Muskegon Heights is a city located in Muskegon County, Michigan. According to the 2020 census, the population was 9,985. The city's population has been decreasing over many years. More than three-fourths of the population are African American. The city was officially established on January 2, 1891. The area was originally part of a region that produced lumber. Later, it became known for its foundries.

History

The city had places where wood was cut into boards. In 1938, the city printed a five-page history that shows events in order of when they happened for the city of Muskegon Heights. In 2023, Bonnie McGlothin was chosen as mayor following Walter Watt's term.

Geography

The city is located in southwestern Muskegon County. Muskegon is to the north, and Norton Shores is to the south. A small part of Muskegon Township, which is not part of any city, is on the east side. Roosevelt Park is a short distance to the west. U.S. Route 31 runs along the city's western edge as Seaway Drive. This highway goes north to downtown Muskegon and south for 31 miles (50 km) to Holland. Grand Rapids is 38 miles (61 km) to the southeast.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Muskegon Heights has a total area of 3.19 square miles (8.26 km), and all of this area is land.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, the city had 10,856 people, 3,996 households, and 2,682 families. The population density was 3,403.1 people per square mile (1,313.9 per square kilometer). There were 4,842 housing units, with an average density of 1,517.9 per square mile (586.1 per square kilometer). The racial makeup included 16.0% White, 78.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 3.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race made up 4.2% of the population.

Out of 3,996 households, 42.2% had children under 18 living with them, 20.2% were married couples, 40.0% had a female householder without a husband, 7.0% had a male householder without a wife, and 32.9% were non-families. Twenty-eight point four percent of households had only one person, and 8.2% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.66, and the average family size was 3.23.

The median age in the city was 30.3 years. Thirty-two point three percent of residents were under 18, 10.3% were between 18 and 24, 25.4% were between 25 and 44, 22.6% were between 45 and 64, and 9.6% were 65 or older. The gender distribution was 46.3% male and 53.7% female.

As of the 2000 census, the city had 12,049 people, 4,507 households, and 2,970 families. The population density was 3,804.2 people per square mile (1,468.8 per square kilometer). There were 5,108 housing units, with an average density of 1,612.7 per square mile (622.1 per square kilometer). The racial makeup included 17.69% White, 77.77% African American, 0.45% Native American, 0.25% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.63% from other races, and 2.19% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino residents of any race made up 3.52% of the population.

Out of 4,507 households, 36.9% had children under 18 living with them, 25.0% were married couples, 35.2% had a female householder without a husband, and 34.1% were non-families. Twenty-eight point eight percent of households had only one person, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.66, and the average family size was 3.28.

In the city, 35.2% of people were under 18, 9.3% were between 18 and 24, 27.0% were between 25 and 44, 17.8% were between 45 and 64, and 10.6% were 65 or older. The median age was 29 years. For every 100 females, there were 82.6 males. For every 100 females aged 18 or older, there were 74.5 males.

The median household income was $21,778, and the median family income was $26,144. Males had a median income of $30,027, while females had a median income of $22,768. The per capita income was $12,456. About 25.7% of families and 29.6% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 41.8% of those under 18 and 17.0% of those 65 or older.