Mecosta County, Michigan

Geography According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,479 km² (571 mi²). 1,439 km² (556 mi²) of it is land and 40 km² (15 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 2.70% water.

Demographics As of the census of 2000, there are 40,553 people, 14,915 households, and 9,888 families residing in the county. The population density is 28/km² (73/mi²). There are 19,593 housing units at an average density of 14/km² (35/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 92.68% White, 3.60% African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.87% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.37% from other races, and 1.79% from two or more races. 1.28% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 14,915 households out of which 29.10% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.30% are married couples living together, 9.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 33.70% are non-families. 24.50% of all households are made up of individuals and 8.90% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.49 and the average family size is 2.95.

In the county the population is spread out with 22.50% under the age of 18, 19.80% from 18 to 24, 23.00% from 25 to 44, 21.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.20% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 102.80 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 102.20 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $33,849, and the median income for a family is $40,465. Males have a median income of $32,127 versus $22,467 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,372. 16.10% of the population and 9.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 16.60% are under the age of 18 and 7.60% are 65 or older.

Cities and Towns

• Aetna Township
• Austin Township
• Barryton
• Big Rapids Township
• Big Rapids
• Canadian Lakes
• Chippewa Township
• Colfax Township
• Deerfield Township
• Fork Township
• Grant Township
• Green Charter Township
• Hinton Township
• Martiny Township
• Mecosta Township
• Mecosta
• Millbrook Township
• Morley
• Morton Township
• Sheridan Township
• Stanwood
• Wheatland Township