Roscommon County, Michigan Totally Explained

Everything about Roscommon County Michigan totally explained

Roscommon County is a county in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the population was 25,469. The county seat is Roscommon.

History

It was originally set off from Mackinac County and some undesignated territory in 1840 as Mikenauk County. In 1843, it was renamed Roscommon County after County Roscommon, Ireland.
There are three official Michigan historical markers in the county. They are:
- Gerrish
- Pioneer House
- Terney House

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 580 square miles (1,502 km²), of which, 521 square miles (1,350 km²) of it's land and 58 square miles (151 km²) of it (10.08%) is water.

Roscommon County is considered to be part of Northern Michigan

Recommon County is part of the Au Sable State Forest including

Roscommon FMU (Ogemaw and Roscommon counties).

Geographic features

Au Sable River (Michigan)

Higgins Lake

Houghton Lake

Lake St. Helen Glaciers shaped the area. A large portion of the area is the so-called Grayling outwash plain, which consists of broad outwash plain including sandy ice-disintegration ridges; jack pine barrens, some white pine-red pine forest, and northern hardwood forest. Large lakes were created by glacial action.

Major highways

Interstate Highways

I-75

I-75 Business Loop serves the city of Roscommon.

US Highways

US 127

Michigan Highways

M-18

M-55

M-157

Roscommon County Highways

F-18

F-28

F-97

Adjacent counties

Oscoda County, Michigan - (northeast corner)

Crawford County, Michigan - (north)

Kalkaska County, Michigan - (northwest corner)

Ogemaw County, Michigan - (east)

Missaukee County, Michigan - (west)

Gladwin County, Michigan - (southeast)

Clare County, Michigan - (southwest)

Local attractions and activities

The community is centered in the area of two very large lakes, in the middle of large state forests. Wildlife are nearby, including bear, deer, eagles, Kirtland's Warblers, and turkeys. Local attractions and activities include:

Birding

Bluegill Festival each summer in St. Helen.

Boating, Paddling (canoe and kayak)

Fishing, particularly trout fishing.

Hiking

Hunting

Kirtland Warbler Habitat and Festival is to the north, a must for avid bird-watchers.

Michigan Shore-to-Shore Trail passes through the area. It runs from Empire to Oscoda, but also to points north and south. It is a 500 mile interconnected system of trails.

Nordic skiing

ORV and groomed snowmobile trails.

Sailing

Tip-up-town winter festival, Houghton Lake last two weekends in January.

Cities, villages, townships and unincorporated communities

Houghton Lake CDP

Houghton Lake Heights

Prudenville

Roscommon, Village

St. Helen

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 25,469 people, 11,250 households, and 7,616 families residing in the county. The population density was 49 people per square mile (19/km²). There were 23,109 housing units at an average density of 44 per square mile (17/km²). The racial makeup of the county was 97.99% White, 0.32% Black or African American, 0.64% Native American, 0.19% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.10% from other races, and 0.72% from two or more races. 0.80% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 24.4% were of German, 12.7% English, 9.9% Irish, 9.2% Polish, 9.2% American and 6.7% French ancestry according to Census 2000. 97.2% spoke English as their first language.
   There were 11,250 households out of which 21.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.70% were married couples living together, 7.70% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.30% were non-families. 28.10% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.00% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.69.
   In the county the population was spread out with 20.00% under the age of 18, 5.50% from 18 to 24, 21.40% from 25 to 44, 29.30% from 45 to 64, and 23.80% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females there were 96.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.30 males.
   The median income for a household in the county was $30,029, and the median income for a family was $35,757. Males had a median income of $31,878 versus $20,549 for females. The per capita income for the county was $17,837. About 8.60% of families and 12.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 18.90% of those under age 18 and 6.50% of those age 65 or over.

Government

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.

Roscommon County elected officials

Prosecuting Attorney: Mark Jernigan

Sheriff: Francis Staley

County Clerk/Register of Deeds: Ann M. Bonk

County Treasurer: Julie Dworzynski

Drain Commissioner: Sheridan Cole

Other affiliations

It is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord. (information as of September 2005)Further Information

Get more info on 'Roscommon County Michigan'.

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