West Branch, Michigan Population, Hospitals, Airports, and Schools

West Branch, Michigan is a small city located in the northern part of the state, in Ogemaw County. It has a population of around 2,500 people and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities and its proximity to the Au Sable River.

The city was founded in 1887 by lumberman George W. West who built a sawmill on the banks of the Au Sable River. The city quickly grew as other businesses were attracted to the area due to its natural resources. Today, West Branch is home to several businesses including a manufacturing plant, an automotive parts shop, and several retail stores and restaurants.

West Branch is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills that offer plenty of outdoor activities for residents and visitors alike. In addition to fishing on the Au Sable River, there are also numerous hiking trails throughout the region that provide stunning views of Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. There are also two state parks located nearby – Hartwick Pines State Park and Tawas Point State Park – which are great places to explore nature or just relax with a picnic lunch or camp out under the stars.

In addition to outdoor recreation opportunities, West Branch also has many cultural attractions such as galleries featuring local artwork, museums dedicated to local history, and live music venues hosting national acts throughout the year. The city also hosts several annual events such as an art fair in June and a farmers market every summer weekend from May through October.

West Branch has several schools located within its limits including elementary schools for younger children, middle schools for older students, high school for teens as well as a community college offering classes at all levels from basic education through higher degrees such as nursing or business administration degrees In addition there are several private religious schools which offer instruction in both traditional subjects such as math science English etc but also religious instruction which can be quite attractive for those families looking for this type of education option As well some families may find it advantageous that there are no large universities nearby thus allowing their children more focused attention while still being able to enjoy all other aspects of living in West Branch

Overall, West Branch is an ideal place for anyone looking for outdoor activities or cultural attractions while still having access to quality education options . With its small-town charm it offers an excellent quality of life with plenty of opportunities both professionally and socially.

Population: 1,926. Estimated population in July 2024: 1,905 (-1.1% change)
Males: 910 (47.2%), Females: 1,016 (52.8%)

Ogemaw County

Zip code: 48661

Demographics

Median resident age: 34.7 years
Median household income: $30,132
Median house value: $67,200

Population by Race

Races in West Branch:

• White Non-Hispanic (94.5%)
• American Indian (1.7%)
• Two or more races (1.5%)
• Other Asian (1.4%)
• Hispanic (0.7%)
• Asian Indian (0.6%)

Ancestries: German (33.3%), English (12.7%), Irish (8.7%), French (8.0%), United States (5.2%), Polish (4.6%).

Elevation: 959 feet

Land area: 1.3 square miles

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in West Branch

• High school or higher: 83.7%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 18.9%
• Graduate or professional degree: 5.4%
• Unemployed: 8.6%
• Mean travel time to work: 14.5 minutes

For population 15 years and over in West Branch city

• Never married: 28.7%
• Now married: 44.2%
• Separated: 2.4%
• Widowed: 10.0%
• Divorced: 14.6%

1.9% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: +39 (+2.1%).

Hospitals

Hospital/medical center in West Branch:

• WEST BRANCH REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER (2463 SOUTH M-30)

Other hospitals/medical centers near West Branch:

• MIDMICHIGAN MEDICAL CENTER-GLADWIN (about 23 miles; GLADWIN, MI)
• STANDISH COMMUNITY HOSPITAL (about 29 miles; STANDISH, MI)
• MERCY HOSPITAL (about 39 miles; GRAYLING, MI)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to West Branch:

• MBS INTL (about 54 miles; SAGINAW, MI; Abbreviation: MBS)
• OTSEGO COUNTY (about 60 miles; GAYLORD, MI; Abbreviation: GLR)
• ALPENA COUNTY REGIONAL (about 73 miles; ALPENA, MI; Abbreviation: APN)

Other public-use airports nearest to West Branch:

• WEST BRANCH COMMUNITY (about 6 miles; WEST BRANCH, MI; Abbreviation: Y31)
• ST HELEN (about 13 miles; ST HELEN, MI; Abbreviation: 6Y6)
• LOST CREEK (about 26 miles; LUZERNE, MI; Abbreviation: 5Y4)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to West Branch:

• NORTHWOOD UNIVERSITY (about 47 miles; MIDLAND, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,784)
• SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY (about 53 miles; UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI; Full-time enrollment: 6,216)
• DELTA COLLEGE (about 53 miles; UNIVERSITY CENTER, MI; Full-time enrollment: 5,117)
• CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY (about 65 miles; MT PLEASANT, MI; Full-time enrollment: 21,353)
• KETTERING UNIVERSITY (about 92 miles; FLINT, MI; Full-time enrollment: 2,900)
• FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 95 miles; BIG RAPIDS, MI; Full-time enrollment: 8,593)
• UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN-FLINT (about 95 miles; FLINT, MI; Full-time enrollment: 4,544)

Schools

Public high school in West Branch:

• OGEMAW HEIGHTS HIGH SCHOOL (Students: 893; Location: 960 SOUTH M-33; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in West Branch:

• SURLINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 733; Location: 147 STATE STREET; Grades: PK – 04)
• SURLINE MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 608; Location: 147 STATE STREET; Grades: 05 – 08)

Private primary/middle schools in West Branch:

• ST JOSEPH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL (Students: 197; Location: 935 W HOUGHTON AVENUE; Grades: KG – 8)
• OGEMAW HILLS CHRISTIAN SCHOOL (Students: 58; Location: 3480 W M-76 PO BOX 156; Grades: KG – 7)

Libraries

Library in West Branch:

• WEST BRANCH DISTRICT LIBRARY (Operating income: $184,801; Location: 119 NORTH FOURTH STREET; 25,440 books; 1,300 audio materials; 550 video materials; 72 serial subscriptions)