The focus of this guide is on the eighty-three counties in Michigan.
Wayne County, the first to be established, was created by the acting governor of the Michigan Territory in 1796. At that time, Wayne County consisted of all of what later became the state of Michigan and parts of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Of course, it's not nearly so large today.
By 1830, there were twelve counties in Michigan, and most of the Lower Peninsula counties were established by 1852. The last of the state's current counties was organized in 1891.
Michigan county governments are divisions of the state government, extending some of the powers of the state throughout its boundaries. For example, county prosecutors enforce state criminal laws, county registrars maintain land records and other property-related documents, and clerks organize and administer elections for both state and county offices. Counties also manage programs to benefit the local population, such as the creation and maintenance of county parks and recreation facilities and programs, county water and sewer systems, and humanitarian aid services.
While counties act as agents of the state, they are separate governmental bodies with their own legal identity, retaining the right to enter into contracts, hold property, borrow money, and to conduct county affairs.
The legislative body for each county is the county board, which may consist of no fewer than five and no more than twenty-one board members, the number determined by the population of the county. County boards have the responsibility of setting a budget, passing county ordinances, setting policies, and providing legislative oversight and constituent services. Unless specifically stated in state statute, county boards do not have police powers.
In Michigan, sheriffs are constitutionally mandated, elected county officials who have law enforcement authority throughout their respective counties, as well as judicial-process, court-protection, and jail-operation powers. Generally, they patrol areas of the county that are not covered by municipal police services, but they are free to patrol anywhere in the county, including cities, villages, and charter townships that have their own police services. Some municipalities contract with the sheriff's department for dedicated police services.
County boards are required to meet at least four times a year, although they may schedule more frequent meetings.
Although county boards appropriate funding for the budgets of lower-level courts and many judges maintain offices and courtrooms in county buildings, the two entities mostly operate independently.
This category is focused on Michigan counties. Where the number of websites for any individual county warrants it, subcategories may be created.
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Created by the Legislature in 1840, Alcona County was originally known as Negwegon County, taking its current name in 1843. Located in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, the county includes thirty-six miles of coastline along Lake Huron, while much of its land area remains forested, partly within the Au Sable State Forest. The county seat is Harrisville, and the village of Lincoln and several civil townships, census-designated places, and unincorporated communities are within its boundaries.
https://alconacountymi.com/
Detached from Schoolcraft County in 1885, Alger County is in the Upper Peninsula, bordering Lake Superior. Its county seat is Munising. The official county website lists courthouse offices and court contacts, including telephone numbers and email addresses. County departments are highlighted, members and staff are identified, along with minutes, policies, procedures, and other information. Other resources include a history of the county and a download page.
https://www.algercounty.gov/
Containing the cities of Allegan, the county seat, as well as Douglas, Fennville, Otsego, Plainwell, Saugatuck, Wayland, and parts of Holland and South Haven, as well as the villages of Hopkins and Martin, the county was created in 1831, at which time there were only four European-American families in the area. The official county website offers a number of online services, as well as posting schedules of board meetings, minutes, and agendas, ordinances, and policies.
http://cms.allegancounty.org/
The northern Lower Peninsula county was created by the Legislature in 1840, and known as Anamickee County until 1843, but not officially organized until 1857. It is home to the city of Alpena, the county seat, a portion of the village of Hillman, and several unincorporated communities. The official county website posts information and contacts for the county’s parks and recreation department, clerk’s office, commissioners, courts, and other departments and services.
https://alpenacounty.org/
Organized in 1883, the Lower Peninsula county includes some off-reservation trust lands held for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation, which operates the Saganing Eagles Landing Casino. Online records, permit services, and various county payments may be made through the official county website. Other resources include court locations, schedules, and contacts, as well as that of various county departments and services. Cities, villages, and townships within the county are recognized.
https://www.arenaccountymi.gov/
Named for Bishop Frederic Baraga, a Catholic missionary, the Upper Peninsula county includes the L’Anse Indian Reservation, the cities of L’Anse, the county seat, as well as Baraga, and several unincorporated villages. The townships and villages within the county are highlighted on the official county website, along with the sheriff’s office, court facilities, and other county departments and services. Career opportunities are posted to the site, and a visitor’s guide is included.
https://www.baragacounty.org/
Described and delineated by the Territorial Legislature in 1829, the Lower Peninsula county was formally approved when Michigan became a state in 1839. Property searches, vital records, and online payments of various taxes and fees can be made through the official county website, which also publishes meeting schedules of county boards and commissions, agendas, packets, and minutes, along with public notices, job openings, tax rates, and a calendar of events.
https://www.barrycounty.org/
Including the cities of Auburn, Bay City, Essexville, Pinconning, and part of Midland, as well as several townships and unincorporated communities, the Lower Peninsula county was created in 1857 from portions of Midland, Saginaw, and Arenac counties. A profile of the county is presented, including its departments and divisions, courts, programs, and services. Online services include links to various county resources, a request for bids, and payment of taxes and fees.
https://www.baycounty-mi.gov/
Located in the northwestern Lower Peninsula, the county is bordered on the west by Lake Michigan. The smallest of Michigan’s counties by land area, the county was set off in 1863 and organized in 1869. Frankfort is the only incorporated city in Benzie County, whose county seat is in the village of Beulah. The official county website gives visitors access to agendas, minutes, and packets, as well as various forms, documents, and contacts. Election schedules and results are posted to the site.
http://www.benzieco.net/
Berrien County is situated in the southwestern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Its county seat is St. Joseph. The county’s official website publishes county job postings, public meeting schedules, as well as a Silver Beach webcam, a video tour book, and a venue for online payment of court fees, tax payments, and permit fees. County facility locations and governmental contacts are posted, along with a directory of programs, health care, and other services.
http://www.berriencounty.org/
Situated in the southern Lower Peninsula Branch County is the third-smallest county in the state, by area. Founded in 1829 and organized in 1833, the county was named for John Branch, the US Secretary of the Navy under President Andrew Jackson. Meeting schedules and announcements are published to the county’s official website, along with information, schedules, and contacts for county departments, courts, programs, and services, including a county directory.
https://www.countyofbranch.com/
Portions of the Battle Creek River, Kalamazoo River, and St. Joseph River are in Calhoun County, which includes four cities, five villages, and several unincorporated communities. Public records, agendas, employment postings, meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes are available through the official county website, which also features a directory of county departments and facilities, courts, the prosecutor’s office, sheriff’s department, and health facilities.
https://www.calhouncountymi.gov/
One of the first areas settled in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Cass County was created in 1829, and named for Lewis Cass, who was then the Michigan Territorial governor. The village of Cassopolis is the county seat. The official county website publishes meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes, as well as a directory of county offices and programs. A property tax search may be conducted online, and the payment of various taxes and fees may be made through the site. Announcements are posted.
https://www.casscountymi.org/
The Lower Peninsula county includes Gull, Hat, Pismire, and Shoe islands, which are part of the Beaver Island archipelago, which form the Lake Michigan portion of the Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge. The official county website lists and offers information on the cities, villages, and townships within its jurisdiction. County boards, commissions, and committees are introduced, with contacts. Other resources include bids, proposals, and items for sale.
https://www.charlevoixcounty.org/
The boundaries of the Lower Peninsula county were set off in 1840, with land partitioned from Mackinac County, and the county government was organized in 1853. Board of Commissioner’s meeting schedules, agendas, packets, and minutes are published to the site, and a directory of county departments and services is included. Other resources include property information, maps, and a guide for visitors and businesses, official notices, advertisements for bids, news, and contacts.
http://www.cheboygancounty.net/
The second-largest county in the state by land area, and the fifth-largest by total area, Chippewa County was organized in 1826. Sault Ste. Marie is the county seat. Located at the eastern end of the Upper Peninsula, the county is home to the Soo Locks. The official county website introduces county departments, courts, offices, and services offers links to various resources, and a guide to applying for various permits, licenses, and tax exemptions, as well as locating information.
https://www.chippewacountymi.gov/
Known as Kaykakee County when it was created in 1840, it was renamed a few years later, although a county government was not established until 1871. The official website for the Lower Peninsula county posts announcements, meeting schedules, and other news, including county ordinances, a county map, and employment opportunities. Other resources include a directory of county departments, programs, and services, and links to websites for local governments within the county.
http://www.clareco.net/
Situated in the lower central portion of the Lower Peninsula, Clinton County was created in 1831 and organized in 1839. It includes the county seat of St. Johns, the city of DeWitt, and parts of the cities of East Lansing, Grand Ledge, and Lansing, as well as several villages and townships. County meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes are posted on the official county website, along with a guide to county departments and services, obtaining permits and licenses.
https://www.clinton-county.org/
The Lower Peninsula county is part of the Au Sable State Forest and includes a portion of Huron National Forest. Created as Shawano County, it was renamed in 1843 for Colonel William Crawford, a Revolutionary War officer killed while fighting Native Americans in 1782. The official county website features demographic data, a directory of county departments, offices, and services, along with budget information, county meeting notices, agendas, and minutes.
https://www.crawfordco.org/
Surveyed in 1843 and organized in 1861, Delta County is located in the Upper Peninsula. The fifth-largest county in the state, by land area, it includes the cities of Escanaba and Gladstone, the village of Garden, and several civil townships and unincorporated communities. The official county website includes geographic and demographic data, land records, meeting information, and a calendar of events. Traffic fines, fees, and county taxes may be paid online, and bid opportunities are posted.
https://deltacountymi.org/
Bordering on Wisconsin to the south, the Upper Peninsula county is headquartered in Iron Mountain, the county seat. Other cities include Kingsford and Norway. Created in 1891 from parts of Marquette, Menominee, and Iron counties, it is the newest of Michigan’s counties. The official county website features county departments, agencies, and services. Meeting and election notices are posted, along with a calendar of events, a photo gallery, and various documents.
http://www.dickinsoncountymi.gov/
Formed in 1837, the Lower Peninsula county was named for John H. Eaton, Secretary of War under President Andrew Jackson. Its county seat is Charlotte. Other cities within the county include Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Olivet, Potterville, and portions of Lansing. The official county website offers news and announcements, county meeting agendas and minutes, a list of elected officials and department heads, and a guide to services and programs of the county.
http://www.eatoncounty.org/
Located at the tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Emmet County is bordered on the west by Lake Michigan, and on the north by the Straits of Mackinac. Known as Tonedagana County when it was created in 1840, it was renamed in 1843 for the Irish nationalist, Robert Emmet. A directory of county and park facilities, a recycling guide, and a database of marriage and death records are available on the official county website, along with election results.
https://www.emmetcounty.org/
Named for a county in New York, Genesee County is in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Cities within the county include the county seat of Flint, as well as Burton, Clio, Davison, Flushing, Grand Blanc, Linden, Montrose, Mount Morris, Swartz Creek, and a part of Fenton. Its official website allows for the online payment of taxes and fees, downloading various forms and documents, and land and property records, vital records, court information, and business services.
https://www.gc4me.com/
The second-smallest county in Michigan, by total area, Gladwin County is sometimes considered to be part of Central Michigan, and at other times as being in Northern Michigan. Adjacent counties include Arenac, Bay, Clare, Isabella, Midland, Ogemaw, and Roscommon. Department locations and contacts are featured, as well as commissioner meeting schedules and agendas, a calendar of events, election information and results, job opportunities, and a list of townships within the county.
https://gladwincounty-mi.gov/
Bounded by Lake Superior to the north and Wisconsin to the south, southwest, and northwest, the Upper Peninsula county is adjacent to Iron and Ontonagon counties. The county seat is Bessemer, and other cities within the county include Ironwood and Wakefield. The official county website posts meeting minutes, election information, and employment notices, as well as a guide to county government departments, agencies, and services. News and announcements are included.
https://www.gogebiccountymi.gov/
Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Separated from Mackinac County in 1840, the county was originally known as Omeena County and later renamed for its position on the Grand Traverse Bay. Besides a portion of Lake Michigan, which borders the county on the north, it includes about seventy lakes, four rivers, and forty-five creeks. County government meeting schedules and agendas are published on the official county website, which also provides access to various documents and records, maps, and other resources.
http://www.co.grand-traverse.mi.us/
Situated near the center of the Lower Peninsula, Gratiot County was acknowledged by the Territorial Legislature in 1831, although a county government was not organized until 1855. The city of Ithaca is the county seat. Commission meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes are published on the official county website. Park reservations, employment opportunities, and online payment of taxes and fees may be conducted through the site. A guide to county businesses is included.
https://www.gratiotmi.com/
Bordered by Ohio to the south and southeast, and by Indiana to the southwest, the county is situated in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula. Locations, hours, and contacts for county government offices, agencies, courts, and law enforcement services are posted on the official county government site, along with public notices, ordinances, and county history. Other resources include farmer’s market rules and applications, and a county directory.
http://www.co.hillsdale.mi.us/
Named for Douglass Houghton, the Upper Peninsula county is bordered by Keweenaw County to the north and Iron County to the south. The official website of the county includes property tax information, foreclosed tax sales, and free land records search, along with a directory of county government departments, agencies, commissions, and services, employment opportunities, and information on county court facilities, the prosecutor’s office, and sheriff’s department.
http://www.houghtoncounty.net/
Huron County is at the northern tip of the thumb of the Lower Peninsula, a peninsula, bordered by Saginaw Bay to the west and Lake Huron to the north and east. The county seat is Bad Axe, and other cities within the county include Caseville and Harbor Beach. Press releases, court notices, announcements, and a citizen’s guide to county government are offered on the official county government website, along with facility locations, hours of operation, and contacts.
https://www.co.huron.mi.us/
Lansing, the state capital, is located mostly within the county and is the only state capital located within a county that is not also the county seat. The county seat is Mason. Other cities within the county are Leslie, Williamston, and part of East Lansing. The official county website includes a guide to living, working, and doing business within the county, a directory of county offices, departments, agencies, courts, and services, and information about attractions and events.
http://www.ingham.org/
The county seat of Ionia is one of three incorporated cities within the county, the others being Belding and Portland. Incorporated villages within the county include Clarksville, Lake Odessa, Lyons, Muir, Pewamo, Saranac, and part of Hubbardston. The county board of commissioners, department personnel, and information about county courts, the sheriff’s office, and county airports are featured on the official county website, which also posts notices and announcements.
https://ioniacounty.org/
The eastern border of the Lower Peninsula county is Lake Huron, and adjacent counties include Alcona, Arenac, Ogemaw, and Oscoda. Agendas for the board of commissioners meetings are published to the official county website, along with minutes, instructions for public comment, and the locations of county departments, agencies, and programs. Other resources include a guide to residents and visitors to the county, development, and doing business with the county.
https://iosco.net/
Bounded by Wisconsin to the south and southwest, Iron County is in the Upper Peninsula. The county seat is Crystal Falls. Other cities within the county are Caspian, Gaastra, and Iron River. Meeting notices, agendas, and minutes are published to the official county website, along with audit and financial report data, budget information, a history of the county, and a photo gallery. A directory of county departments and service is included, with hours and contacts.
https://ironmi.org/
Located in the central Lower Peninsula, Isabella County is home to the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, Central Michigan University, the Chippewa River, and the city of Mount Pleasant, the county seat. Described by the Michigan Territorial Legislature in 1831, its administration was assigned to other counties until 1859, when its population supported a county government. Featured are a county map, court calendar, election schedules and results.
https://www.isabellacounty.org/
Named for President Andrew Jackson, the county is located in the southern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Jackson, the county seat, is the only city within the county, but there are several villages, census-designated places, and unincorporated communities. Announcements and events are published to the official county website, along with meeting calendars, agendas, and minutes. Budget information, county policies, and job openings are included.
https://www.mijackson.org/
Officials and departments of the county are highlighted, including the county clerk, commissioners, drain commissioner, treasurer, prosecuting attorney, and sheriff. Office locations, hours, and contacts are posted, along with county health agencies and services, and a guide to visitors. Public meeting notices, press releases, videos, and a calendar of events are included, and a guide to doing business with the county includes licensure information and taxes.
https://www.kalcounty.com/
Set off in 1831 and organized in 1836, Kent County includes nine cities (Cedar Springs, East Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Lowell, Rockford, Walker, and Wyoming), as well as six incorporated villages (Caledonia, Casnovia, Kent City, Sand Lake, and Sparta). The official county website publishes meeting calendars, the board of commissioner agendas and minutes, announcements, and a guide to county departments, programs, and services.
https://www.accesskent.com/
The northern Upper Peninsula county is made up of the northeastern half of the Keweenaw Peninsula and Isle Royale, as well as the part of Lake Superior between the two, extending to the state’s water borders with Ontario and Minnesota. It is the largest county in the state, by total area. The official county website provides an overview of the county, access to various forms and documents, and contacts, phone numbers, and hours for court offices and departments.
http://www.keweenawcountyonline.org/
Created by the Michigan Legislature as Alshcum County in 1840, it was renamed in 1843 for its several lakes. Due to a low population, Lake County was administered by other counties until 1871. The villages of Baldwin and Luther are the only incorporated municipalities in the county, with Baldwin serving as the county seat. Townships within the county are posted, along with public meeting notices, agendas and minutes, election schedules and results, and employment opportunities.
http://www.lakecounty-michigan.com/
Employment and bid opportunities are posted to the official county website, which also includes a county directory, public information documents, FOIA documents, meeting schedules for the board of commissioners, agendas, and minutes. Birth, death, and marriage certificates may be ordered from the site. The location and hours of departmental offices are presented, and contact information is included. Online services include a deed search and a payment gateway.
http://www.lapeercountyweb.org/
Created in 1840 and organized in 1863, the county seat of Leelanau County was the unincorporated community of Leland until 2004 when it was moved to Suttons Bay. A small portion of Traverse City lies within the county, but otherwise, there are no incorporated cities. There are three villages (Empire, Northport, and Suttons Bay), and several census-designated places and unincorporated communities. Its townships and villages are featured on the official county site.
https://www.leelanau.cc/
Authorized and described by the Michigan Territorial Legislature in 1822, the county was split off from Monroe County, and its governing structure was organized in 1826. It is bordered to the south by Ohio. A calendar of events is published on the official county website, along with announcements, a blog, and employment notices. Cities, townships, and villages within the county are highlighted, with links to their websites, where applicable, and a guide to businesses and services is included.
http://www.lenawee.mi.us/
Platted in 1833, the Lower Peninsula county was formally organized in 1836. Its county seat is Howell, one of only two cities that are entirely within the county, the other being Brighton. Dog licenses may be purchased or renewed, death or marriage certificates ordered, and various fines or fees paid through the official county website. The locations, hours, and contacts for county government offices and services are featured, and a county directory is included.
https://www.livgov.com/
Named for former Governor Cyrus G. Luce, Luce County is the second-least populous county in the state. There are no incorporated cities within the county and Newberry, its only village, is the county seat. Civil townships include Columbus, Lakefield, McMillan, and Pentland. The county does include more than 300,000 acres of public access land, 15,000 acres of lakes, and 658 miles of rivers and streams. Cultural and recreational opportunities are featured on the official county site.
https://www.lucecountymi.com/
Serving as the gateway to the Upper Peninsula as one drives across the Mackinac Bridge, Mackinac County is in the eastern Upper Peninsula. Created by proclamation of the Territorial Governor in 1818, the county originally included all of the Lower Peninsula north of Macomb County and nearly all of the Upper Peninsula. Mackinac Island is located within the county. The official county website publishes the commissioner’s meeting agendas, packets, and minutes.
https://www.mackinaccounty.net/
Situated in the eastern part of the Lower Peninsula, Macomb County is part of the Detroit metropolitan area, and the third most populous county in the state. The county seat is in Mt. Clemens. The official county website features county departments, elected officials, programs, and services, along with a calendar of events, career opportunities, and a guide to online services. County pet adoptions are highlighted, and news regarding the county are posted to the site.
https://www.macombgov.org/
Manistee, the county seat, is the only incorporated city in the county. There are five villages (Bear Lake, Copemish, Eastlake, Kaleva, and Onekama), and several census-designated places and unincorporated communities. A county directory is posted on the official website, along with its strategic plan, employment opportunities, a calendar of events, and financial information. Other resources include a directory of county government departments, offices, and services.
http://www.manisteecountymi.gov/
The largest county in land area in the state, as well as the most populous county in the Upper Peninsula, is home to Northern Michigan University. Named for Father Jacques Marquette, the county was set off in 1843 and organized in 1851. Through the official county website, vital records may be requested by mail or online, court payments may be made, and taxes may be paid. A county government directory is included, and an overview of recreational opportunities is highlighted.
http://www.co.marquette.mi.us/
Adjacent to Lake, Manistee, Newaygo, and Oceana counties, and sharing a water boundary with Wisconsin on Lake Michigan, Mason County was named for Stevens T. Mason, governor of Michigan from 1835 to 1840. Announcements and updates are published to the official county website, and county board members are acknowledged, along with meeting schedules, agendas, and minutes. Other resources include budget and audit reports, and the county’s master plan.
http://www.masoncounty.net/
Named for Chief Mecosta, a Potawatomi leader who was one of the signers of the Treaty of Washington in 1836. The county was set apart from Kent County in 1840 but it remained attached for administrative purposes until a county government was established in 1859. Big Rapids, the only incorporated city, serves as the county seat. Career information is posted to the official county website, and a guide to schools, colleges, health facilities, and parks are included.
http://www.mecostacounty.org/
Carved out of Delta County in 1861, Menominee County was first known as Bleeker County, taking its current name when a county government was organized in 1863. Situated in the southern portion of the Upper Peninsula, it borders on Wisconsin to the south, southeast, and southwest, and Delta, Dickinson, and Marquette counties are adjacent. The official county website introduces the county boards and committees and offers hours and contacts for departments and agencies.
https://www.menomineecounty.com/
The county’s borders were set in 1831, although it wasn’t officially organized until 1850. Populated largely by the Chippewa people for years, European-Americans began moving to the area after the railroad came in 1874, and in 1890, Dow Chemical Company was founded. The official county website includes announcements, a newsletter, a resident guide, a visitor guide, and an overview of economic development and business resources, and employment opportunities.
https://www.co.midland.mi.us/
Originally part of Mackinac County, Missaukee County was split off in 1840 and organized in 1871. There are two cities within the county: Lake City, its county seat, and the city of McBain. A list of commissioners, contacts, and a commissioner district map is published on the official county website, along with a guide to county government departments, courts, and key personnel, various downloadable documents, and contacts for public officials for each of the townships in the county.
http://www.missaukee.org/
Situated in southeastern Michigan, in the Lower Peninsula, Monroe County was the second county established by the Michigan Territorial Legislature. The official county website offers information and resources for residents, visitors, and businesses, as well as a calendar of upcoming events, news and announcements, a directory of county departments, agencies, healthcare, and other services, court locations, hours, and contacts, and contacts for county elected officials.
https://www.co.monroe.mi.us/
Geographically located in the West Michigan region of the Lower Peninsula, the county was named for General Marquis Louis-Joseph de Montcalm, who commanded French troops during the French and Indian War. Maps of the county, a community resource directory, business directory, and an overview of available business incentives and resources are featured on the official website for the county. Public safety notices, press releases, and announcements are included.
http://www.montcalm.org/
Most of the northern Lower Peninsula county is covered by the Mackinaw State Forest. There are no incorporated cities within the county, and only one village, Hillman. Atlanta, the county seat, is a census-designated place, of which there are two others: Canada Creek Ranch and Lewiston. The official county website posts agendas and minutes to county commission meetings, contacts for townships within the county, and a directory of county offices and services.
http://www.montmorencycountymichigan.us/
Besides the county seat of Muskegon, other cities within the county include Montague, Muskegon Heights, North Muskegon, Norton Shores, Roosevelt Park, and Whitehall. The city and county were named for the Muskegon River, which runs through the county, emptying into Muskegon Lake. A profile of the county is offered on the official county government site, along with a guide for those visiting or doing business in the county. Video tours of the county are included.
https://www.co.muskegon.mi.us/
The West Michigan county contains more than two hundred and thirty lakes, and more than half of its land area is within the Manistee National Forest. Its cities include Fremont, Grant, Newaygo, and White Cloud, the latter of which serves as the county seat. Public meeting notices, press releases, and information about incentive programs are put forth on the official county website, which also includes a directory of county government departments and services.
http://www.countyofnewaygo.com/
Oakland County is part of the Detroit metropolitan region, and the second-most populous county in the state, after Wayne County. The county seat is Pontiac, and thirty other incorporated cities are situated within the county, in whole or in part. Office locations, contacts, and hours for county government offices, agencies, and services are featured on the official county website, along with a list of elected officials, career opportunities, and press releases.
https://www.oakgov.com/
As late as the 1850s, the area was inhabited largely by Native Americans, as 1,400 Odawa were relocated there from Ionia County by the federal government in the 1850s. However, settlers were attracted to the region by access along the White River, which reaches its mouth on Lake Michigan in nearby Muskegon County. The county seat of Hart is the only incorporated city in the county. Public notices, announcements, news, and job opportunities are published on the county website.
https://oceana.mi.us/
Originally created by Legislature in 1840, Ogemaw County was absorbed by Iosco County in 1867, but recreated in 1873, and organized in 1875. Cities within the county include Rose City and West Branch, the county seat. There is one incorporated village, Prescott, two census-designated places, and several townships. The official county website features meeting information and minutes, election information, the general fund budget, and employment opportunities.
https://www.ocmi.us/
Named for the Ontonagon River, the western Upper Peninsula county is the third-least populous county in the state. Bounded by Lake Superior to the north and west, the county also includes Lake Gogebic, the largest in the UP. A calendar of events and announcements are published on the county’s official website, along with county office hours and contacts, contacts for officials and staff of townships within the county, school districts, libraries, and county programs and services.
https://www.ontonagoncounty.org/
First named Unwattin County, for the Ottawa Chief Unwattin, the county was renamed in 1843 to Osceola, a Seminole chief who had achieved renown in Florida. Established in 1840, the county was attached to other counties for administrative purposes until 1869, when the county’s population supported the organization of a county government. County meeting agendas and minutes are posted on the official county site, which also featured a guide to county departments and services.
http://www.osceola-county.org/
Established in 1840, a county government wasn’t organized until 1881. Situated in the Au Sable River Valley, and surrounded by the Huron National Forest and the Rifle River State Recreation Area, the county is part of the Au Sable State Forest, and the least populous county in the Lower Peninsula. There are no incorporated cities or villages within the county. Its county seat is Mio, a census-designated place. Other unincorporated communities include Comins, Fairview, Luzerne, and McKinley.
https://www.oscodacountymi.com/
The headwaters of the Au Sable, Black, Manistee, Pigeon, and Sturgeon Rivers are in Otsego County, whose county seat is in Gaylord, the only incorporated city in the county. Founded in 1840 and organized in 1875, the county is in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula. The official county website features various resources for businesses within the county, community and public safety resources, employment opportunities, and events.
https://www.otsegocountymi.gov/
The official website of the Lower Peninsula county features a county service and location directory, health care resources, crash reports, and criminal records, incident mapping, county initiatives, and reports, a strategic and business plan, board and commission vacancies, election notices, and public announcements. Meeting agendas and minutes, a directory of commissioners and a county calendar is published to the site, and various online services are included.
http://www.miottawa.org/
Authorized by the State Legislature in 1840, a county government was not established until 1871, and the government was reorganized in 1875. Cities within the county include Onaway and Rogers City, the county seat. A list of county commissioners is published to the site, along with the county commissioners’ duties, meeting notices, agendas, and minutes of the board, including archives. Other resources include notices and bid requests, property tax search, and contacts.
http://www.presqueislecounty.org/
Commonly referred to as Rosco, the Lower Peninsula county was founded in 1840 and organized in 1875. The village of Roscommon is the county seat, and there are several civil townships within the county, as well. A county directory, a calendar of events, election information and results, contacts, hours, and directions for county elected officials, departments, and services, and for townships within the county, are published on the official county site.
http://www.roscommoncounty.net/
Officially known as the County of Saginaw, the Lower Peninsula county was created in 1822 and organized in 1835. The county contains three cities, twenty-seven townships, and five incorporated villages. A directory of local municipalities is included, with links to local websites, where applicable. The official county website features news and announcements related to county business, a directory of county government offices, agencies, and services, and a calendar of events.
https://www.saginawcounty.com/
Home to the annual Port Huron-to-Mackinac Sailboat Race, the county boasts the world’s largest freshwater boardwalk along the St. Clair River, which forms the border between Michigan and Ontario, Canada. The county seat is Port Huron, at the north end of the St. Clair River at Lake Huron. Geographically, it is within the Thumb area of the Lower Peninsula. A calendar of events, video archives, photo galleries, and access to various documents and forms are available on the county site.
http://www.stclaircounty.org/
Considered part of the Thumb region of the Lower Peninsula, the county is adjacent to Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair, and Tuscola counties, and bounded on the east by Lake Huron. The county seat is Sandusky. A schedule of upcoming events, access to various documents that may be downloaded in PDF format, and job openings are featured on the county website, along with information and contacts for cities, villages, and townships within the county, and online services.
https://www.sanilaccounty.net/
Largely rural and forested, much of the western portion of the county is within the Hiawatha National Forest in the Upper Peninsula, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge is also within the county. The county seat is Manistique, which is situated along the north shore of Lake Michigan. Adjacent counties include Alger, Delta, Luce, and Mackinac. County board meeting schedules and minutes are posted, as are announcements, and a guide to schools and medical resources.
http://www.schoolcraftcounty.net/
Named for the Shiawassee River, which enters the county from Genesee County in the southeast and flows through Corunna and Owosso in the center of the county, exiting it to Saginaw County in the north, the Lower Peninsula county was defined by the Territorial Legislature in 1822 and organized in 1837. News and announcements are posted to the site, along with a schedule of upcoming events, a profile of the county, and various online services.
https://www.shiawassee.net/
Bounded by Indiana on the south, the southern Lower Peninsula county is home to two cities (Sturgis and Three Rivers), six villages (Burr Oak, Centreville, Colon, Constantine, Mendon, and White Pigeon, four unincorporated communities, and sixteen townships. The county seat is the village of Centreville. Meetings and events are published to the official county website, various documents are available for download in PDF format, and contacts are posted to the site.
http://www.stjosephcountymi.org/
One of the five counties in the Thumb area of the Lower Peninsula, the county was created in 1840 but attached to Saginaw County for administrative purposes until 1850, when a county government was organized. The county seat is Caro. The hours for the county courthouse, Purdy Building, and Sheriff’s office lobby are put forth, along with an events calendar, full board meeting schedules, and other board meetings, township road maps, and ordinances.
https://www.tuscolacounty.org/
The Lower Peninsula county is home to three cities (Bangor, Gobles, and Hartford), and a portion of South Haven is in the county limits, as well. The county seat of Paw Paw is a village near the center of the county. Much of the county is dotted with small villages and unincorporated communities, although parts of the county near Kalamazoo County are suburban in nature. Maps, local governments, and county departments and services are featured on the county site.
https://www.vbco.org/
Home to the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and Concordia University Ann Arbor, the county makes up the Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area. Besides Ann Arbor, the county seat, other cities in the county include Chelsea, Dexter, Saline, Ypsilanti, and part of Milan. A map of the county is presented, and an overview of Independence Lake and the Meri Lou Recreation Center are featured on the county website.
https://www.washtenaw.org/
Formed in 1796, Wayne County was the sixth county in the Northwest Territory, and once encompassed the entire Lower Peninsula, most of the Upper Peninsula, and portions of what is now Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Its county seat is Detroit, the largest and most populated city in the state. Elected offices of the county are defined, and a directory of county government departments, programs, and services is presented. Area schools are highlighted.
https://www.waynecounty.com/
Created by the Michigan Legislature in 1840, Wexford County was formally organized in 1869. The Manistee River flows westward through the upper part of the county, and the Manistee National Forest provides recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to the region. There are also several lakes and other attractions. The county seat is Cadillac. The official county website includes a directory of county government facilities, programs, and services.
http://wexfordcounty.org/
