Lapeer County

county

Lapeer County, Michigan

Overview

Geography

Region: Mid Michigan/The Thumb
Total Area: 663 sq mi
Land Area: 643 sq mi
Water Area: 20 sq mi
Latitude: 43.09
Longitude: -83.22
Climate: Humid continental climate with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. Average temperature ranges from 14°F in winter to 83°F in summer.
Notable Features: Flint River headwaters · Rural landscape
Neighboring Areas: Sanilac County (northeast) · Tuscola County (northwest) · St. Clair County (east) · Genesee County (west) · Macomb County (southeast) · Oakland County (southwest)

Demographics

Population (2020): 88,619
Est. Population (2026): 89,384
Median Age: 44.6
Median Income: $77,306
Poverty Rate: 9.71%
Racial & Ethnic Composition: 90.88% White, 1.04% Black or African American, 0.37% Native American, 0.29% Asian, 5.66% Two or more races, 1.77% Other Race

Governance

Economy

Unemployment Rate: 5.5%
Employment Sectors: Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
Major Employers: General Motors Technical Center · Huron Valley Steel Corporation

Education

School Districts: Almont Community Schools · Dryden Community Schools · Imlay City Schools · Lapeer Community Schools · North Branch Area Schools

Infrastructure

Transportation: I-69 (east and west) · M-24 (north and south) · M-53 (north and south) · M-90 (east and west)
Major Facilities: McLaren-Lapeer Region Hospital · Lapeer County Historic Courthouse

Recreation

Outdoor Access: Yes
Major Recreation Areas: General Squier Memorial Park · Holloway Reservoir · Rose Oaks Equine Park

History

Founded: 1822
Incorporated: 1835
Named After: Corruption of the French 'la pierre,' meaning 'the stone'
Historical Significance: Oldest continuously running courthouse in Michigan
Key Events: County boundaries set in 1822 · First elections in 1837 · Lumber industry boom in the 1800s