Washtenaw County, Michigan

Washtenaw County (/ˈwɒʃtɪnɔː/) is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the population was 344,791.[3] The county seat is Ann Arbor.[4] The county was authorized by legislation in 1822, and was organized as a county in 1826.[1] Washtenaw County comprises the Ann Arbor Metropolitan Statistical Area and is included in the Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor Combined Statistical Area. The county is home to the University of Michigan, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw Community College, and Concordia University Ann Arbor.

"Washtenaw County" redirects here. For the US Navy landing ship, see USS Washtenaw County (LST-1166).
Washtenaw County
U.S. county
Washtenaw County Courthouse
Seal
Location within the U.S. state of Michigan
Michigan's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 42°15′N 83°50′W
Country United States
State Michigan
Founded1822 (created)
1826 (organized)[1][2]
Named forO-wash-ta-nong ("far away water"), Ojibwe name for the Grand River
SeatAnn Arbor
Largest cityAnn Arbor
Area
 • Total722 sq mi (1,870 km2)
 • Land706 sq mi (1,830 km2)
 • Water16 sq mi (40 km2)  2.3%%
Population
 • Estimate 
(2019)
367,601
 • Density488/sq mi (188/km2)
Time zoneUTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional districts7th, 12th

History

First Nations' Territories

The first peoples occupying the central portion of what is now Michigan included: "the Pottawattamies, the Chippewas, the Ottawas, the Wyandottes and the Hurons".[5] First nations whose territories included land within the Washtenaw County boundaries are shown to have included: Myaamia (Miami),[6] Bodéwadmiké (Potawatomi),[7] Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ,[8] Peoria,[9] Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox),[10] and the Mississauga nation.[11]

Etymology of Washtenaw

In the Ojibwe language, "Wash-ten-ong" or "Owashtanong" literally translates as "far away waters", and was then used by the Ojibwe as the name for the Grand River due to its great length.[5][1][12] At the time of the official naming of the county in 1822, the headwaters of the Grand River fell within the original boundaries of Washtenaw County, which encompassed a much larger area than the present county.[1]

Early Colonization

The earliest histories mention French trappers and traders conducting trade in the area at the Potawatomi Trail and Pontiac Trail crossings of the Huron River, and later English then American settlers. The first successful settlement was established at the present site of Ypsilanti about 1809 by French traders.[13]

In 1822, the Legislative Council of Michigan Territory government defined the name and boundaries of the county, but attached it to Wayne County for revenue, taxation, and judicial affairs. Four years after the first platting out of the county, Washtenaw was established as a separate self-administered county by an act of the Michigan Territorial Legislature, in 1826.[13] It was attached for administrative purposes to Wayne County until {before 1829} when county government was seated. Ingham and other counties were formed from portions of territorial Washtenaw County.

Swamps were drained and farms were tiled to lower the water table. The swamp northwest of the I-94 and US-23 intersection, and areas within Waterloo Recreation Area still appear as they did to early settlers. As productive farms became established, the local deer herds grew. In the 1820s and 1830s, the events surrounding the independence of Greece from Turkey inspired construction of Greek Revival buildings, and the names of townships, towns, and children.

The "frostbitten constitutional convention" was held at Ann Arbor, the county seat, in 1835. Statehood was delayed because Michigan claimed the Toledo Strip, which was also claimed by Ohio. Following resolution of the Toledo War (1835-1836), in which Michigan Territory ceded its claim to Toledo in exchange for most of the Upper Peninsula (from the Porcupine Mountains eastward), Ohio withdrew its objection and Michigan became a state on January 26, 1837.

The constitutional convention also decided to move the capital from Detroit to a point further away from the Canadian border. After considering many existing communities, the delegates decided to built an entirely new capital city, which became Lansing. The University of Michigan, founded at Detroit in 1817, was moved to Ann Arbor in 1839 as a consolation for the city not being named the new state capital, as it had sought. The University subsequently became and remains Washtenaw County's largest employer.

In 1849, the Michigan State Normal School (now Eastern Michigan University) was established in Washtenaw's oldest settlement, Ypsilanti. It was elevated to collegiate status c. 1891 as Michigan State Normal College. The name was changed in 1956 to Eastern Michigan College, which was elevated to university status in 1959.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 722 square miles (1,870 km2), of which 706 square miles (1,830 km2) is land and 16 square miles (41 km2) (2.3%) is water.[14]

Adjacent counties

Major highways
Business Loop Interstate 94/Business US Highway 23 (BL I-94/Bus. US 23, Washtenaw Avenue) in Ann Arbor

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.%±
18304,042—
184023,571483.2%
185028,56721.2%
186035,68624.9%
187041,43416.1%
188041,8481.0%
189042,2100.9%
190047,76113.2%
191044,714−6.4%
192049,52010.7%
193065,53032.3%
194080,81023.3%
1950134,60666.6%
1960172,44028.1%
1970234,10335.8%
1980264,74813.1%
1990282,9376.9%
2000322,89514.1%
2010344,7916.8%
2019 (est.)367,601[15]6.6%
US Decennial Census[16]
1790-1960[17] 1900-1990[18]
1990-2000[19] 2010-2019[3]

As of the 2010 United States Census, there were 344,791 people living in the county. 74.5% were White, 12.7% Black or African American, 7.9% Asian, 0.3% Native American, 1.2% of some other race and 3.4% of two or more races. 4.0% were Hispanic or Latino (of any race). 16.0% were of German, 7.6% English, 7.5% Irish, 6.3% American and 5.0% Polish ancestry.[20]

Washtenaw has the highest proportion of Asian-American residents of any Michigan county.

As of the 2000 census[21] of 2000, 17.4% of county residents were of German ancestry; 9.0% cited English, 8.4% Irish, 5.3% Polish and 5.0% American ancestry. According to Census 2000, 87.1% spoke only English at home; 2.7% spoke Spanish and 1.7% Chinese or Mandarin.

There were 125,327 households, out of which 29.20% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.40% were married couples living together, 9.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.20% were non-families. 29.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.90% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 22.10% under the age of 18, 17.10% from 18 to 24, 32.10% from 25 to 44, 20.60% from 45 to 64, and 8.10% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.90 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $51,990, and the median income for a family was $70,393 (these figures had risen to $59,887 and $80,779 respectively as of a 2007 estimate.[22]) Males had a median income of $49,304 versus $33,598 for females. The per capita income for the county was $27,173. About 5.10% of families and 11.10% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.60% of those under age 18 and 5.80% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Washtenaw County Court House, sculpture by Carleton W. Angell
Washtenaw County Clerk building

Elected officials

The Board of Commissioners has nine members, elected from single member districts, on a partisan ballot, in November of even-numbered years. The term is two years. Information as of May 2017.

DistrictCommissionerPartyPositions
1Jason MaciejewskiDemocratWorking Session Committee Chair
2Susan ShinkDemocratBoard Chair
3Shannon BeemanDemocrat
4Caroline SandersDemocrat
5Justin HodgeDemocratWays & Means Chair
6Ricky JeffersonDemocrat
7Andy LaBarreDemocratVice Chair of the Board
8Jason MorganDemocrat
9Katie ScottDemocrat

Parks and recreation

Washtenaw county operates 10 parks and one recreation center (gymnasium). One park has a water sprinkler area, one has a substantial water park component, and there is one golf course. The recreation center has a swimming pool, indoor track, basketball courts, complete set of resistance machines, a weight room, and several multipurpose rooms.

Washtenaw county is in the process of acquiring land for natural preservation. The program started in 2001, was renewed in 2010. The millage was renewed a second time in 2020 with a record high of 72% of votes supporting the renewal.[23] Eight parcels of land had been purchased by July 2007. These parcels are of special ecological, recreational, and educational benefits. They are preserved in a natural unimproved state and are open to the public during daylight hours.

Wireless communication

In partnership with private enterprise, the county maintains a wireless network which is currently available to approximately 50% of county residents. This is the Wireless Washtenaw Project; its stated aim of this project is to provide wireless access to all county residents.

Miscellaneous

The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads (through a largely independent road commission), operates the major local courts, records deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in providing welfare and social services. The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has 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.

Politics
Presidential election results
Presidential election results[24]
Year Republican Democratic Third Parties
2020 25.9% 56,241 72.4% 157,136 1.6% 3,554
2016 26.6% 50,631 67.6% 128,483 5.8% 10,965
2012 31.3% 56,412 67.0% 120,890 1.7% 3,035
2008 28.8% 53,946 69.6% 130,578 1.6% 3,024
2004 35.5% 61,455 63.5% 109,953 1.1% 1,856
2000 36.2% 52,459 59.8% 86,647 4.0% 5,834
1996 32.3% 40,097 58.9% 73,106 8.7% 10,825
1992 30.1% 41,386 53.3% 73,325 16.6% 22,755
1988 46.7% 55,029 52.4% 61,799 0.9% 1,092
1984 51.3% 58,736 48.1% 55,084 0.7% 749
1980 41.9% 48,699 43.9% 51,013 14.2% 16,467
1976 50.9% 56,807 45.6% 50,917 3.6% 3,965
1972 47.0% 50,535 51.5% 55,350 1.6% 1,690
1968 46.8% 36,432 42.5% 33,073 10.7% 8,309
1964 37.7% 25,595 62.0% 42,089 0.3% 206
1960 61.0% 39,632 38.7% 25,129 0.3% 225
1956 66.9% 38,911 32.9% 19,124 0.2% 141
1952 66.6% 35,826 32.9% 17,671 0.5% 262
1948 63.8% 24,588 33.0% 12,721 3.3% 1,258
1944 62.0% 24,740 37.4% 14,922 0.6% 244
1940 64.3% 21,664 35.0% 11,802 0.8% 253
1936 50.8% 14,986 46.1% 13,589 3.2% 935
1932 52.8% 15,368 43.1% 12,552 4.1% 1,180
1928 78.4% 19,676 21.2% 5,308 0.4% 109
1924 72.2% 14,326 18.2% 3,603 9.6% 1,901
1920 74.5% 14,082 23.6% 4,468 1.9% 362
1916 54.1% 6,505 43.9% 5,279 2.0% 242
1912 23.6% 2,495 39.5% 4,164 36.9% 3,897
1908 54.6% 5,845 41.5% 4,441 4.0% 423
1904 62.0% 6,566 35.7% 3,779 2.3% 238
1900 50.1% 5,369 47.3% 5,072 2.6% 275
1896 49.7% 5,671 46.9% 5,348 3.4% 384
1892 42.0% 4,362 53.0% 5,508 5.0% 518
1888 43.0% 4,549 51.8% 5,482 5.3% 557
1884 40.5% 4,049 53.2% 5,315 6.3% 626

Since 1988 when Michael Dukakis won it, the county has been a Democratic stronghold in local & national elections due to the presence of Ann Arbor and the University of Michigan. In the 2020 United States presidential election it gave 72.4% of the vote to Democratic nominee Joe Biden, the highest ever margin for a Democrat in the county, the third-highest margin for any candidate in the county's history, and the highest in the state at the time as well.[25] Between 1960 and 1988 it was generally a swing county: 1992 was the first time it voted for the same party as it did in the last election since 1960. Despite its modern-day Democratic strength, it was reliably Republican at the presidential level from 1896 to 1960, only voting Democratic once in that span in 1912 when the Republican vote was split. George McGovern's win over Richard Nixon in the county in 1972 despite the latter winning nationally by a landslide was a sign of the county's shift towards supporting the Democratic Party, though Michigander Gerald R. Ford won it in 1976 & Ronald Reagan won it in 1984 among his national landslide, being the most recent Republican to win the county.

Economy

The largest employers in Washtenaw County, as of July 2018, are:[26]

# Employer # of full-time employees
1 University of Michigan 33,225
2 Trinity Health 7,435
3 United States Federal government 3,060
4 Ann Arbor Public Schools 2,225
5 Faurecia North America 2,178
6 Eastern Michigan University 1,559
7 IHA Health Services 1,442
8 State of Michigan 1,409
9 Washtenaw County 1,264
10 Thomson Reuters 1,155
11 Domino's Pizza 812
12 City of Ann Arbor 712
13 Ford Motor Company 700
14 NSF International 693
15 US Postal Service 650
16 Washtenaw Community College 597
17 DTE Energy 568
18 Ypsilanti Public Schools 550
19 ProQuest 542

Communities
U.S. Census data map showing local municipal boundaries within Washtenaw County. Shaded areas represent incorporated cities.

Cities

Villages

Charter townships

Civil townships

Census-designated place

Other unincorporated communities

Ghost town

See also

References
  1. "Bibliography on Washtenaw County". Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University. Archived from the original on October 6, 2014. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
  2. "About —". ewashtenaw.org. Archived from the original on October 28, 2012. Retrieved June 16, 2006.
  3. "State & County QuickFacts". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
  4. "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Archived from the original on May 31, 2011. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  5. Publications of the Historical Society of Grand Rapids, Vol. 1, Parts 1-7. 2013. p. 36. Retrieved January 23, 2013. Early tribes and Ojibwe etymology of the word: Wash-ten-ong".
  6. Native-Land.ca https://native-land.ca/maps/territories/miami/. Retrieved December 24, 2020. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  7. "Bodéwadmiké (Potawatomi) territory". Native-Land.ca. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  8. Native-Land.ca https://native-land.ca/maps/territories/anishinabek-%e1%90%8a%e1%93%82%e1%94%91%e1%93%88%e1%90%af%e1%92%83/. Retrieved December 24, 2020. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  9. Native-Land.ca https://native-land.ca/maps/territories/peoria/. Retrieved December 24, 2020. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  10. "Meškwahki·aša·hina (Fox)". Native-Land.ca. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  11. "Mississauga". Native-Land.ca. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  12. "Washtenaw County Historical Society: Etymology of the Name". 2013. Archived from the original on August 2, 2012. Retrieved January 23, 2013. Washtenaw County Historical Society detail of etymology of the county's name.
  13. Chas. C. Chapman & Co. (1881). History of Washtenaw County, Michigan, Vol. 1, pp. 116-24. Chicago: Chas. C. Chapman & Co.
  14. "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". US Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  15. "Population and Housing Unit Estimates". Retrieved March 26, 2020.
  16. "US Decennial Census". US Census Bureau. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  17. "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  18. "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". US Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 15, 2015. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  19. "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). US Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 18, 2014. Retrieved September 28, 2014.
  20. Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS). "U.S. Census website". census.gov.
  21. "U.S. Census website". US Census Bureau. Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  22. Bureau, US Census. "American FactFinder - Community Facts". factfinder.census.gov. Archived from the original on February 11, 2020. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  23. "From the Director - Natural Areas Preservation Program Millage Renewal". Washtenaw County. Retrieved December 24, 2020.
  24. Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved May 7, 2018.
  25. "Michigan Election Results". The New York Times. November 3, 2020. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved November 14, 2020.
  26. Crain's List: Washtenaw County's Largest Employers.

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