Oceana County, Michigan

Oceana County, Michigan is a county located in the western part of the United States, in the state of Michigan, bordering Lake Michigan to the west and Mason County, Michigan to the north. The county is part of the Holland-Grand Haven, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area and is situated near the Manistee National Forest. Oceana County is also close to the Pere Marquette River, which flows into Lake Michigan and is known for its salmon and trout fishing. The county is named after the Ocean, which is reflected in its name, and is home to several Michigan State University extension offices.

Geography

Oceana County is located in the western part of Michigan, bordering Lake Michigan to the west and Mason County, Michigan to the north, and is part of the West Michigan region. The county is situated near the Pere Marquette River, which flows into Lake Michigan and is known for its salmon and trout fishing, and is also close to the Manistee National Forest, which is managed by the United States Forest Service. The county's geography is characterized by its proximity to Lake Michigan, with several beaches and parks along the lake's shoreline, including the Ludington State Game Area and the Stony Lake Township Park. Oceana County is also home to several wetlands, including the Pere Marquette Wetlands, which are protected by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy.

History

Oceana County was founded in 1840 and was named after the Ocean, which is reflected in its name. The county was originally part of Mason County, Michigan but was separated and established as a separate county in 1855. The county's history is closely tied to the logging and fishing industries, with several sawmills and fishing villages established along the Pere Marquette River and Lake Michigan. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the Hart Historic District and the Shelby Historic District, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Oceana County is also close to the USS Silversides Submarine Museum, which is located in Muskegon, Michigan and showcases the USS Silversides (SS-236).

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Oceana County was approximately 26,659 people, with a population density of 54.6 people per square mile. The county's demographics are characterized by a mix of rural and urban areas, with several townships and villages throughout the county. The county is also home to several school districts, including the Hart Public Schools and the Shelby Public Schools, which are part of the West Michigan educational region. Oceana County is also close to several colleges and universities, including Western Michigan University and Grand Valley State University.

Communities

Oceana County is home to several townships and villages, including Hart, Michigan, Shelby, Michigan, and Pentwater, Michigan. The county is also home to several unincorporated communities, including New Era, Michigan and Rothbury, Michigan. The county's communities are characterized by a mix of agricultural and tourist-based economies, with several farms and orchards throughout the county. Oceana County is also close to several regional attractions, including the Silver Lake State Park and the Michigan's Adventure amusement park.

Economy

The economy of Oceana County is characterized by a mix of agricultural, tourist, and manufacturing-based industries. The county is home to several farms and orchards, including apple and cherry farms, which are supported by the Michigan State University extension offices. The county is also home to several tourist attractions, including the Pere Marquette River and Lake Michigan, which attract visitors from throughout the Midwest. Oceana County is also close to several major employers, including the Whirlpool Corporation and the General Motors manufacturing plant in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

Government

Oceana County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget and policies. The county is also home to several township governments, including the Hart Township, Michigan and the Shelby Township, Michigan, which provide local services to residents. Oceana County is also part of the 10th Congressional District of Michigan and is represented in the Michigan State Senate by the 32nd district. The county is also close to several regional government agencies, including the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission and the Michigan Department of Transportation. Category:Counties in Michigan