Mackinaw City, Michigan Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

by btobers · Published June 18, 2019 · Updated September 12, 2024

Mackinaw City is located in northern Michigan, at the southern tip of the Mackinac Bridge on the Straits of Mackinac. The city is surrounded by forests, beaches, and a picturesque harbor. The climate in Mackinaw City is temperate, with cold winters and warm summers. The city experiences an average annual snowfall of over 60 inches.

The history of Mackinaw City dates back to 1670 when French explorer Robert de La Salle arrived in the area searching for a route to China. Since then, the city has grown into a bustling tourist destination and summer playground. The city was incorporated in 1857 and has grown steadily ever since. It is now home to over 1,000 permanent residents and many more seasonal visitors.

Politically, Mackinaw City is part of Emmet County and governed by a mayor-council system. It is also served by two state representatives and one state senator in the Michigan legislature.

The economy of Mackinaw City relies heavily on tourism as well as fishing and boating industries. There are several restaurants, hotels, shops and other attractions that cater to tourists throughout the year. Additionally, there are many seasonal job opportunities available for those looking to make some extra money during peak tourist season.

Mackinaw City public schools are part of the local Emmet Intermediate School District which provides education from pre-K through 12th grade as well as adult education courses throughout the year. There are also several private schools located in or near the city that provide religious instruction or specialized educational programs such as Montessori or Waldorf schools

Some landmarks in Mackinaw City include Fort Michilimackinac which dates back to 1715; Colonial Michilimackinac which was reconstructed from original fort plans; Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse which was built in 1892; Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park; Headlands International Dark Sky Park; Wawatam Lighthouse; McGulpin Point Light Station; Conkling Heritage Park; Old Towne Village Shopping Center; Old Towne Museum Complex; Huron Island Lighthouse Museum; Historic Downtown shopping district and many more attractions for visitors to explore during their stay in this beautiful northern Michigan town!

Population: 859. Estimated population in July 2024: 862 (+0.3% change)
Males: 402 (46.8%), Females: 457 (53.2%)

Cheboygan County

Zip code: 49701

Demographics

Median resident age: 44.7 years
Median household income: $37,031
Median house value: $119,100

Population by Race

Races in Mackinaw City:

White Non-Hispanic (92.3%)
American Indian (6.4%)
Two or more races (2.2%)
Hispanic (0.8%)

Ancestries: German (23.3%), Irish (16.5%), English (10.1%), French (9.1%), Polish (7.7%), United States (5.2%).

Elevation: 590 feet

Land area: 3.4 square miles

Map of Mackinaw City, MI

Population by Education

Mackinaw City, Michigan is a small city located on the northern tip of Michigan’s lower peninsula. With a population of 806 as of the 2010 census, it is the smallest city in Michigan. Despite its small size, Mackinaw City is an important tourist destination due to its close proximity to Mackinac Island and other attractions such as the Mackinaw Bridge and Fort Michilimackinac. It also serves as an important gateway to Canada via the nearby International Bridge.

The majority of Mackinaw City’s population is made up of Caucasian individuals (95%), with a smaller percentage being African American (4%) and Native American (1%). The median age for residents is 42 years old with a median household income of $38,000. The city has a high rate of homeownership at 73%, indicating that many who live in Mackinaw City are long-term residents who have chosen to stay in this area for many years. The majority of residents are employed in service or retail industries such as hospitality, tourism and retail trade. A notable number also work in fishing, hunting and forestry activities due to the city’s close proximity to nature reserves such as Wilderness State Park and Cheboygan State Forest.

For population 25 years and over in Mackinaw City

High school or higher: 88.9%
Bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.3%
Graduate or professional degree: 8.6%
Unemployed: 33.3%
Mean travel time to work: 21.0 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Mackinaw City village

Never married: 19.6%
Now married: 58.5%
Separated: 0.3%
Widowed: 7.2%
Divorced: 14.4%

2.9% Foreign born (1.7% Europe, 0.9% Asia).

Population change in the 1990s: -28 (-3.2%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Mackinaw City:

MACKINAC STRAITS HOSPITAL (about 10 miles; SAINT IGNACE, MI)
CHEBOYGAN MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 24 miles; CHEBOYGAN, MI)
NORTHERN MICHIGAN HOSPITAL (about 33 miles; PETOSKEY, MI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Mackinaw City:

PELLSTON REGIONAL AIRPORT OF EMMET COUNTY (about 16 miles; PELLSTON, MI; Abbreviation: PLN)
CHIPPEWA COUNTY INTL (about 38 miles; SAULT STE MARIE, MI; Abbreviation: CIU)
OTSEGO COUNTY (about 54 miles; GAYLORD, MI; Abbreviation: GLR)

Other public-use airports nearest to Mackinaw City:

MACKINAC COUNTY (about 8 miles; ST IGNACE, MI; Abbreviation: 83D)
MACKINAC ISLAND (about 9 miles; MACKINAC ISLAND, MI; Abbreviation: MCD)
BOIS BLANC (about 17 miles; POINTE AUX PINS, MI; Abbreviation: 6Y1)

Amtrak station:
MACKINAW CITY (VALOT CITGO PLAZA) – Bus Station. Services: fully wheelchair accessible, snack bar.

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Mackinaw City:

LAKE SUPERIOR STATE UNIVERSITY (about 55 miles; SAULT STE MARIE, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,677)
NORTHWESTERN MICHIGAN COLLEGE (about 92 miles; TRAVERSE CITY, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,343)
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 153 miles; BIG RAPIDS, MI; Full-time enrollment: 8,593)
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY (about 153 miles; MT PLEASANT, MI; Full-time enrollment: 21,353)
NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY (about 153 miles; MIDLAND, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,784)
SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 162 miles; UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI; Full-time enrollment: 6,216)
DELTA COLLEGE (about 162 miles; UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI; Full-time enrollment: 5,117)

Public primary/middle school in Mackinaw City:

MACKINAW CITY K-12 SCHOOL (Students: 243; Location: 609 W. CENTRAL AVENUE; Grades: KG – 12)

Libraries

Library in Mackinaw City:

MACKINAW AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $135,499; Location: 528 WEST CENTRAL AVENUE; 40,700 books; 852 audio materials; 3,164 video materials; 128 serial subscriptions)