Calhoun County, Michigan

Last updated

Calhoun County
County
Michigan Central Depot Post Card Battle Creek MI.jpg
Post Card. Michigan Central Depot in Battle Creek.
Map of Michigan highlighting Calhoun County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of Michigan
Michigan in United States.svg
Michigan's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 42°15′N85°00′W / 42.25°N 85°W / 42.25; -85
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of Michigan.svg  Michigan
Foundedestablished 1829
organized 1833 [1]
Named for John C. Calhoun
Seat Marshall
Largest city Battle Creek
Area
 • Total718 sq mi (1,860 km2)
 • Land706 sq mi (1,830 km2)
 • Water12 sq mi (30 km2)  1.7%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total134,310
 • Density193/sq mi (75/km2)
Congressional districts 4th, 5th
Website www.calhouncountymi.gov

Calhoun County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 134,310. [2] The county seat is Marshall. [3] The county was established on October 19, 1829, and named after John C. Calhoun, who was at the time Vice President under Andrew Jackson, making it one of Michigan's Cabinet counties. County government was first organized on March 6, 1833. [1] [4] Calhoun County comprises the Battle Creek Metropolitan Statistical Area and is included in the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek-Portage Combined Statistical Area.

Contents

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 718 square miles (1,860 km2), of which 706 square miles (1,830 km2) is land and 12 square miles (31 km2) (1.7%) is water. [5]

Geographic features

Adjacent counties

History

The Kalamazoo River oil spill occurred in July 2010 when a pipeline operated by Enbridge (Line 6B) burst and flowed into Talmadge Creek, a tributary of the Kalamazoo River. A six-foot break in the pipeline resulted in the largest inland oil spill, and one of the costliest spills in U.S. history. The pipeline carries diluted bitumen (dilbit), a heavy crude oil from Canada's Athabasca oil sands to the United States. Following the spill, the volatile hydrocarbon diluents evaporated, leaving the heavier bitumen to sink in the water column. Thirty-five miles of the Kalamazoo River were closed for clean-up until June 2012, when portions of the river were re-opened. On March 14, 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ordered Enbridge to return to dredge portions of the river to remove submerged oil and oil-contaminated sediment.

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1840 10,599—
1850 19,16280.8%
1860 29,56454.3%
1870 36,56923.7%
1880 38,4525.1%
1890 43,50113.1%
1900 49,31513.4%
1910 56,63814.8%
1920 72,91828.7%
1930 87,04319.4%
1940 94,2068.2%
1950 120,81328.2%
1960 138,85814.9%
1970 141,9632.2%
1980 141,557−0.3%
1990 135,982−3.9%
2000 137,9851.5%
2010 136,146−1.3%
2020 134,310−1.3%
2023 (est.)133,366 [6] −0.7%
U.S. Decennial Census [7]
1790-1960 [8] 1900-1990 [9]
1990-2000 [10] 2010-2019 [2]

The 2010 United States Census [11] indicates Calhoun County had a 2010 population of 136,146. This is a decrease of -1,839 people from the 2000 United States Census. Overall, the county had a -1.3% growth rate during this ten-year period. In 2010 there were 54,016 households and 35,220 families in the county. The population density was 192.8 per square mile (74.4 square kilometers). There were 61,042 housing units at an average density of 86.4 per square mile (33.4 square kilometers). The racial and ethnic makeup of the county was 79.8% White, 10.7% Black or African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.6% Asian, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races.

There were 54,016 households, out of which 31.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.3% were husband and wife families, 14.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 34.8% were non-families, and 28.8% were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 24.2% under age of 18, 9.3% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 27.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females there were 95.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.5 males.

The 2010 American Community Survey 1-year estimate [11] indicates the median income for a household in the county was $42,921 and the median income for a family was $49,964. Males had a median income of $25,712 versus $18,298 for females. The per capita income for the county was $20,661. About 11.7% of families and 16.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 23.9% of those under the age 18 and 5.8% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics

United States presidential election results for Calhoun County, Michigan [12]
Year Republican Democratic Third party
No. %No. %No. %
2020 36,22154.65%28,87743.57%1,1831.78%
2016 31,49453.47%24,15741.01%3,2515.52%
2012 28,33348.58%29,26750.18%7271.25%
2008 28,55344.48%34,56153.84%1,0821.69%
2004 32,09351.21%29,89147.70%6831.09%
2000 26,29147.73%27,31249.59%1,4772.68%
1996 20,95339.95%26,28750.12%5,2039.92%
1992 19,79133.71%25,54243.51%13,36922.77%
1988 26,77153.77%22,71745.63%2990.60%
1984 34,47062.60%20,31336.89%2840.52%
1980 30,91252.24%23,02238.90%5,2428.86%
1976 30,39053.77%25,22944.64%9011.59%
1972 32,53158.27%22,15439.68%1,1432.05%
1968 26,18147.64%22,63341.18%6,14611.18%
1964 18,98736.50%32,93963.31%990.19%
1960 32,08057.50%23,51142.14%2020.36%
1956 32,28461.33%20,18438.34%1750.33%
1952 31,94162.09%19,17137.26%3350.65%
1948 19,28554.95%15,07742.96%7342.09%
1944 20,66454.82%16,61144.07%4181.11%
1940 21,63353.27%18,68246.00%2950.73%
1936 14,66740.57%20,23155.96%1,2553.47%
1932 16,25548.43%16,28148.51%1,0273.06%
1928 24,37980.40%5,76919.03%1730.57%
1924 18,16571.91%4,02015.91%3,07712.18%
1920 16,72269.12%6,29126.00%1,1804.88%
1916 6,48442.07%8,03752.15%8915.78%
1912 3,44726.42%3,78128.98%5,81744.59%
1908 6,84855.99%4,24034.67%1,1439.35%
1904 7,50664.49%3,10226.65%1,0318.86%
1900 6,22050.11%5,56044.79%6335.10%
1896 5,87447.01%6,20249.64%4183.35%
1892 5,07748.10%4,15039.31%1,32912.59%
1888 5,73252.77%4,35840.12%7727.11%
1884 5,11351.20%4,30943.15%5645.65%

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.

Calhoun County is a swing county in presidential elections. Since 1980, it has voted for the winner of the national election every time except in 2000 and 2020.

Elected officials

(information as of October 2020)

Communities

Cities

Villages

Charter townships

Census-designated places

Other unincorporated communities

Townships

Historical markers

There are 83 recognized Michigan historical markers in the county. [13]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalamazoo County, Michigan</span> County in Michigan, United States

Kalamazoo County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of 2020, the population was 261,670. The county seat is Kalamazoo.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girard Township, Michigan</span> Civil township in Michigan, United States

Girard Township is a civil township of Branch County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 1,770.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bedford Charter Township, Michigan</span> Charter township in Michigan, United States

Bedford Charter Township is a charter township located in the northwest corner of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. As of the 2020 census, the township population was 9,198. Most of the township lies north of the Kalamazoo River and the city of Battle Creek. Three small noncontiguous areas of the township lie south of the Kalamazoo River.

Clarence Township is a civil township located in northeast Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,903 at the 2020 census. The township was originally named Pinkney Township.

Clarendon Township is a civil township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,181 at the 2020 census. The township is part of the Battle Creek Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Eckford Township is a civil township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,298 at the 2020 census. Eckford Township was named after Henry Eckford.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emmett Charter Township, Michigan</span> Charter township in Michigan, United States

Emmett Charter Township is a charter township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 11,744 at the 2020 census.

Homer Township is a civil township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 2,896 at the 2020 census.

Leroy Township is a civil township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,659 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marshall, Michigan</span> City in Michigan, United States

Marshall is a city and the county seat of Calhoun County, Michigan. The population was 6,822 at the 2020 census.

Marshall Township is a civil township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 3,157 at the 2020 census. The city of Marshall is adjacent to the township, but is administratively autonomous.

Pennfield Charter Township is a charter township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 8,781 at the 2020 census.

Tekonsha Township is a civil township of Calhoun County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is part of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 1,520 at the 2020 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Spring Arbor Township, Michigan</span> Civil township in Michigan, United States

Spring Arbor Township is a civil township of Jackson County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 8,267 at the 2010 census, up from 7,577 at the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Charleston Township, Kalamazoo County, Michigan</span> Civil township in Michigan, United States

Charleston Township is a civil township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2010 census recorded a population of 1,975, up from 1,813 at the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wakeshma Township, Michigan</span> Civil township in Michigan, United States

Wakeshma Township is a civil township of Kalamazoo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The 2010 census recorded a population of 1,301, down from 1,414 at the 2000 census.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalamazoo River</span> River in Michigan

The Kalamazoo River is a river in the U.S. state of Michigan. The river is 130 miles (210 km) long from the junction of its North and South branches to its mouth at Lake Michigan, with a total length extending to 178 miles (286 km) when one includes the South Branch. The river's watershed drains an area of approximately 2,020 square miles (5,200 km2) and drains portions of ten counties in southwest Michigan: Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Jackson, Hillsdale, Kent and Ottawa. The river has a median flow of 1,863 cubic feet per second (52.8 m3/s) at New Richmond, upstream from its mouth at Saugatuck and Douglas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kalamazoo–Portage metropolitan area</span> Metropolitan area in Michigan, United States

The Kalamazoo–Portage Metropolitan Area comprises a region surrounding Kalamazoo. 2015 estimates placed it as the 151st largest among similarly designated areas in the United States. 2015 estimates place the combined statistical area 85th among similarly designated areas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle Creek, Michigan</span> City in Michigan, United States

Battle Creek is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, in northwest Calhoun County, at the confluence of the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek rivers. It is the principal city of the Battle Creek, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), which encompasses all of Calhoun County. As of the 2020 census, the city had a total population of 52,731. Nicknamed "Cereal City", it is best known as the home of WK Kellogg Co and the founding city of Post Consumer Brands.

Talmadge Creek is a tributary of the Kalamazoo River. It is located in Calhoun County, Michigan, near the county seat of Marshall.

References

  1. 1 2 "Bibliography on Calhoun County". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University . Retrieved January 19, 2013.
  2. 1 2 "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  3. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ↑ Peirce, Henry B. (2005) [1877]. "Chapter VII". History of Calhoun county, Michigan. Ann Arbor, Mich.: University of Michigan Library. p. 18. Retrieved February 11, 2007.
  5. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  7. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  9. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  11. 1 2 "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved March 11, 2012.
  12. ↑ "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections".
  13. ↑ "Michigan Historical Markers". michmarkers.com. Archived from the original on March 15, 2010. Retrieved January 11, 2008.

42°15′N85°00′W / 42.25°N 85.00°W / 42.25; -85.00

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