Iosco County

Iosco County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan, bordered by Lake Huron to the east, Alcona County to the north, Ogemaw County to the west, and Arenac County to the south. The county seat is Tawas City, which is situated on the shores of Tawas Bay. Iosco County is part of the Saginaw, Michigan Metropolitan Statistical Area and is home to several notable attractions, including the Tawas Point State Park and the Au Sable State Forest. The county is also close to the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

Geography

Iosco County covers a total area of 1,890 square miles, with 363 square miles of water, and is bordered by several notable geographic features, including the Au Sable River, the Pine River (Michigan), and the Tawas River. The county's terrain is characterized by a mix of forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, with several notable parks and recreation areas, including the Huron National Forest, the Huron-Manistee National Forests, and the Tawas Point Lighthouse. The county is also home to several islands, including Charity Island and North Island (Michigan), which are part of the Saginaw Bay and are known for their natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Nearby cities include Saginaw, Michigan, Bay City, Michigan, and Midland, Michigan, which offer a range of cultural and economic attractions, including the Saginaw Art Museum, the Bay City State Recreation Area, and the Dow Gardens.

History

Iosco County was established in 1840 and was named after the Ojibwe word "Iosco," which means "waterfall" or "river mouth." The county has a rich history, with several notable events and figures, including the Treaty of Saginaw and the Treaty of Detroit, which were signed by the United States government and the Ojibwe Nation. The county was also home to several notable settlers, including Stephen Mack, who founded the city of Tawas City, and Henry Schoolcraft, who was a prominent explorer and ethnologist. The county's history is also closely tied to the Saginaw Trail, which was an important route for trade and commerce, and the Mackinac Island, which was a key location for the American Fur Company and the Hudson's Bay Company.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Iosco County had a population of 25,127, with a median age of 54.2 and a median household income of $43,419. The county's population is predominantly White American, with smaller populations of Native American, African American, and Asian American residents. The county is also home to several notable institutions, including the Iosco County Medical Care Facility, the Tawas City Schools, and the Alcona Community Schools, which serve the surrounding areas, including Alcona County, Ogemaw County, and Arenac County. Nearby universities include Central Michigan University, Saginaw Valley State University, and Northwood University, which offer a range of academic programs and research opportunities.

Communities

Iosco County is home to several communities, including the city of Tawas City, which is the county seat, and the villages of East Tawas and Whittemore. The county is also home to several townships, including Burdell Township, Grant Township (Iosco County), and Plainfield Township (Iosco County), which offer a range of services and amenities, including the Iosco County Airport and the Tawas Bay. Nearby cities include Oscoda, Michigan, Standish, Michigan, and West Branch, Michigan, which offer a range of cultural and economic attractions, including the Oscoda County Historical Society Museum, the Standish Historical Depot Museum, and the West Branch Country Club.

Government

Iosco County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget, infrastructure, and services. The county is also home to several notable government institutions, including the Iosco County Courthouse, the Iosco County Sheriff's Office, and the Tawas City Police Department, which serve the surrounding areas, including Alcona County, Ogemaw County, and Arenac County. The county is part of the Michigan 1st congressional district and is represented by Jack Bergman in the United States House of Representatives. Nearby government institutions include the Saginaw City Hall, the Bay City Hall, and the Midland City Hall, which offer a range of services and amenities.

Economy

Iosco County's economy is driven by a mix of industries, including tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The county is home to several notable employers, including the Tawas City Schools, the Iosco County Medical Care Facility, and the Weyerhaeuser Company, which offer a range of job opportunities and economic benefits. The county is also close to several major transportation routes, including Interstate 75 and US Highway 23, which provide access to nearby cities, including Saginaw, Michigan, Bay City, Michigan, and Midland, Michigan. The county's natural resources, including the Au Sable River and the Tawas Bay, also support a range of recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hiking, which attract tourists and support local businesses, including the Tawas Point State Park and the Au Sable State Forest. Nearby attractions include the Saginaw Bay, the Lake Huron, and the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge, which offer a range of cultural and economic benefits.