Otsego County
countyOtsego County is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. As of the 2020 census, the population was 25,091. The county seat is Gaylord. Otsego County is known for its natural beauty, offering a mix of forests, lakes, and rivers, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The county's economy is diverse, with key industries including retail trade, healthcare and social assistance, and manufacturing. Tourism also plays a significant role, drawing visitors with attractions like championship golf courses and pristine natural areas. Several institutions provide employment and services to the community, contributing to the overall economic stability of the region. Otsego County's history is rooted in the lumbering era, with early settlements established in the late 19th century. The county was originally named Okkuddo, meaning "sickly water," but was later changed to Otsego, possibly meaning "place of the rock" or "clear water". Today, Otsego County offers a blend of rural character and modern amenities, making it an attractive place to live and visit.
Otsego County, Michigan
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 26137
- Country
- United States
- County
- Otsego County
- Region
- Northern Michigan
- Total Area
- 526 sq mi
- Land Area
- 515 sq mi
- Water Area
- 11 sq mi
- Latitude
- 45.02
- Longitude
- -84.61
- Notable Features
- Otsego Lake · Au Sable River · More than 370 lakes
- Neighboring Areas
- Antrim County, MI · Charlevoix County, MI · Cheboygan County, MI · Crawford County, MI · Kalkaska County, MI · Montmorency County, MI · Oscoda County, MI
- Population (2020)
- 25,091
- Est. Population (2024)
- 26,083
- Median Age
- 44.5
- Median Income
- $67,285
- Poverty Rate
- 8.03%
- Owner-Occupied
- 78%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- 93.4% White (Non-Hispanic), 2.26% Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic), 1.24% Two Races Including Other (Hispanic), 0.801% Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
- Schools
- 9
- Students
- 3,527
- School Districts
- Gaylord Community Schools · Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools · Vanderbilt Area School
- Colleges & Universities
- Alpena Community College · Davenport College Gaylord Campus · Kirtland Community College · Spring Arbor University · University Center at Gaylord
- Transportation
- Interstates can be accessed within the community · Rail service · Gaylord Regional Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water · Fiber/broadband
- Major Facilities
- Otsego County Sportsplex · Otsego County Community Center · Otsego County Courthouse
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Otsego Lake County Park · Iron Belle Trail · Pigeon River Country State Forest
- Parks & Trails
- Community Dog Park & Pontresina Park · Irontone Springs Roadside Park · Libke Fields
- Founded
- 1840
- Incorporated
- 1875
- Named After
- Possibly Otsego County, New York, from a Mohawk or Oneida word meaning 'place of the rock'
- Historical Significance
- Early settlement driven by lumbering industry; later diversified into agriculture and tourism
- Key Events
- County created as Okkuddo County in 1840 · Name changed to Otsego County in 1843 · County organized in 1875