Kalamazoo County

Kalamazoo County is a county located in the state of Michigan, bordered by Van Buren County to the west, Allegan County to the north, Barry County to the northeast, Calhoun County to the east, and St. Joseph County to the south. The county seat is Kalamazoo, which is also the largest city in the county and home to Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The county is part of the Kalamazoo-Portage Metropolitan Area and is situated near Lake Michigan, with the Kalamazoo River flowing through it. The area is also close to the Indiana Toll Road and Interstate 94.

Geography

Kalamazoo County is located in the southwestern part of Michigan, with a total area of 580 square miles, of which 563 square miles is land and 17 square miles is water. The county is bordered by Van Buren County to the west, Allegan County to the north, Barry County to the northeast, Calhoun County to the east, and St. Joseph County to the south. The Kalamazoo River flows through the county and empties into Lake Michigan, which is located to the west of the county. The county is also home to several parks and nature reserves, including the Markin Glen County Park and the Al Sabo Preserve, which are managed by the Kalamazoo County Parks Department and the Kalamazoo Nature Center. The area is also close to the Fort Custer Recreation Area and the Coldwater Lake.

History

Kalamazoo County was founded in 1829 and was named after the Kalamazoo River, which was named after the Ottawa word "Kikalamazoo", meaning "otter tail". The county was originally inhabited by the Potawatomi and Ottawa tribes, who were later forcibly removed by the United States government through the Indian Removal Act and the Treaty of Chicago. The area was then settled by European-Americans, who established the city of Kalamazoo as the county seat. The county played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, with many abolitionists, including Sojourner Truth and Frederick Douglass, passing through the area. The county is also home to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum, which showcases the history of the area, and the Fort Custer military base, which was established during World War I and is now a National Guard training facility.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Kalamazoo County was 261,933, with a population density of 465 people per square mile. The county is home to a diverse population, with a mix of European-American, African American, Asian American, and Hispanic residents. The county is also home to a large student population, with Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College located in the city of Kalamazoo. The median household income in the county is around $50,000, with a per capita income of around $25,000. The county is also home to several major employers, including Stryker Corporation, Pfizer, and BorgWarner. The area is also close to the Battle Creek area, which is home to the Kellogg Company and the Post Holdings.

Government

Kalamazoo County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is composed of 11 members elected by district. The county is also home to several municipalities, including the city of Kalamazoo, which is the county seat, and the cities of Portage and Parchment. The county is part of the Michigan 6th congressional district and is represented in the United States House of Representatives by Debbie Dingell. The county is also part of the Michigan Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives, with several representatives from the area, including Margaret O'Brien and Brandt Iden. The area is also close to the Lansing area, which is home to the Michigan State Capitol and the Michigan Supreme Court.

Economy

The economy of Kalamazoo County is diverse, with a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, and education industries. The county is home to several major employers, including Stryker Corporation, Pfizer, and BorgWarner, which are all located in the city of Kalamazoo. The county is also home to a growing technology sector, with several startups and entrepreneurs located in the area. The county is also part of the Southwest Michigan region, which is home to a diverse range of industries, including agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. The area is also close to the Chicago area, which is a major hub for trade and commerce. The county is also home to the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, which provides access to several major airlines, including Delta Air Lines and American Airlines.

Education

Kalamazoo County is home to a diverse range of educational institutions, including Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo College, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College. The county is also home to several public school districts, including the Kalamazoo Public Schools and the Portage Public Schools. The county is also part of the Michigan Department of Education and is served by the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency. The area is also close to the University of Michigan and Michigan State University, which are both located in the state of Michigan. The county is also home to the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, which provides art and music education to the community. The area is also home to the Air Zoo, which provides science and technology education to the community. Category:Michigan counties