Midland County, Michigan#Metropolitan Statistical Area

{{See also|History of Michigan}}

For many centuries, Midland County was inhabited by Native Americans, and by the time of European contact it was inhabited by the Chippewa Indian Tribe.{{Cite web|url=https://cityofmidlandmi.gov/551/Midland-History|title=Midland History | Midland, MI - Official Website|access-date=March 11, 2020|archive-date=May 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200531021050/https://cityofmidlandmi.gov/551/Midland-History|url-status=dead}}

In the year of 1831, Midland County's borders had been set.{{Cite web|url=http://michiganhistory.leadr.msu.edu/founding-of-midland/|title=Founding of Midland – Michigan History}} In 1850, Midland County was officially organized. In 1874, the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad linked Midland to the nationwide railroad network. The City of Midland, the county seat, is officially incorporated in 1887, and 3 years later in 1890, Herbert Henry Dow arrives and founds the Dow Chemical Corporation, now one of the largest chemical companies in the world.

When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, many men from the county enlisted in the Union Army, many in Company B of the 10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and Company H of the 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, but some ended up in different regiments.Michigan and George H. Turner, Record of Service of Michigan Volunteers in the Civil War, 1861-1865. (Kalamazoo, Mich.: Ihling bros. & Everard, printers, 1900). Volume 10, https://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=mdp.39015008495064&view=1up&seq=9 Not all of them came back alive and several were wounded. Many veterans of the war are also buried in the county.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mifamilyhistory.org/midland/MidlandCountyCWGraves.aspx|title = Midland County Civil War Graves}} There were a total of 5 different Posts, or veteran groups, of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans organization, in Midland County.https://seekingmichigan.org/about/indexes/civil-war-grand-army-of-the-republic-posts {{Bare URL inline|date=March 2022}}

Some of the regiments which included men from Midland County are: 10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 29th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 16th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, 3rd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 7th Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, 1st Michigan Volunteer Cavalry Regiment, and 23rd Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

In the 20th century the county saw significant growth with the entrenchment of the Dow Chemical Corporation and the establishment of major roads, highways, and a few minor airports. However, in the late 20th century the Pere Marquette Railroad was closed, which cut off passenger train travel from the region.

In World War 1, once the US had entered the war in 1917, the Dow Chemical Corporation, based mainly in the city of Midland, was involved with the production of poisonous gases for use during the war, and with the production of ammunition.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/2014/08/dow_chemical_cos_top-secret_wo.html|title = Dow Chemical Co's top-secret World War I mustard gas program topic of new book by Bay City author|date = August 11, 2014}} Additionally, 675 men from Midland joined the US military during the war, and 8 of them died in the line of duty.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Friends-bring-World-War-I-items-to-Midland-6935898.php|title = Friends bring World War I items to Midland|date = July 28, 2014}}

In World War 2, many men from the county enlisted in the US Military, and several would die. Additionally Dow turned its factories towards supplying the war effort and they would assist in manufacturing explosives, flares, and medicine.{{Cite web|url=https://ss.sites.mtu.edu/mhugl/2015/10/11/the-dow-chemical-company-midland-mi/|title=The Dow Chemical Company – Midland, MI – Military History of the Upper Great Lakes}} There is also a large memorial to veterans from Midland County from this war.

During the Cold War, an Army National Guard depot was set up in the city of Midland. In the Vietnam War, Dow and the rest of Midland County were the main suppliers of Napalm used during the conflict. Several men would also die in the Korean War and Vietnam War.

In the 21st century, the Sons of Union Veterans, the successor to the Grand Army of the Republic, founded the U.S. Grant Camp No. 67, which serves the Midland, Saginaw, and Bay City area.{{Cite web|url=https://www.suvcwmi.org/camps/|title=Camps & Membership - Department of Michigan - Camps & Membership}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.suvcwmi.org/camps/camp67.php|title = Camp #67 - Department of Michigan - Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War}} During the War on Terror, many men from the county enlisted and few died. The Midland County Veterans Memorial was refurbished. The city of Coleman also built a new war memorial. Curiously, none of these memorials reference the service of Midland men in the Civil War.

In May 2020, Midland County residents in parts of the city of Midland, the village of Sanford, Edenville Township, Midland Township, Tittabawassee, Thomas Township, Saginaw Township, Lincoln Township, Homer Township and Dow Chemical were forced to evacuate due to high flooding which was caused by the breach of the Edenville and Sanford dams.{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/05/19/michigan-flooding-midland-gretchen-whitmer-evacuations/5226587002/|title='Do not hesitate': Michigan governor urges evacuations, warns Midland could be under 9 feet of water|website=USA Today}}

{{See also|List of parks in Midland County, Michigan}}

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of {{convert|528|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|516|sqmi}} is land and {{convert|12|sqmi}} (2.2%) is water.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_26.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 27, 2014|date=August 22, 2012|title=2010 Census Gazetteer Files|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131113024015/http://www.census.gov/geo/maps-data/data/docs/gazetteer/counties_list_26.txt|archive-date=November 13, 2013}}

• Gladwin County (north)
• Bay County (east)
• Saginaw County (southeast)
• Gratiot County (south)
• Isabella County (west)
• Clare County (northwest)

• {{jct|state=MI|US|10}} follows a northwest-to-southeast route within the county. As a freeway, the route passes Coleman, Sanford, and Midland. West of Midland County, the highway can be used to access Clare and US 127, a north–south freeway. East of Midland County, the highway can be used to access Bay City, where it has a junction with I-75/US 23, a major north–south freeway.
• {{jct|state=MI|US-Bus|10|dab1=Midland}} is a business route serving the city of Midland.
• {{jct|state=MI|M|18}} is north–south route in the northwest of the county. The route continues north into Gladwin County, where it can be used to access Beaverton and Gladwin.
• {{jct|state=MI|M|20}} is an east–west highway that runs through the center of Midland County. The route continues west into Isabella County, where it can be used to access Mt. Pleasant and Big Rapids. The highway has its eastern terminus on the Midland-Bay county line, at a junction with US-10 in the city of Midland.
• {{jct|state=MI|M|30}} is a north–south route that serves the center of the county. The route runs along the Michigan meridian.

Scheduled airline service is available from MBS International Airport{{cite web|url=http://www.mbsairport.org/|title=MBS International Airport}} in Freeland, Michigan and Bishop International Airport in Flint, Michigan.{{cite web|url=http://www.bishopairport.org/|title=Bishop International Airport: Flint, Michigan: Flights & Airport Travel}} Midland also has a general aviation airport, Jack Barstow Municipal Airport.[http://www.midland-mi.org/government/departments/engineering/barstow.htm Jack Barstow Municipal Airport] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100903195213/http://www.midland-mi.org/government/departments/engineering/barstow.htm |date=September 3, 2010 }}

There is no regularly scheduled public transportation (bus service). Residents can call in advance to schedule pickup for transport within the county by two government sponsored agencies ("Dial-A-Ride" within the city of Midland and "County Connection" for those outside the city of Midland but still within Midland County) for a nominal fee.[http://www.midland-mi.org/government/departments/dps/dart/dart.htm Dial-A-Ride homepage] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090210125618/http://www.midland-mi.org/government/departments/dps/dart/dart.htm |date=February 10, 2009 }}

{{US Census population

|1850= 65

|1860= 787

|1870= 3285

|1880= 6893

|1890= 10657

|1900= 14439

|1910= 14005

|1920= 17237

|1930= 19150

|1940= 27094

|1950= 35662

|1960= 51450

|1970= 63769

|1980= 73578

|1990= 75651

|2000= 82874

|2010= 83629

|2020= 83494

|estyear=2023

|estimate=84039

|estref={{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}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 27, 2014}}
1790-1960{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=September 27, 2014}} 1900-1990{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/mi190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 27, 2014}}
1990-2000{{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=United States Census Bureau|access-date=September 27, 2014}} 2010-2018

}}

As of the census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=U.S. Census website}} of 2000, there were 82,874 people, 31,769 households, and 22,683 families residing in the county. The population density was {{convert|159|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|people |people|}}. There were 33,796 housing units at an average density of {{convert|65|/mi2|/km2|}}. The racial makeup of the county was 95.50% White, 1.05% Black or African American, 0.40% Native American, 1.49% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.44% from other races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 28.6% were of German, 11.5% English, 10.2% United States or American, 8.9% Irish and 6.1% Polish ancestry, 96.7% spoke only English, while 1.6% spoke Spanish at home.

There were 31,769 households, out of which 34.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.10% were married couples living together, 8.10% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.60% were non-families. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 26.90% under the age of 18, 8.70% from 18 to 24, 29.20% from 25 to 44, 23.20% from 45 to 64, and 12.00% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 96.30 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.30 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $45,674, and the median income for a family was $55,483. Males had a median income of $45,656 versus $27,470 for females. The per capita income for the county was $23,383. About 5.70% of families and 8.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.50% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.

• The Roman Catholic Diocese of Saginaw is the controlling regional body for the Catholic Church.{{cite web|url=http://www.saginaw.org/|title=Diocese of Saginaw}}
• The Episcopal Diocese of Eastern Michigan in Saginaw, Michigan is the controlling body for the Episcopal Church.{{cite web |title=St. John's Episcopal Church |url=https://eastmich.org/find-a-community/ |website=Diocese of Eastern Michigan |publisher=Episcopal Church USA |access-date=July 9, 2023}}

According to the Midland Daily News, the top employers in Midland County are:{{cite news |last1=DeGayner |first1=Tess |title=MidMichigan Health remains top employer in Midland County |url=https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/MidMichigan-Health-remains-top-employer-in-Midland-16571619.php |access-date=July 8, 2023 |agency=ourmidland.com |publisher=Midland Daily News |date=October 28, 2021}}

{{PresHead|place=Midland County, Michigan|source={{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title = Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections}}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Republican|28,571|20,926|883|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|2020|Republican|27,675|20,493|1,007|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|2016|Republican|23,846|15,635|3,295|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|2012|Republican|23,919|17,450|610|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|2008|Republican|22,263|20,701|834|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|2004|Republican|24,369|18,355|551|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|2000|Republican|21,887|15,959|1,042|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1996|Republican|16,547|15,177|4,243|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1992|Republican|16,149|13,382|9,093|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1988|Republican|19,994|13,452|371|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1984|Republican|21,521|10,769|262|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1980|Republican|17,828|12,019|3,763|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1976|Republican|17,631|11,959|511|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1972|Republican|16,473|9,504|859|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1968|Republican|14,329|7,428|1,901|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1964|Democratic|9,020|12,587|48|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1960|Republican|14,235|6,815|21|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1956|Republican|13,207|4,422|33|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1952|Republican|10,508|3,945|117|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1948|Republican|5,811|3,204|181|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1944|Republican|6,850|3,569|63|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1940|Republican|6,269|3,834|54|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1936|Republican|3,829|3,751|377|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1932|Republican|3,791|3,553|145|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1928|Republican|4,555|964|19|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1924|Republican|4,004|625|434|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1920|Republican|4,115|959|143|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1916|Republican|2,104|1,454|81|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1912|Progressive|902|671|1,528|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1908|Republican|1,987|875|105|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1904|Republican|2,107|766|110|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1900|Republican|1,784|1,221|90|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1896|Republican|1,524|1,507|90|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1892|Republican|1,069|815|432|Michigan}}

{{PresRow|1888|Republican|1,336|1,148|210|Michigan}}

{{PresFoot|1884|Republican|1,071|883|53|Michigan}}

Midland County is rather conservative for an urban county. It has been a consistent stronghold of the Republican Party, having supported its presidential candidates in every election from 1968 onward and all but twice since 1884. It is one of the few counties where Franklin D. Roosevelt was shut out in all four of his successful campaigns.

The county government operates the 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 board of commissioners controls the budget but has only 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.

===Sheriff===

In 2012, Sheriff Jerry Nielsen renamed the Road Patrol Division to the Citizens Assistance Responders Division (CAR). Due to funding cuts, the department no longer had the staff to be proactive and prevent criminal activity. The philosophy changed to respond and provide assistance to citizens.

The Sheriff's Department also operates the 250-bed jail that opened in late 2009. The Sheriff's department redesigned their website in 2006 to provide timely information to citizens and encourage them to submit tips and questions.[http://www.co.midland.mi.us/departments/home.php?id=26 "Midland County Sheriff's Office"] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104225802/http://www.co.midland.mi.us/departments/home.php?id=26 |date=January 4, 2012 }} Midland County website

• Prosecuting Attorney: J. Dee Brooks
• Sheriff: Scott Holzinger{{Cite web|url=https://midlandcountymi.gov/sheriff-one|title=Sheriff’s Office}}
• County Clerk: Ann Manary
• County Treasurer: Cathy Lunsford
• Register of Deeds: Jennifer Anway
• Drain Commissioner: Joseph Sova{{cite web|url= https://midlandcountymi.gov/index.php?section=departments&row_start=1|title=Midland County Departments & Officials}}

{{small|(information as of February 2025)}}

7 members, elected from districts (6 Republicans, 1 Democrat)

File:Midland County, MI census map.png data map showing local municipal boundaries within Midland County. Shaded areas represent incorporated cities.]]

• Coleman
• Midland (county seat)

• Sanford

• Larkin Charter Township
• Midland Charter Township

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Edenville Township
• Geneva Township
• Greendale Township
• Homer Township
• Hope Township
• Ingersoll Township
• Jasper Township
• Jerome Township
• Lee Township
• Lincoln Township
• Mills Township
• Mount Haley Township
• Porter Township
• Warren Township

{{div col end}}

{{div col|colwidth=22em}}

• Averill
• Edenville
• Floyd
• Gordonville
• Hope
• Laporte
• North Bradley
• Oil City
• Pleasant Valley
• Poseyville
• St. Elmo{{div col end}}

The Midland County Educational Service Agency, based in Midland, services the students in the county. The intermediate school district offers regional special education services, early education programs, and technical career pathways for students of its districts.{{Cite web |title=Midland County ESA Services |url=https://www.midlandesa.org/page/services |access-date=July 16, 2023 |publisher=Midland County Educational Service Agency}}

Midland County is served by the following regular public school districts:{{Cite web |title=Search for Public School Data - Midland County, MI |url=https://nces.ed.gov/ccd/districtsearch/district_list.asp?Search=1&details=1&State=26&County=Midland+County |archive-date= |access-date=July 16, 2023 |author=National Center for Education Statistics |publisher=Institute of Education Sciences }}

• Bullock Creek School District
• Coleman Community Schools
• Meridian Public Schools
• Midland Public Schools

The county also has the following independent charter districts:

• Academic and Career Education Academy
• Windover High School

Midland County has the following private schools:{{Cite web |title=Search for Private Schools - Midland County, MI |url=https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pss/privateschoolsearch/school_list.asp?Search=1&State=26&County=Midland |access-date=July 16, 2023 |author=National Center for Education Statistics |publisher=Institute of Education Sciences }}

• Blessed Sacrament Elementary School (Roman Catholic)
• Edenville SDA Elementary School (Seventh-day Adventist)
• Good Shepherd Evangelical Lutheran School (WELS)
• Midland Christian School (Nonsectarian)
• Midland Montessori School (Montessori method)
• St. Brigid Catholic School (Roman Catholic)
• St. John's Lutheran School (Lutheran)

• List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Midland County, Michigan
• National Register of Historic Places listings in Midland County, Michigan

{{reflist|30em}}

• [http://www.co.midland.mi.us/ Midland County web site]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20050313084053/http://www.mcfta.org/historical_society/ Midland County Historical Society]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20110927030702/http://www.historicbridges.org/b_c_mi_midland.htm Midland County's Historic Bridges]
• [http://www.midlandonline.com/ MidlandOnline]
• {{cite web |url=http://clarke.cmich.edu/resource_tab/bibliographies_of_clarke_library_material/michigan_local_history/county_material/midland.html |publisher=Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University |title=Bibliography on Midland County|access-date=January 20, 2013}}
• Midland Tomorrow web site

{{Geographic Location

| Centre = Midland County, Michigan

| North = Gladwin County

| Northeast =

| East = Bay County

| Southeast = Saginaw County

| South = Gratiot County

| Southwest =

| West = Isabella County

| Northwest = Clare County

}}

{{Midland County, Michigan}}

{{Central Michigan}}

{{Michigan}}

{{coord|43.64|-84.39|type:adm2nd_region:US-MI_source:UScensus1990|display=title}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Michigan counties

Category:1855 establishments in Michigan

Category:Populated places established in 1855