It was named for Alonzo Downing, another businessman who served as supervisor of Marion Township from 1873 to 1876. It was given a station on the Port Huron and Northwestern Railway in 1880 and a post office was established in April 1883.
 * McGregor is an unincorporated community in the northwest part of the township at 43.4825°N, -82.7475°W The settlement was founded by Adam McGregor in 1859 and named for him. It was a station on the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad. A post office operated from September 1894 until April 1958.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.2 sqmi, of which 36.2 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.08%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 911 people, 333 households, and 252 families residing in the township. The population density was 25.2 PD/sqmi. There were 376 housing units at an average density of 10.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.13% White, 0.44% Native American, 0.22% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.32% of the population.

There were 333 households, out of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 9.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 24.3% were non-families. 20.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.09.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 27.4% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 93.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $32,604, and the median income for a family was $37,857. Males had a median income of $27,083 versus $19,485 for females. The per capita income for the township was $14,580. About 8.9% of families and 11.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.8% of those under age 18 and 4.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bridgehampton Township, Michigan


text:
Buel Township, Michigan

Buel Township is a civil township of Sanilac County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,161.

Name
The township is named after Mary L. Buel, who operated a hotel and accepted shingles from sawmill workers as payment for meals.

Communities
There are no incorporated municipalities in the township.
 * Buel was first settled by Ezra Van Camp in 1852. A post office opened in January 1856. It closed in May 1871 and was reopened from November 1877 until July 1901. The township was named for a pioneer settler in the county.

The postal delivery areas of some other nearby communities serve the township:
 * Applegate is a village to the northeast and the Applegate ZIP code 48401 serves the northwestern portion of the township.
 * Croswell is a city to the east and the Croswell ZIP code 48422 serves most of the township.
 * Peck is a village to the west and the Peck ZIP code 48466 serves an area in the western part of the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 37.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,237 people, 453 households, and 356 families residing in the township. The population density was 32.8 PD/sqmi. There were 497 housing units at an average density of 13.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.12% White, 0.16% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.57% from other races, and 2.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.10% of the population.

There were 453 households, out of which 33.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 67.1% were married couples living together, 8.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.2% were non-families. 16.6% 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 2.72 and the average family size was 3.06.

In the township the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $39,828, and the median income for a family was $41,563. Males had a median income of $33,571 versus $21,375 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,158. About 9.3% of families and 10.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.8% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Buel Township, Michigan


text:
Carsonville, Michigan

Carsonville is a village in Sanilac County of the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 527 at the 2010 census. The village is situated at 43.42694°N, -82.67139°W on the boundary between Bridgehampton Township and Washington Township, with about half the village in each.

The village began with a store built in 1853 operated by Silas C. Hall, who also became the first postmaster in 1857. The place was initially called Hall's Corners. It was renamed in 1884 after local store-owner and businessman Arthur Carson, who built his first store there in 1864. The village incorporated in 1887.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.13 sqmi, all land.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 527 people, 195 households, and 134 families living in the village. The population density was 466.4 PD/sqmi. There were 224 housing units at an average density of 198.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 94.7% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 1.1% from other races, and 3.2% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.7% of the population.

There were 195 households, of which 40.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.3% were non-families. 24.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.67 and the average family size was 3.05.

The median age in the village was 35.6 years. 28.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.1% were from 25 to 44; 27.4% were from 45 to 64; and 10.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 46.3% male and 53.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 502 people, 192 households, and 149 families living in the village. The population density was 443.1 PD/sqmi. There were 211 housing units at an average density of 186.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 98.41% White, 0.20% African American, 0.20% Native American, 0.20% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.59% of the population.

There were 192 households, out of which 37.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.3% were married couples living together, 14.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 18.2% 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 2.61 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 10.8% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 24.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $25,795, and the median income for a family was $37,679. Males had a median income of $26,389 versus $20,714 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,304. About 13.3% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25.5% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

Education

 * Carsonville-Port Sanilac Schools has a combined high school and middle school off M-46 east of Carsonville. The elementary school is located within the village limits on M-46 (Chandler Street).

Transportation

 * M-46 passes through Carsonville going east and west.
 * Local freight rail service is provided by shortline Huron and Eastern Railway (HESR).

title: Carsonville, Michigan