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Welcome to KALKASKA!
Highways US-131, M-72, and M-66 intersect in a county that is small in population, but large in heart. Residents here take pride in being a hearty, self-sufficient northern people. Kalkaska county is 561 square miles of abundant natural resources with endless recreational opportunities. With over 80 inland lakes, 275 miles of streams and rivers, numerous state and county parks, 80 miles of groomed snowmobile and ORV trails, and 3 golf courses there truly is something for everyone.
COUNTY LAKE, RIVER, and TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FESTIVALS
COMMUNITY ASSETS
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT
The first settlers arrived in 1855. In 1871 Kalkaska County was finally organized. When Native Americans inhabited the county, the land was covered with tall white pine trees. Eventually, lumberman cleared the land and moved north in search of more forest. The lumbermen left behind small communities that evolved into farming based towns. When the Great Depression hit the country, much of the privately owned land in the county reverted to the State. Oil and gas were discovered in the county in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Major drilling began in the 1970’s, and more than 100 producing wells were established. The main economic enterprises in the county today include: oil and gas exploration, manufacturing, forest products, farming, recreation and tourism. Kalkaska Memorial Health Center is the county’s largest employer.
DEMOGRAPHICS
As of the census of 2000, there were 16,571 people, 6,428 households, and 4,634 families residing in the county. The population density was 30 people per square mile. The average household size was 2.55 and the average family size was 2.95. In the county the population was spread out with 25.60% under the age of 18, 7.60% from 18 to 24, 28.60% from 25 to 44, 24.50% from 45 to 64, and 13.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. The median income for a household in the county was $36,072, and the median income for a family was $39,932.