List of Counties in Michigan
Michigan has 83 counties. The most populous counties are Wayne County (Detroit), Oakland County, Macomb County, Kent County (Grand Rapids), Washtenaw County (Ann Arbor), Genesee County (Flint), Ingham County (Lansing), Ottawa County, Kalamazoo County, and Saginaw County. Wayne County, home to Detroit, is the largest and serves as a critical economic hub for the automotive industry. Oakland and Macomb counties, part of the Detroit metropolitan area, also have large populations. Kent County, home to Grand Rapids, is the largest population center in western Michigan.
List of All Counties in Michigan
- Alcona County, Michigan
- Alger County, Michigan
- Allegan County, Michigan
- Alpena County, Michigan
- Antrim County, Michigan
- Arenac County, Michigan
- Baraga County, Michigan
- Barry County, Michigan
- Bay County, Michigan
- Benzie County, Michigan
- Berrien County, Michigan
- Branch County, Michigan
- Calhoun County, Michigan
- Cass County, Michigan
- Charlevoix County, Michigan
- Cheboygan County, Michigan
- Chippewa County, Michigan
- Clare County, Michigan
- Clinton County, Michigan
- Crawford County, Michigan
- Delta County, Michigan
- Dickinson County, Michigan
- Eaton County, Michigan
- Emmet County, Michigan
- Genesee County, Michigan
- Gladwin County, Michigan
- Gogebic County, Michigan
- Grand Traverse County, Michigan
- Gratiot County, Michigan
- Hillsdale County, Michigan
- Houghton County, Michigan
- Huron County, Michigan
- Ingham County, Michigan
- Ionia County, Michigan
- Iosco County, Michigan
- Iron County, Michigan
- Isabella County, Michigan
- Jackson County, Michigan
- Kalamazoo County, Michigan
- Kalkaska County, Michigan
- Kent County, Michigan
- Keweenaw County, Michigan
- Lake County, Michigan
- Lapeer County, Michigan
- Leelanau County, Michigan
- Lenawee County, Michigan
- Livingston County, Michigan
- Luce County, Michigan
- Mackinac County, Michigan
- Macomb County, Michigan
- Manistee County, Michigan
- Marquette County, Michigan
- Mason County, Michigan
- Mecosta County, Michigan
- Menominee County, Michigan
- Midland County, Michigan
- Missaukee County, Michigan
- Monroe County, Michigan
- Montcalm County, Michigan
- Montmorency County, Michigan
- Muskegon County, Michigan
- Newaygo County, Michigan
- Oakland County, Michigan
- Oceana County, Michigan
- Ogemaw County, Michigan
- Ontonagon County, Michigan
- Osceola County, Michigan
- Oscoda County, Michigan
- Otsego County, Michigan
- Ottawa County, Michigan
- Presque Isle County, Michigan
- Roscommon County, Michigan
- Saginaw County, Michigan
- Saint Clair County, Michigan
- Saint Joseph County, Michigan
- Sanilac County, Michigan
- Schoolcraft County, Michigan
- Shiawassee County, Michigan
- Tuscola County, Michigan
- Van Buren County, Michigan
- Washtenaw County, Michigan
- Wayne County, Michigan
- Wexford County, Michigan
1. Marquette County
Overview
Marquette County is the largest county by land area in Michigan, located in the Upper Peninsula. It is bordered by Lake Superior to the north and Dickinson County to the south. The county seat is Marquette, which is also the largest city in the Upper Peninsula. Marquette County is known for its natural beauty, including forests, lakes, and the rugged shoreline of Lake Superior, making it a popular destination for outdoor recreation. Historically, the county was a center for iron mining, and remnants of that industry are still visible today. Established in 1843, the county was named after Father Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary and explorer.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 65,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Marquette
- Major Airports: Sawyer International Airport
- Major Highways: US-41, M-28
2. Kent County
Overview
Kent County is located in western Michigan and is home to Grand Rapids, the second-largest city in the state and the county seat. The county is bordered by Ottawa County to the west and Ionia County to the east. Kent County has a diverse economy that includes healthcare, education, manufacturing, and furniture production, with Grand Rapids historically known as “Furniture City.” The county is a major cultural and economic hub in western Michigan, with a strong arts scene and numerous higher education institutions, including Grand Valley State University. Established in 1831, Kent County was named after James Kent, a prominent American jurist.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 670,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Grand Rapids
- Major Airports: Gerald R. Ford International Airport
- Major Highways: I-96, US-131, M-6
3. Oakland County
Overview
Oakland County is located in southeastern Michigan, part of the Detroit metropolitan area. It is bordered by Wayne County to the southeast and Genesee County to the northwest. The county seat is Pontiac, though much of its population is concentrated in affluent suburbs such as Troy, Rochester Hills, and Farmington Hills. Oakland County is one of the wealthiest counties in the United States, with a highly diversified economy that includes automotive, technology, healthcare, and finance sectors. Established in 1819, the county has grown rapidly due to suburban expansion and remains a key economic engine in the Detroit region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 1.3 million (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Pontiac
- Major Airports: Oakland County International Airport
- Major Highways: I-75, I-696, US-24, M-59
4. Wayne County
Overview
Wayne County is located in southeastern Michigan and is the most populous county in the state. It is bordered by Oakland County to the north and the Detroit River, which forms the international border with Canada, to the southeast. The county seat is Detroit, the largest city in Michigan and historically known as the center of the American automotive industry. Wayne County has a diverse economy, with major industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics. Detroit is home to the “Big Three” automakers: Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis (formerly Chrysler). Established in 1796, Wayne County is one of the oldest counties in Michigan and has played a critical role in the state’s economic development.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 1.7 million (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Detroit
- Major Airports: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
- Major Highways: I-75, I-94, I-96, I-275
5. Washtenaw County
Overview
Washtenaw County is located in southeastern Michigan, bordered by Wayne County to the east and Jackson County to the west. The county seat is Ann Arbor, which is also home to the University of Michigan, one of the state’s largest employers and a globally recognized research institution. Washtenaw County’s economy is largely driven by education, healthcare, and technology, with Ann Arbor serving as a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Established in 1826, Washtenaw County has a long history tied to the development of higher education and has become one of the most educated counties in the United States.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 375,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Ann Arbor
- Major Airports: Ann Arbor Municipal Airport
- Major Highways: I-94, US-23, M-14
6. Genesee County
Overview
Genesee County is located in southeastern Michigan, bordered by Oakland County to the south and Lapeer County to the east. The county seat is Flint, a city historically known for its role in the American automotive industry as the birthplace of General Motors. Genesee County’s economy has faced challenges with the decline of the automotive industry, but recent efforts have focused on diversification, including healthcare, education, and renewable energy. Flint is also known for the Flint Water Crisis, which brought national attention to issues of infrastructure and public health. Established in 1835, Genesee County played a pivotal role in the development of the American labor movement, particularly with the Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936-1937.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 400,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Flint
- Major Airports: Bishop International Airport
- Major Highways: I-75, I-69, US-23, M-54
7. Macomb County
Overview
Macomb County is located in southeastern Michigan, bordered by Lake St. Clair to the east and Wayne County to the south. The county seat is Mount Clemens, and the county is part of the Detroit metropolitan area. Macomb County’s economy is diverse, with key industries including manufacturing, defense, healthcare, and retail. The county is home to major automotive and defense contractors, including General Motors and TACOM Life Cycle Management Command. Established in 1818, Macomb County was named after General Alexander Macomb, a hero of the War of 1812. The county has grown rapidly, particularly in its suburban areas, and remains an integral part of the Detroit region.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 880,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Mount Clemens
- Major Airports: Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-94, I-696, M-59, M-53
8. Ottawa County
Overview
Ottawa County is located in western Michigan along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, bordered by Kent County to the east and Muskegon County to the north. The county seat is Grand Haven, though the largest city is Holland. Ottawa County’s economy is primarily based on manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism. The county’s scenic Lake Michigan shoreline, including the popular Holland State Park, attracts many visitors throughout the year. Established in 1837, Ottawa County was named after the Ottawa Native American tribe and has a long history tied to Dutch immigration, particularly in Holland, which celebrates its heritage with an annual Tulip Time Festival.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 300,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Grand Haven
- Major Airports: Muskegon County Airport (nearby)
- Major Highways: I-196, US-31, M-45
9. Ingham County
Overview
Ingham County is located in south-central Michigan, bordered by Eaton County to the west and Livingston County to the east. The county seat is Mason, though the largest city is Lansing, the state capital. Ingham County’s economy is centered around government services, education, and healthcare, with Lansing being the location of many state government offices and Michigan State University in East Lansing. The university is one of the largest in the country and a key driver of economic activity in the region. Established in 1829, Ingham County is named after Samuel D. Ingham, the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under President Andrew Jackson.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 290,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Mason
- Major Airports: Capital Region International Airport
- Major Highways: I-69, I-96, US-127
10. Houghton County
Overview
Houghton County is located in the northwestern part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, bordered by Keweenaw County to the north and Ontonagon County to the south. The county seat is Houghton, a small town that serves as the gateway to Michigan Technological University in nearby Hancock. Houghton County’s economy is historically rooted in copper mining, though today it is more focused on education, tourism, and outdoor recreation, particularly along the scenic shores of Lake Superior. Established in 1845, Houghton County was named after Douglass Houghton, Michigan’s first state geologist, and remains a key part of the Upper Peninsula’s rich mining history.
County Facts
- Population: Approximately 36,000 (2023 estimate)
- County Seat: Houghton
- Major Airports: Houghton County Memorial Airport
- Major Highways: US-41, M-26