Muskegon County (pronounced "mə-SKEE-gən") is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of 2020, the population was 175,824. The county seat is Muskegon.

Muskegon County includes the Muskegon, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area. This area is part of the larger Grand Rapids – Kentwood -Muskegon, MI Combined Statistical Area.

History

In 1812, Jean Baptiste Recollect and Pierre Constant established trading posts in the region. The Treaty of Washington in 1836 caused Native Americans to give up parts of Michigan, including what would later become Muskegon County, to the United States. This allowed more European Americans to settle in the area, where they created farms.

Before 1859, most of Muskegon County was part of Ottawa County (the southern three-quarters). Grand Haven was the main town where county government was located for this combined area and remains Ottawa County’s seat today.

Muskegon County was officially formed in 1859. Its name comes from the Muskegon River, which flows through the county and empties into Muskegon Lake, then into Lake Michigan. The word "Muskegon" is derived from the Ojibwa/Chippewa word mashkig, which means "marsh" or "swamp." See List of Michigan county name etymologies.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,460 square miles (3,800 km²), of which 499 square miles (1,290 km²) is land and 961 square miles (2,490 km²) (66%) is water.

Michigan's second longest river, the Muskegon River, flows through the county. Its north and south branches flow into Muskegon Lake. Muskegon Lake then flows into Lake Michigan through the Muskegon Channel. Muskegon Lake is Michigan's only deep water port on Lake Michigan. In the north, the White River flows through the county into White Lake and then into Lake Michigan. In the south, Black Creek flows into Mona Lake, which also flows into Lake Michigan. These three lakes allow boats to travel to and from Lake Michigan, making it one of the state's most boat-accessible counties. Muskegon Lake also allows access for larger commercial ships.

• Muskegon Lake
• Muskegon River
• Mona Lake
• White Lake
• White River
• Little Black Lake
• Little Blue Lake
• Wolf Lake
• Fox Lake
• Big Blue Lake
• Bear Lake
• Duck Lake
• Twin Lake

• Manistee National Forest (part)

• Muskegon Area Transit System
• Lake Express

• Oceana County, Michigan – north
• Newaygo County, Michigan – northeast
• Kent County, Michigan – east
• Ottawa County, Michigan – east, south

• Milwaukee County, Wisconsin – southwest
• Ozaukee County, Wisconsin – west

Demographics

In 2020, the county had a population of 175,824 people. The median age was 40.4 years. Twenty-two point five percent of people were under 18, and 18.1% were 65 or older. For every 100 females, there were 99.4 males. Among those 18 and older, there were 98.2 males for every 100 females.

The racial makeup of the county was 76.1% White, 13.6% Black or African American, 0.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% Asian, less than 0.1% Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander, 1.9% from other races, and 7.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race made up 5.8% of the population.

Seventy-four percent of residents lived in urban areas, while 26% lived in rural areas.

There were 68,610 households in the county, of which 29.6% had children under 18 living at home. Of all households, 44.4% were married-couple households, 18.8% had a male householder without a spouse or partner, and 28.4% had a female householder without a spouse or partner. About 28.2% of all households had only one person living in them, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 or older.

There were 74,591 housing units, of which 8.0% were vacant. Among occupied housing units, 75.1% were owned by the residents, and 24.9% were rented. The homeowner vacancy rate was 1.3%, and the rental vacancy rate was 6.7%.

In 2010, there were 172,188 people living in the county. Seventy-seven point four percent were non-Hispanic White, 14.6% were Black or African American, 0.6% were Asian, 0.9% were Native American, and 2.5% were from two or more races. Four point eight percent were Hispanic or Latino (of any race).

In 2000, there were 170,200 people, 63,330 households, and 44,267 families living in the county. The population density was 334 people per square mile. There were 68,556 housing units at an average density of 135 per square mile. 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. Three point five three percent of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. Seventeen point two percent had German ancestry, 9.8% Dutch, 7.3% American, 7.2% English, 6.8% Irish, and 5.5% Polish. Ninety-five point nine percent spoke English as their first language, and 2.6% spoke Spanish.

There were 63,330 households, of which 34.60% had children under 18 living at home, 51.60% were married couples, 13.90% had a female householder without a husband, and 30.10% were non-families. Twenty-five point two percent of all households had only one person living in them, and 10.40% had someone living alone who was 65 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 18, 8.70% aged 18 to 24, 29.00% aged 25 to 44, 21.90% aged 45 to 64, and 12.90% who were 65 or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.30 males. Among those 18 and older, there were 95.40 males for every 100 females.

The county's median household income was $38,008, and the median family income was $45,710. Males had a median income of $35,952, while females had $25,430. The per capita income for the

Government

Before 1932, Muskegon County usually supported the Republican Party in presidential elections, except in 1912 when the split Republican vote mostly helped former president and third-party candidate Theodore Roosevelt. From 1932 to 1988, the county often supported Republicans but sometimes voted for Democrats. During this time, Democrats won the county only six times, and 1948 was the only year in this period when Democrats did not win most states nationwide.

Starting with the 1992 election, the county became more likely to support Democratic presidential candidates. For about 25 years, it was one of the few Democratic areas in traditionally Republican West Michigan. However, after losing the county narrowly in 2016 and 2020, Donald Trump won the county in 2024. The more urban areas in the southwest part of the county, such as Muskegon, Muskegon Heights, and Roosevelt Park, tend to support Democrats. Norton Shores is a more neutral area. The more rural parts of the county strongly support Republicans.

Since 1972, Muskegon County has often matched the results of the state of Michigan in presidential elections. The only time it did not support the statewide winner was in 2016. Even then, the county’s support for Hillary Clinton was the closest in Michigan, which was also the closest win for Trump nationwide.

The county government manages the jail, maintains rural roads, operates local courts, keeps records of property and mortgages, maintains important documents, helps manage public health rules, and works with the state to provide welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has limited power to create laws or rules. In Michigan, most local government tasks, such as police and fire services, building rules, taxes, and street maintenance, are handled by cities and townships.

• Prosecuting Attorney: D.J. Hilson
• Sheriff: Michael J. Poulin
• County Clerk: Karen Buie
• County Treasurer: Tony Moulatsiotis
• Register of Deeds: Mark F. Fairchild
• Drain Commissioner: Brenda M. Moore
• County Surveyor: Stephen Vallier

(Information as of May 2017)

The Michigan Department of Corrections runs the Muskegon Correctional Facility in southeastern Muskegon. The prison opened in 1974.

In the Michigan House of Representatives, Muskegon County is represented by Will Snyder (D) of the 87th district, Greg VanWoerkom (R) of the 88th district, Luke Meerman (R) of the 89th district, and Curt VanderWall (R) of the 102nd district.

In the Michigan Senate, Muskegon County is represented by Jon Bumstead (R) of the 32nd district and Rick Outman (R) of the 33rd district.

Education

Public School Districts in Muskegon County:
• Fruitport Community Schools
• Holton Public Schools
• Mona Shores Public Schools
• Montague Area Public Schools
• Muskegon Public Schools
• Muskegon Heights Public Schools
• North Muskegon Public Schools
• Orchard View Schools
• Oakridge Public Schools
• Ravenna Public Schools
• Reeths-Puffer School District
• White Lake Area Community Ed.
• Whitehall District Schools

Private School Districts in Muskegon County:
• Broadway Baptist School
• Fruitport Calvary Christian
• Muskegon Catholic Central
• West Michigan Christian

Colleges and Universities:
• Baker College
• Muskegon Community College
• Ross Medical Education Center – Muskegon

Historical markers

There are 23 officially recognized historical markers in the county. They are:

• Bluffton Actors' Colony and 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 Club

Communities

Section 1:
• Montague
• Muskegon Heights
• Muskegon (county seat)
• North Muskegon
• Norton Shores
• Roosevelt Park
• Whitehall

Section 2:
• Casnovia
• Fruitport
• Lakewood Club
• Ravenna

Section 3:
• Fruitport Charter Township
• Muskegon Township

Section 4:
• Twin Lake
• Wolf Lake

Section 5:
• Wabaningo
• Brunswick (partially)