Muskegon, Michigan

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

United States Post Office in Muskegon, 1904

Muskegon is a city located in Muskegon County, Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 40,105. It is the county seat of Muskegon County ⁶. The city is located in the southwest corner of Muskegon Township, near the junction of US-31 and I-96, which marks the western terminus of I-96.

1 Geography
2 Major Highways
3 Demographics
4 Culture
5 Education
6 External links
7 References

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Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 46.7 km² (18.0 mi²). 37.2 km² (14.4 mi²) of it is land and 9.5 km² (3.7 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 20.37% water. The city is adjacent to two bodies of water: Lake Michigan to the west and Muskegon Lake to the north. The Muskegon River empties into Muskegon Lake at the city's north end.

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Major Highways

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Demographics

As of the census ² of 2000, there are 40,105 people, 14,569 households, and 8,537 families residing in the city. The population density is 1,079.1/km² (2,794.5/mi²). There are 15,999 housing units at an average density of 430.5/km² (1,114.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 60.61% White, 31.67% African American, 1.04% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 2.69% from other races, and 3.50% from two or more races. 6.38% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 14,569 households out of which 31.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.2% are married couples living together, 20.2% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.4% are non-families. 34.4% of all households are made up of individuals and 12.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.42 and the average family size is 3.13.

In the city the population is spread out with 25.8% under the age of 18, 11.6% from 18 to 24, 32.2% from 25 to 44, 18.0% from 45 to 64, and 12.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 109.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 110.3 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $27,929, and the median income for a family is $32,640. Males have a median income of $29,114 versus $22,197 for females. The per capita income for the city is $14,283. 20.5% of the population and 16.8% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 27.6% of those under the age of 18 and 14.3% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

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Culture

Muskegon Summer Celebration (late June/early July), is a ten-day festival, held during the July 4th holiday every year, that brings national music acts of all backgrounds to the shore of Muskegon Lake at Heritage Landing. Also included is the Muskegon Art Fair, street fair, Village Craft Market, and the carnival rides.

Each summer, the Muskegon County Airport plays host to the Muskegon Air Fair, one of the largest and most popular air shows in the Midwest.

In September, The Michigan Irish Music Festival brings renown Celtic musicians to Heritage Landing on the shore of Muskegon Lake. In addition to music, Irish food, beverages, merchandise and cultural exhibits contribute to the appeal of this event. The Michigan Feis (Irish Dance competition) is affiliated and is held at The LC Walker Arena nearby.

Broadway at the Frauenthal (Fall through Spring), brings big-time Broadway musicals to Muskegon. Muskegon is also home to Muskegon Museum of Art and West Shore Symphony Orchestra.

Muskegon County Museum and Hackley & Hume Historic Site: Mansions built by Muskegon’s lumber barons themselves are restored to their old glory and open to the public. The mansions are operated with the Muskegon County Museum, which details the grand, rich history of Muskegon County, from the Pottawatomi and Ottawa Native American tribes and lakeside fur traders to the Lumber Queen of the World to today. Also includes science and nature exhibits.

Michigan's Adventure, the largest amusement park in the state, is located in Muskegon County, a few miles north of the city of Muskegon. Michigan's Adventure features a midway with roller coasters, general rides, amusements, and a full water park.

Muskegon is also the home of the Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, which features the USS Silversides (SS-236), a World War II submarine, and the USCGC McLane, a Prohibition-era Coast Guard cutter.

Each August, the Unity Christian Music Festival takes place at Heritage Landing.

WMKG is a low-powered television station serving the area.

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Education

Muskegon Public Schools was founded in 1860 and serves students from preschool through 12th grade. Additionally, it runs the Muskegon Museum of Art and the Muskegon Training and Education Center.

Muskegon is also home to Muskegon Community College and Baker College.

Grand Valley State University's Muskegon Campus is home to the Muskegon Area Renewable Energy Center and Annis Water Resources Institute inside the Lake Michigan Center.

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