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.

Counties in Michigan

List of All Counties in Michigan

  1. Alcona County, Michigan
  2. Alger County, Michigan
  3. Allegan County, Michigan
  4. Alpena County, Michigan
  5. Antrim County, Michigan
  6. Arenac County, Michigan
  7. Baraga County, Michigan
  8. Barry County, Michigan
  9. Bay County, Michigan
  10. Benzie County, Michigan
  11. Berrien County, Michigan
  12. Branch County, Michigan
  13. Calhoun County, Michigan
  14. Cass County, Michigan
  15. Charlevoix County, Michigan
  16. Cheboygan County, Michigan
  17. Chippewa County, Michigan
  18. Clare County, Michigan
  19. Clinton County, Michigan
  20. Crawford County, Michigan
  21. Delta County, Michigan
  22. Dickinson County, Michigan
  23. Eaton County, Michigan
  24. Emmet County, Michigan
  25. Genesee County, Michigan
  26. Gladwin County, Michigan
  27. Gogebic County, Michigan
  28. Grand Traverse County, Michigan
  29. Gratiot County, Michigan
  30. Hillsdale County, Michigan
  31. Houghton County, Michigan
  32. Huron County, Michigan
  33. Ingham County, Michigan
  34. Ionia County, Michigan
  35. Iosco County, Michigan
  36. Iron County, Michigan
  37. Isabella County, Michigan
  38. Jackson County, Michigan
  39. Kalamazoo County, Michigan
  40. Kalkaska County, Michigan
  41. Kent County, Michigan
  42. Keweenaw County, Michigan
  43. Lake County, Michigan
  44. Lapeer County, Michigan
  45. Leelanau County, Michigan
  46. Lenawee County, Michigan
  47. Livingston County, Michigan
  48. Luce County, Michigan
  49. Mackinac County, Michigan
  50. Macomb County, Michigan
  51. Manistee County, Michigan
  52. Marquette County, Michigan
  53. Mason County, Michigan
  54. Mecosta County, Michigan
  55. Menominee County, Michigan
  56. Midland County, Michigan
  57. Missaukee County, Michigan
  58. Monroe County, Michigan
  59. Montcalm County, Michigan
  60. Montmorency County, Michigan
  61. Muskegon County, Michigan
  62. Newaygo County, Michigan
  63. Oakland County, Michigan
  64. Oceana County, Michigan
  65. Ogemaw County, Michigan
  66. Ontonagon County, Michigan
  67. Osceola County, Michigan
  68. Oscoda County, Michigan
  69. Otsego County, Michigan
  70. Ottawa County, Michigan
  71. Presque Isle County, Michigan
  72. Roscommon County, Michigan
  73. Saginaw County, Michigan
  74. Saint Clair County, Michigan
  75. Saint Joseph County, Michigan
  76. Sanilac County, Michigan
  77. Schoolcraft County, Michigan
  78. Shiawassee County, Michigan
  79. Tuscola County, Michigan
  80. Van Buren County, Michigan
  81. Washtenaw County, Michigan
  82. Wayne County, Michigan
  83. 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