Muskegon County, Michigan Totally Explained

Everything about Muskegon County Michigan totally explained

Muskegon County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the population was 170,200, with the 2006 census estimate putting the county at a population of 175,231. The county seat is Muskegon. The county is the sole county in the Muskegon-Norton Shores Metropolitan Statistical Area, which is part of the larger Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland Combined Statistical Area.

History

Muskegon County was organized in 1859. Its name is from the river that runs it which empties into Lake Michigan. The word comes from the Ojibwa/Chippewa word "mashkig" meaning "marsh" or "swamp". See also, See, List of Michigan county name etymologies

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,459 square miles (3,780 km²), of which, 509 square miles (1,319 km²) of it's land and 950 square miles (2,461 km²) of it (65.11%) is water.

Geographic Features

Major highways

Interstates

I-96 U.S. highways

US 31

BUS US 31, a business loop in (Muskegon). Michigan Highways

M-37

M-46

M-120 Muskegon County highways

B-15

B-23

B-31

B-35

B-72

B-86

Adjacent counties

Oceana County, Michigan - north

Newaygo County, Michigan - northeast

Kent County, Michigan - east

Ottawa County, Michigan - south

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 170,200 people, 63,330 households, and 44,267 families residing 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 according to Census 2000. 95.9% spoke English and 2.6% Spanish as their first language.
   There were 63,330 households out 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 median income for a household in the county was $38,008, and the median income for a family 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

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.

Muskegon County elected officials

Prosecuting Attorney: Tony Tague

Sheriff: George Jurkas

County Clerk: Karen D. Buie

County Treasurer: Tony Moulatsiotis

Drain Commissioner: Martin L. Hulka

County Surveyor: Stephen Vallier (information as of September 2005)

Cities, villages, and townships

Historical markers

There are twenty three recognized historical markers in the county: 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 ClubFurther Information

Get more info on 'Muskegon County Michigan'.

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