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Coordinates: 43°59′N 84°50′W / 43.99°N 84.84°W / 43.99; -84.84
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{{redirect|Clare County|the county in Ireland|County Clare}}
{{short description|County in Michigan, United States}}
{{Redirect|Clare County|the county in Ireland|County Clare}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2024}}
{{Infobox U.S. county
| county = Clare County
| state = Michigan
| ex image = Clare County District Court 2022.jpg
| ex image size = 300px
| ex image cap = Clare County District Court in [[Harrison, Michigan|Harrison]]
| seal = Clare County mi seal.png
| founded year = 1840 (established)<br/>1871 (organized)<ref name=clarke>{{cite web|url=https://www.cmich.edu/library/clarke/AccessMaterials/Bibliographies/MichiganLocalHistory/Pages/clare.aspx|publisher=Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University|title=Bibliography on Clare County|access-date=November 4, 2016}}</ref>
| founded date =
| seat wl = Harrison
| largest city wl = Clare
| area_total_sq_mi = 575
| area_land_sq_mi = 564
| area_water_sq_mi = 11
| area percentage = 1.9%
| census yr = 2020
| pop = 30,856
| density_sq_mi = 55
| district = 2nd
| time zone = Eastern
| named for = [[County Clare]], Ireland
| web = clareco.net/
}}


'''Clare County''' is a [[County (United States)|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Michigan]]. As of the [[2020 United States Census|2020 Census]], the population was 30,856.<ref name=QF>{{cite web|title=State & County QuickFacts|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/clarecountymichigan/POP010220|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=September 15, 2021}}</ref> The [[county seat]] is [[Harrison, Michigan|Harrison]].<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|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx|archive-date=May 31, 2011}}</ref>
{{US County infobox|

county = Clare County|
==History==
state = Michigan |
[[Image:1842 Manistee Kawtawwabet Missaukee Mickenauk Ogemaw Kanotin Notipeskago Aishcum Unwattin Kaykakee Gladwin Arenac 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 Clare County as Kaykakee, the county's name from 1840 to 1843.<ref name=Newberry/> Several nearby counties are also shown with names that would later be changed.]]
seal = Clare County mi seal.gif |
{{See also|History of Northern Michigan}}
map = Map of Michigan highlighting Clare County.png |
The county was created by the Michigan Legislature from part of [[Mackinac County, Michigan|Michilimackinac County]] in 1840, named '''Kaykakee County'''<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> after a Sauk Indian Chief. It was renamed Clare County in 1843 after [[County Clare]] in [[Ireland]]. The county was administered by a succession of other Michigan counties prior to the organization of county government in 1871.<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|archive-date=November 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161106151503/http://publications.newberry.org/ahcbp/documents/MI_Individual_County_Chronologies.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=clarke/><ref>[http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-15481_20826_20829-54126--,00.html Michigan History, Arts and Libraries on sources of County names.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090728130613/http://www.michigan.gov/hal/0%2C1607%2C7-160-15481_20826_20829-54126--%2C00.html|date=July 28, 2009}}</ref>{{efn|1=For more details on Michigan county names and etymologies, see [[List of counties in Michigan]].}} Farwell was the first county seat; in 1877 the county seat was moved to Harrison.
map size = 200|
founded = [[1826]] |
seat = [[Harrison, Clare County, Michigan|Harrison]] |
area = 1,490 [[square kilometre|km²]] (575 [[square mile|mi²]]) |
area water = 22 km² (8 mi²) |
area percentage = 1.46% |
census yr = 2000|
pop = 31,252 |
density = 21|
web = www.clareco.net|
|}}
'''Clare County''' is a [[Counties of the United States|county]] in the [[U.S. state]] of [[Michigan]]. As of the [[United States 2000 Census|2000 census]], the population was 31,252. The [[county seat]] is [[Harrison, Clare County, Michigan|Harrison]][[Geographic references|<sup>6</sup>]].


==Geography==
==Geography==
According to the [[United States Census Bureau|US Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of {{convert|575|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|564|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 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113024015/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_26.txt|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 13, 2013|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=September 19, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files }}</ref> It is considered to be part of both [[Northern Michigan]] and [[Central Michigan]].
According to the [[U.S. Census Bureau]], the county has a total area of 1,490 [[km²]] (575 [[square mile|mi²]]). 1,468 km² (567 mi²) of it is land and 22 km² (8 mi²) of it (1.46%) is water.

===Features===
* [[Au Sable State Forest]]


===Major highways===
===Major highways===
* {{jct|state=MI|US|10}} runs east–west through bottom of county. Enters west county line at {{convert|3.7|mi|km}} north of SW corner of county. Runs easterly to intersection with US127 at {{convert|2.8|mi|km}} north of Clare.
<table><td>
* {{jct|state=MI|US-Bus|10|dab1=Clare}} runs through Clare with Bus. US 127 until they meet M-115, where Bus. US 10 runs eastward to US 10.
*[[Image:US 10.svg|20px]] [[U.S. Route 10|US 10]]
* {{jct|state=MI|US|127}} runs north–south through eastern middle of county, Passing Harrison and Clare.
*[[Image:US 127.svg|23px]] [[U.S. Route 127|US 127]]
* {{jct|state=MI|US-Bus|127|dab1=Clare}} runs through Clare with Bus. US 10 until the two meet M-115, where Bus. US 10 turns eastward while Bus. US 127 continues southward to US 127.
*[[Image:M-18.svg|20px]] [[M-18 (Michigan highway)|M-18]]
* {{jct|state=MI|US-Bus|127|dab1=Harrison}} runs from US 127 to go through Harrison. Bus. US 127 intersects M-61, and the two have a concurrency with each other until they both intersect US 127, where Bus. US 127 ends with M-61 continues eastward to Gladwin.
*[[Image:M-61.svg|20px]] [[M-61 (Michigan highway)|M-61]]
* {{jct|state=MI|M|18}} runs along east line of county, from the northeast corner for {{convert|3.5|mi|km}}, then turns east into Gladwin County.
</td>
* {{jct|state=MI|M|61}} runs east–west through middle of county, entering the west line from Osceola County and running east to intersection with US 127 at Harrison.
<td>
* {{jct|state=MI|M|115}} runs southeast and east across bottom of county. It enters the west line from Osceola County at {{convert|9|mi|km|spell=in}} above the southwest corner of county and runs to an intersection with Bus. US 127/Bus. US 10 at Clare.<ref>{{google maps |url = https://www.google.com/maps/place/Clare+County,+MI/@43.8888696,-84.9348609,10.75z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x881f5bd866d8a429:0x139f86db84f32f1a!8m2!3d44.0565054!4d-84.8567932 |title = Clare County MI |access-date = September 6, 2018 }}</ref>
*[[Image:M-115.svg|20px]] [[M-115 (Michigan highway)|M-115]]
</td></tr></table>


===Adjacent counties===
===Adjacent counties===
{{div col|colwidth=18em}}
*[[Roscommon County, Michigan|Roscommon County]] (northeast)
*[[Gladwin County, Michigan|Gladwin County]] (east)
* [[Missaukee County, Michigan|Missaukee County]] – northwest
*[[Isabella County, Michigan|Isabella County]] (south)
* [[Roscommon County, Michigan|Roscommon County]] – northeast
*[[Osceola County, Michigan|Osceola County]] (west)
* [[Gladwin County, Michigan|Gladwin County]] – east
*[[Missaukee County, Michigan|Missaukee County]] (northwest)
* [[Midland County, Michigan|Midland County]] – southeast
* [[Isabella County, Michigan|Isabella County]] – south
* [[Mecosta County, Michigan|Mecosta County]] – southwest
* [[Osceola County, Michigan|Osceola County]] – west
{{div col end}}


==Demographics==
==Demographics==
{{US Census population
As of the [[census]][[Geographic references#2|²]] of 2000, there were 31,252 people, 12,686 households, and 8,753 families residing in the county. The [[population density]] was 21/km² (55/mi²). There were 22,229 housing units at an average density of 15/km² (39/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.36% [[Race (United States Census)|White]], 0.33% [[Race (United States Census)|Black]] or [[Race (United States Census)|African American]], 0.72% [[Race (United States Census)|Native American]], 0.26% [[Race (United States Census)|Asian]], 0.01% [[Race (United States Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.30% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.03% from two or more races. 1.09% of the population were [[Race (United States Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Race (United States Census)|Latino]] of any race.
|1870= 366
|1880= 4187
|1890= 7558
|1900= 8360
|1910= 9240
|1920= 8250
|1930= 7032
|1940= 9163
|1950= 10253
|1960= 11647
|1970= 16695
|1980= 23822
|1990= 24952
|2000= 31252
|2010= 30926
|2020= 30856
|estyear=2023
|estimate=31316
|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 19, 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 19, 2014|archive-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110448/http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu/|url-status=dead}}</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 19, 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 19, 2014}}</ref> 2010-2018<ref name=QF/>
}}


The [[2010 United States Census]]<ref name=AFF>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|title=U.S. Census website|publisher=US Census Bureau|access-date=March 11, 2012}}</ref> indicates Clare County had a 2010 population of 30,926. This decrease of 326 people from the [[2000 United States Census]] represents a loss of 1.0% population. In 2010 there were 12,966 households and 8,584 families in the county. The [[population density]] was {{convert|54.8|/mi2|/km2|}}. There were 23,233 housing units at an average density of {{convert|41.2|/mi2|/km2|}}. The [[Race and ethnicity in the United States Census|racial and ethnic makeup]] of the county was 95.8% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races.
There were 12,686 households out of which 27.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.30% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 9.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.00% were non-families. 26.20% of all households were made up of individuals and 11.70% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.89.


In the county the population was spread out with 24.40% under the age of 18, 7.10% from 18 to 24, 24.90% from 25 to 44, 26.40% from 45 to 64, and 17.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females there were 97.20 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.60 males.
There were 12,966 households, out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.0% were [[Family|husband and wife families]], 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.8% were non-families, and 28.0% were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.83.


The county population contained 20.9% under age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 30.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.9 males.
The median income for a household in the county was $28,845, and the median income for a family was $33,934. Males had a median income of $30,032 versus $20,733 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $15,922. About 12.10% of families and 16.00% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 21.40% of those under age 18 and 10.70% of those age 65 or over.


The [[American Community Survey|2010 American Community Survey 3-year estimate]]<ref name=AFF/> indicates the median income for a household in the county was $33,338 and the median income for a family was $40,983. Males had a median income of $24,220 versus $13,587 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the county was $18,516. About 2.3% of families and 23.1% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 36.8% of those under the age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.
== Government ==
The county government operates the [[County jail|jail]], maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts,
keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains [[vital records]], administers [[public health]] regulations, and
participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The [[county commission|county
board of commissioners]] controls the budget but has only 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.


===Religion===
=== Clare County elected officials ===
* The [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw]] is the controlling regional body for the [[Catholic Church]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.saginaw.org/|title=Diocese of Saginaw}}</ref>
* [[Prosecutor|Prosecuting Attorney]]: Norman Gage
* [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] has one meetinghouse in the county, in Harrison.<ref>[https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/maps/meetinghouses/@43.991477,-84.564447,9&cid=HP16FDM&lang=eng&id=:Clare+County:Michigan::United+States:43.813676,-85.088811,44.164239,-84.606012 ''Meetinghouse Locator'' LDS.org (accessed 6 September 2018)]</ref>
* [[Sheriff]]: Jeffrey Goyt

* [[County Clerk]]/[[Register of Deeds]]: Carol A. McAulay
==Government==
* [[Treasurer|County Treasurer]]: Lois Chinn
Clare County voters tend to vote Republican; they have selected the Republican Party nominee in 72% of national elections (26 of 36).
* [[Drain Commissioner]]: Shane Haskins
{{PresHead|place=Clare 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|11,772|5,273|265|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2020|Republican|10,861|5,199|235|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2016|Republican|8,505|4,249|695|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2012|Republican|6,988|6,338|209|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|6,793|7,496|316|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2004|Republican|7,088|6,984|154|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|5,937|6,287|383|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|3,742|6,311|1,630|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|3,916|5,346|2,901|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1988|Republican|5,661|4,710|77|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1984|Republican|6,587|3,764|61|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1980|Republican|5,719|4,164|835|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1976|Republican|4,879|4,153|94|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1972|Republican|4,402|2,434|152|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1968|Republican|3,315|1,909|607|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|2,258|2,927|12|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1960|Republican|3,616|1,507|7|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1956|Republican|3,721|1,194|13|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1952|Republican|3,529|1,059|42|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1948|Republican|2,512|1,197|96|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1944|Republican|2,636|1,078|21|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1940|Republican|3,004|1,277|19|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1936|Republican|1,979|1,494|235|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|1,474|1,741|109|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1928|Republican|1,920|381|23|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1924|Republican|1,920|358|194|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1920|Republican|1,762|511|125|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1916|Republican|1,049|769|111|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1912|Progressive|563|435|819|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1908|Republican|1,345|567|62|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1904|Republican|1,453|519|77|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1900|Republican|1,182|640|36|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1896|Republican|886|723|60|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1892|Democratic|719|811|186|Michigan}}
{{PresRow|1888|Democratic|905|912|69|Michigan}}
{{PresFoot|1884|Democratic|622|685|39|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.

===Elected officials===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[County Commission]]: Dale Majewski; Samantha Pitchford; Leonard Strouse; Jack Kleinhardt; Mark Fitzpatrick; David Hoefling; Jeff Haskell
* [[Prosecutor|Prosecuting Attorney]]: Michelle Ambrozaitis
* [[Sheriff]]: John Wilson
* [[County Clerk]]/[[Register of Deeds]]: Lori Martin
* [[Treasurer|County Treasurer]]: Jenny Beemer-Fritzinger
* [[Drain Commissioner]]: Bill Faber
* [[County Surveyor]]: Paul A. Lapham
* [[County Surveyor]]: Paul A. Lapham
* [[Road Commission]]: Dave Coker; Tim Haskin; Karen Hulliberger; Bill Simpson; Max Schunk
* Road Commissioners: Donald Armentrout; Richard Haynak; Tim Haskin
* [[State Representative]]: Speaker of the House Jason Wentworth
{{div col end}}
<small>(information as of January 2019)</small>


==Attractions==
<small>(information as of September 2005)</small>
Clare County is in the middle of large state forests. Wildlife, including bear, deer, eagles, [[Kirtland's warbler]]s, and turkeys, are located nearby. Local attractions include:
* Kirtland's Warbler Habitat and Festival<ref>{{cite web|url=http://warbler.kirtland.edu/|title=Kirtland|date=May 13, 2014|work=kirtland.edu|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080102164632/http://warbler.kirtland.edu/|archive-date=January 2, 2008}}</ref>
* [[Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail]] passes through the area, running from [[Empire, Michigan|Empire]] to [[Oscoda, Michigan|Oscoda]] and points beyond. It is a 500-mile interconnected system of trails.<ref>[http://www.kerchevalave.com/mtra/sh2sh.html Michigan Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail]</ref>


Activities include:
== Cities, villages, and townships ==
* Birding
===Cities===
* Boating
*[[Clare, Michigan|Clare]], partially
* Fishing
*[[Harrison, Clare County, Michigan|Harrison]]
* Hiking
* Hunting
* Nordic skiing
* ORV and groomed snowmobile trails.
* Paddling (canoe and kayak)


===Villages===
==Communities==
[[File:Clare County, MI census map.png|thumb|right|400px|[[United States Census|U.S. Census]] data map showing local municipal boundaries within Clare County. Shaded areas represent incorporated cities.]]
*[[Farwell, Michigan|Farwell]]


===Townships===
=== Cities ===
*[[Arthur Township, Michigan|Arthur Township]]
* [[Clare, Michigan|Clare]] (partial)
*[[Franklin Township, Clare County, Michigan|Franklin Township]]
* [[Harrison, Clare County, Michigan|Harrison]] (county seat)

*[[Freeman Township, Michigan|Freeman Township]]
===Village===
*[[Frost Township, Michigan|Frost Township]]
*[[Garfield Township, Clare County, Michigan|Garfield Township]]
* [[Farwell, Michigan|Farwell]]

*[[Grant Township, Clare County, Michigan|Grant Township]]
===Civil townships===
*[[Greenwood Township, Clare County, Michigan|Greenwood Township]]
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
*[[Hamilton Township, Clare County, Michigan|Hamilton Township]]
*[[Hatton Township, Michigan|Hatton Township]]
* [[Arthur Township, Michigan|Arthur Township]]
*[[Hayes Township, Clare County, Michigan|Hayes Township]]
* [[Franklin Township, Clare County, Michigan|Franklin Township]]
*[[Lincoln Township, Clare County, Michigan|Lincoln Township]]
* [[Freeman Township, Michigan|Freeman Township]]
*[[Redding Township, Michigan|Redding Township]]
* [[Frost Township, Michigan|Frost Township]]
*[[Sheridan Township, Clare County, Michigan|Sheridan Township]]
* [[Garfield Township, Clare County, Michigan|Garfield Township]]
*[[Summerfield Township, Clare County, Michigan|Summerfield Township]]
* [[Grant Township, Clare County, Michigan|Grant Township]]
*[[Surrey Township, Michigan|Surrey Township]]
* [[Greenwood Township, Clare County, Michigan|Greenwood Township]]
*[[Winterfield Township, Michigan|Winterfield Township]]
* [[Hamilton Township, Clare County, Michigan|Hamilton Township]]
* [[Hatton Township, Michigan|Hatton Township]]
* [[Hayes Township, Clare County, Michigan|Hayes Township]]
* [[Lincoln Township, Clare County, Michigan|Lincoln Township]]
* [[Redding Township, Michigan|Redding Township]]
* [[Sheridan Township, Clare County, Michigan|Sheridan Township]]
* [[Summerfield Township, Clare County, Michigan|Summerfield Township]]
* [[Surrey Township, Michigan|Surrey Township]]
* [[Winterfield Township, Michigan|Winterfield Township]]
{{div col end}}

===Unincorporated communities===
{{div col|colwidth=22em}}
* [[Airport Forest, Michigan|Airport Forest]]
* [[Allendale, Clare County, Michigan|Allendale]]
* [[Ash Acres, Michigan|Ash Acres]]
* [[Buck Trails, Michigan|Buck Trails]]
* [[Colonville, Michigan|Colonville]]
* [[Cooperton, Michigan|Cooperton]]
* [[Dover, Clare County, Michigan|Dover]]
* [[Hatton, Michigan|Hatton]]
* [[Lake, Clare County, Michigan|Lake]]
* [[Lake George, Michigan|Lake George]]
* [[Leota, Michigan|Leota]]
* [[Long Lake Heights]]
* [[Meredith, Michigan|Meredith]] (partial)
* [[Phelps, Clare County, Michigan|Phelps]]
* [[Piney Woods, Michigan|Piney Woods]]
* [[Rainbow Bend, Michigan|Rainbow Bend]]
* [[Temple, Michigan|Temple]]
{{div col end}}

===Ghost town===
* [[Clarence, Michigan|Clarence]]

== Education ==

The [[Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District]], based in [[Clare, Michigan|Clare]], services the students in the county along with those of [[Gladwin County, Michigan|Gladwin County]]. The [[intermediate school district]] offers regional [[special education]] services, [[Early childhood education|early education]] and [[After-school activity|after-school]] programs, and [[Vocational school|technical career]] pathways for students of its districts.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CGRESD: What do we do? |url=https://www.cgresd.net/page/what-we-do |access-date=July 14, 2023 |publisher=[[Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District]]}}</ref>

Clare County is served by the following regular [[Public Education|public]] [[School district|school districts]]:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search for Public School Data - Clare County, MI |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_list.asp?Search=1&details=1&State=26&County=Clare+County |archive-date= |access-date=July 14, 2023 |author=[[National Center for Education Statistics]] |publisher=[[Institute of Education Sciences]] }}</ref>

* [[Clare Public Schools]]
* [[Farwell Area Schools]]
* [[Harrison Community Schools]]

Clare County has the following [[Private school|private schools]]:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search for Private Schools - Clare County, MI |url=https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&State=26&County=Clare |access-date=July 14, 2023 |author=[[National Center for Education Statistics]] |publisher=[[Institute of Education Sciences]] }}</ref>

* East Dover School ([[Amish]])
* Great Lakes Mennonite School ([[Mennonites|Mennonite]])
* Shady Lawn Amish Parochial School ([[Amish]])

==See also==
* [[List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Clare County, Michigan]]
* [[National Register of Historic Places listings in Michigan#Clare County|National Register of Historic Places listings in Clare County, Michigan]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

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


==External links==
==External links==
'''Official Visitor Information Site'''
*[http://www.clareco.net Clare County government]
* [http://www.clarecounty.com/ Clare County Convention & Visitors Bureau]
* [http://clarecountychamber.com The Clare County Chamber of Commerce]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20130531142053/http://clarecountymi.com/ The Clare County Business Association Website]
'''News from Clare County'''


* [https://www.clarecountycleaver.net/ The Clare County Cleaver-Local newspaper]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160303231333/http://www.smalltownpapers.com/listCCR.htm The Clare County Review - Local newspaper]
* [http://www.clareco.net Clare County government]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110724091446/http://library.cmich.edu/condor/newspaper_collection.php?CISOROOT=%2Fp15076coll5%2F Clare Sentinel Newspaper Online via Clarke Historical Library and Central Michigan University]

{{Geographic Location
|Centre = Clare County, Michigan
|Northeast = [[Roscommon County, Michigan|Roscommon County]]
|East = [[Gladwin County, Michigan|Gladwin County]]
|Southeast = [[Midland County, Michigan|Midland County]]
|South = [[Isabella County, Michigan|Isabella County]]
|Southwest = [[Mecosta County, Michigan|Mecosta County]]
|West = [[Osceola County, Michigan|Osceola County]]
|Northwest = [[Missaukee County, Michigan|Missaukee County]]
}}

{{Clare County, Michigan}}
{{Northern Michigan}}
{{Central Michigan}}
{{Michigan}}
{{Michigan}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Coord|43.99|-84.84|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-MI_source:UScensus1990}}


[[Category:Clare County, Michigan| ]]
[[Category:Michigan counties]]
[[Category:Michigan counties]]
[[Category:Clare County, Michigan| ]]
[[Category:1871 establishments in Michigan]]

[[de:Clare County]]
[[pt:Condado de Clare (Michigan)]]

Latest revision as of 16:32, 27 November 2024

"Clare County" redirects here. For the county in Ireland, see County Clare.

Clare County
County
Clare County District Court in Harrison
Clare County District Court in Harrison
Official seal of Clare County
Seal
Map of Michigan highlighting Clare County
Location within the U.S. state of Michigan
Map of the United States highlighting Michigan
Michigan's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 43°59′N 84°50′W / 43.99°N 84.84°W / 43.99; -84.84
Country United States
State Michigan
Founded1840 (established)
1871 (organized)[1]
Named forCounty Clare, Ireland
SeatHarrison
Largest cityClare
Area
 • Total
575 sq mi (1,490 km2)
 • Land564 sq mi (1,460 km2)
 • Water11 sq mi (30 km2)  1.9%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
30,856
 • Density55/sq mi (21/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district2nd
Websiteclareco.net

Clare County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, the population was 30,856.[2] The county seat is Harrison.[3]

History

[edit]
A detail from A New Map of Michigan with its Canals, Roads & Distances (1842) by Henry Schenck Tanner, showing Clare County as Kaykakee, 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

The county was created by the Michigan Legislature from part of Michilimackinac County in 1840, named Kaykakee County[5] after a Sauk Indian Chief. It was renamed Clare County in 1843 after County Clare in Ireland. The county was administered by a succession of other Michigan counties prior to the organization of county government in 1871.[4][1][6][a] Farwell was the first county seat; in 1877 the county seat was moved to Harrison.

Geography

[edit]

According to the US Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 575 square miles (1,490 km2), of which 564 square miles (1,460 km2) is land and 11 square miles (28 km2) (1.9%) is water.[7] It is considered to be part of both Northern Michigan and Central Michigan.

Features

[edit]

Major highways

[edit]
  • US 10 runs east–west through bottom of county. Enters west county line at 3.7 miles (6.0 km) north of SW corner of county. Runs easterly to intersection with US127 at 2.8 miles (4.5 km) north of Clare.

  •  Bus. US 10 runs through Clare with Bus. US 127 until they meet M-115, where Bus. US 10 runs eastward to US 10.
  • US 127 runs north–south through eastern middle of county, Passing Harrison and Clare.

  •  Bus. US 127 runs through Clare with Bus. US 10 until the two meet M-115, where Bus. US 10 turns eastward while Bus. US 127 continues southward to US 127.

  •  Bus. US 127 runs from US 127 to go through Harrison. Bus. US 127 intersects M-61, and the two have a concurrency with each other until they both intersect US 127, where Bus. US 127 ends with M-61 continues eastward to Gladwin.
  • M-18 runs along east line of county, from the northeast corner for 3.5 miles (5.6 km), then turns east into Gladwin County.
  • M-61 runs east–west through middle of county, entering the west line from Osceola County and running east to intersection with US 127 at Harrison.
  • M-115 runs southeast and east across bottom of county. It enters the west line from Osceola County at nine miles (14 km) above the southwest corner of county and runs to an intersection with Bus. US 127/Bus. US 10 at Clare.[8]

Adjacent counties

[edit]

Demographics

[edit]
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1870366—
18804,1871,044.0%
18907,55880.5%
19008,36010.6%
19109,24010.5%
19208,250−10.7%
19307,032−14.8%
19409,16330.3%
195010,25311.9%
196011,64713.6%
197016,69543.3%
198023,82242.7%
199024,9524.7%
200031,25225.2%
201030,926−1.0%
202030,856−0.2%
2023 (est.)31,316[9]1.5%
US Decennial Census[10]
1790-1960[11] 1900-1990[12]
1990-2000[13] 2010-2018[2]

The 2010 United States Census[14] indicates Clare County had a 2010 population of 30,926. This decrease of 326 people from the 2000 United States Census represents a loss of 1.0% population. In 2010 there were 12,966 households and 8,584 families in the county. The population density was 54.8 per square mile (21.2/km2). There were 23,233 housing units at an average density of 41.2 per square mile (15.9/km2). The racial and ethnic makeup of the county was 95.8% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races.

There were 12,966 households, out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.0% were husband and wife families, 10.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.8% were non-families, and 28.0% were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.36 and the average family size was 2.83.

The county population contained 20.9% under age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 30.4% from 45 to 64, and 19.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females there were 99.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.9 males.

The 2010 American Community Survey 3-year estimate[14] indicates the median income for a household in the county was $33,338 and the median income for a family was $40,983. Males had a median income of $24,220 versus $13,587 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,516. About 2.3% of families and 23.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.8% of those under the age 18 and 8.5% of those age 65 or over.

Religion

[edit]

Government

[edit]

Clare County voters tend to vote Republican; they have selected the Republican Party nominee in 72% of national elections (26 of 36).

United States presidential election results for Clare County, Michigan[17]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No.  % No.  % No.  %
2024 11,772 68.01% 5,273 30.46% 265 1.53%
2020 10,861 66.65% 5,199 31.91% 235 1.44%
2016 8,505 63.24% 4,249 31.59% 695 5.17%
2012 6,988 51.63% 6,338 46.83% 209 1.54%
2008 6,793 46.51% 7,496 51.32% 316 2.16%
2004 7,088 49.82% 6,984 49.09% 154 1.08%
2000 5,937 47.09% 6,287 49.87% 383 3.04%
1996 3,742 32.03% 6,311 54.02% 1,630 13.95%
1992 3,916 32.20% 5,346 43.95% 2,901 23.85%
1988 5,661 54.18% 4,710 45.08% 77 0.74%
1984 6,587 63.26% 3,764 36.15% 61 0.59%
1980 5,719 53.36% 4,164 38.85% 835 7.79%
1976 4,879 53.46% 4,153 45.51% 94 1.03%
1972 4,402 62.99% 2,434 34.83% 152 2.18%
1968 3,315 56.85% 1,909 32.74% 607 10.41%
1964 2,258 43.45% 2,927 56.32% 12 0.23%
1960 3,616 70.49% 1,507 29.38% 7 0.14%
1956 3,721 75.51% 1,194 24.23% 13 0.26%
1952 3,529 76.22% 1,059 22.87% 42 0.91%
1948 2,512 66.02% 1,197 31.46% 96 2.52%
1944 2,636 70.58% 1,078 28.86% 21 0.56%
1940 3,004 69.86% 1,277 29.70% 19 0.44%
1936 1,979 53.37% 1,494 40.29% 235 6.34%
1932 1,474 44.34% 1,741 52.38% 109 3.28%
1928 1,920 82.62% 381 16.39% 23 0.99%
1924 1,920 77.67% 358 14.48% 194 7.85%
1920 1,762 73.48% 511 21.31% 125 5.21%
1916 1,049 54.38% 769 39.87% 111 5.75%
1912 563 30.99% 435 23.94% 819 45.07%
1908 1,345 68.14% 567 28.72% 62 3.14%
1904 1,453 70.91% 519 25.33% 77 3.76%
1900 1,182 63.62% 640 34.45% 36 1.94%
1896 886 53.09% 723 43.32% 60 3.59%
1892 719 41.90% 811 47.26% 186 10.84%
1888 905 47.99% 912 48.36% 69 3.66%
1884 622 46.21% 685 50.89% 39 2.90%

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.

Elected officials

[edit]

(information as of January 2019)

Attractions

[edit]

Clare County is in the middle of large state forests. Wildlife, including bear, deer, eagles, Kirtland's warblers, and turkeys, are located nearby. Local attractions include:

Activities include:

  • Birding
  • Boating
  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Hunting
  • Nordic skiing
  • ORV and groomed snowmobile trails.
  • Paddling (canoe and kayak)

Communities

[edit]
U.S. Census data map showing local municipal boundaries within Clare County. Shaded areas represent incorporated cities.

Cities

[edit]

Village

[edit]

Civil townships

[edit]

Unincorporated communities

[edit]

Ghost town

[edit]

Education

[edit]

The Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District, based in Clare, services the students in the county along with those of Gladwin County. The intermediate school district offers regional special education services, early education and after-school programs, and technical career pathways for students of its districts.[20]

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

Clare County has the following private schools:[22]

  • East Dover School (Amish)
  • Great Lakes Mennonite School (Mennonite)
  • Shady Lawn Amish Parochial School (Amish)

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ For more details on Michigan county names and etymologies, see List of counties in Michigan.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Bibliography on Clare County". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University. Retrieved November 4, 2016.
  2. ^ a b "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Retrieved September 15, 2021.
  3. ^ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  4. ^ a b Newberry Library. "Michigan: Individual County Chronologies". Atlas of County Historical Boundaries. Archived from the original on November 6, 2016. 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. ^ Michigan History, Arts and Libraries on sources of County names. Archived July 28, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  8. ^ "Clare County MI" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved September 6, 2018.
  9. ^ "Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved April 4, 2024.
  10. ^ "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  11. ^ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  12. ^ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Retrieved September 19, 2014.
  13. ^ "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 19, 2014.
  14. ^ a b "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved March 11, 2012.
  15. ^ "Diocese of Saginaw".
  16. ^ Meetinghouse Locator LDS.org (accessed 6 September 2018)
  17. ^ US Election Atlas
  18. ^ "Kirtland". kirtland.edu. May 13, 2014. Archived from the original on January 2, 2008.
  19. ^ Michigan Shore to Shore Riding and Hiking Trail
  20. ^ "CGRESD: What do we do?". Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  21. ^ National Center for Education Statistics. "Search for Public School Data - Clare County, MI". Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  22. ^ National Center for Education Statistics. "Search for Private Schools - Clare County, MI". Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
[edit]

Official Visitor Information Site

News from Clare County

43°59′N 84°50′W / 43.99°N 84.84°W / 43.99; -84.84

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