Missaukee County
countyMissaukee County, located in the northern portion of Michigan's lower peninsula, is a rural area characterized by forests, farmland, lakes, and rivers. As of 2020, the population was 15,052, and estimated to be 15,239 in 2024. The county seat is Lake City, which lies on the shores of Lake Missaukee. The county is known for its tourism, Christmas tree farms, and agriculture. The economy of Missaukee County is supported by agriculture, particularly dairy, livestock, and crop farming, as well as Christmas tree production. Tourism is also a significant contributor, with many lakes and rivers attracting visitors for recreation. Major employment sectors include manufacturing, healthcare, social assistance, and construction. Missaukee County offers a blend of natural beauty and a relaxed, rural lifestyle. The area is a popular destination for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling. The county was established in 1840 and organized in 1871, named either after Ottawa Chief Nesaukee or the Ottawa word 'misizaagii' meaning large mouth of the river.
Missaukee County, Michigan
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 26113
- Country
- United States
- County
- Missaukee County
- Region
- Northern Michigan
- Total Area
- 574 sq mi
- Land Area
- 565 sq mi
- Water Area
- 9.1 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.34
- Longitude
- -85.1
- Climate
- Typically long winters with an average of over 200 days with freezing temperatures or below, and 25 days per year with temperatures below 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Notable Features
- Lake Missaukee · Muskegon River · Clam River · 33 natural freshwater lakes
- Neighboring Areas
- Kalkaska County · Crawford County · Roscommon County · Clare County · Osceola County · Wexford County · Grand Traverse County
- Population (2020)
- 15,052
- Est. Population (2024)
- 15,239
- Median Age
- 42.7
- Median Income
- $61,868
- Poverty Rate
- 10.8%
- Family Households
- 70.5%
- Owner-Occupied
- 83.7%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 91.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 2.26% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.79% Two Races Including Other (Non-Hispanic), 1.36% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), and 1.06% White (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- General Law County
- Governing Body
- County Board of Commissioners
- School District
- Lake City Area School District, McBain Rural Agricultural Schools
- Unemployment Rate
- 5.2%
- Economic Profile
- Tourism · Agriculture · Christmas Tree Farming
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Construction
- School Districts
- Lake City Area School District · McBain Rural Agricultural Schools
- Transportation
- M-42 · M-55 · M-66
- Major Facilities
- Lake City Research Center
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Missaukee · Crooked Lake · Ben D. Jeffs River Park
- Parks & Trails
- Missaukee Lake Park · Crooked Lake Park · Hiking Trails
- Founded
- 1840
- Incorporated
- 1871
- Named After
- Ottawa chief, Nesaukee, or 'large mouth of the river'
- Historical Significance
- Thrived during the lumber days until 1895, known as Michigan’s headquarters for Christmas trees.
- Key Events
- Partitioned from Mackinac County in 1840 · Attached to Grand Traverse County in 1851 · Attached to Manistee County in 1855 · Attached to Wexford County in 1869 · Organized in 1871