Manistee County, Michigan

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,317 km² (1,281 mi²). 1,408 km² (544 mi²) of it is land and 1,909 km² (737 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 57.56% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 24,527 people, 9,860 households, and 6,714 families residing in the county. The population density is 17/km² (45/mi²). There are 14,272 housing units at an average density of 10/km² (26/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 94.16% White, 1.63% African American, 1.30% Native American, 0.32% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.01% from other races, and 1.55% from two or more races. 2.61% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 9,860 households out of which 27.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.10% are married couples living together, 9.10% have a female householder with no husband present, and 31.90% are non-families. 27.30% of all households are made up of individuals and 13.20% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.37 and the average family size is 2.86.

In the county the population is spread out with 22.60% under the age of 18, 6.70% from 18 to 24, 26.30% from 25 to 44, 26.30% from 45 to 64, and 18.10% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 42 years. For every 100 females there are 103.40 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.00 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $34,208, and the median income for a family is $41,664. Males have a median income of $33,211 versus $20,851 for females. The per capita income for the county is $17,204. 10.30% of the population and 6.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 13.50% are under the age of 18 and 7.90% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Arcadia Township
• Bear Lake Township
• Bear Lake
• Brown Township
• Cleon Township
• Copemish
• Dickson Township
• Eastlake
• Filer Charter Township
• Kaleva
• Manistee Township
• Manistee
• Maple Grove Township
• Marilla Township
• Norman Township
• Onekama Township
• Onekama
• Pleasanton Township
• Springdale Township
• Stronach Township