Midland County, Michigan | |
|---|---|
_Courthouse.jpg) Midland County Courthouse | |
 Seal  Logo | |
 Location within the U.S. state ofMichigan | |
 Michigan's location within theU.S. | |
| Coordinates:43°38′N84°23′W / 43.64°N 84.39°W /43.64; -84.39 | |
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Michigan |
| Founded | 1831, reorganized 1855[1] |
| Seat | Midland |
| Largest city | Midland |
| Area | |
• Total | 528 sq mi (1,370 km2) |
| • Land | 516 sq mi (1,340 km2) |
| • Water | 12 sq mi (31 km2) 2.2% |
| Population (2020) | |
• Total | 84,494 |
• Estimate (2024) | 84,022 |
| • Density | 162/sq mi (63/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional districts | 2nd,8th |
| Website | www |
Midland County is one of 83counties located in the U.S. state ofMichigan. As of the2020 census, the population was 83,494[2] making it the 24th largest by population in the state. It is the sixth smallest county by area. Thecounty seat isMidland.[3] The name of the county is due to its proximity to the geographical center of theLower Peninsula. It was founded in 1831; however, it was not until 1855 that the county was effectively organized.[1]
Midland County comprises the Midland, Michigan,metropolitan statistical area and is included in theSaginaw–Midland–Bay Citycombined statistical area in theMid/Central Michigan region.
For centuries, the county was home to Native Americans, and Chippewa Indians inhabited the area when the first Europeans made contact.[4]
In the year of 1831, Midland County's borders had been set.[5] In 1850, Midland County was officially organized.[5] In 1874, the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad linked Midland to the nationwide railroad network.[4] 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, today one of the world's largest chemical companies.[4]
When the American Civil War broke out in 1861, many men from the county enlisted in the Union Army, many in Company B of the10th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, and Company H of the27th Michigan Volunteer Infantry Regiment, but some ended up in different regiments.[6] Not all of them came back alive and several were wounded. Many veterans of the war are also buried in the county.[7] There were a total of 5 different Posts, or veteran groups, of theGrand Army of the Republic, a Union veterans organization, in Midland County.[8]
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, and23rd 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.[9] Additionally, 675 men from Midland joined the US military during the war, and 8 of them died in the line of duty.[10]
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.[11] 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.[11] 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.[12][13] 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 theEdenville andSanford dams.[14]
According to theU.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 528 square miles (1,370 km2), of which 516 square miles (1,340 km2) is land and 12 square miles (31 km2) (2.2%) is water.[15] The distance toSaginaw Bay onLake Huron is less than 40 miles (64 km).
The city of Midland, Michigan occupies Midland Charter township. The city's incorporated area extends well intoLarkin Township,Homer Township and a small portion ofLincoln Township.
There are more than 35 neighborhoods within city of Midland according to the neighborhood map on the city's website. There are eight main areas:
The only other incorporated city in the county isColeman, Michigan inWarren Township, Michigan.Due to the town's small size (population 1,100) there are no formally defined neighborhoods; commonly recognized areas include the business district, "Stoner's-ville", Little Town, Pere Marquette Senior Estates and an industrial park.[29][30][31]
According to the Midland County website,Pinecrest Farms is a notable development of 160 acres west of the Currie Golf Course. It is a long-term-care facility for the elderly and individuals with mental and/or physical disabilities.[32]
The village ofSanford was founded in 1864 as the first salt well in Michigan. It has a population 813, according to the 2020 census and in the 21st century, life was centered aroundSanford Lake, reservoir of the Sanford Dam on the Tittabawassee River.[33]
Edenville Township includes theTittabawassee River andWixom Lake which provided recreational opportunities for residents and tourists. TheAu Sable State Forest covers 40% of the township.
Midland County has ahumid continental climate (Dfb) with hot, rainy summers with cool nights and cold, snowy winters with average highs around freezing.
| Climate data for Midland, Michigan (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1970–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 60 (16) | 67 (19) | 86 (30) | 88 (31) | 96 (36) | 103 (39) | 100 (38) | 100 (38) | 95 (35) | 89 (32) | 75 (24) | 67 (19) | 103 (39) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 48.8 (9.3) | 49.8 (9.9) | 65.6 (18.7) | 77.8 (25.4) | 86.0 (30.0) | 91.7 (33.2) | 92.4 (33.6) | 91.2 (32.9) | 87.6 (30.9) | 78.6 (25.9) | 64.1 (17.8) | 52.7 (11.5) | 94.6 (34.8) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 29.3 (−1.5) | 31.9 (−0.1) | 42.7 (5.9) | 55.8 (13.2) | 68.3 (20.2) | 77.9 (25.5) | 82.1 (27.8) | 79.7 (26.5) | 72.9 (22.7) | 59.9 (15.5) | 45.7 (7.6) | 34.4 (1.3) | 56.7 (13.7) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 22.9 (−5.1) | 24.7 (−4.1) | 34.0 (1.1) | 45.9 (7.7) | 58.0 (14.4) | 67.6 (19.8) | 71.8 (22.1) | 69.9 (21.1) | 62.5 (16.9) | 50.9 (10.5) | 38.7 (3.7) | 28.8 (−1.8) | 48.0 (8.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 16.6 (−8.6) | 17.5 (−8.1) | 25.3 (−3.7) | 35.9 (2.2) | 47.6 (8.7) | 57.3 (14.1) | 61.5 (16.4) | 60.1 (15.6) | 52.2 (11.2) | 41.8 (5.4) | 31.8 (−0.1) | 23.2 (−4.9) | 39.2 (4.0) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −1.7 (−18.7) | −0.3 (−17.9) | 6.9 (−13.9) | 22.4 (−5.3) | 33.6 (0.9) | 42.9 (6.1) | 49.9 (9.9) | 48.9 (9.4) | 38.1 (3.4) | 28.9 (−1.7) | 17.5 (−8.1) | 7.1 (−13.8) | −5.2 (−20.7) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −19 (−28) | −15 (−26) | −10 (−23) | 10 (−12) | 23 (−5) | 32 (0) | 39 (4) | 35 (2) | 28 (−2) | 18 (−8) | 3 (−16) | −11 (−24) | −19 (−28) |
| Averageprecipitation inches (mm) | 2.01 (51) | 1.92 (49) | 2.00 (51) | 3.48 (88) | 3.74 (95) | 3.71 (94) | 2.82 (72) | 3.17 (81) | 2.82 (72) | 3.14 (80) | 2.65 (67) | 1.95 (50) | 33.41 (849) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 9.1 (23) | 8.1 (21) | 3.1 (7.9) | 0.6 (1.5) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 0.0 (0.0) | 1.0 (2.5) | 9.5 (24) | 31.4 (79.9) |
| Average precipitation days(≥ 0.01 in) | 12.0 | 8.9 | 9.7 | 12.3 | 12.7 | 10.7 | 10.3 | 10.7 | 9.6 | 13.2 | 12.2 | 11.6 | 133.9 |
| Average snowy days(≥ 0.1 in) | 6.1 | 4.7 | 2.1 | 0.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 5.6 | 19.8 |
| Source:NOAA[34][35] | |||||||||||||
There are noNational orState Parks in Midland County, butMidland City parks number 80+[36] with over 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of park land. Seven are classified asRegional Parks, typically larger than 200 acres (81 ha); seven are consideredCommunity Parks, normally over 15 acres (6.1 ha);Neighborhood Parks number 19, usually between 5 and 10 acres (2.0 and 4.0 ha) located within residential areas; and the 36Mini-Parks are mostly less than an acre (0.40 ha). Other city-owned land includes pathways, undeveloped areas intended for "passive recreation", waterfront areas and protected natural areas.[37]
| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1850 | 65 | — | |
| 1860 | 787 | 1,110.8% | |
| 1870 | 3,285 | 317.4% | |
| 1880 | 6,893 | 109.8% | |
| 1890 | 10,657 | 54.6% | |
| 1900 | 14,439 | 35.5% | |
| 1910 | 14,005 | −3.0% | |
| 1920 | 17,237 | 23.1% | |
| 1930 | 19,150 | 11.1% | |
| 1940 | 27,094 | 41.5% | |
| 1950 | 35,662 | 31.6% | |
| 1960 | 51,450 | 44.3% | |
| 1970 | 63,769 | 23.9% | |
| 1980 | 73,578 | 15.4% | |
| 1990 | 75,651 | 2.8% | |
| 2000 | 82,874 | 9.5% | |
| 2010 | 83,629 | 0.9% | |
| 2020 | 83,494 | −0.2% | |
| 2024 (est.) | 84,022 | [44] | 0.6% |
| U.S. Decennial Census[45] 1790-1960[46] 1900-1990[47] 1990-2000[48] 2010-2018[2] | |||
As of thecensus[49] of 2020, there were 82,874 people, 31,769 households, and 22,683 families residing in the county. Thepopulation density was 159 people per square mile (61 people/km2). There were 33,796 housing units at an average density of 65 per square mile (25/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 95.50%White, 1.05%Black orAfrican American, 0.40%Native American, 1.49%Asian, 0.03%Pacific Islander, 0.44% fromother races, and 1.09% from two or more races. 1.55% of the population wereHispanic orLatino of any race. 28.6% were ofGerman, 11.5%English, 10.2%United States or American, 8.9%Irish and 6.1%Polish ancestry, 96.7% spoke onlyEnglish, while 1.6% spokeSpanish at home.
There were 31,769 households, out of which 34.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.10% weremarried 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 county income for a household was $45,674; family, $55,483. Males had a median income of $45,656 versus $27,470 for females. Theper capita income for the county was $23,383. About 5.70% of families and 8.40% of the population were below thepoverty line, including 9.50% of those under age 18 and 7.50% of those age 65 or over.
More than 100 places of worship county-wide represent a variety of denominations and architectural styles, once earning Midland the nickname,City of Beautiful Churches.[50][51]In the 2020 survey of Midland County, Michigan byAssociation of Religion Data Archives, there were 87 congregations and 36,998 "adherents" to organized religion.[52]
| Congregations | Adherents | Tradition |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 14,067 | Catholic |
| 54 | 13,257 | Evangelical Protestant |
| 17 | 7,468 | Mainline Protestant |
| 1 | 190 | Islam |
| 3 | 616 | Jehovah's Witnesses |
| 2 | 948 | Latter-day Saints |
| 1 | 300 | Black Protestant |
| 2 | 7,602 | Other Christian |
Midland's Volunteer Center recruits upwards of 2,000 volunteers each year, and the United Way of Midland County supports 25 community organizations.
According to theMidland Daily News, the top employers as of 2021 in Midland County were:[55]
| # | Employer | Full-time employees | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidMichigan Health | 4,878 | Healthcare |
| 2 | Dow Chemical | 4,003 | Chemicals |
| 3 | Midland Public Schools | 1,039 | Education |
| 4 | DuPont | 697 | Chemicals |
| 5 | Corteva Agriscience | 664 | Chemicals |
| 6 | Greater Midland Community Centers | 564 | Recreation |
| 7 | Huntington Bank | 535 | Banking |
| 8 | Northwood University | 501 | Education |
| 9 | City of Midland Government | 467 | Government |
| 10 | Three Rivers Corporation | 396 | Construction |
| 11 | Walmart | 327 | Retail sales |
| 12 | Midland County Government | 324 | Government |
| 13 | Meijer | 303 | Retail sales |
| 14 | Huhtamaki Plastics | 257 | Manufacturing |
| 15 | International Flavors & Fragrances | 250 | Manufacturing |
| 16 | Bierlein Companies | 236 | Demolition |
| 17 | Trinseo | 230 | Manufacturing |
| 18 | Fisher Companies | 200 | Construction |
| 19 | Bullock Creek Public Schools | 195 | Education |
| 20 | Robinson Industries | 150 | Manufacturing |
Midland Community Television Network (MCTN) is the City of Midland's public, government, and education access cable television channel group.[56] Midland has no local commercial television station but is part ofNielsen's Flint-Saginaw-Bay City-MidlandDesignated Market Area which is the 66th largest market in the United States for Television Viewers.[57] Saginaw is the home of CBS affiliateWNEM which maintains its studios and offices inside the city though its license is for Bay City, MI.[58] ABC affiliateWJRT maintains its offices and newsrooms in Saginaw while its studios are in its community of license,Flint.[59] Only NBC affiliateWEYI and Christian stationWAQP have the City of Saginaw as their city of record but both maintain their facilities outside of the city.[60][61]Charter Communications operates acable television network servicing the City of Midland under a franchise agreement.
| Television stations in the Midland, Michigan area[62] (Ascending order) | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Channel | Call letters | Description | Comments | ||
| 5 | WNEM-TV | CBSaffiliate | Licensed to Bay City; studios in Saginaw | ||
| 12 | WJRT-TV | ABC affiliate | Based and licensed in Flint | ||
| 19 | WDCQ-TV | PBS member station | Licensed toBad Axe; studios atDelta College inUniversity Center | ||
| 24 | W24DL-D | 3ABN affiliate | Based and licensed in Saginaw; programmed via satellite | ||
| 25 | WEYI-TV | NBC affiliate | Licensed to Saginaw; studios inClio | ||
| 46 | WBSF | CW affiliate | Licensed to Bay City; studios in Clio | ||
| 49 | WAQP | TCTO&O affiliate | Based and licensed in Saginaw | ||
| 66 | WSMH | Fox affiliate | Based and licensed in Flint | ||
| Radio stations | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Call sign | Name | Format | Owner | City |
| 790 AM | WSGW | Newsradio 790 | News/Talk | Alpha Media | Saginaw |
| 1400 AM | WSAM | The Bay 1400 AM and 104FM | Adult Contemporary | MacDonald Broadcasting | Saginaw |
| 1490 AM | WMPX | Sunny 97.7 107.7 | Adult Standards | Steel Broadcasting | Midland;Beaverton |
| 88.3 FM | WEJC | Smile FM | Contemporary Christian | Smile FM Michigan Radio Network | White Star |
| 90.9 FM | WTRK | Air 1 | Contemporary Christian | Educational Media Foundation | Freeland |
| 93.3 FM | WKQZ | The Rock Station, Z93 | Modern rock | Cumulus Media | Midland; studios in Saginaw |
| 94.5 FM | WCEN | 94.5 The Moose | Country music | Alpha Media | Hemlock; studios in Saginaw |
| 96.1 FM | WHNN | My 96.1 | Adult Contemporary | Cumulus Media | Bay City; studios in Saginaw |
| 98.1 FM | WKCQ | 98.1 KCQ | Country music | MacDonald Broadcasting | Saginaw |
| 99.7 FM | WUGN | Non-commercial | Adult Contemporary | Family Life Communications | Midland |
| 100.5 FM | WSGW | FM Talk 100.5 | News/Talk | Alpha Media | Carrollton; studios in Saginaw |
| 101.7 FM | WPRJ | The Fuze | Christian CHR | Cumulus Media | Coleman |
| 102.5 FM | WIOG | The Hit Music Channel | Contemporary hits | Cumulus Media | Bay City; studios in Saginaw |
| 103.1 FM | WGDN | 103 Country | Country music | Apple Broadcasting Company | Gladwin |
| 104.5 FM | WILZ | Wheelz 104.5 | Classic rock | Cumulus Media | Saginaw |
| 106.3 FM | WGER | 106.3 The Core | Modern rock | Fritz Broadcasting | Saginaw |
| 107.1 FM | WTLZ | KISS 107.1 | Urban adult contemporary | Alpha Media | Saginaw |
TheMidland Sentinel was founded in 1858, then renamed theMidland Republican in 1881. That weekly newspaper became theMidland Daily News in 1937.Hearst Corporation purchased it in 1979 and as of 2025 it has a circulation of over 5,000 publishing Monday through Friday plus a weekend edition.[63]
TheChemical City Paper began publication as an electronic newspaper in 2022 with goal of "Covering local government, education, business and the arts in Midland". It is founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a nonpartisan viewpoint.[64]
The only military entity in Midland County is the 1460th Transportation Company,Michigan National Guard. The Armory is located at 2847 Airport Road, designed byAlden B. Dow and constructed in the 70s. Few women were in the military at that time, but in 2025 women can serve in every military job.[65] In fall of 2023 work commenced on demolition and construction of a 9,860-square-foot (900 m2) addition of office, storage, learning and support spaces. Remodeling the existing facility created separate male/female shower, changing and toilet areas, classrooms, workout and break room at a cost of $5.1 million.[66]
There are four recognized Michigan historical markers in the county.[67]
Midland has many cultural opportunities in fields ranging from music and theater to science and the arts. TheMidland Center for the Arts delivers hands-on exhibits in science, art and technology, at the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science and Art. The center also provides two state-of-the-art auditoriums for audiences of 400 to 1500 to enjoy everything from the Midland Symphony Orchestra and Center Stage Theatre, to professional programming through MATRIX: Midland.[68][69][70]
Midland County Historical Society'sHeritage Park provides an opportunity to explore Midland County's history through a variety of avenues. The Herbert D. Doan Midland County History Center houses a research library, gift shop and the interactive Dorothy Dow Arbury Midland County History Gallery, which provides hands on exhibits for exploring Midland County's history. Also located at Heritage Park is the Herbert H. Dow Historical Museum, which explores the history and growth ofDow Chemical Company founded in Midland byHerbert H. Dow.[71][72] Also located on the campus is the Bradley Home Museum and Carriage House; this 1874 house built by Benjamin F. Bradley allows visitors to see an historic home and furnishings of its time. The Carriage House holds an extensive collection of sleighs and carriages, and it has the largest working blacksmith shop in the Mid-Michigan area.[73]
Winner of a 2005 MichiganCool Cities grant (a grass-roots, volunteer-based training program to revitalize a downtown area), Downtown Midland offers dining, shopping and entertainment for the whole family.[74]
Alden B. Dow, son of Dow Chemical founder Herbert Dow was an influential architect who broughtmodern design to his home town. During his 50-plus-year career, he designed and built more than 130 structures. His creations were dynamic and innovative, influenced by his study withFrank Lloyd Wright and began an architectural heritage that is unprecedented in the United States. Dow's work inspired numerous architects, including Glenn Beach, Jackson Hallett, Francis "Red" Warner and Robert Schwartz who created over 400Mid-century modern structures.[75] that dominate Midland. Tours of theAlden Dow House and Studio showcase his unique and influential style. Alden Dow designed theGrace A. Dow Memorial Library, Midland's public library named in his mother's honor.[76]
TheGreater Midland umbrella organization includes theMidland Community Center (with multiple swimming pools and exercise facilities), the Coleman Family Center inWarren Township and the North Family Center inMills Township. They each offer programs for family, youth, adult and senior fitness and fun using equipment, individual and group sports and recreation.[79]
Greater Midland also has specialized sport facilities including the Midland Gymnastics Training Center, the MidlandCurling Center, and theMidland Community Tennis Center,[80][81] which features 32 courts. The tennis center also hosts aUSTA Pro Circuit event and was part of the USTA award to Midland as America's Best Tennis Town 2009.[82]
Traditional golfers have several options available: Currie Municipal Golf Course features East and West courses; Sandy Ridge Golf Course is the newest facility in Midland County;[83] theMidland Country Club is private.
Disc golfers can use the Chippewa Banks Disc Golf Course, an 18-hole course located near downtown Midland. It is free to play and open year-round, sunrise to sunset.[84]
Ice skaters of all ages can use Midland's 107,000-square-foot (9,900 m2) Civic Arena, which has twoNHL-sized rinks and one Olympic-sized rink.
The Midland BMX bicycle track is located in Midland's Stratford Woods park. Track is closed during inclement weather and when wet.BMX race practices are Tuesdays from 6-8pm; BMX races are Thursdays with registration at 6pm. Closed to the public.[85]
Trilogy skate park is a free, 15,000-square-foot (1,400 m2) facility constructed in 1999 and offers outdoor fun for both skateboards and in-line skates. Located nearThe Tridge, lighting is available after dark.[86]
Midland Community Stadium hosts high school football, soccer, lacrosse plus track and field meets.
TheDow Championship was introduced to theLPGA Tour schedule in 2019.[87] This event is hosted at the Midland Country Club annually. The tournament was founded with the vision of building community and accelerating the efforts of the Great Lakes Bay Region and Dow's strategy by building a world-class and unique LPGA Tour event that positively impacts people's lives.[87]
Midland is also host to the following professional sports teams.
| Club | Sport | League | Venue | Logo |
| Great Lakes Loons | Baseball | Midwest League | Dow Diamond | |
| Tri City Barbarians | Rugby | Michigan Rugby Football Union | St. Charles Park |
The Loons are the Single-A Affiliate of theLos Angeles Dodgers of the National League inMajor League Baseball
The county government operates thejail, maintains rural roads, operates themajor local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintainsvital records, administerspublic health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare andother social services. Thecounty 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.
In 2012, Sheriff Jerry Nielsen renamed the Road Patrol Division to theCitizensAssistanceResponders 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.[88]
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.[88]
(information as of February 2025)
7 members, elected from districts (6 Republicans, 1 Democrat)
| District | Commissioner | Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeanette M. Snyder | Republican |
| 2 | Mark Bone | Republican |
| 3 | Larry Schuelke | Republican |
| 4 | Jim Stamas | Republican |
| 5 | Todd M. Gambrell | Republican |
| 6 | Eric Dorrien | Republican |
| 7 | Alaynah Smith | Democrat |
Midland County is rather conservative for an urban county. It has been a consistent stronghold of theRepublican 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 whereFranklin D. Roosevelt was shut out in all four of his successful campaigns.
Part of Midland County is located inMichigan's 8th congressional district, represented byDemocratKristen McDonald Rivet. Part of Midland County is located inMichigan's 2nd congressional district, represented byRepublicanJohn Moolenaar. Midland County is located inMichigan's 2nd congressional district, represented byRepublicanJohn Moolenaar. Bill G. Schuette is State Representative forMichigan's 95th House of Representatives district. Roger Hauck is State Senator for theMichigan's 34th Senate district.
| Year | Republican | Democratic | Third party(ies) | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | % | No. | % | No. | % | |
| 1884 | 1,071 | 53.36% | 883 | 44.00% | 53 | 2.64% |
| 1888 | 1,336 | 49.59% | 1,148 | 42.61% | 210 | 7.80% |
| 1892 | 1,069 | 46.16% | 815 | 35.19% | 432 | 18.65% |
| 1896 | 1,524 | 48.83% | 1,507 | 48.29% | 90 | 2.88% |
| 1900 | 1,784 | 57.64% | 1,221 | 39.45% | 90 | 2.91% |
| 1904 | 2,107 | 70.63% | 766 | 25.68% | 110 | 3.69% |
| 1908 | 1,987 | 66.97% | 875 | 29.49% | 105 | 3.54% |
| 1912 | 902 | 29.09% | 671 | 21.64% | 1,528 | 49.27% |
| 1916 | 2,104 | 57.82% | 1,454 | 39.96% | 81 | 2.23% |
| 1920 | 4,115 | 78.88% | 959 | 18.38% | 143 | 2.74% |
| 1924 | 4,004 | 79.08% | 625 | 12.34% | 434 | 8.57% |
| 1928 | 4,555 | 82.25% | 964 | 17.41% | 19 | 0.34% |
| 1932 | 3,791 | 50.62% | 3,553 | 47.44% | 145 | 1.94% |
| 1936 | 3,829 | 48.12% | 3,751 | 47.14% | 377 | 4.74% |
| 1940 | 6,269 | 61.72% | 3,834 | 37.75% | 54 | 0.53% |
| 1944 | 6,850 | 65.35% | 3,569 | 34.05% | 63 | 0.60% |
| 1948 | 5,811 | 63.19% | 3,204 | 34.84% | 181 | 1.97% |
| 1952 | 10,508 | 72.12% | 3,945 | 27.08% | 117 | 0.80% |
| 1956 | 13,207 | 74.78% | 4,422 | 25.04% | 33 | 0.19% |
| 1960 | 14,235 | 67.56% | 6,815 | 32.34% | 21 | 0.10% |
| 1964 | 9,020 | 41.65% | 12,587 | 58.13% | 48 | 0.22% |
| 1968 | 14,329 | 60.57% | 7,428 | 31.40% | 1,901 | 8.04% |
| 1972 | 16,473 | 61.38% | 9,504 | 35.42% | 859 | 3.20% |
| 1976 | 17,631 | 58.57% | 11,959 | 39.73% | 511 | 1.70% |
| 1980 | 17,828 | 53.04% | 12,019 | 35.76% | 3,763 | 11.20% |
| 1984 | 21,521 | 66.11% | 10,769 | 33.08% | 262 | 0.80% |
| 1988 | 19,994 | 59.12% | 13,452 | 39.78% | 371 | 1.10% |
| 1992 | 16,149 | 41.81% | 13,382 | 34.65% | 9,093 | 23.54% |
| 1996 | 16,547 | 46.01% | 15,177 | 42.20% | 4,243 | 11.80% |
| 2000 | 21,887 | 56.28% | 15,959 | 41.04% | 1,042 | 2.68% |
| 2004 | 24,369 | 56.31% | 18,355 | 42.41% | 551 | 1.27% |
| 2008 | 22,263 | 50.83% | 20,701 | 47.26% | 834 | 1.90% |
| 2012 | 23,919 | 56.98% | 17,450 | 41.57% | 610 | 1.45% |
| 2016 | 23,846 | 55.75% | 15,635 | 36.55% | 3,295 | 7.70% |
| 2020 | 27,675 | 56.28% | 20,493 | 41.67% | 1,007 | 2.05% |
| 2024 | 28,571 | 56.71% | 20,926 | 41.54% | 882 | 1.75% |
TheMidland County Educational Service Agency, based inMidland, services the students in the county. Theintermediate school district offers regionalspecial education services,early education programs, andtechnical career pathways for students of its districts.[92]
Midland County is served by the following regularpublicschool districts:[93]
The county also has the followingindependent charter districts:
Midland County has the followingprivate schools:[94]
Nearby institutions include:
TheGrace A. Dow Memorial Library serves the city of Midland and most of the townships in Midland County through contract.[95]TheColeman Area Library serves Coleman, Geneva and Warren Townships and Edenville.[96]
Scheduled airline service is available fromMBS International Airport[97] nearFreeland andFlint'sBishop International Airport.[98]TheJack Barstow Municipal Airport, dedicated May 30, 1936, is a general aviation airport operated by the city and available for general aviation aircraft.[99]
There is no regularly scheduled public transportation. Residents can call in advance to schedule pickup or return transport by one government sponsored agency, "Dial-A-Ride", offering transport within the city only. Then there is "County Connection" a private run public transport for those outside the city of Midland but still within Midland County both for a nominal fee. Both also offer reduced fare rides for elderly and youth.[100]
I-75 Between 1961 and 1973, while much of I-75 between Bay City and Grayling was being constructed,US 10 from Bay City to Clare was utilized as "To I-75". The highway skirted the northern side of Midland until 1986 when construction was completed.[101]
US 10, a freeway passing the northern edge of Midland, connects withBay City on the east;Clare andLudington (as a two-lane highway) to the west.
Bus. US 10 is abusiness loop through the downtown.
M-20 connects Midland withMount Pleasant andBig Rapids to the west.
M-30 runs northerly from nearbySanford toWest Branch.
M-47 links from US 10 east of the city toSaginaw andMBS International AirportIn 1874, theFlint and Pere Marquette Railroad linked Midland County to the nationwide railroad network.[4] They were acquired by thePere Marquette Railway in 1899 and sold to theChesapeake & Ohio Railway in 1929 but continued under the Pere Marquette name until 1947 when sold toCSX Transportation. In the 1980s, CSX abandoned unprofitable routes and some former rail corridors were converted toPere Marquette Rail-Trail.[citation needed]
In 1967, Dow Chemical attained criticality on a 100 kW nuclearresearch reactor at the Midland facility, primarily as a neutron source and to irradiate samples.[102] The reactor continues to operate as of 2023.[103]
In 1968,Consumers Power (now Consumers Energy) began construction of anuclear power plant in Midland, primarily forDow Chemical Company. The project's budget was $257 million, with completion anticipated in 1972. Extreme construction problems caused years of delays and costs soared. TheThree Mile Island accident in 1979 resulted in a massive change in nuclear regulatory requirements and system redesign. When it was revealed that the containment buildings were settling and foundation cracks were discovered, Dow canceled their contract with Consumers Power, and the project was abandoned in 1984. The $4.1 billion investment nearly bankrupted Consumers Power. However, in 1985, Consumers Power formed a partnership with eight other companies to convert Midland's abandoned nuclear plant into agas-fired power plant. Transformation of the plant began in 1986 and was completed at a cost of $500 million. TheMidland Cogeneration Venture began producing power in 1991 and that success restored faith in Consumers Power.[104][105] The facility now produces 10% of the power consumption for the lower peninsula of Michigan.[106]
The predominant provider of electricity and natural gas in Midland County is Consumers Energy.[107]
The city of Midland provides sewer and water service to city residents and certain adjoining townships.Due to brackish water in the aquifers, a 65-mile-long (105 km), 72-inch-diameter (180 cm) underground pipeline and intake structure one mile (1.6 km) offshore was constructed in 1948 to supply water fromLake Huron at White Stone Point, north ofAu Gres to water treatment plants in Saginaw and Midland.[108] A second 66-inch-diameter (170 cm) underground pipeline and intake structure two miles (3.2 km) offshore were added by 1996. Together they provide 230 million US gallons (870 million litres) per day. The intakes have screens to eliminate fish and debris, and chlorine is added to kill zebra mussels and bacteria. The Saginaw-Midland Municipal Water Supply Corporation (SMMWSC) operates the pumping system which is owned by the cities of Saginaw and Midland.[108]
Midland's water plant adds chemicals to disinfect and further purify it. The water is tested continuously to meet federal and state standards. The potable water is pumped to water towers and underground facilities for storage until demand requires it. The city is capable of delivering up to 48 million US gallons (180 million litres) each day. There is also a 110 million US gallons (420 million litres) open reservoir on the north side of town for use in an emergency or "flow equalization".[108]
The City of Midland, adopted a policy of "No Annexation, No Water" which has led to the growth of the city as well as the surrounding areas.[109]In unincorporated areas without municipal water, private wells and septic systems are required.[110]
The City of Midland, Michigan operates a waste disposal site and landfill for residents and businesses of Midland County. Hazardous waste is accepted quarterly by appointment.[111] City residents have weekly collection of yard waste and household garbage. There is monthly collection of recyclables, large heavy items and brush.[112] Some Midland townships may offer garbage services, but all county residents may dispose of 3 cubic yards (2.3 m3) once a month without charge at the landfill.[111]
Spectrum,AT&T and Eaglenet Services are the primary suppliers of cable/internet services. Most unincorporated areas must rely on satellite service fromViasat orHughesnet.[113]
The dominant comprehensive provider of medical care in Midland County is the non-profitMyMichigan Medical Center Midland, affiliated with theUniversity of Michigan and including a 324-bed hospital.[114] Several other entities provide urgent care and family medicine including Pro-Health Urgent Care of Midland, New Hope Urgent Care of Midland and Midland Express Urgent and Family Care.[115]
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