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Coordinates: 44°41′N 85°05′W / 44.69°N 85.08°W / 44.69; -85.08
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{{short description|County in Michigan, United States}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = Kalkaska County
| county = Kalkaska County
| state = Michigan
| state = Michigan
| ex image = Hotel Sieting.jpg
| ex image = Kalkaska County Government Offices (Michigan).jpg
| ex image size = 300px
| ex image size = 300px
| ex image cap = Hotel Sieting in [[Kalkaska, Michigan|Kalkaska]].
| ex image cap = Kalkaska County Government Offices in [[Kalkaska, Michigan|Kalkaska]]
| seal =
| seal =
| founded year = 1840 (established)<br>1871 (organized)<ref name=clarke>{{cite web|url=http://clarke.cmich.edu/resource_tab/bibliographies_of_clarke_library_material/michigan_local_history/county_material/kalkaska.html|publisher=[[Clarke Historical Library]], [[Central Michigan University]]|title=Bibliography on Kalkaska County|accessdate=January 19, 2013}}</ref>
| founded year = 1840 (established)<br/>1871 (organized)<ref name=clarke>{{cite web|url=http://clarke.cmich.edu/resource_tab/bibliographies_of_clarke_library_material/michigan_local_history/county_material/kalkaska.html|publisher=[[Clarke Historical Library]], [[Central Michigan University]]|title=Bibliography on Kalkaska County|access-date=January 19, 2013}}{{Dead link|date=June 2023}}</ref>
| seat wl = Kalkaska
| seat wl = Kalkaska
| largest city = Kalkaska
| largest city = Kalkaska
| city type = village
| city type = village
| area_total_sq_mi = 571
| area_total_sq_mi = 571
| area_land_sq_mi = 560
| area_land_sq_mi = 560
| area_water_sq_mi = 11
| area_water_sq_mi = 11
| area percentage = 1.9%
| area percentage = 1.9%
| census estimate yr = 2018
| census yr = 2020
| pop = 17,824
| pop = 17,939
| density_sq_mi = 31
| density_sq_mi = 31
| district = 1st
| district = 1st
| time zone = [[Eastern Time Zone|Eastern]]
| time zone = Eastern
}}


| web = kalkaskacounty.net
'''Kalkaska County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Michigan]]. As of the [[2010 United States Census|2010 census]], the population was 17,153.<ref name=QF>{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/26/26079.html|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=August 28, 2013}}</ref> The [[county seat]] is [[Kalkaska, Michigan|Kalkaska]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|accessdate=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>
|population_est=18,490 {{increase}}|pop_est_as_of=2023}}


'''Kalkaska County''' ({{IPAc-en|k|æ|l|ˈ|k|æ|s|k|ə}} {{respell|kal|KASS|kə}}) is located in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Michigan]]. As of the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], its population was 17,939.<ref name=QF>{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/kalkaskacountymichigan/POP010220|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> The [[county seat]] is [[Kalkaska, Michigan|Kalkaska]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|access-date=June 7, 2011|title=Find a County|publisher=National Association of Counties}}</ref>
Kalkaska County is included in the [[Traverse City, Michigan|Traverse City]] [[Traverse City micropolitan area|Micropolitan Statistical Area]]. Although it is located on Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Kalkaska County is considered part of [[Northern Michigan]].


Kalkaska County is part of the [[Traverse City metropolitan area]]. Although it is located on Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Kalkaska County is considered part of [[Northern Michigan]].
==Etymology of the name==
The county's name is a pseudo-Native American word coined by [[Henry Schoolcraft]], a Michigan geographer and ethnologist.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan Counties|url=https://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_20826_20829-54126--,00.html|website=Michigan.gov|publisher=Archive.org|accessdate=February 14, 2016|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313052757/https://www.michigan.gov/hal/0%2C1607%2C7-160-15481_20826_20829-54126--%2C00.html|archivedate=March 13, 2009}}</ref> The name is thought to be a [[Chippewa]] word meaning flat or burned-over country. An alternative theory is that this is a [[neologism]] or neonym created by [[Henry Schoolcraft]], originally spelled Calcasca. Some theorists suggest this is word play. Schoolcraft's family name had been Calcraft, and the Ks may have been added to make the name appear more like a Native American word.<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_20826_20829-54126--,00.html Michigan History, County Names.]</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[Image:1842 Leelenaw Omeena Negissee Wabbassee Okkuddo Shawwano counties Michigan.jpg|thumb|A detail from ''[[:File:1842 A new map of Michigan with its canals roads distances by H.S. Tanner.jpg|A New Map of Michigan with its Canals, Roads & Distances]]'' (1842) by [[Henry Schenck Tanner]], showing Kalkaska County as "Wabbassee" (a misspelling of Wabassee, the county's name from 1840 to 1843.<ref name=Newberry/>) Several nearby counties are also shown with names that would later be changed.]]
[[Image:1842 Leelenaw Omeena Negissee Wabbassee Okkuddo Shawwano counties Michigan.jpg|thumb|A detail from ''[[:File:1842 A new map of Michigan with its canals roads distances by H.S. Tanner.jpg|A New Map of Michigan with its Canals, Roads & Distances]]'' (1842) by [[Henry Schenck Tanner]], showing Kalkaska County as "Wabbassee" (a misspelling of Wabassee, the county's name from 1840 to 1843.<ref name=Newberry/>) Several nearby counties are also shown with names that would later be changed.]]
{{see also|History of Northern Michigan}}
{{See also|History of Northern Michigan}}
The county was formed in 1840 and called '''Wabassee County''' until 1843.<ref name=Newberry>{{cite web|url=http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/MI_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm|title= Michigan: Individual County Chronologies|author=Newberry Library|website=Atlas of County Historical Boundaries|accessdate=November 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name=clarke/> The first settler in Kalkaska County was William Copeland, from England, who purchased land in the northwest corner of the county in 1855. Logging was the first important industry. The discovery of substantial deposits of oil and natural gas resulted in the construction of a processing plant by [[Shell Oil Company]] in 1973 and a major economic boom in the community. There is a huge new Marijuana industry developing. https://www.northernexpress.com/amp/news/feature/kalkaska-marijuana-mecca/
Kalkaska County, originally named '''Wabassee County''', was separated from [[Mackinac County, Michigan|Michilimackinac County]] in 1840,<ref>{{cite book |author=George Dawson |date=1840 |title=Acts of the Legislature of the State of Michigan Passed at the Annual Session of 1840 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=aDg4AAAAIAAJ&pg=PA196 |location=Detroit |pages=196–200}}</ref> renamed in 1843.<ref name=Newberry>{{cite web|url=http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/MI_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm|title= Michigan: Individual County Chronologies|author=Newberry Library|website=Atlas of County Historical Boundaries|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name=clarke/> In 1851, Kalkaska County was attached to [[Grand Traverse County, Michigan|Grand Traverse County]] for legal purposes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History in Grand Traverse County, Michigan |url=http://genealogytrails.com/mich/grandtraverse/history_county8.html |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=genealogytrails.com}}</ref> The first settler in Kalkaska County was William Copeland, from England, who purchased land in the northwest corner of the county in 1855. Kalkaska County was organized in its own right on January 27, 1871. [[Crawford County, Michigan|Crawford County]] was then temporarily attached to Kalkaska County for legal purposes.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Genealogy Trails Kalkaska County Michigan |url=http://genealogytrails.com/mich/kalkaska/historycutler.html |access-date=January 21, 2023 |website=genealogytrails.com}}</ref>

=== Etymology ===
The county's name is a pseudo-Native American word coined by [[Henry Schoolcraft]], a Michigan geographer and ethnologist.<ref>{{cite web |title=Michigan Counties |url=https://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_20826_20829-54126--,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090313052757/https://www.michigan.gov/hal/0%2C1607%2C7-160-15481_20826_20829-54126--%2C00.html |archive-date=March 13, 2009 |access-date=February 14, 2016 |website=Michigan.gov }}</ref> The name is thought to be a [[Chippewa]] word meaning flat or burned-over country. An alternative theory is that this is a [[neologism]] or neonym created by [[Henry Schoolcraft]], originally spelled Calcasca. Some theorists suggest this is word play. Schoolcraft's family name had been Calcraft, and the Ks may have been added to make the name appear more like a Native American word.<ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_20826_20829-54126--,00.html Michigan History, County Names.]</ref>


==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|571|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|560|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|11|sqmi}} (1.9%) is water.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_26.txt|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=September 26, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files}}</ref>
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|571|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|11|sqmi}} (1.9%) are covered by water.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_26.txt|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=September 26, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files}}</ref>


[[Kalkaska Sand]], the [[state soil]] of [[Michigan]], was named after the county because of the large amounts deposited in the area from [[glacier]]s in the [[Ice Age]].
[[Kalkaska sand]], the [[state soil]] of Michigan, was named after the county because of the large amounts deposited in the area from [[glacier]]s in the [[Last Glacial Period|Ice Age]].


Kalkaska County has over 80 lakes and {{convert|275|mi|km}} of streams and rivers. Much of the county is marshland. County elevation ranges from {{convert|595|ft|m}} to about {{convert|1246|ft|m}}. This makes it one of the more uneven counties in the [[Lower Peninsula]].
Kalkaska County has over 80 lakes and {{convert|275|mi|km}} of streams and rivers. Much of the county is marshland. County elevation ranges from {{convert|595|ft|m}} to about {{convert|1246|ft|m}}. This makes it one of the more uneven counties in the [[Lower Peninsula]].


The [[Pere Marquette State Forest]] covers much of the county. Glaciers shaped the area, creating a unique regional ecosystem. A large portion of the area is the Grayling outwash plain, a broad outwash plain including sandy ice-disintegration ridges; jack pine barrens, some white pine-red pine forest, and northern hardwood forest. Large lakes were created by glacial action.<ref>[http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/habitat/rlandscp/s7-2-2.htm Michigan regional geology.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625181556/http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/habitat/rlandscp/s7-2-2.htm|date=June 25, 2013}}</ref>
The [[Pere Marquette State Forest]] covers much of the county. Glaciers shaped the area, creating a unique regional ecosystem. A large portion of the area is the Grayling outwash plain, a broad outwash plain including sandy ice-disintegration ridges, jack pine barrens, some white pine-red pine forest, and northern hardwood forest. Large lakes were created by glacial action.<ref>[http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/habitat/rlandscp/s7-2-2.htm Michigan regional geology.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130625181556/http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/habitat/rlandscp/s7-2-2.htm|date=June 25, 2013}}</ref>


===Lakes===
===Lakes===
Line 48: Line 52:
*[[Lake Skegemog]]
*[[Lake Skegemog]]
*[[Bear Lake (Michigan)|Bear Lake]]
*[[Bear Lake (Michigan)|Bear Lake]]
*[[Manistee Lake]]
*[[Manistee Lake (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Manistee Lake]]
*[[Grass Lake (Michigan)|Grass Lake]]
*[[Grass Lake (Michigan)|Grass Lake]]
*[[Rainbow Lake (Michigan)|Rainbow Lake]]
*[[Rainbow Lake (Michigan)|Rainbow Lake]]
Line 59: Line 63:
*[[Indian Lake (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Indian Lake]]
*[[Indian Lake (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Indian Lake]]
*[[Perch Lake (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Perch Lake]]
*[[Perch Lake (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Perch Lake]]
*[[Crawford Lake]]
*[[Crawford Lake (Michigan)|Crawford Lake]]
*[[Lost Lake (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Lost Lake]]
*[[Lost Lake (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Lost Lake]]
*[[Johnson Rd Lake]]
*[[Johnson Rd Lake]]
Line 69: Line 73:
*[[Twenty Eight Lakes]]
*[[Twenty Eight Lakes]]
*[[East Lake (Michigan)|East Lake]]
*[[East Lake (Michigan)|East Lake]]
*[[Long Lake (Michigan)|Long Lake]]
*[[Long Lake (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Long Lake]]
*[[Lake Five]]
*[[Lake Five (Michigan)|Lake Five]]
* Wheeler Lake
* Wheeler Lake
*[[Fife Lake (Michigan)|Fife Lake]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


Line 77: Line 82:
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
*[[Boardman River]]
*[[Boardman River]]
*[[Little Rapid River (Michigan)|Little Rapid River]]
*[[Manistee River]]
*[[Manistee River]]
*[[Rapid River (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Rapid River]]
*[[Rapid River (Kalkaska County, Michigan)|Rapid River]]
*[[Torch River]]
*[[Torch River (Michigan)|Torch River]]
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


===Major highways===
===Major highways===
*{{jct|country=USA|US|131}} – runs NE through the western part of the county. Enters at 4 miles (6.4&nbsp;km) north of SW corner; exits into [[Antrim County, Michigan|Antrim County]] near midpoint of north county line.
*{{jct|country=USA|US|131}} – runs NE through the western part of the county. Enters at {{convert|4|mi|km}} north of SW corner; exits into [[Antrim County, Michigan|Antrim County]] near midpoint of north county line.
*{{jct|state=MI|M|66}} – runs north-south through west-central part of county. Passes Kalkaska.
*{{jct|state=MI|M|66}} – runs north–south through west-central part of county. Passes Kalkaska.
*{{jct|state=MI|M|72}} – runs east and ESE through middle portion of county. Passes Kalkaska.
*{{jct|state=MI|M|72}} – runs east and ESE through middle portion of county. Passes Kalkaska.


===Adjacent counties===
===Adjacent counties===
{{div col}}
{{div col}}
*[[Antrim County, Michigan|Antrim County]] - north
*[[Antrim County, Michigan|Antrim County]] – north
*[[Otsego County, Michigan|Otsego County]] - northeast
*[[Otsego County, Michigan|Otsego County]] – northeast
*[[Crawford County, Michigan|Crawford County]] - east
*[[Crawford County, Michigan|Crawford County]] – east
*[[Roscommon County, Michigan|Roscommon County]] - southeast
*[[Roscommon County, Michigan|Roscommon County]] – southeast
*[[Missaukee County, Michigan|Missaukee County]] - south
*[[Missaukee County, Michigan|Missaukee County]] – south
*[[Wexford County, Michigan|Wexford County]] - southwest
*[[Wexford County, Michigan|Wexford County]] – southwest
*[[Grand Traverse County, Michigan|Grand Traverse County]] - west
*[[Grand Traverse County, Michigan|Grand Traverse County]] – west
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


==Demographics==
==Communities==
[[File:Kalkaska County, MI census map.png|thumb|400px|[[United States Census|U.S. Census]] data map showing local municipal boundaries within Kalkaska County]]
{{US Census population
|1870= 424
|1880= 2937
|1890= 5160
|1900= 7133
|1910= 8097
|1920= 5577
|1930= 3799
|1940= 5159
|1950= 4597
|1960= 4382
|1970= 5272
|1980= 10952
|1990= 13497
|2000= 16571
|2010= 17153
|estyear=2018
|estimate=17824
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2018">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.2018.html|title=Population and Housing Unit Estimates|accessdate=May 17, 2019}}</ref>
|align-fn=center
|footnote=US Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/www/decennial.html|title=US Decennial Census|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=September 26, 2014}}</ref><br>1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|accessdate=September 26, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/mi190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=September 26, 2014}}</ref><br>1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=September 26, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2018<ref name=QF/>
}}

As of the [[2010 United States Census]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder2.census.gov|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=January 31, 2008|title=American FactFinder}}</ref> there were 16,571 people, 6,428 households, and 4,634 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 30 people per square mile (11/km²). There were 10,822 housing units at an average density of 19 per square&nbsp;mile (7/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 98.44% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.21% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.78% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.22% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.05% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.10% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], 0.86% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 24.6% were of [[germans|German]], 12.4% [[English people|English]], 10.4% [[Irish people|Irish]], 10.0% [[United States|American]], 6.3% [[poles|Polish]] and 5.1% [[French people|French]] ancestry. 98.8% spoke English as their first language.

There were 6,428 households out of which 31.70% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 58.60% were married couples living together, 9.00% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.90% were non-families. 22.30% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.95.

The county population contained 25.60% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $36,072, and the median income for a family was $39,932. Males had a median income of $31,860 versus $20,455 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $16,309. About 8.20% of families and 10.50% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 14.20% of those under age 18 and 7.00% of those age 65 or over.

==Government==
Kalkaska County voters have been reliably Republican from the start. They have selected the Republican Party nominee in 85% of national elections (29 of 34).
{{Hidden begin
|titlestyle = background:#ccccff;
|title = Presidential election results
}}
{| align="center" border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="float:right; margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; font-size: 95%;"
|+ '''Presidential Elections Results'''<ref>[http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS US Election Atlas]</ref>
|- bgcolor=lightgrey
! Year
! [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]]
! [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic]]
! [[Third Party (United States)|Third Parties]]
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2016 United States presidential election|2016]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''69.2%''' ''6,116''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|25.8% ''2,280''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|5.0% ''437''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2012 United States presidential election|2012]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''59.1%''' ''4,901''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|39.4% ''3,272''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.5% ''126''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2008 United States presidential election|2008]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''53.3%''' ''4,527''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|44.5% ''3,780''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|2.3% ''192''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2004 United States presidential election|2004]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''60.7%''' ''5,084''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.1% ''3,189''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.3% ''107''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[2000 United States presidential election|2000]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.1%''' ''3,842''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|40.5% ''2,774''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.4% ''233''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1996 United States presidential election|1996]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|40.3% ''2,455''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''43.7%''' ''2,666''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|16.0% ''974''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1992 United States presidential election|1992]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|33.8% ''2,173''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''35.8%''' ''2,297''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|30.4% ''1,956''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1988 United States presidential election|1988]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''61.2%''' ''3,369''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.0% ''2,092''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''43''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1984 United States presidential election|1984]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''69.2%''' ''3,623''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.4% ''1,595''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.4% ''21''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1980 United States presidential election|1980]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''56.4%''' ''2,802''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|36.4% ''1,807''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|7.2% ''357''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1976 United States presidential election|1976]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''53.1%''' ''2,280''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|45.6% ''1,957''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.3% ''54''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1972 United States presidential election|1972]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''64.4%''' ''1,855''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|32.1% ''924''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.5% ''102''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1968 United States presidential election|1968]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''53.3%''' ''1,190''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|33.7% ''753''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|13.0% ''290''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1964 United States presidential election|1964]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|41.3% ''861''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''58.5%''' ''1,220''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.1% ''3''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1960 United States presidential election|1960]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''65.8%''' ''1,341''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|34.0% ''693''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.3% ''5''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1956 United States presidential election|1956]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''69.1%''' ''1,443''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|30.5% ''636''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.4% ''9''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1952 United States presidential election|1952]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''72.7%''' ''1,326''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|26.5% ''483''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''14''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1948 United States presidential election|1948]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''65.5%''' ''837''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|31.3% ''400''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.1% ''40''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1944 United States presidential election|1944]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''70.3%''' ''992''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|29.0% ''409''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.8% ''11''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1940 United States presidential election|1940]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''61.3%''' ''1,155''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|38.1% ''718''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|0.6% ''12''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''[[1936 United States presidential election|1936]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|45.7% ''855''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|'''50.9%''' ''952''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.4% ''63''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1932 United States presidential election|1932]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''47.5%''' ''705''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|43.7% ''649''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|8.8% ''131''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1928 United States presidential election|1928]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''84.6%''' ''988''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|13.7% ''160''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|1.7% ''20''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1924 United States presidential election|1924]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''70.5%''' ''966''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|15.0% ''205''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|14.6% ''200''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1920 United States presidential election|1920]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''73.2%''' ''890''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|18.4% ''224''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|8.4% ''102''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1916 United States presidential election|1916]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''57.5%''' ''724''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|34.1% ''430''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|8.4% ''106''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Progressive}}|'''[[1912 United States presidential election|1912]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|32.3% ''448''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|21.1% ''293''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|'''46.6%''' ''647''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1908 United States presidential election|1908]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''69.3%''' ''1,153''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|21.4% ''356''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|9.3% ''154''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1904 United States presidential election|1904]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''83.9%''' ''1,354''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|11.4% ''184''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|4.7% ''76''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1900 United States presidential election|1900]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''75.5%''' ''1,312''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|20.8% ''361''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.8% ''66''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1896 United States presidential election|1896]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''66.4%''' ''940''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|29.8% ''422''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.8% ''54''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1892 United States presidential election|1892]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''59.5%''' ''717''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|32.3% ''389''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|8.3% ''100''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1888 United States presidential election|1888]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''62.3%''' ''798''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|31.3% ''400''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|6.4% ''82''
|-
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''[[1884 United States presidential election|1884]]'''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Republican}}|'''60.9%''' ''630''
| style="text-align:center;" {{Party shading/Democratic}}|35.7% ''369''
| style="text-align:center; background:honeyDew;"|3.4% ''35''
|}
{{Hidden end}}
The county government operates the [[County jail|jail]], maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and [[vital records]], administers [[public health]] regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The [[county commission|county board of commissioners]] controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions &mdash; police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. &mdash; are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.


==Events==
The [[National Trout Festival]] is an annual festival since 1936, held in April. It notes the heritage and sportsmanship of Kalkaska.<ref>[http://www.nationaltroutfestival.com/ National Trout festival, and picture of 'the trout.']</ref>

==Communities==
===Village===
===Village===
* [[Kalkaska, Michigan|Kalkaska]] (county seat)
* [[Kalkaska, Michigan|Kalkaska]] (county seat)


===Census-designated places===
===Civil townships===
{{div col}}
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Bear Lake, Kalkaska County, Michigan|Bear Lake]]
* [[Manistee Lake, Michigan|Manistee Lake]]
* [[Rapid City, Michigan|Rapid City]]
* [[South Boardman, Michigan|South Boardman]]
{{div col end}}

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col}}
* [[Clearwater Township, Michigan#Communities|Barker Creek]]
* [[Boardman Township, Michigan#Communities|Crofton]]
* [[Coldsprings Township, Michigan#Communities|Darragh]]
* [[Orange Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan#Communities|Lodi]]
* [[Clearwater Township, Michigan#Communities|Torch River]]
{{div col end}}

===Townships===
{{div col|colwidth=15em}}
* [[Bear Lake Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan|Bear Lake Township]]
* [[Bear Lake Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan|Bear Lake Township]]
* [[Blue Lake Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan|Blue Lake Township]]
* [[Blue Lake Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan|Blue Lake Township]]
Line 357: Line 126:
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


=== Former townships ===
==See also==

* [[Glade Township, Michigan|Glade Township]]
* [[Wilson Township, Kalkaska County, Michigan|Wilson Township]]

===Census-designated places===
* [[Bear Lake, Kalkaska County, Michigan|Bear Lake]]
* [[Manistee Lake, Michigan|Manistee Lake]]
* [[Rapid City, Michigan|Rapid City]]
* [[South Boardman, Michigan|South Boardman]]

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Barker Creek, Michigan|Barker Creek]]
* [[Crofton, Michigan|Crofton]]
* [[Darragh, Michigan|Darragh]]
* [[Houseman, Michigan|Houseman]]
* [[Leetsville, Michigan|Leetsville]]
* [[Lodi, Kalkaska County, Michigan|Lodi]]
* [[Sigma, Michigan|Sigma]]
* [[Spencer, Michigan|Spencer]]
* [[Torch River, Michigan|Torch River]]{{div col end}}

== Demographics ==
{{US Census population
| 1870 = 424
| 1880 = 2937
| 1890 = 5160
| 1900 = 7133
| 1910 = 8097
| 1920 = 5577
| 1930 = 3799
| 1940 = 5159
| 1950 = 4597
| 1960 = 4382
| 1970 = 5272
| 1980 = 10952
| 1990 = 13497
| 2000 = 16571
| 2010 = 17153
| 2020 = 17939
|estyear=2023
|estimate=18490
|estref=<ref name="USCensusEst2023">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 4, 2024}}</ref>
| align-fn = center
| footnote = US Decennial Census<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=US Decennial Census|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=September 26, 2014}}</ref><br/>1790-1960<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=September 26, 2014}}</ref> 1900-1990<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/mi190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=September 26, 2014}}</ref><br/>1990-2000<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100327165705/http://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf |archive-date=March 27, 2010 |url-status=live|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=September 26, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2018<ref name=QF/>
}}

At the [[2010 United States census]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}}</ref> there were 16,571 people, 6,428 households, and 4,634 families residing in the county. The population density was {{convert|30|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 10,822 housing units at an average density of {{convert|19|/mi2|/km2|}}. By the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], its population was 17,939.

In 2010, the racial makeup of the county was 98.44% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.21% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.78% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.22% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.05% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.10% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], 0.86% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race. 24.6% were of [[germans|German]], 12.4% [[English people|English]], 10.4% [[Irish people|Irish]], 10.0% [[United States|American]], 6.3% [[Polish people|Polish]] and 5.1% [[French people|French]] ancestry. 98.8% spoke English as their first language.

==Government==
Kalkaska County voters have been reliably Republican from the start. They have selected the Republican Party nominee in 86% of national elections (31 of 36).
{{PresHead|place=Kalkaska County, Michigan|source=<ref>[http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS US Election Atlas]</ref>}}
<!-- PresRow should be {{PresRow|Year|Winning party|GOP vote #|Dem vote #|3rd party vote #|State}} -->
{{PresRow|2024|Republican|8,149|3,206|195|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|7,436|3,002|193|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|6,116|2,280|437|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|4,901|3,272|126|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2008|Republican|4,527|3,780|192|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|5,084|3,189|107|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2000|Republican|3,842|2,774|233|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|2,455|2,666|974|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|2,173|2,297|1,956|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|3,369|2,092|43|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|3,623|1,595|21|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|2,802|1,807|357|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|2,280|1,957|54|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|1,855|924|102|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|1,190|753|290|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|861|1,220|3|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|1,341|693|5|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|1,443|636|9|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|1,326|483|14|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|837|400|40|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|992|409|11|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1940|Republican|1,155|718|12|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|855|952|63|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1932|Republican|705|649|131|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|988|160|20|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|966|205|200|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|890|224|102|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|724|430|106|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1912|Progressive|448|293|647|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|1,153|356|154|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|1,354|184|76|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|1,312|361|66|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1896|Republican|940|422|54|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1892|Republican|717|389|100|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1888|Republican|798|400|82|Michigan}}
{{PresFoot|1884|Republican|630|369|35|Michigan}}
The county government operates the [[County jail|jail]], maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and [[vital records]], administers [[public health]] regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The [[county commission|county board of commissioners]] controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions—police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.—are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

== Events ==
The [[National Trout Festival]] is an annual festival since 1936, held in April. It notes the heritage and sportsmanship of Kalkaska.<ref>[http://www.nationaltroutfestival.com/ National Trout festival, and picture of 'the trout.']</ref>

== Education ==

The [[Northwest Educational Services]], based in [[Traverse City, Michigan|Traverse City]], services the students in the county along with those of [[Antrim County, Michigan|Antrim]], [[Benzie County, Michigan|Benzie]], [[Grand Traverse County, Michigan|Grand Traverse]], and [[Leelanau County, Michigan|Leelanau]]. The [[intermediate school district]] offers regional [[special education]] services, [[Early childhood education|early education]] and [[English as a second or foreign language|English learner]] programs, and [[Vocational school|technical career]] pathways for students of its districts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About us |url=https://www.northwested.org/inside-north-ed/ |access-date=July 18, 2023 |publisher=[[Northwest Educational Services]]}}</ref>

Kalkaska County is served by the following regular [[Public Education|public]] [[school district]]s:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search for Public School Data - Kalkaska County, MI |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_list.asp?Search=1&details=1&State=26&County=Kalkaska+County |archive-date= |access-date=July 18, 2023 |author=[[National Center for Education Statistics]] |publisher=[[Institute of Education Sciences]]}}</ref>

* [[Excelsior Township School District 1|Excelsior Township School District #1]]
* [[Forest Area Community Schools]]
* [[Kalkaska Public Schools]]

== See also ==
* [[List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Kalkaska County, Michigan]]
* [[List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Kalkaska County, Michigan]]
* [[Westwood Cemetery (Michigan)]]
* [[Westwood Cemetery (Michigan)]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
Line 368: Line 244:


==External links==
==External links==
*{{Official website|http://www.kalkaskacounty.net}}
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}

*[http://www.kalkaskacounty.net Kalkaska County website]
*[http://www.kalkaskasheriff.net Kalkaska County Sheriff's Office]
*[http://www.kalkaskavillage.com Village of Kalkaska]
*[http://www.munsonhealthcare.org/locations/kmhc/kmhc.php Kalkaska Memorial Health Center]
*[http://www.kalkaskami.com Kalkaska Chamber of Commerce]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20051026214832/http://www.kiwaniskalkaska.org/ Kiwanis Club of Kalkaska]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070425195311/http://www.michiganfallenheroes.org/ Michigan Heritage & Research Foundation]
*[http://www.nationaltroutfestival.com National Trout Festival]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929185214/http://www.visitkalkaska.com/HistoricalSociety.htm Historical Society of Kalkaska]
*[http://www.visitkalkaska.com Kalkaska Visitors Guide]
*[http://www.gtbay.org/ Watershed Center Grand Traverse Bay]
{{div col end}}
{{Geographic Location
{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Kalkaska County, Michigan
|Centre = Kalkaska County, Michigan
Line 396: Line 261:
{{Northern Michigan}}
{{Northern Michigan}}
{{Michigan}}
{{Michigan}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2018}}
{{coord|44.69|-85.08|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-MI_source:UScensus1990}}
{{Coord|44.69|-85.08|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-MI_source:UScensus1990}}


[[Category:Michigan counties]]
[[Category:Kalkaska County, Michigan| ]]
[[Category:Kalkaska County, Michigan| ]]
[[Category:Traverse City micropolitan area]]
[[Category:Michigan counties]]
[[Category:Traverse City metropolitan area]]
[[Category:1871 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:1871 establishments in Michigan]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1871]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1871]]

Latest revision as of 18:16, 27 November 2024

Kalkaska County
County
Kalkaska County Government Offices in Kalkaska
Kalkaska County Government Offices in Kalkaska
Map of Michigan highlighting Kalkaska County
Location within the U.S. state of Michigan
Map of the United States highlighting Michigan
Michigan's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 44°41′N 85°05′W / 44.69°N 85.08°W / 44.69; -85.08
Country United States
State Michigan
Founded1840 (established)
1871 (organized)[1]
SeatKalkaska
Largest villageKalkaska
Area
 • Total
571 sq mi (1,480 km2)
 • Land560 sq mi (1,500 km2)
 • Water11 sq mi (30 km2)  1.9%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
17,939
 • Estimate 
(2023)
18,490 Increase
 • Density31/sq mi (12/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district1st
Websitekalkaskacounty.net

Kalkaska County (/kælˈkæskə/ kal-KASS-kə) is located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, its population was 17,939.[2] The county seat is Kalkaska.[3]

Kalkaska County is part of the Traverse City metropolitan area. Although it is located on Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Kalkaska County is considered part of Northern Michigan.

History

[edit]
A detail from A New Map of Michigan with its Canals, Roads & Distances (1842) by Henry Schenck Tanner, showing Kalkaska County as "Wabbassee" (a misspelling of Wabassee, the county's name from 1840 to 1843.[4]) Several nearby counties are also shown with names that would later be changed.
See also: History of Northern Michigan

Kalkaska County, originally named Wabassee County, was separated from Michilimackinac County in 1840,[5] renamed in 1843.[4][1] In 1851, Kalkaska County was attached to Grand Traverse County for legal purposes.[6] The first settler in Kalkaska County was William Copeland, from England, who purchased land in the northwest corner of the county in 1855. Kalkaska County was organized in its own right on January 27, 1871. Crawford County was then temporarily attached to Kalkaska County for legal purposes.[7]

Etymology

[edit]

The county's name is a pseudo-Native American word coined by Henry Schoolcraft, a Michigan geographer and ethnologist.[8] The name is thought to be a Chippewa word meaning flat or burned-over country. An alternative theory is that this is a neologism or neonym created by Henry Schoolcraft, originally spelled Calcasca. Some theorists suggest this is word play. Schoolcraft's family name had been Calcraft, and the Ks may have been added to make the name appear more like a Native American word.[9]

Geography

[edit]

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 571 square miles (1,480 km2), of which 11 square miles (28 km2) (1.9%) are covered by water.[10]

Kalkaska sand, the state soil of Michigan, was named after the county because of the large amounts deposited in the area from glaciers in the Ice Age.

Kalkaska County has over 80 lakes and 275 miles (443 km) of streams and rivers. Much of the county is marshland. County elevation ranges from 595 feet (181 m) to about 1,246 feet (380 m). This makes it one of the more uneven counties in the Lower Peninsula.

The Pere Marquette State Forest covers much of the county. Glaciers shaped the area, creating a unique regional ecosystem. A large portion of the area is the Grayling outwash plain, a broad outwash plain including sandy ice-disintegration ridges, jack pine barrens, some white pine-red pine forest, and northern hardwood forest. Large lakes were created by glacial action.[11]

Lakes

[edit]

Rivers

[edit]

Major highways

[edit]
  • US 131 – runs NE through the western part of the county. Enters at 4 miles (6.4 km) north of SW corner; exits into Antrim County near midpoint of north county line.
  • M-66 – runs north–south through west-central part of county. Passes Kalkaska.
  • M-72 – runs east and ESE through middle portion of county. Passes Kalkaska.

Adjacent counties

[edit]

Communities

[edit]
U.S. Census data map showing local municipal boundaries within Kalkaska County

Village

[edit]

Civil townships

[edit]

Former townships

[edit]

Census-designated places

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1870424—
18802,937592.7%
18905,16075.7%
19007,13338.2%
19108,09713.5%
19205,577−31.1%
19303,799−31.9%
19405,15935.8%
19504,597−10.9%
19604,382−4.7%
19705,27220.3%
198010,952107.7%
199013,49723.2%
200016,57122.8%
201017,1533.5%
202017,9394.6%
2023 (est.)18,490[12]3.1%
US Decennial Census[13]
1790-1960[14] 1900-1990[15]
1990-2000[16] 2010-2018[2]

At the 2010 United States census[17] there were 16,571 people, 6,428 households, and 4,634 families residing in the county. The population density was 30 inhabitants per square mile (12/km2). There were 10,822 housing units at an average density of 19 per square mile (7.3/km2). By the 2020 census, its population was 17,939.

In 2010, the racial makeup of the county was 98.44% White, 0.21% Black or African American, 0.78% Native American, 0.22% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, 0.86% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 24.6% were of German, 12.4% English, 10.4% Irish, 10.0% American, 6.3% Polish and 5.1% French ancestry. 98.8% spoke English as their first language.

Government

[edit]

Kalkaska County voters have been reliably Republican from the start. They have selected the Republican Party nominee in 86% of national elections (31 of 36).

United States presidential election results for Kalkaska County, Michigan[18]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 8,149 70.55% 3,206 27.76% 195 1.69%
2020 7,436 69.95% 3,002 28.24% 193 1.82%
2016 6,116 69.24% 2,280 25.81% 437 4.95%
2012 4,901 59.06% 3,272 39.43% 126 1.52%
2008 4,527 53.27% 3,780 44.48% 192 2.26%
2004 5,084 60.67% 3,189 38.05% 107 1.28%
2000 3,842 56.10% 2,774 40.50% 233 3.40%
1996 2,455 40.28% 2,666 43.74% 974 15.98%
1992 2,173 33.82% 2,297 35.75% 1,956 30.44%
1988 3,369 61.21% 2,092 38.01% 43 0.78%
1984 3,623 69.15% 1,595 30.44% 21 0.40%
1980 2,802 56.42% 1,807 36.39% 357 7.19%
1976 2,280 53.13% 1,957 45.61% 54 1.26%
1972 1,855 64.39% 924 32.07% 102 3.54%
1968 1,190 53.29% 753 33.72% 290 12.99%
1964 861 41.31% 1,220 58.54% 3 0.14%
1960 1,341 65.77% 693 33.99% 5 0.25%
1956 1,443 69.11% 636 30.46% 9 0.43%
1952 1,326 72.74% 483 26.49% 14 0.77%
1948 837 65.54% 400 31.32% 40 3.13%
1944 992 70.25% 409 28.97% 11 0.78%
1940 1,155 61.27% 718 38.09% 12 0.64%
1936 855 45.72% 952 50.91% 63 3.37%
1932 705 47.47% 649 43.70% 131 8.82%
1928 988 84.59% 160 13.70% 20 1.71%
1924 966 70.46% 205 14.95% 200 14.59%
1920 890 73.19% 224 18.42% 102 8.39%
1916 724 57.46% 430 34.13% 106 8.41%
1912 448 32.28% 293 21.11% 647 46.61%
1908 1,153 69.33% 356 21.41% 154 9.26%
1904 1,354 83.89% 184 11.40% 76 4.71%
1900 1,312 75.45% 361 20.76% 66 3.80%
1896 940 66.38% 422 29.80% 54 3.81%
1892 717 59.45% 389 32.26% 100 8.29%
1888 798 62.34% 400 31.25% 82 6.41%
1884 630 60.93% 369 35.69% 35 3.38%

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions—police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.—are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.

Events

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The National Trout Festival is an annual festival since 1936, held in April. It notes the heritage and sportsmanship of Kalkaska.[19]

Education

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The Northwest Educational Services, based in Traverse City, services the students in the county along with those of Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau. The intermediate school district offers regional special education services, early education and English learner programs, and technical career pathways for students of its districts.[20]

Kalkaska County is served by the following regular public school districts:[21]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Bibliography on Kalkaska County". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University. Retrieved January 19, 2013.[dead link‍]
  2. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ a b Newberry Library. "Michigan: Individual County Chronologies". Atlas of County Historical Boundaries. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  5. ^ George Dawson (1840). Acts of the Legislature of the State of Michigan Passed at the Annual Session of 1840. Detroit. pp. 196–200.
  6. ^ "History in Grand Traverse County, Michigan". genealogytrails.com. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  7. ^ "Genealogy Trails Kalkaska County Michigan". genealogytrails.com. Retrieved January 21, 2023.
  8. ^ "Michigan Counties". Michigan.gov. Archived from the original on March 13, 2009. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  9. ^ Michigan History, County Names.
  10. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  11. ^ Michigan regional geology. Archived June 25, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  13. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  14. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  15. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  16. ^ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved September 26, 2014.
  17. ^ "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  18. ^ US Election Atlas
  19. ^ National Trout festival, and picture of 'the trout.'
  20. ^ "About us". Northwest Educational Services. Retrieved July 18, 2023.
  21. ^ National Center for Education Statistics. "Search for Public School Data - Kalkaska County, MI". Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved July 18, 2023.

Further reading

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  • Kalkaska Genealogical Society: Big Trout, Black Gold: History of Kalkaska County MI
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44°41′N 85°05′W / 44.69°N 85.08°W / 44.69; -85.08

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