According to Countryaah, Allegan County is located in the south-west region of Michigan, bordering Lake Michigan to the northeast and Lake Macatawa to the northwest. The county is bordered by Ottawa County to the north, Kent County to the east, Van Buren County to the south, and Kalamazoo County to the west. The county seat is Allegan, and other notable cities include Fennville, Saugatuck, Holland, and Pullman.
Allegan County is known for its rolling hills and vast farmlands which make up much of its landscape. The county has a total area of 883 square miles with a population of 111,408 as of 2019. It has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters.
The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Potawatomi before being explored by European settlers in 1833. The county was founded in 1835 and named after Chief Allegan of the local Potawatomi tribe who lived in the area at that time.
The economy of Allegan County is largely driven by agriculture which accounts for over 60% of its total production value. Other major industries include manufacturing, healthcare services, retail trade, transportation services, finance/insurance services and government services.
The county also boasts many attractions such as lakeside beaches on Lake Michigan including Saugatuck Dunes State Park; wineries like Fenn Valley Vineyards; outdoor activities like camping at Gun Lake Park; museums such as Holland Museum; art galleries such as DePree Art Center; historic sites like Wolf Lake Cemetery & Log Cabin Historical Site; nature preserves like The Nature Conservancy’s Saugatuck Dunes Natural Area; unique shopping experiences along 8th Street in Holland; family fun spots like Dutch Village; seasonal festivals such as Tulip Time Festival; annual events including Waterfront Film Festival and Christmas in July celebration at Windmill Island Gardens; plus plenty more.
Overall, Allegan County offers a great place for visitors or residents alike with its beautiful scenery, diverse culture and numerous things to do.
Demographics of Allegan County, Michigan
Allegan County, Michigan is located in the West of the state and has a population of 111,408 people according to the 2019 census. The racial makeup of the county is predominantly White (93.1%), with African American (2.8%), Asian (1.4%), Native American (0.5%) and other races making up the remaining 2.2%. The gender split is almost even, with males making up 50.8% and females comprising 49.2% of the population. The median age of Allegan County residents is 40 years old, which is slightly higher than both Michigan and the United States as a whole (38 years old). A majority of Allegan County residents have some level of education; 93% have at least a high school diploma or GED, while 23% have obtained a Bachelor’s degree or higher. In terms of employment, 59% are employed in white-collar occupations while 41% are employed in blue-collar occupations; this is slightly lower than both Michigan and United States averages (63% white-collar/37% blue-collar). Additionally, 22% of Allegan County’s population lives below the poverty line, which is slightly higher than both Michigan and United States averages (21%).
Places of Interest in Allegan County, Michigan
Allegan County, Michigan is home to a variety of attractions and activities for visitors and locals alike. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several parks and trails to explore including the Allegan State Game Area, the Kal-Haven Trail, and the Saugatuck Dunes State Park. Additionally, the county boasts several lakes such as Pine Lake, Gun Lake, and Eagle Lake. For those looking to shop or dine out, downtown Allegan offers a charming historic district with unique boutiques and restaurants. There are also several wineries in the area such as Fenn Valley Vineyards & Winery and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant. Visitors can also take a tour of the historic Felt Mansion or explore the various museums in town such as the Allegan County Historical Museum or The House on The Hill Museum. Finally, Allegan County is home to several festivals throughout the year including Tulip Time Festival in May and Grillin’ & Chillin’ Festival in August. With so much to do and see in Allegan County, it’s no wonder why it has become a popular destination for tourists from all over Michigan.
Notable People of Allegan County, Michigan
Allegan County, Michigan has been the home of many notable people throughout the years. One of the most famous is former President Gerald Ford, who was born in Omaha, Nebraska but spent much of his childhood in Grand Rapids and Allegan. Other notable politicians from Allegan include Congressman Fred Upton, United States Senator Carl Levin, and former Governor William Milliken. In the entertainment industry, actor/singer Jeff Daniels was born in Allegan and is best known for his roles in films such as “Dumb and Dumber” and “The Squid and the Whale”. Other actors from Allegan County include Bill Cobbs (“Night at the Museum”) and Bruce Campbell (“The Evil Dead”). The county also has a rich history of athletes including NBA player Shane Battier, NFL player Tim Shaw, MLB player Steve Avery, and NHL player Mark Howe. Finally, Allegan County is also home to several notable authors such as Margaret Atwood (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Joyce Carol Oates (We Were The Mulvaneys). With so many notable people hailing from Allegan County over the years it is sure to continue producing future stars.