Au Sable
cityAu Sable is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) located in Iosco County, Michigan, nestled within Au Sable Township at the mouth of the Au Sable River where it meets Lake Huron. As of the 2020 census, the population of the CDP was 1,453. The community offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance, making it a unique place to live and visit. Historically, Au Sable was a booming lumber town in the late 19th century, but a devastating fire in 1911 led to its decline. Today, the area's economy is supported by light manufacturing, retail trade, forest products, and recreation. The Au Sable River is a major attraction, offering opportunities for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Au Sable is distinctive for its rich history tied to the lumber industry and its stunning natural setting along the Au Sable River and Lake Huron. The area provides access to vast public lands, diverse wildlife, and scenic beauty, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Au Sable River itself is a renowned trout stream and a designated National Wild and Scenic River, further enhancing the area's appeal.
Au Sable, Michigan
- Classification
- Unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP)
- FIPS Code
- 26-04280
- Country
- United States
- County
- Iosco County
- Region
- Northeastern Michigan, along Lake Huron
- Elevation
- 592 ft
- Total Area
- 2.13 sq mi
- Land Area
- 2.1 sq mi
- Water Area
- 0.03 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.41083
- Longitude
- -83.33222
- Climate
- The Au Sable area experiences a typical Midwestern climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. It is influenced by its proximity to Lake Huron.
- Notable Features
- Au Sable River · Lake Huron
- Neighboring Areas
- Oscoda · Au Sable Township
- Population (2020)
- 1,453
- Est. Population (2024)
- 1,643
- Median Age
- 53
- Median Income
- $42,431
- Poverty Rate
- 13.45%
- Family Households
- 55%
- Owner-Occupied
- 92%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of Au Sable is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of Asian, Black or African American, and multiracial populations.
- Government Type
- Unincorporated community within a township
- Governing Body
- Au Sable Township Board
- School District
- Oscoda Area Schools
- Municipal Services
- Fire Department · Water and Sewer Services (provided by Au Sable Township) · Cemetery















- Economic Profile
- Residential · Recreational/Tourism
- Employment Sectors
- Light Manufacturing · Retail Trade · Forest Products · Recreation/Tourism
- School Districts
- Oscoda Area Schools
- Transportation
- US-23 · Local roads · Access to Oscoda Airport
- Utilities
- Municipal water (provided by Au Sable Township) · Sewer system (provided by Au Sable Township) · Power · Broadband
- Major Facilities
- Au Sable Harbor
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Au Sable River · Lake Huron · Huron-Manistee National Forest
- Parks & Trails
- Au Sable River Trail · Highbanks Trail · Wolf Creek Trail
- Founded
- 1848
- Incorporated
- 1872 (village), 1889 (city)
- Named After
- Au Sable River
- Historical Significance
- Au Sable was once a thriving lumber town and the largest city in Iosco County, but it declined after a major fire in 1911 and disincorporated in 1931.
- Key Events
- Settled in 1848 by Curtis Emerson and James Eldridge · Platted in 1849 · Incorporated as a village in 1872 · Incorporated as a city in 1889 · Devastated by fire in 1911
