Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan

Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan
Name	Bloomfield Township
Settlement type	Charter township
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	United States
Subdivision type1	U.S. state
Subdivision name1	Michigan
Subdivision type2	County
Subdivision name2	Oakland
Leader title	Supervisor
Leader name	Dani Walsh
Area total sq mi	25.3
Population as of	2020
Population total	44,253
Population density sq mi	auto
Timezone	Eastern (EST)
Utc offset	-5
Timezone DST	EDT
Utc offset DST	-4
Coordinates	42, 35, 02, N...
Website	https://www.bloomfieldtwp.org/

Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, Michigan is a charter township located within the Detroit metropolitan area. It is an affluent suburban community known for its extensive park system, high-quality public services, and significant residential estates. The township is governed by an elected Board of Trustees and is distinct from the adjacent city of Bloomfield Hills.

History

The area was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi people before European settlement accelerated following the Treaty of Detroit (1807). Organized in 1820, it was one of the original townships of Oakland County, named for the abundant floral landscapes noted by early surveyors. The community's development was shaped by the arrival of the Detroit and Pontiac Railroad in the 1830s, facilitating agricultural growth. Throughout the 20th century, particularly after World War II, it transformed from a rural area into a premier residential suburb, attracting executives from the Big Three automakers and other major industries. Key historical structures include the original library and several properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 25.3 square miles, of which 24.2 square miles is land and 1.1 square miles is water. It is bordered by West Bloomfield Township to the north, Auburn Hills to the northeast, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham to the east, and Southfield to the south. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills, numerous lakes including Square Lake and Upper Long Lake, and the Rouge River watershed. A significant portion of land is dedicated to the Bloomfield Open Hunt Club and the Cranbrook Educational Community campus.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population was 44,253. The township is characterized by high levels of educational attainment and household income, consistently ranking among the wealthiest communities in Michigan. The racial makeup is predominantly White, with growing Asian American and multiracial populations. The Census data indicates a high concentration of professionals in fields such as management, finance, and law, with many residents employed in Detroit and throughout Oakland County.

Government

Bloomfield Township operates under the Michigan Charter Township Act as a charter township, providing it with expanded powers. The government consists of an elected Township Supervisor, Township Clerk, Township Treasurer, and a four-member Board of Trustees. Key departments include the Bloomfield Township Police Department and the Bloomfield Township Fire Department. The township also maintains a strong Parks and Recreation commission, overseeing an extensive network of public spaces. It participates in regional services through the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner and the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation.

Economy

The local economy is primarily residential and service-oriented, with a significant commercial base along major corridors like Telegraph Road and Maple Road. There are no large-scale industrial operations; instead, the business landscape features corporate offices, medical facilities affiliated with the Beaumont Health system, high-end retail, and professional services. The presence of the Bloomfield Town Center and the Birmingham retail district nearby supports local commerce. Many residents are executives or professionals connected to the global automotive industry, financial firms like Comerica Bank, and cultural institutions such as the Detroit Institute of Arts.

Education

Public education is provided by the Bloomfield Hills Schools district, which operates renowned institutions like Bloomfield Hills High School and the International Academy. The district is known for its advanced academic programs and facilities. The township is also home to parts of the prestigious Cranbrook Educational Community, which includes Cranbrook Schools, the Cranbrook Academy of Art, and the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Higher education opportunities are accessible at nearby Oakland University and University of Michigan–Dearborn. The Bloomfield Township Public Library operates a main branch and is part of the Library Network Consortium.

Notable people

Many prominent individuals in business, sports, and the arts have resided in the township. This includes former General Motors chairman Roger Smith, philanthropist and Kresge heiress Matilda Dodge Wilson, and hockey legend Gordie Howe. Other notable residents have included automotive executive John DeLorean, musician Bob Seger, and former University of Michigan football coach Bo Schembechler. The community has also been home to several U.S. Congressmen and justices of the Michigan Supreme Court.

Category:Charter townships in Michigan Category:Townships in Oakland County, Michigan Category:Detroit metropolitan area