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Westwood, Michigan

Westwood is an unincorporated community in Kalamazoo Charter Township, Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is a census-designated place (CDP) for statistical purposes and does not have any legal status as an incorporated municipality. The population was 8,653 at the 2010 census, down from 9,122 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Westwood is in the western part of Kalamazoo Charter Township and is bordered to the south, east, and west by the city of Kalamazoo. M-43 is a state highway that runs through the southern part of the community, leading east into downtown Kalamazoo and west 35 mi to South Haven on Lake Michigan.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the Westwood CDP has a total area of 7.4 km2, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,122 people, 4,340 households, and 2,087 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 3,258.0 PD/sqmi. There were 4,505 housing units at an average density of 1,609.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 85.26% White, 10.59% Black or African American, 0.14% Native American, 1.57% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.71% from other races, and 1.72% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.37% of the population.

There were 4,340 households, out of which 19.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.7% were married couples living together, 7.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 51.9% were non-families. 35.7% 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 2.10 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 17.3% under the age of 18, 20.2% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 19.0% from 45 to 64, and 16.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 33 years. For every 100 females, there were 85.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $37,407, and the median income for a family was $53,491. Males had a median income of $38,214 versus $31,062 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $22,686. About 3.5% of families and 12.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.9% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is zoned to Kalamazoo Public Schools.

title: Westwood, Michigan


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Boardman Township, Michigan

Boardman Township is a civil township of Kalkaska County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,479.

Communities

 * Crofton is an unincorporated community approximately 3 mi northeast of South Boardman along US 131 at 44.67333°N, -85.23667°W. It was founded and platted by Peter Duthie, David E. and Anna Meek, and John S. and Sarah Harper. They named it for E. Crofton Fox, from whom they had bought the land. A post office operated from October 1875 to November 1884 and again from March 1886 until January 1909. It was a station on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad.
 * Houseman is an unincorporated community at °N, °W.
 * South Boardman is an unincorporated community and census-designated place near the center of the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.23 sqmi, of which 36.05 sqmi is land and 0.18 sqmi (0.50%) is water.

US Highway 131 runs diagonally northeast–southwest through the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,373 people, 484 households, and 378 families residing in the township. The population density was 38.2 PD/sqmi. There were 630 housing units at an average density of 17.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.74% White, 0.15% African American, 1.02% Native American, 0.22% Asian, and 0.87% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.66% of the population.

There were 484 households, out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.6% were married couples living together, 11.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.9% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.84 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.4% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 20.1% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.9 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $35,850, and the median income for a family was $37,115. Males had a median income of $30,438 versus $19,118 for females. The per capita income for the township was $14,123. About 9.3% of families and 13.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.1% of those under age 18 and 6.3% of those age 65 or over.

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

title: Boardman Township, Michigan


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Clearwater Township, Michigan

Clearwater Township is a civil township of Kalkaska County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 2,497.

Communities

 * Barker Creek is an unincorporated community on M-72, about seven miles northwest of Kalkaska at 44.78028°N, -85.31333°W.
 * Rapid City is an unincorporated community and census-designated place at 44.83444°N, -85.2825°W on the Rapid River.
 * Torch River is an unincorporated community at 44.85111°N, -85.32389°W at the south end of Torch Lake, where the eponymous Torch River exits the lake and is joined by the Rapid River. A portion of the community is on the west side of the river in Milton Township, Antrim County.

History
The first permanent white settler in what is now Kalkaska County was William George Copeland, a farmer born in Nottinghamshire, who located there in the fall of 1855, while it was still attached to Grand Traverse County. For the next twelve years, he and his wife were the only permanent white residents of the county. A dam had been built on the Barker Creek about the time Copeland moved there, but a planned mill was never built. The next permanent resident in the township was William H. Bockes, a native of Medina County, Ohio and a Civil War veteran. In June 1866, he purchased land in the township near Barker Creek. After returning to Ohio to marry his wife in October, they both returned immediately to take up residence. Another early resident in the Barker Creek area was John H.F. Letherby, born in England and moved to Canada at the age of 16. He settled in section 32 near Barker Creek in October 1866.

The township was organized in 1867.

In section 36 in the southeast corner of the township, a few related families originally from Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, made their homes. D.P. Beebe, another Civil War veteran, was the first to arrive in the spring of 1867. Norman Ross, his father-in-law came in the summer of 1867 and became the first township supervisor when it was organized. A.C. Beebe, also a Civil War veteran, came in May 1868.

Elisha W. Clement, from Brantford, Ontario settled in section 14 in December 1867. Albert T. Kellogg, from Cortland County, New York, settled in section 14 in September 1868.

Kalkaska County remained unorganized and attached to first Grand Traverse County and then Antrim County until an act of the Michigan Legislature of January 27, 1871. Rapid River Township was the first township organized in the county, while it was still attached to Antrim County for administrative purposes. The township was organized in 1868 so that residents in the area would be able to vote in the presidential election without having to travel all the way to Antrim County. At that time, Rapid River Township encompassed several townships that were later separately organized. Clearwater Township was originally organized as "Round Lake" by an act of the Michigan Legislature on January 18, 1871, and was renamed Clearwater Township in January 1873. A post office with the name of "Clear Water" had been established in May 1869 and renamed "Clearwater" in December 1873. There was also a post office at Barker Creek from February 1874 until May 1937. Barker Creek was a station on the Chicago and West Michigan Railway (now the Pere Marquette Railroad).

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 33.79 sqmi, of which 31.17 sqmi is land and 2.62 sqmi (7.75%) is water.

Torch Lake borders the northern edge of the township, and Lake Skegemog occupies a portion of the western section of the township. Rapid River flows through the center of the township.

Clearwater Township forms the northwest corner of Kalkaska County, and is adjacent to both Antrim and Grand Traverse counties.

Major highway

 * is an east-west highway in the southwest of the township, entering from the west (Grand Traverse County) and exiting to the south (Kalkaska Township).

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,382 people, 944 households, and 681 families residing in the township. The population density was 76.5 PD/sqmi. There were 1,375 housing units at an average density of 44.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.52% White, 0.04% African American, 0.67% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.13% from other races, and 1.43% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.84% of the population.

There were 944 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.3% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.8% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.5% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 26.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,008, and the median income for a family was $42,056. Males had a median income of $31,932 versus $20,085 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,961. About 5.5% of families and 7.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.7% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

title: Clearwater Township, Michigan


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Coldsprings Township, Michigan

Coldsprings Township is a civil township of Kalkaska County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,551 at the 2020 census.

The name "Coldsprings" derives from the natural underground springs located throughout the township.

Communities

 * Darragh was a rural postoffice in this township starting in 1902.
 * Manistee Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place within the township, while a small portion extends to the south into Excelsior Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.27 sqmi, of which 34.51 sqmi is land and 1.76 sqmi (4.85%) is water.

The majority of Manistee Lake is within the southern portion of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,449 people, 595 households, and 443 families residing in the township. The population density was 42.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,349 housing units at an average density of 39.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.41% White, 0.38% Native American, 0.00% Asian, 0.21% from other races, and 0.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.00% of the population.

There were 595 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.6% were married couples living together, 5.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.4% were non-families. 20.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.78.

In the township the population was spread out, with 20.6% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 28.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 103.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $33,839, and the median income for a family was $40,132. Males had a median income of $33,313 versus $19,167 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,396. About 6.5% of families and 8.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.4% of those under age 18 and 5.4% of those age 65 or over.

title: Coldsprings Township, Michigan


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Excelsior Township, Michigan

Excelsior Township is a civil township of Kalkaska County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 991 at the 2020 census.

The township was established in 1875. Portions of the township are served by the Excelsior Township School District 1, which is one of the last remaining one-room schoolhouses in the state. The current township hall also served as a high school in the past and is listed as a state historic site.

Communities

 * Manistee Lake is an unincorporated community and census-designated place with a small portion within the township, while most of the community extends to the north into Coldsprings Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.22 sqmi, of which 35.33 sqmi is land and 0.89 sqmi (2.46%) is water.

Excelsior Township contains several lakes, including Crawford Lake, Grass Lake, Lake Five, Perch Lake, Post Lake, and the southernmost portion of Manistee Lake. The north branch of the Manistee River also passes through the township.

M-72 runs east–west through the center of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 855 people, 328 households, and 245 families residing in the township. The population density was 24.0 PD/sqmi. There were 560 housing units at an average density of 15.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.60% White, 0.23% African American, 0.58% Native American, 0.23% Asian, and 0.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.47% of the population.

There were 328 households, out of which 34.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.8% were married couples living together, 8.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.3% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 2.93.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.9% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 29.1% from 25 to 44, 22.7% 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 111.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $36,932, and the median income for a family was $39,844. Males had a median income of $35,288 versus $20,956 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,476. About 6.8% of families and 9.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.6% of those under age 18 and 4.6% of those age 65 or over.

title: Excelsior Township, Michigan


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Garfield Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan

Garfield Township is a civil township of Kalkaska County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 984.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 106.73 sqmi, of which 106.16 sqmi is land and 0.57 sqmi (0.53%) is water.

The Manistee River passes through the western portion of the township, as does the north-south highway M-66.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 794 people, 331 households, and 240 families residing in the township. The population density was 7.4 PD/sqmi. There were 780 housing units at an average density of 7.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.98% White, 0.25% Asian, 0.50% from other races, and 1.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.13% of the population.

There were 331 households, out of which 22.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.4% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.2% were non-families. 22.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.76.

In the township the population was spread out, with 22.4% under the age of 18, 5.0% from 18 to 24, 24.2% from 25 to 44, 30.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $34,444, and the median income for a family was $36,500. Males had a median income of $31,607 versus $24,250 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,552. About 11.7% of families and 11.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.9% of those under age 18 and 13.6% of those age 65 or over.


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Kalkaska, Michigan

Kalkaska is a village in the U.S. state of Michigan. Kalkaska is the county seat and only incorporated community of Kalkaska County, and is considered part of Northern Michigan. Its population was 2,132 at the 2020 census, an increase from 2,020 at the 2010 census.

Kalkaska is part of the Traverse City metropolitan area, and is often considered a bedroom community of nearby Traverse City. The town is also renowned for hosting the National Trout Festival, with the first festivities being held in 1935.

History
The land on which Kalkaska sits has long been territory under the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi.

In 1872, Albert A. Abbott arrived on the land set to become the village from his hometown of Decatur. The following year, on May 12, Abbott platted his land and became its first postmaster. In 1874, Kalkaska became a station on a new Pennsylvania Railroad line from Walton to Petoskey. Today, this line is part of the Great Lakes Central Railroad.

On July 5, 1908, a fire began in the middle of the business block and burned most of the stores. Local photographer E. L. Beebe took a number of photographs of the fire; the resulting postcards were widely sold and can still be found today. Two years later, another fire started in downtown Kalkaska. Again, in 1925, downtown Kalkaska was devastated by the largest fire since the fire of 1908.

In 1916, noted author Ernest Hemingway visited and fished in Kalkaska, and later immortalized the town in his story "The Battler". A historical marker has been placed at the nearby Rugg Pond, on the Rapid River, where Hemingway reportedly fished one night from the power house.

On July 10, 1951, the Kalkaska State Bank was robbed by an armed man, who fled and later attempted to escape on foot through a nearby swampy area. After three days of what was termed the largest manhunt in Northern Michigan history, involving the FBI and local and state authorities, the gunman, Raymond J. Turcotte, who had a long string of prior convictions, including manslaughter, was captured south of the town. Turcotte confessed to the bank robbery and served 18 years in the Michigan State Prison in Jackson, including a term for escape in 1961.

Discovery of natural gas and oil in the area during the 1970s lead to significant growth for the village, but the growth has since shifted toward tourism.

In 1993, the Kalkaska schools made national headlines when a financial crisis resulted in a two-month-long closure. Subsequent funding reform improved the outlook for Kalkaska and similar small rural districts in Michigan.

In 2014, Walmart announced plans to open a store in Kalkaska. Previously, the closest store was in Traverse City, over 20 miles away. A debate in Kalkaska ensued on whether the community's small-town character could be preserved. The store was never built due to Walmart's decision to restructure growth plans.

The Record Eagle reported in 2019 that Kalkaska was poised for substantial growth due to housing shortages in the Traverse City area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2029 acre, of which 32 acre are covered by water.

The North Branch of the Boardman River flows through the south of the village. The river continues west into neighboring Grand Traverse County, turns north, and empties into Grand Traverse Bay, a bay of Lake Michigan. Just to the north of the village, though, are the headwaters of the Little Rapid River. This stream also flows into the Grand Traverse Bay, although it is part of the Chain of Lakes watershed.

The primary constructors of Kalkaska's geographical make-up are ancient glaciers, along with most of Michigan. Glaciers scoured the surface of the state during the Ice Age, creating small hills called drumlins, along with valleys and basins and the water that currently occupies them in the process called glaciation.

Kalkaska experiences a notable amount of snowfall, as it is located in a snowbelt that receives heavy amounts of lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan.

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

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, 2,020 people, 871 households, and 482 families resided in the village. The population density was 647.4 PD/sqmi. The 1,015 housing units had an average density of 325.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 95.6% White, 0.6% African American, 1.3% Native American, 0.6% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.7% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 1.8% of the population.

Of the 871 households, 29.2% had children under 18 living with them, 33.4% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.7% were not families. About 38.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.3% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.22, and the average family size was 2.90.

The median age in the village was 37.9 years; 23.4% of residents were under 18; 9.8% were between 18 and 24; 25.3% were 25 to 44; 24.3% were 45 to 64; and 17.1% were 65 or older. The gender makeup of the village was 46.9% male and 53.1% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, 2,226 people, 881 households, and 540 families lived in the village. The population density was 890.7 PD/sqmi. The 969 housing units had an average density of 387.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.32% White, 0.67% African American, 1.03% Native American, 0.72% Asian, 0.04% from other races, and 1.21% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 0.94% of the population.

Of the 881 households, 33.7% had children under 18 living with them, 38.3% were married couples living together, 18.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.6% were not families. Around 32.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.35, and the average family size was 2.94.

In the village, the age distribution of the population shows 26.1% under 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 26.7% from 25 to 44, 19.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.2% who were 65 or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.3 males. For every 100 females 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,891, and for a family was $33,651. Males had a median income of $26,901 versus $19,333 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,028. About 15.3% of families and 16.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 19.7% of those under age 18 and 19.4% of those age 65 or over.

Airport
Kalkaska is home to Kalkaska City Airport, a small, paved runway.

Major highways

 * runs north–south through the village by the name "Cedar Street". Northeast of Kalkaska, US 131 runs through Mancelona, Alba, and Walloon Lake, before ending at US 31 in Petoskey. To the southwest, US 131 passes through Fife Lake before upgrading to a freeway. The highway continues south, passing through Cadillac, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, before ending just south of the Indiana state line.
 * also runs north–south through Kalkaska. The highway continues northeast, also as Cedar Street, into Mancelona, before turning north. The highway then runs through East Jordan before ending at US 31 in Charlevoix. To the south, M-66 runs through towns like Lake City, McBain and Marion. M-66 also eventually ends at the Indiana state line, just south of Sturgis.
 * runs east–west through Kalkaska County, entering Kalkaska itself from the west. However through the heart of the village, it primarily runs north–south, also on the Cedar Street concurrency. West of Kalkaska, M-72 runs through the Traverse City urban area, ending at Empire, on Lake Michigan. East of Kalkaska, M-72 runs through Grayling and Mio before eventually ending at a junction with US 23 in Harrisville, on Lake Huron.

Education
Schools in Kalkaska are managed by Kalkaska Public Schools. One high school is in the district, Kalkaska High School.

Kalkaska is centrally located between North Central Michigan College in Petoskey, Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Kirtland College in Grayling/Gaylord, and Baker College in Cadillac.

Travel and recreation
Tourists are attracted to the area to visit the surrounding lakes (including Torch Lake) and rivers such as the Jordan River, Rapid River, and Manistee River. Kalkaska offers two major festivals, the National Trout Festival held at the end of April to honor the opening of trout season, and the Kalkaska County Agricultural Fair, held the first week of August, to showcase local livestock from 4-H youth clubs, handicrafts from residents, and entertainment. Fall foliage color tours are also popular with visitors.

The first weekend of November brings with it the Iceman Cometh biking challenge. Kalkaska hosts the starting line for a 27.2-mile off-road biking race that runs from the western edge of the village to Traverse City along the VASA Trail. The turnout for the race very easily doubles the population within the village, numbering in the several thousands. For mountain biking enthusiasts, this is a famous race, and completing the race is an achievement in itself.

The village is home to Chalker Park and the Imagination Station. The Mill Pond Park is a small park with a pavilion.

The Kalkaska Area Recreation Transportation (KART) Trail is a nonmotorized pathway that encircles the county's governmental, educational, and recreational campuses. Expansion plans for it include connecting it with the TART Trail.

Industry
Marijuana, service, oil and gas, manufacturing, and tourism are important industries in the village and surrounding county.

The Kalkaska area is known as a fishing destination with inland lakes and the Boardman, Rapid, and Manistee Rivers. Kalkaska has held the National Trout Festival in the last week of April each year since 1933. A giant statue of a brook trout is in the town square. The New York Times featured author Jim Harrison wrote about the festival in his 1991 book Just Before Dark: Collected Non-fiction.

Notable people

 * Emil Frisk (1874–1922), professional baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, and St. Louis Browns from 1899 to 1907
 * Renee Raudman, voice and television actress
 * Ron Ryckman Sr., member of the Kansas Senate
 * Betty Wanless (1928–1995), All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player
 * Ron Winter, former NCAA and NFL official

title: Kalkaska, Michigan


text:
Kalkaska Township, Michigan

Kalkaska Township is a civil township of Kalkaska County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,895 at the 2020 census. The township contains the village of Kalkaska, which serves as the county seat. The western half of the township was formerly a separate township, known as Wilson Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 71.23 sqmi, of which 70.44 sqmi is land and 0.79 sqmi (1.11%) is water.

Major highway

 * runs northeast–southwest through the township. Northeast of Kalkaska Township, US 131 runs through Mancelona, Alba, and Walloon Lake, before ending at US 31 in Petoskey. To the southwest, US 131 passes through Fife Lake before upgrading to a freeway. The highway continues south, passing through Cadillac, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo, before ending just south of the Indiana state line.
 * also runs north–south through Kalkaska Township. The highway continues northeast, with US 131, into Mancelona, before turning north. The highway then runs through East Jordan before ending at US 31 in Charlevoix. To the south, M-66 runs through towns like Lake City, McBain and Marion. M-66 also eventually ends at the Indiana state line, just south of Sturgis.
 * runs east–west through Kalkaska County, and enters Kalkaska Township from the northwest. West of Kalkaska Township, M-72 runs through the Traverse City urban area, ending at Empire, on Lake Michigan. East of Kalkaska Township, M-72 runs through Grayling and Mio before eventually ending at a junction with US 23 in Harrisville, on Lake Huron.

Demographics
At the 2000 census, there were 4,830 people, 1,854 households and 1,255 families residing in the township. The population density was 68.7 /sqmi. There were 2,220 housing units at an average density of 31.6 /sqmi. The racial make-up was 96.89% White, 0.46% African American, 1.04% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.06% from other races and 1.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.81% of the population.

There were 1,854 households, of which 34.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.8% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.3% were non-families. 26.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.4% 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 3.01.

26.9% of the population were under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64 and 13.6% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 94.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.1 males.

The median household income was $36,278 and the median family income was $42,054. Males had a median income of $32,403 and females $21,453. The per capita income was $16,595. About 10.6% of families and 12.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.2% of those under age 18 and 11.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Kalkaska Township, Michigan


text:
Rapid River Township, Michigan

Rapid River Township is a civil township of Kalkaska County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,245 at the 2020 census.

The township gets its name from the Rapid River, which flows through the township.

Communities

 * Leetsville is a former community located at 44.79972°N, -85.1475°W. The community contained its own post office from 1875 to 1954.  Today, very few buildings exist in its former location along U.S. Route 131.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.25 sqmi, of which 35.13 sqmi is land and 0.12 sqmi (0.34%) is water.

Adjacent townships
Kalkaska County Antrim County
 * Coldsprings Township (east)
 * Kalkaska Township (south)
 * Clearwater Township (west)
 * Custer Township (north)

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,005 people, 368 households, and 269 families residing in the township. The population density was 28.6 PD/sqmi. There were 556 housing units at an average density of 15.8 per square mile (6.1/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 97.41% White, 0.10% African American, 0.90% Native American, 0.50% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.39% of the population.

There were 368 households, out of which 37.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 59.0% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 26.9% were non-families. 20.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.69 and the average family size was 3.15.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 33.1% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,857, and the median income for a family was $40,865. Males had a median income of $32,083 versus $20,096 for females. The per capita income for the township was $14,670. About 8.4% of families and 10.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 15.9% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Rapid River Township, Michigan


text:
Ada Township, Michigan

Ada Township is a civil township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 14,388 at the 2020 census.

The majority of the township is included in the Forest Hills census-designated place, which is used only for statistical purposes. Ada Township is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is about 3.0 mi east of the city of Grand Rapids. The township is the corporate home of Alticor and its subsidiary companies Amway North America and Amway.

Communities
Ada, also known as Ada Village, is an unincorporated community within the township. It is located on M-21, about 12 mi east of Grand Rapids. Ada contains its own post office with the 49301 ZIP Code that serves the majority of the township. Ada was settled as early as 1821 when Rix Robinson built a trading post near the area to trade furs with a local Ottawa village. Robinson made the first land purchase here in 1833, and a settlement developed along the Thornapple River. A post office was established in 1837. Both the township and village settlement were named for Ada Smith, the daughter of the first postmaster. The settlement was given a station on the Detroit and Milwaukee Railroad (later part of the Detroit, Grand Haven and Milwaukee Railway). A plat was recorded in 1857.

Forest Hills is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) that occupies the majority of the township for statistical purposes. The CDP occupies 32.99 sqmi (or 88.90%) of the township. Forest Hills also occupies a large portion of Cascade Township to the south and is the largest and most-populated CDP in the state.

History
At the turn of the 19th century, the land that would become Ada was a village of the Grand River Band of Ottawa, led by Nebawnaygezhick.

During the early colonial settlement of Michigan, Rix Robinson, the first permanent colonial settler of Kent County, married Sebequay ("River Woman"), the sister of Nebawnaygezhick, at Ada. In 1821, Robinson purchased a former French-Canadian trading post at the junction of the Grand and Thornapple rivers from Madeline La Framboise, on behalf of John Jacob Astor's American Fur Company. Land north of the Grand River was not available for purchase by European-American settlers until after the United States signed the 1836 Treaty of Washington with regional tribes. Following the treaty, Robinson purchased hundreds of acres around the mouth of the Thornapple for the Ottawa to continue living on.

Lucius Lyon, an early settler, first visited Robinson's settlement in 1826. Convinced that the land would become valuable, Lyon purchased large tracts from early settlers. He oversaw development of the land, including the construction of a saw mill. Both Lyon and Robinson are considered the founders of Ada.

There are conflicting reports concerning when the township was organized. Information provided by the towship website indicates that Robinson was elected as the township's first supervisor. However, other sources indicate it was organized on April 2, 1838, and that Sydney Smith was elected the first supervisor and that Robinson was the second, elected in 1841 and again in 1844. The village was named after Sydney Smith's daughter, Ada Smith, who was the first non-Native American child born in the village.

The Ada Covered Bridge was constructed across the Thornapple in 1867. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is one of the few covered bridges that remain standing in the state.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 37.11 sqmi, of which 36.04 sqmi is land and 1.06 sqmi (2.86%) is water.

The Grand River and the Thornapple River pass through the township.

Major highways

 * runs west–east through the southern portion of the township.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, the township had a population of 14,388 people. The racial makeup was 86.3% Non-Hispanic White, 0.3% Black or African American, 4.6% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 5.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 5.0% of the population.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 9,882 people, 3,263 households, and 2,802 families residing in the township. The population density was 273.9 PD/sqmi. There were 3,384 housing units at an average density of 93.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 95.57% White, 0.47% African American, 0.16% Native American, 2.35% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 0.94% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.07% of the population.

There were 3,263 households, out of which 47.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.7% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.1% were non-families. 11.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.03 and the average family size was 3.30.

In the township the population was spread out, with 32.6% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 27.6% from 25 to 44, 27.3% from 45 to 64, and 7.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $83,357, and the median income for a family was $87,972. Males had a median income of $61,795 versus $36,288 for females. The per capita income for the township was $37,840. About 1.1% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 2.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The Forest Hills Public Schools district serves most of the township, while Lowell Area Schools serves a smaller portion in the northeastern section.

Forest Hills Central High School and Forest Hills Eastern High School are located in Ada Township. The Grand Rapids Supplemental School is a part-time Japanese school (hoshū jugyō kō) that holds its classes at Forest Hills Central High School.

title: Ada Township, Michigan


text:
Algoma Township, Michigan

Algoma Township is a civil township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 12,055 at the 2020 census, which is a large increase from 9,932 at the 2010 census.

The township is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is located about 10 mi north of the city of Grand Rapids.

History
Algoma was originally settled in 1843. The township was established in 1849.

In 1856, C. C. Comstock of Grand Rapids founded a mill in the township around which developed the community of Gougeburg.

A village by the name of Burchville was established in 1868. It had a post office until 1879. In 1869, the village of Edgerton was established. It had its own post office until 1937.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.93 sqmi, of which 34.13 sqmi is land and 0.80 sqmi (2.29%) is water.

White Pine Trail State Park passes through the eastern portion of the township. The Rogue River runs through the southern portion of the township.

Major highways

 * runs south–north through the eastern portion of the township.
 * enters briefly at the eastern edge of the township and has its western terminus at U.S. Route 131.

Education
Algoma Township is served by three public school districts. The northwestern portion of the township is served by Sparta Area Schools. The southeastern portion of the township is served by Rockford Public Schools, while a smaller northeastern portion is served by Cedar Springs Public Schools.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 7,596 people, 2,588 households, and 2,158 families residing in the township. The population density was 217.9 PD/sqmi. There were 2,692 housing units at an average density of 77.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.54% White, 0.22% African American, 0.29% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.72% from other races, and 0.76% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.67% of the population.

There were 2,588 households, out of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 72.3% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.6% were non-families. 12.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.94 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.2% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 23.9% 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 98.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $58,285, and the median income for a family was $62,863. Males had a median income of $45,281 versus $28,870 for females. The per capita income for the township was $23,150. About 2.6% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 2.1% of those age 65 or over.

title: Algoma Township, Michigan


text:
Alpine Township, Michigan

Alpine Township is a civil township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 14,079 at the 2020 census.

The township is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is located just northwest of the city of Grand Rapids.

Communities

 * Alpine is an unincorporated community centered along M-37 at 43.07278°N, -85.685°W.
 * Comstock Park is a census-designated place that occupies the southeast corner of the township and extends east into Plainfield Charter Township.
 * Englishville is an unincorporated community along the northern border with Sparta Township at 43.11667°N, -85.69028°W. It was founded in 1845. A school was built here in 1852, and it received a post office in 1856.

History
The area was originally settled by the Ottawa, who had several camps in the area. Alpine Township was formally organized in 1847 from the northern half of Walker Township. The township was named after the abundance of pine trees in the area. It became a lumbering region with several sawmills. The township was struck by a tornado during the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado outbreak. In 1979, the township became a charter township but relinquished this status and returned to a civil township in 1996.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.21 sqmi, of which 35.90 sqmi is land and 0.31 sqmi (0.86%) is water.

The township is northwest of Grand Rapids and is bordered by Wright Township in Ottawa County to the west, Sparta Township to the north, Plainfield Charter Township to the east, and the city of Walker to the south.

Major highways

 * runs east–west just south of the township boundary.
 * runs south–north just outside of the southeast boundary of the township.
 * runs south–north through the eastern portion of the township.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, the township had a population of 14,079 people. The racial makeup was 68.3% Non-Hispanic White, 9.1% Black or African American, 0.9% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 7.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 14.9% of the population.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 13,976 people, 5,550 households, and 3,468 families residing in the township. The population density was 389.9 PD/sqmi. There were 5,830 housing units at an average density of 162.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 89.55% White, 3.11% African American, 0.77% Native American, 1.51% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.85% from other races, and 2.17% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.55% of the population.

There were 5,550 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.5% were married couples living together, 11.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 24.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.51 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the township the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 17.3% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $42,484, and the median income for a family was $50,068. Males had a median income of $37,143 versus $26,417 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,412. About 6.9% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Portions of the township are in Kenowa Hills Public Schools, which has its headquarters in the township. Schools within the township limits include Alpine Elementary School, Kenowa Hills Middle School, and Kenowa Hills High School.

Portions of the township are in Comstock Park Public Schools. Greenridge Elementary School serves preschool, kindergarten and PPI. Stoney Creek Elementary School has grades 1 and 2. Pine Island Elementary School serves 3 through 5. Mill Creek Middle School has grades 6 through 8. Comstock Park High School serves grades 9 through 12. Of the schools, Greenridge Elementary and Stoney Creek Elementary are in the Alpine Township limits.

Portions of the township are in the Sparta Area School District. Ridgeview Elementary School serves kindergarten through second grade. Appleview Elementary School serves grades 3 through 5. Sparta Middle School serves grades 6 through 8. Sparta Senior High School serves grades 9 through 12. Englishville School is an alternative high school and serves grades 9 through 12. Englishville School is the only school within the township limits.

Kent District Library serves the township with the Alpine Branch Library. It is near the Comstock Park CDP.

title: Alpine Township, Michigan


text:
Bowne Township, Michigan

Bowne Township is a civil township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 3,289.

The township was organized as a survey township in 1848. It is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is located about 20 mi southeast of the city of Grand Rapids.

Communities

 * Alto is an unincorporated community located along the northern border of the township.
 * Bowne was a community within the township and had a post office from 1850 until 1868.
 * Bowne Center was a village founded in 1838.
 * Logan was an unincorporated community in the township. In May 1881, it was given a post office named "Keller" for the storekeeper and first postmaster, Christian Keller. It was renamed "Logan" in September 1884 and closed in October 1888. It was restored from November 1899 to January 1906 with Edward Heintzelman acting as storekeeper and postmaster. Logan is commonly known as Dutton, the store named Dutton General Store.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bowne Township has a total area of 36.03 sqmi, of which 35.53 sqmi is land and 0.50 sqmi (1.39%) is water.

The township is in the southeastern corner of Kent County. It is bordered to the west by Caledonia Charter Township, to the north by Lowell Charter Township, to the east by Campbell Township in Ionia County, and to the south by Irving Township and the village of Freeport in Barry County.

Major highways

 * enters the township from the east under the local name 92nd Street SE, in which it then turns north and is known as Alden Nash Avenue SE.

Education
Bowne Township is served by four different public school districts. The majority of the township is served by Lowell Area Schools, while the western and southern portions are served by Caledonia Community Schools. A very small portion of the southeastern portion of the township are served by Thornapple Kellogg School District and Lakewood Public Schools.

History
Bowne Township was formed in 1849 from Caledonia Township, composing Township 5 North, Range 9 West. This area had previously been transferred from Vergennes Township to Caledonia Township in 1840.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,743 people, 880 households, and 756 families residing in the township. The population density was 76.5 PD/sqmi. There were 906 housing units at an average density of 25.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.59% White, 0.18% African American, 0.51% Native American, 0.33% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 0.51% from other races, and 0.80% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.86% of the population.

There were 880 households, out of which 45.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.8% were married couples living together, 5.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.0% were non-families. 10.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.11 and the average family size was 3.36.

In the township the population was spread out, with 32.4% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 32.3% from 25 to 44, 22.2% from 45 to 64, and 6.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 104.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $60,909, and the median income for a family was $61,544. Males had a median income of $41,660 versus $30,478 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,675. About 5.0% of families and 5.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.4% of those under age 18 and 8.8% of those age 65 or over.

title: Bowne Township, Michigan


text:
Byron Township, Michigan

Byron Township is a civil township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 26,927 at the 2010 census, an increase from 20,317 at the 2010 census.

Byron Township is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is located just southwest of the city of Grand Rapids.

Communities

 * Byron Center is an unincorporated community and census-designated place at the center of the township. The Byron Center 49315 ZIP Code serves most of the township.
 * Carlisle (or West Carlisle) is mostly historical community in the township at 42.82639°N, -85.68333°W. Carlisle was a station on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad. A post office named "West Carlisle" operated here from March 1884 until September 1910.
 * Corinth is an unincorporated community in the southeast part of the township on the boundary with Gaines Township.
 * Cutlerville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in the northeast of the township, with part of the CDP extending east into Gaines Township.
 * North Byron is an unincorporated community near the northern boundary of the township at 42.845°N, -85.73278°W. It began as a settlement named "Scudderville" on Rush Creek with a station on the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railway. It was named for Henry W. Scudder, a local landowner. A post office named "North Byron" operated from October 1862 to December 1879 and from March 1894 to September 1903.
 * North Dorr is a small community at the boundary between Byron Township and Dorr Township in Allegan County to the south.
 * Ross is a mostly historical community in the southeast part of the township at 42.7825°N, -85.69444°W. Ross began as a depot on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad and was first named "Ross Station". It was platted by William Thornton for William Ross in 1871. A post office was established in June 1871 with Daniel Ross as the first postmaster.

History
Byron Township was established in 1836.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.17 sqmi, of which 36.10 sqmi is land and 0.07 sqmi (0.19%) is water.

Major highways

 * runs south–north near the eastern edge of the township.
 * runs west–east near the northern edge of the township and has an interchange with U.S. Route 131.

Demographics
As of the census of 2020, there were 26,933 people, the racial makeup of the city was 81.1% Non-Hispanic White, 4.2% Black or African American, 2.7% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 6.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 6.6% of the population.

As of the census of 2000, there were 17,553 people, 6,454 households, and 4,711 families residing in the township. The population density was 480.1 PD/sqmi. There were 6,712 housing units at an average density of 183.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 94.79% White, 1.21% African American, 0.32% Native American, 1.06% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.17% from other races, and 1.42% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.77% of the population.

There were 6,454 households, out of which 36.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 61.2% were married couples living together, 8.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.0% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.18.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.0% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 96.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $49,672, and the median income for a family was $56,701. Males had a median income of $42,664 versus $26,449 for females. The per capita income for the township was $24,206. About 2.5% of families and 4.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.4% of those under age 18 and 4.0% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Michigan grocery distributor and retail operator SpartanNash (formerly known as Spartan Stores) is headquartered in the township.

Education
Byron Township is served by four different public school districts. The majority of the township is served by Byron Center Public Schools, while a small portion of the northeast corner in Cutlerville is served by Kentwood Public Schools. A very small portion of the northern edge of the township is served by Grandville Public Schools, and another very small portion on the southern edge of the township is served by Wayland Union Schools.

title: Byron Township, Michigan


text:
Byron Center, Michigan

Byron Center is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 7,431 at the 2020 census, which is a significant increase from a population of 5,822 at the 2010 census. Byron Center is located within Byron Township.

As an unincorporated community, Byron Center has no legal autonomy of its own but has its own post office with the 49315 ZIP Code, which serves a much larger area within several surrounding townships.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Byron Center has a total area of 5.10 sqmi, of which 5.08 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi (0.39%) is water.

Demographics
2020 census

As of the 2020 census Byron Center has a population of 7,421. The population is 90.4% non-Hispanic white, 0.3% African-American, 0% Native American, 3.5% Asian, 0% Pacific Islander, and 2.5% Hispanic or Latino.

Around 30.1% of Byron Center residents are under the age of 18, and 11.5% were 65 years of age or older.

The median income for a household in Byron Center was $102,376. The per capita income was $39,381. About 2.1% of the population is below the poverty line.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census Byron Center had a population of 5,822. The population was 93.7% non-Hispanic white, 0.9% African-American, 0.4% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.1% non-Hispanics of some other race, 1.4% reporting two or more races and 2.7% Hispanic.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 3,777 people, 1,322 households, and 1,040 families residing in Byron Center. The population density was 751.8 PD/sqmi. There were 1,374 housing units at an average density of 273.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 97.93% White, 0.11% African American, 0.19% Native American, 0.61% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.21% from other races, and 0.93% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.95% of the population.

There were 1,322 households, out of which 43.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.5% were married couples living together, 7.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.3% were non-families. 19.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.82 and the average family size was 3.26.

Around 32.5% of Byron Center residents were under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.0 males.

The median income for a household in Byron Center was $58,508, and the median income for a family was $65,882. Males had a median income of $50,517 versus $28,043 for females. The per capita income was $29,028. About 1.9% of families and 3.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.7% of those age 65 or over.

title: Byron Center, Michigan


text:
Caledonia, Michigan

Caledonia is a village in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,622 at the 2020 census. The village is located within Caledonia Township about 15 mi southeast of downtown Grand Rapids.

History
Caledonia was incorporated as a village in 1888.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.42 sqmi, of which 1.34 sqmi is land and 0.08 sqmi (5.63%) is water.

Major highways

 * forms the eastern boundary of the village.

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, Caledonia has a humid continental climate, abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.

Education
The village of Caledonia is served by Caledonia Community Schools, which also serves a larger area that includes portions of several townships and a small portion of the city of Kentwood. The district contains nine schools, of which three of them—Emmons Lake Elementary School, Kraft Meadows Intermediate School, and Duncan Lake Middle School—are located within the village. There are also five other schools: Caledonia High School, Kettle Lake Elementary School, Paris Ridge Elementary School, Caledonia Elementary School, and Dutton Lake Elementary School.

The Caledonia Township Branch of the Kent District Library is located within the village.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 1,511 people, 529 households, and 392 families residing in the village. The population density was 1136.1 PD/sqmi. There were 549 housing units at an average density of 412.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 96.8% White, 0.7% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.6% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.7% of the population.

There were 529 households, of which 50.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.4% were married couples living together, 14.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 25.9% were non-families. 21.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.36.

The median age in the village was 30.7 years. 34.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.2% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.6% were from 25 to 44; 21.4% were from 45 to 64; and 5.8% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the village was 49.5% male and 50.5% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,102 people, 430 households, and 304 families residing in the village. The population density was 816.3 PD/sqmi. There were 449 housing units at an average density of 332.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 97.91% White, 0.27% African American, 0.09% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.09% Pacific Islander, 0.36% from other races, and 0.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.18% of the population.

There were 430 households, out of which 42.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.6% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% were non-families. 25.1% 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 2.56 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 31.1% under the age of 18, 7.1% from 18 to 24, 34.1% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.7 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $50,724, and the median income for a family was $56,429. Males had a median income of $45,804 versus $33,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,386. About 4.7% of families and 3.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 5.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Caledonia, Michigan


text:
Caledonia Township, Kent County, Michigan

Caledonia Charter Township is a charter township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 15,811 at the 2020 census, an increase from 12,332 at the 2010 census.

The township was organized as a survey township in 1838. It is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is located about 10 mi southeast of the city of Grand Rapids.

Communities

 * Alaska is an unincorporated community within the township on the Thornapple River at 42.84°N, -85.47806°W. The community had its origin with a sawmill established by William H. Brown and Rev. Eber Moffit in 1848. A post office with the name "Brownsville" was first established on December 13, 1855, but the name was changed to "North Brownsville" just a few days later on December 18 to avoid confusion with an already existing post office with that name in Cass County. It was renamed "Alaska" on December 4, 1868, undoubtedly influenced by the 1867 purchase of Alaska from Russia by the U.S. government. The post office closed on February 9, 1906.
 * Caledonia is a village within the township on M-37 in the southeast part of the township.
 * Caledonia Station was a settlement founded around a depot of the Grand River Valley Railroad in 1870. It was platted that same year.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.70 sqmi, of which 34.91 sqmi is land and 0.79 sqmi (2.21%) is water.

The Thornapple River flows north through the center of the township. The Coldwater River enters at the southeast corner flowing east and merges with Thornapple River.

Major highways

 * is an expressway that runs through the northwest corner of the township and has an interchange with M-37.
 * runs south–north through the eastern portion of the township.

Education
The entire township is served by Caledonia Community Schools, which also serves a larger area that includes portions of several townships and a small portion of the city of Kentwood to the northwest.

History
Caledonia Township was formed in 1840 from Vergennes Township (Township 5 North, Range 9 West) and Ada Township (Township 5 North, Range 10 West). Bowne Township (Township 5 North, Range 9 West) was later formed from Caledonia Township in 1849.

Demographics
As of the 2000 census, there were 8,964 people, 3,075 households, and 2,493 families residing in the township. The population density was 255.0 PD/sqmi. There were 3,225 housing units at an average density of 91.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.55% White, 0.25% African American, 0.31% Native American, 0.76% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.47% from other races, and 0.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.24% of the population.

There were 3,075 households, out of which 43.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.7% were married couples living together, 6.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.9% were non-families. 15.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.91 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.3% under the age of 18, 6.8% from 18 to 24, 30.6% from 25 to 44, 24.1% from 45 to 64, and 7.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $63,032, and the median income for a family was $69,836. Males had a median income of $51,843 versus $30,032 for females. The per capita income for the township was $25,710. About 1.9% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.9% of those under age 18 and 3.7% of those age 65 or over.


text:
Cannon Township, Michigan

Cannon Township is a civil township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 13,336 at the 2010 census.

The township was organized as a survey township in 1845. It is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is located about 6.0 mi northeast of the city of Grand Rapids.

Communities

 * Cannonsburg is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in the southeast part of the township.
 * Chauncey (also known as Buena Vista and Imperial Mills) is an unincorporated, mostly historical settlement on the boundary between Cannon Township and Plainfield Township where Bear Creek enters the Grand River.

History
The area that would become Cannon Township was originally attached to neighboring Plainfield Township. In 1837, Andrew Watson brought his family to Cannon and built the first farm in the township. Over the next decade, many other pioneers arrived and settled. In 1845, the township was split from Plainfield and took its present name. The state legislature organized Cannon Township as "Churchtown" in 1846. At the first town meeting, held in 1848, it was renamed "Cannon", after Cannonsburg, the largest village.

The earliest land claims date from 1835. Families began settling permanently in 1839. Zebulon Rood purchased 240 acre of land in 1840 and built Cannon's first house, a log structure. He also cut the first road, making it possible to transport goods across Bear Creek. During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the production of wheat, wool, corn, apples and other fruits supported the economy. This building served as the township hall from 1890 until 1987, when it became the Cannon Historical Museum.

The township took its name from the small settlement of Cannonsburgh, which had been founded in 1842 at the direction of LeGrand Cannon, described as an eastern capitalist. The hamlet had two mills and a store by 1845, and the town was platted to encourage residential growth. LeGrand Cannon was proud of his little town, and provided a fitting gift in appreciation: a small cannon inscribed with his name and date. The cannon was used by the townspeople to commemorate holidays, such as the 4th of July, until someone was hurt firing the ordnance. The cannon was then buried to prevent further injuries, but was later discovered and refitted for firing. Unfortunately, another person was subsequently injured while firing the cannon, and again it was buried, and has not been found again to this day.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Bowne Township has a total area of 36.97 sqmi, of which 35.26 sqmi is land and 1.71 sqmi (4.63%) is water.

The water acreage comes from several small natural lakes in the township and an artificial one (Lake Bella Vista). The Grand River crosses the southwest corner of the township.

Major highways

 * runs west–east through the central portion of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 12,075 people, 3,913 households, and 3,341 families residing in the township. The population density was 336.5 sqmi. There were 4,174 housing units at an average density of 116.3 sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.67% White, 0.47% African American, 0.12% Native American, 0.34% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.40% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.01% of the population.

There were 3,913 households, out of which 51.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.3% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 14.6% were non-families. 11.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.09 and the average family size was 3.38.

In the township the population was spread out, with 34.2% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 30.7% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 6.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $70,925, and the median income for a family was $76,805. Males had a median income of $55,696 versus $31,310 for females. The per capita income for the township was $27,383. About 1.8% of families and 2.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.2% of those under age 18 and 2.4% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Cannon Township is served by three different public school districts. The majority of the township is served by Rockford Public Schools. The southeast corner of the township is served by Lowell Area Schools, and another smaller portion of the southern edge is served by Forest Hills Public Schools.

title: Cannon Township, Michigan


text:
Cascade Township, Michigan

Cascade Charter Township is a charter township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 19,667 at the 2020 census.

The township is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is located just east of the city of Grand Rapids. The township is the location of Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Communities

 * Cascade is an unincorporated community within the township at the intersection of 28th Street and Cascade Road. Cascade was initially platted in 1845 by D. S. T. Weller. It had a post office from 1854 until 1910.
 * Forest Hills is an unincorporated community and census-designated place that occupies the northern half of the township. The CDP consists of 17.81 sqmi (51.09%) of the township's area and 12,917 township residents (75.39%) at the 2010 census. Forest Hills is organized for statistical purposes only and also contains a large area of Ada Township to the north.  It is the largest CDP in the state of Michigan in both area and population.

History
The township was originally a part of Ada Township and was separately organized in 1848.

The Whitney Tavern Stand is located within the township. It was built in 1853 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.86 sqmi, of which 33.88 sqmi is land and 0.98 sqmi (2.81%) is water.

The township is situated in the southeastern section of Kent County, approximately 10 mi southeast of Grand Rapids. A defining feature of the township is the Thornapple River, which divides the township into east and west halves. The township is bordered to the west by the city of Kentwood, to the north by Ada Township, to the east by Lowell Charter Township, and to the south by Caledonia Charter Township.

Airport

 * Airport Sign.svg Gerald R. Ford International Airport is a commercial airport that occupies 4.89 sqmi of the southwestern portion of the township.

Major highways

 * runs east–west through the center of the township.
 * enters at the southern portion of the township and has its eastern terminus at I-96.
 * enters briefly at the southwestern corner of the township.

Education
The township is served by three public school districts. Caledonia Community Schools serves the southern portion of the township. Most of the township is served by Forest Hills Public Schools, and Lowell Area Schools serves a small eastern portion of the township.

West Michigan Aviation Academy is a charter high school located within the township.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, the township had a population of 19,667 people. The racial makeup was 87.1% Non-Hispanic White, 2.8% Black or African American, 4.0% Asian, 0.1% Native American, and 2.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.2% of the population.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 15,107 people, 5,394 households, and 4,374 families residing in the township. The population density was 445.7 PD/sqmi. There were 5,638 housing units at an average density of 166.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 94.55% White, 1.00% African American, 0.28% Native American, 3.06% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 0.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.87% of the population.

There were 5,394 households, out of which 39.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.1% were married couples living together, 4.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.9% were non-families. 16.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.4% under the age of 18, 4.7% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 30.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 41 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $87,290, and the median income for a family was $98,013. Males had a median income of $71,960 versus $37,234 for females. The per capita income for the township was $39,470. About 1.5% of families and 2.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.3% of those under age 18 and 3.4% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Justin Amash, lawyer and politician, who served as the U.S. representative for MI's 3rd congressional district from 2011 to 2021.

title: Cascade Township, Michigan


text:
Cedar Springs, Michigan

Cedar Springs is a city in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,509 at the 2010 census. Cedar Springs is a northern city of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is about 20 mi north of Grand Rapids.

History
The area was first settled by Robin Hicks as early as 1855, and the first post office was established on February 4, 1857, with Nicholas Hill serving as the first postmaster. The new village was platted in 1859. The Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad built a railway line through the area in 1868 and allowed for the growth of the village, which incorporated in 1871. The name Cedar Springs came from the abundance of cedar trees and springs found throughout the area. The village incorporated as a city in 1971.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.02 sqmi, of which 1.95 sqmi is land and 0.07 sqmi (3.47%) is water.

Bus

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

Major highways

 * forms a portion of the western boundary of the city.
 * turns north and runs concurrently with U.S. Route 131.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 3,509 people, 1,215 households, and 887 families living in the city. The population density was 1728.6 PD/sqmi. There were 1,307 housing units at an average density of 643.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 94.3% White, 0.8% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.4% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 3.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.2% of the population.

There were 1,215 households, of which 47.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 21.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 27.0% were non-families. 22.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7% 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 3.23.

The median age in the city was 29.6 years. 32.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 28.2% were from 25 to 44; 19.2% were from 45 to 64; and 9.9% 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 3,112 people, 1,115 households, and 774 families living in the city. The population density was 1,701.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,175 housing units at an average density of 642.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.85% White, 0.29% African American, 0.74% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 1.19% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.82% of the population. The ancestries of the city are 24% German, 14.2% American, 13.7% Dutch, 9.8% Irish, 9.5% English, and 7.4% Polish.

There were 1,115 households, out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.3% were married couples living together, 17.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.5% were non-families. 24.2% 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 2.71 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 31.3% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 15.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 29.6 years (below state average). For every 100 females, there are 89.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 87.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,542, and the median income for a family was $42,250. Males had a median income of $37,708 versus $23,056 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,040. About 12.4% of families and 13.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.4% of those under age 18 and 7.5% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Bert Carr, college football player with U of M; practiced medicine in Cedar Springs
 * Mike Huckleberry, Michigan House of Representatives from the 70th district; born in Cedar Springs
 * Charles Kelly, historian; Born in Cedar Springs
 * Andre Metzger, World medalist in freestyle wrestling, member of National Wrestling Hall of Fame; raised in Cedar Springs
 * Brad Slaight, actor, writer, comedian, Hollywood celebrity; born in Cedar Springs

title: Cedar Springs, Michigan


text:
Comstock Park, Michigan

Comstock Park is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 10,500 at the 2020 census. The community is located within Alpine Township to the west and Plainfield Township to the east.

The community is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area, with the city of Walker to the south and Grand Rapids just to the southeast. Comstock Park is the home of the West Michigan Whitecaps, an affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, who play their games at LMCU Ballpark. The Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park also passes through the community.

History
In 1838, a settlement known as North's Mill was established by Daniel North. The name changed to Mill Creek in 1848. The area became a major transportation hub, serving both the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad and Chicago and Western Indiana Railroad, and set the tone for becoming the northern Grand Rapids-area crossroads it is today. It was renamed Comstock Park in 1906 after politician Charles C. Comstock, who served the district in the U.S. House of Representatives for one term from 1885–1887.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Comstock Park CDP has a total area of 3.89 sqmi, of which 3.88 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi (0.26%) is water.

The Grand River flows just east of the community.

Bus

 * Interurban Transit Partnership has routes through the community.

Education
Comstock Park Public Schools serves the majority of the community, while Kenowa Hills Public Schools serves a smaller western portion of the community. The Kent District Library KDL Service Center is near Comstock Park in Plainfield Township.

2020 census
As of the 2020 United States census, the CDP had a population of 10,500 people. The racial makeup was 68.6% Non-Hispanic White, 10.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% Native American, and 5.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 14.3% of the population.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,674 people, 4,441 households, and 2,513 families residing in the community. The population density was 2,735.0 PD/sqmi. There were 4,654 housing units at an average density of 1,192.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the community was 87.30% White, 3.91% African American, 0.77% Native American, 1.92% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 3.33% from other races, and 2.73% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.22% of the population.

Of the 4,441 households, 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.5% were married couples living together, 12.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.4% were not families. About 27.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the community, the population was distributed as with 23.8% under the age of 18, 20.4% from 18 to 24, 31.8% from 25 to 44, 16.5% from 45 to 64, and 7.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.5 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $40,202, and for a family was $47,154. Males had a median income of $36,076 versus $26,331 for females. The per capita income for the community was $19,911. About 7.9% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.7% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

title: Comstock Park, Michigan


text:
Courtland Township, Michigan

Courtland Township is a civil township of Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 9,005 at the 2020 census, which was an increase from 7,678 at the 2010 census.

The township is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is located about 10 mi northeast of the city of Grand Rapids.

History
The first settler in the area was Barton Johnson in 1838. He settled the community of Evans along a railway station on the early Toledo, Saginaw and Muskegon Railway. Johnson and Alexander Dean settled the community of Courtland Center in 1839. It was named after the township, which was organized in the same year. The community was given its own post office named Courtland from January 30, 1841 to November 10, 1860. Another post office named Courtland Center was in operation from October 24, 1856 until February 15, 1901. The community of Sheffield was also a station on the Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon Railroad that was established in 1888. Sheffield had its own post office from March 6, 1891 until April 30, 1906.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.97 sqmi, of which 34.70 sqmi is land and 1.27 sqmi (3.53%) is water.

Airport

 * Airport Sign.svg Wells Airport is located in the township.

Major highways

 * runs south–north just to the west of the township boundary.
 * runs east–west through the center of the township.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 5,817 people, 1,936 households, and 1,635 families residing in the township. The population density was 164.0 PD/sqmi. There were 2,022 housing units at an average density of 57.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.07% White, 0.19% African American, 0.34% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.29% of the population.

There were 1,936 households, out of which 44.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.4% were married couples living together, 4.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.5% were non-families. 12.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.00 and the average family size was 3.26.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.5% under the age of 18, 6.4% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 23.8% from 45 to 64, and 7.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.2 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $64,430, and the median income for a family was $69,306. Males had a median income of $50,392 versus $29,744 for females. The per capita income for the township was $26,254. About 2.0% of families and 2.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.0% of those under age 18 and 12.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
Courtland Township is served by two different public school districts. The northern portion of the township is served by Cedar Springs Public Schools, while the southern portion is served by Rockford Public Schools.

title: Courtland Township, Michigan


text:
Cutlerville, Michigan

Cutlerville is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in Kent County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 17,849 as of the 2020 census. The community is located mostly within Byron Township to the west with a smaller portion within Gaines Township to the east.

The community is part of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area and is about 3.0 mi south of the city of Grand Rapids.

History
John Cutler, who came here from New York state with his wife and ten children, bought 312 acre in 1853 and built a log cabin. In 1891, his son John I. Cutler built the Cutler mansion, which in 1910 became the nucleus of the Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services.

Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.89 sqmi, of which 5.87 sqmi is land and 0.02 sqmi (0.34%) is water

The Buck Creek flows through the community, which flows north to the Grand River in the city of Grandville.

Cutlerville is in southwestern Kent County within Byron Township on the west and Gaines Township on the east. The community is bordered to the north by the cities of Wyoming and Kentwood.

Major highways

 * runs south–north through the center of the community.
 * runs west–east through the northern portion of the community and has an interchange with U.S. Route 131.

2020 census
As of the census of 2020, there were 17,849 people, the racial makeup of the city was 63.1% Non-Hispanic White, 12.1% Black or African American, 5.7% Asian, 0.5% Native American, and 10.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 11.1% of the population.

As of the census of 2000, there were 15,114 people, 5,975 households, and 3,907 families residing in the community. The population density was 2,527.2 PD/sqmi. There were 6,253 housing units at an average density of 1,045.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the community was 88.93% White, 4.61% African American, 0.58% Native American, 1.64% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.96% from other races, and 2.26% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.49% of the population.

There were 5,975 households, out of which 33.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 13.4% had a female homeowner with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of single persons, and 6.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the community, the population was spread out, with 27.4% under the age of 18, 10.6% from 18 to 24, 32.7% from 25 to 44, 18.9% from 45 to 64, and 10.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median income for a household in the community was $40,809, and the median income for a family was $43,972. Males had a median income of $36,085 versus $24,989 for females. The per capita income for the community was $19,648. About 4.4% of families and 7.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.3% of those under age 18 and 5.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Brian Diemer, bronze medalist in the 3000 meter steeplechase at the 1984 Summer Olympics
 * Carlee Hoffman, Paralympic Games gold medalist

title: Cutlerville, Michigan