Congressional district 2nd Website www.co.oceana.mi.us Population 26,245 (2013) Largest city Hart | Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4 Area 3,385 km² County seat Hart | |
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Founded 1840 (created)
1855 (organized) Rivers White River, Ruby Creek, Carlton Creek, Freeman Creek Points of interest Lake Michigan, Mears State Park, Mac Wood's Dune Rid, Silver Lake State Park, Craig's Cruisers Destinations Pentwater, Silver Lake State Park, New Era, Hart, Mears | ||
Oceana County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 26,570. The county seat is Hart. Long known as part of the large Ojibwe territory, the county was founded by European Americans in 1840 and organized in 1855.
Contents
- Map of Oceana County MI USA
- History
- Geography
- Adjacent counties
- National protected area
- Major highways
- Demographics
- Religion
- Tourism
- Government
- Elected officials
- Education
- City
- Villages
- Unincorporated communities
- References
Map of Oceana County, MI, USA
Settlers were attracted by access along the White River, which reaches its mouth on Lake Michigan in Muskegon County to the south. Oceana County is thought to be named for Lake Michigan, a freshwater "ocean," which forms its western border. Clarke said it was named for the book Oceana, written by English author James Harrington in 1656.
Oceana County is famous as the "Asparagus Capital of the World" for its high production of asparagus. The annual Asparagus Festival includes a parade and crowning of the Asparagus Queen.
History
In the 1850s about 1400 Odawa were relocated here from Ionia County, Michigan by the federal government.
The county economy was first built on the lumber trade, with logs floated downriver. It later was developed for agriculture. In the 21st century, it is known for its commodity crop of asparagus.
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,306 square miles (3,380 km2), of which 512 square miles (1,330 km2) is land and 794 square miles (2,060 km2) (61%) is water. The county is considered to be part of West Michigan. The county's western border is formed by Lake Michigan.
Adjacent counties
National protected area
Major highways
Bus. US 31
Bus. US 31
Demographics
This rural county reached a peak of population in 2000. It has attracted Hispanic or Latino immigrants who mostly work as farm laborers; in 2010 nearly 14% of the population was Hispanic.
The 2010 United States Census indicates Oceana County had a 2010 population of 26,570. This is a decrease of -303 people from the 2000 United States Census. Overall, the county had a -1.1% growth rate during this ten-year period. In 2010 there were 10,174 households and 7,239 families in the county. The population density was 51.9 per square mile (20.0 square kilometers). There were 15,944 housing units at an average density of 31.1 per square mile (12.0 square kilometers). The racial and ethnic makeup of the county was 83.7% White, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.8% Native American, 0.2% Asian, 13.7% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% from other races, and 1.2% from two or more races.
There were 10,174 households out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.6% were husband and wife families, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 28.8% were non-families, and 24.6% were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.04.
In the county, the population was spread out with 24.9% under age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 21.5% from 25 to 44, 29.0% from 45 to 64, and 17.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females there were 100.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 99.3 males.
The 2010 American Community Survey 3-year estimate indicates the median income for a household in the county was $39,043 and the median income for a family was $46,816. Males had a median income of $21,774 versus $14,186 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,065. About 1.9% of families and 19.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 30.4% of those under the age 18 and 11.3% of those age 65 or over.
Religion
Oceana County is part of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids. Its Christian churchgoers include numerous Protestants of various denominations.
Tourism
Since 2008, Oceana County has been welcoming thousands of tourists from throughout the world that attend the Electric Forest Festival (formerly the Rothbury Music Festival) in Rothbury, Michigan.
Camping is a very popular summer activity in Oceana County, and is also a big draw for tourists. Areas on the lakeshore such as Silver Lake, Pentwater, and Stony Lake are popular areas for tourists to camp, swim, fish, hike, boat, and picnic.
Government
The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances. In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc. — are the responsibility of individual cities and townships.
Elected officials
(information as of January 2015)
Education
Public schools in Oceana County:
Private schools in Oceana County: