Hayes Township, Clare County, Michigan

Geography According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 83.3 km² (32.2 mi²). 81.5 km² (31.5 mi²) of it is land and 1.8 km² (0.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.18% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 4,916 people, 2,014 households, and 1,391 families residing in the township. The population density is 60.4/km² (156.3/mi²). There are 3,898 housing units at an average density of 47.9/km² (123.9/mi²). The racial makeup of the township is 97.36% White, 0.12% African American, 0.79% Native American, 0.18% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 0.53% from other races, and 1.00% from two or more races. 1.40% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 2,014 households out of which 28.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% are married couples living together, 10.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 30.9% are non-families. 25.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 11.0% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.44 and the average family size is 2.87.

In the township the population is spread out with 25.5% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 25.8% from 25 to 44, 26.1% from 45 to 64, and 16.3% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 39 years. For every 100 females there are 99.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 97.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township is $26,495, and the median income for a family is $31,343. Males have a median income of $29,755 versus $20,698 for females. The per capita income for the township is $14,394. 20.3% of the population and 16.7% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 29.1% are under the age of 18 and 10.4% are 65 or older.