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Muskegon County, Michigan
Muskegon County Courthouse, 1885
Muskegon County Courthouse
Seal of Muskegon County, Michigan
Seal
Map of Michigan highlighting Muskegon County
Location in the state of Michigan
Map of the U.S
Michigan's location in the U.S.
Founded 1859[1]
Named for Muskegon River
Seat Muskegon
Largest city Norton Shores (area), Muskegon (population)
Area
 - Total
 - Land
 - Water

1,460 sq mi (3,781 km²)
499 sq mi (1,292 km²)
961 sq mi (2,489 km²), 66%
Population
 - (2020)
 - Density

175,824
345/sq mi (133/km²)
Congressional district 2nd
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.co.muskegon.mi.us

Muskegon County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of 2020, the population was 175,824.[2] The county seat is Muskegon.[3]

Muskegon County comprises the Muskegon, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Grand Rapids-Kentwood-Muskegon, MI Combined Statistical Area. The White River flows through the county to its mouth at Lake Michigan.

History[]

Around 1812, Jean Baptiste Recollect and Pierre Constant set up trading posts in the area. By the Treaty of Washington (1836), Native Americans ceded parts of Michigan, including future Muskegon County, to the United States. This opened up the area to greater settlement by European Americans, who developed farms.[4]

Prior to 1859, the majority of Muskegon County was part of Ottawa County (the Southern three quarters). Grand Haven served as the County Seat of this combined County, and still serves as the Ottawa County seat today.[5]

Muskegon County was organized in 1859. Its name is from the Muskegon River, which runs through it and empties into Muskegon Lake and subsequently flows into Lake Michigan. The word "Muskegon" comes from the Ojibwa/Chippewa word mashkig, meaning "marsh" or "swamp".[1][6] See List of Michigan county name etymologies.

Geography[]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,460 square miles (3,800 km2), of which 499 square miles (1,290 km2) is land and 961 square miles (2,490 km2) (66%) is water.[7]

Bodies of water[]

  • White Lake
  • White River
  • Muskegon Lake
  • Muskegon River
  • Mona Lake
  • Little Black Lake
  • Little Blue Lake
  • Wolf Lake
  • Fox Lake
  • Big Blue Lake
  • Bear Lake
  • Duck Lake
  • Twin Lake

National protected area[]

  • Manistee National Forest (part)

Major highways[]

  • I-96 I-96
  • US 31 US 31
  • Business plate
    US 31 BUS US 31 (Muskegon)
  • Business plate
    US 31 BUS US 31 (Whitehall-Montague)
  • M-37 M-37
  • M-46 M-46
  • M-120 M-120
  • County B-15 B-15
  • County B-23 B-23
  • County B-31 B-31
  • County B-35 B-35
  • County B-72 B-72
  • County B-86 B-86

Adjacent counties[]

Demographics[]

Historical populations
Census Pop.
1860 3,947
1870 14,894 277.3%
1880 26,586 78.5%
1890 40,013 50.5%
1900 37,036 −7.4%
1910 40,577 9.6%
1920 62,362 53.7%
1930 84,630 35.7%
1940 94,501 11.7%
1950 121,545 28.6%
1960 129,943 6.9%
1970 157,426 21.2%
1980 157,589 0.1%
1990 158,983 0.9%
2000 170,200 7.1%
2010 172,188 1.2%
U.S. Decennial Census[8]
1790-1960[9] 1900-1990[10]
1990-2000[11] 2010-2019[12]

As of the 2010 United States Census,[13] there were 172,188 people living in the county. 77.4% were non-Hispanic White, 14.6% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, 0.9% Native American, and 2.5% of two or more races. 4.8% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

As of the census[14] of 2000, there were 170,200 people, 63,330 households, and 44,267 families living in the county. The population density was 334 people per square mile (129/km2). There were 68,556 housing units at an average density of 135 per square mile (52/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 81.25% White, 14.20% Black or African American, 0.82% Native American, 0.42% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 1.28% from other races, and 2.01% from two or more races. 3.53% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 17.2% were of German, 9.8% Dutch, 7.3% American, 7.2% English, 6.8% Irish and 5.5% Polish ancestry, 95.9% spoke English and 2.6% Spanish as their first language.

There were 63,330 households, of which 34.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.60% were married couples living together, 13.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.10% were non-families. 25.20% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.59 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.50% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 29.00% from 25 to 44, 21.90% from 45 to 64, and 12.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.40 males.

The county's median household income was $38,008, and the median family income was $45,710. Males had a median income of $35,952 versus $25,430 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,967. About 8.80% of families and 11.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.00% of those under age 18 and 8.20% of those age 65 or over.

Government[]

Prior to 1932, Muskegon County was a Republican Party stronghold in presidential elections, aside from 1912 where the split Republican vote primarily backed former president & third-party candidate Theodore Roosevelt. The county became a Republican-leaning swing county from 1932 to 1988, backing the national winner from 1920 to 1996 except for 1960 & 1976. Starting with the 1992 election, the county has consistently backed Democratic Party presidential candidates, usually by wide margins. In recent years, Muskegon County has become increasingly competitive, with Donald Trump very narrowly losing the county in both 2016 and 2020.

United States presidential election results for Muskegon County, Michigan[15]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2020 45,133 48.82% 45,643 49.37% 1,668 1.80%
2016 36,127 45.89% 37,304 47.39% 5,292 6.72%
2012 30,884 40.43% 44,436 58.16% 1,077 1.41%
2008 29,145 34.51% 53,821 63.73% 1,490 1.76%
2004 35,302 43.96% 44,282 55.14% 729 0.91%
2000 30,028 43.35% 37,865 54.66% 1,377 1.99%
1996 21,873 34.48% 35,328 55.69% 6,237 9.83%
1992 23,769 33.04% 32,515 45.19% 15,664 21.77%
1988 33,567 53.36% 28,977 46.06% 363 0.58%
1984 39,355 60.67% 25,247 38.92% 261 0.40%
1980 36,512 53.73% 26,645 39.21% 4,797 7.06%
1976 35,548 56.06% 27,013 42.60% 846 1.33%
1972 36,428 59.60% 22,804 37.31% 1,893 3.10%
1968 28,233 48.11% 24,492 41.74% 5,958 10.15%
1964 22,146 37.51% 36,769 62.28% 119 0.20%
1960 32,667 52.98% 28,755 46.63% 239 0.39%
1956 30,395 54.04% 25,679 45.65% 172 0.31%
1952 25,967 51.47% 23,826 47.23% 653 1.29%
1948 15,382 41.45% 20,631 55.60% 1,094 2.95%
1944 16,536 44.95% 19,963 54.27% 287 0.78%
1940 14,957 43.45% 19,257 55.94% 210 0.61%
1936 9,366 34.52% 17,252 63.58% 515 1.90%
1932 11,971 45.58% 13,497 51.39% 797 3.03%
1928 16,997 76.28% 5,158 23.15% 126 0.57%
1924 14,422 79.22% 1,462 8.03% 2,322 12.75%
1920 11,702 73.70% 3,468 21.84% 707 4.45%
1916 5,692 52.16% 4,465 40.91% 756 6.93%
1912 1,523 18.47% 1,678 20.35% 5,045 61.18%
1908 5,070 69.25% 1,794 24.50% 457 6.24%
1904 5,453 76.46% 1,181 16.56% 498 6.98%
1900 5,250 63.60% 2,796 33.87% 209 2.53%
1896 4,682 58.79% 3,110 39.05% 172 2.16%
1892 3,830 49.76% 3,301 42.89% 566 7.35%
1888 4,521 52.44% 3,514 40.76% 587 6.81%
1884 3,483 49.79% 3,171 45.33% 342 4.89%



County government[]

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

Elected officials[]

  • Prosecuting Attorney: D.J. Hilson [1]
  • Sheriff: Michael J. Poulin [2]
  • County Clerk: Nancy A. Waters [3]
  • County Treasurer: Tony Moulatsiotis [4]
  • Register of Deeds: Mark F. Fairchild [5]
  • Drain Commissioner: Brenda M Moore [6]
  • County Surveyor: Stephen Vallier

(information as of May 2017)

State representation[]

The Michigan Department of Corrections operates the Muskegon Correctional Facility in southeastern Muskegon. The prison first opened in 1974.[16]

Education[]

Public School Districts in Muskegon County:

  • Fruitport Community Schools
  • Holton Public Schools
  • Mona Shores Public Schools
  • Montague Area Public Schools
  • Muskegon Public Schools
  • Muskegon Heights Public Schools
  • North Muskegon Public Schools
  • Orchard View Schools
  • Oakridge Public Schools
  • Ravenna Public Schools
  • Reeths-Puffer School District
  • White Lake Area Community Ed.
  • Whitehall District Schools

Private School Districts in Muskegon County:

  • Broadway Baptist School
  • Fruitport Calvary Christian
  • Muskegon Catholic Central
  • West Michigan Christian

Colleges and Universities:

  • Baker College
  • Muskegon Community College
  • Ross Medical Education Center - Muskegon

Historical markers[]

There are twenty-three recognized historical markers in the county:[17] They are:

  • Bluffton Actors' Colony / Buster Keaton
  • Central United Methodist Church [Muskegon]
  • Evergreen Cemetery
  • Fruitland District No.6 School
  • Hackley House
  • Hackley Public Library
  • Hackley-Holt House
  • Hume House
  • Jean Baptiste Recollect Trading Post
  • Lakeside
  • Lebanon Lutheran Church
  • Lumbering on White Lake / Staples & Covell Mill
  • Marsh Field
  • Mouth Cemetery
  • Muskegon Business College
  • Muskegon Log Booming Company
  • Muskegon Woman's Club
  • Old Indian Cemetery
  • Pinchtown
  • Ruth Thompson
  • Torrent House
  • Union Depot (Muskegon)
  • White Lake Yacht Club

Communities[]

Cities[]

  • Montague
  • Muskegon Heights
  • Muskegon (county seat)
  • North Muskegon
  • Norton Shores
  • Roosevelt Park
  • Whitehall

Villages[]

  • Casnovia
  • Fruitport
  • Lakewood Club
  • Ravenna

Census-designated places[]

  • Twin Lake
  • Wolf Lake

Unincorporated communities[]

  • Wabaningo
  • Brunswick (partially)

Townships[]

  • Blue Lake Township
  • Casnovia Township
  • Cedar Creek Township
  • Dalton Township
  • Egelston Township
  • Fruitland Township
  • Fruitport Charter Township
  • Holton Township
  • Laketon Township
  • Montague Township
  • Moorland Township
  • Muskegon Charter Township
  • Ravenna Township
  • Sullivan Township
  • White River Township
  • Whitehall Township

See also[]

  • List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Muskegon County, Michigan
  • Muskegon Area Transit System
  • National Register of Historic Places listings in Muskegon County, Michigan

References[]

  1. ^ a b "Bibliography on Muskegon County". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University. http://clarke.cmich.edu/resource_tab/bibliographies_of_clarke_library_material/michigan_local_history/county_material/muskegon.html. 
  2. ^ "QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/muskegoncountymichigan/POP010220. 
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx. 
  4. ^ Hoogterp, Edward (2006). West Michigan Almanac, p. 105. The University of Michigan Press.
  5. ^ "History of Muskegon | Muskegon County, MI". https://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/770/History-of-Muskegon#:~:text=Settlers,Muskegon%20County%20dates%20from%201859.. 
  6. ^ Michigan History, Arts and Libraries on sources of County names.
  7. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_26.txt. 
  8. ^ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html. 
  9. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu. 
  10. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/mi190090.txt. 
  11. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf. 
  12. ^ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/26/26121.html. 
  13. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov. 
  14. ^ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau. https://www.census.gov. 
  15. ^ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS. 
  16. ^ "Muskegon Correctional Facility (MCF). Michigan Department of Corrections. Retrieved on June 3, 2011.
  17. ^ "Michigan Historical Markers". michmarkers.com. http://www.michmarkers.com/Frameset.htm. 

Further reading[]

External links[]

Template:West Michigan

Coordinates: 43°17′N 86°27′W / 43.29, -86.45

This page uses content from the English language Wikipedia. The original content was at Muskegon County, Michigan. The list of authors can be seen in the page history. As with this Familypedia wiki, the content of Wikipedia is available under the Creative Commons License.
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