Branch County, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Branch County
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Location within the U.S. state of Michigan
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 Michigan's location within the U.S. |
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| Country |  United States |
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| State |  Michigan |
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| Founded | October 29, 1829 (created) 1833 (organized) |
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| Named for | John Branch | |
| Seat | Coldwater | |
| Largest city | Coldwater | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 520 sq mi (1,300 km2) | |
| • Land | 506 sq mi (1,310 km2) | |
| • Water | 13 sq mi (30 km2) 2.6%% | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 44,862 | |
| • Density | 89/sq mi (34/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) | |
| Congressional district | 5th | |
| Website | https://www.countyofbranch.com/ | |
Branch County is a county located in the state of Michigan in the United States. In 2020, about 44,862 people lived there. The main city and county seat is Coldwater.
Branch County is one of Michigan's "cabinet counties." This means it was named after a member of the U.S. President's cabinet. It was named for John Branch, who was the Secretary of the Navy under President Andrew Jackson. The county was officially created in 1829 and started operating in 1833.
Branch County is part of the Coldwater, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area. This area includes Coldwater and its nearby communities.
Contents
History of Branch County
Branch County was first settled by people from New England. These early settlers were often called "Yankees." They were descendants of English Puritans who came to America in the 1600s. They brought their culture and traditions with them.
In the early 1800s, many New England farmers moved west. They traveled into what was then called the Northwest Territory. Many used the Erie Canal in New York State. The area became safer after the Black Hawk War ended.
These first settlers built farms and roads. They also set up government buildings and mail routes. They believed education was very important. Because of this, they started many schools. Many of them also supported ending slavery. Most were members of the Congregationalist Church. Some were also Episcopalian.
Branch County's culture grew to be like New England's. This was true for much of Michigan during its early years. Even today, farming is a very important part of the county's economy.
Geography of Branch County
Branch County is located in the southern part of Michigan. The U.S. Census Bureau says the county covers about 520 square miles (1,300 km²). Most of this area, about 506 square miles (1,310 km²), is land. The rest, about 13 square miles (34 km²), is water. Water makes up about 2.6% of the county's total area. Branch County is the third-smallest county in Michigan by total area. The only island in the county is Iyopawa Island.
Counties Nearby
Branch County shares borders with several other counties:
- Kalamazoo County to the northwest
- Calhoun County to the north
- Hillsdale County to the east
- Steuben County, Indiana to the south
- LaGrange County, Indiana to the southwest
- St. Joseph County to the west
Main Roads
Several important highways pass through Branch County:
I-69 runs north and south through the middle of the county. It passes east of Girard, Coldwater, and Kinderhook.
BL I-69 goes through the city of Coldwater.
US 12 runs east-northeast through the center of the county. It goes through Bronson, Coldwater, and Quincy.
M-60 runs through the northern part of the county. It enters near Union City.
M-66 runs through the northwest corner of the county.
M-86 runs east and west through the middle of the county. It enters from Colon, Michigan.
Population of Branch County
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1840 | 5,715 | — | |
| 1850 | 12,472 | 118.2% | |
| 1860 | 20,981 | 68.2% | |
| 1870 | 26,226 | 25.0% | |
| 1880 | 27,941 | 6.5% | |
| 1890 | 26,791 | −4.1% | |
| 1900 | 27,811 | 3.8% | |
| 1910 | 25,605 | −7.9% | |
| 1920 | 23,997 | −6.3% | |
| 1930 | 23,950 | −0.2% | |
| 1940 | 25,845 | 7.9% | |
| 1950 | 30,202 | 16.9% | |
| 1960 | 34,903 | 15.6% | |
| 1970 | 37,906 | 8.6% | |
| 1980 | 40,188 | 6.0% | |
| 1990 | 41,502 | 3.3% | |
| 2000 | 45,787 | 10.3% | |
| 2010 | 45,248 | −1.2% | |
| 2020 | 44,862 | −0.9% | |
| 2023 (est.) | 45,215 | −0.1% | |
| US Decennial Census 1790-1960 1900-1990 1990-2000 2010-2018 |
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The 2010 United States Census showed that Branch County had 45,248 people. This was a small decrease from the year 2000. In 2010, there were about 16,419 homes and 11,350 families in the county. The population density was about 89 people per square mile.
Most people in Branch County are White (90.9%). About 3.0% are Black or African American. About 4.0% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.
The population is spread out by age. About 23.9% of people were under 18 years old. About 14.7% were 65 years or older. The average age in the county was 40 years.
Communities in Branch County
Cities
Villages
- Quincy
- Sherwood
- Union City (Part of this village is in another county.)
Civil Townships
Townships are smaller local government areas. Branch County has many townships:
- Algansee Township
- Batavia Township
- Bethel Township
- Bronson Township
- Butler Township
- California Township
- Coldwater Township
- Gilead Township
- Girard Township
- Kinderhook Township
- Matteson Township
- Noble Township
- Ovid Township
- Quincy Township
- Sherwood Township
- Union Township
Unincorporated Communities
These are smaller places that are not officially cities or villages:
- Batavia Center
- Canada Shores
- Crystal Beach
- East Gilead
- Girard
- Hodunk
- Lockwood
- Pearl Beach
- Ray
- Sans Souci Beach
- South Butler
- West Kinderhook
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Branch para niños
