Administrative divisions of Michigan facts for kids

Michigan is a large state in the United States. Like many other states, it divides its government into different levels. Michigan is special because it uses something called "charter townships." The state has many local government groups, ranking 13th in the U.S. for the number of these groups.

Michigan is split into 83 counties. These counties are then divided into 1,240 townships, 280 cities, and 253 villages. The state also has 553 school districts and 57 intermediate school districts. Plus, there are over 300 special districts and authorities that handle specific tasks.

Counties in Michigan

Michigan has 83 counties. These are the main administrative parts of the state. Counties help areas that are not part of a city or village. They provide important services like law enforcement (police), justice (courts), and health care.

When a place becomes an official city or village, it gets "home rule." This means it can make many of its own decisions. In these cases, the county government has less power over that specific city or village.

The county government usually has a board of commissioners. This board acts like the county's law-making group. There are also several elected officials. These include the sheriff, county clerk, county treasurer, and prosecuting attorney.

Most local services in Michigan are provided by cities or townships. County governments mainly handle the local justice system. They also keep important records like birth certificates. Counties also work with the state to provide social services.

County Road Commissions

Even though they are part of the county government, county road commissions are separate groups. They are in charge of roads, bridges, and ditches. This includes removing snow and keeping roads in good condition.

A county can decide to change how its road commission works. This can happen if the county board votes for it. Or, if the road commissioners are elected, the people can vote on it. A road commission usually has three or five members. These members can be elected by the public or chosen by the county board.

Cities in Michigan

A city is one type of "incorporated municipality." This means it's an official town or city with its own government. The other type is a village. Cities have the most "home rule." This means they have a lot of power to make their own rules and decisions.

When a city is formed, it separates from the township it was in. Cities report to the state through their county. However, the county does not control them. Cities also have many responsibilities they must do, more than other local governments.

As of 2016, Michigan had 280 official cities. Most of these cities have a regular charter. A charter is like a city's constitution, outlining its powers. A few cities have special charters or fourth-class charters.

Villages in Michigan

Villages are the second type of incorporated place in Michigan. Unlike cities, villages are not fully independent from the townships they are in. This means they have less "home rule."

Because of this, a village's population is counted as part of its township's population. Village governments share some duties with their townships. So, people living in a village pay taxes to both the village and the township.

As of 2016, Michigan had 253 villages. Some of these are "home rule villages," meaning they have more power. Others are "general law villages," which follow more state laws.

Townships in Michigan

In Michigan, townships are a basic form of local government. They only have the powers that state law gives them. If you live in Michigan and not in an official city, you live in a township.

As of May 2024, there were 1,240 civil townships. These are divided into two types:

• General law townships: These have the basic powers of local government.
• Charter townships: These have a bit more authority and special rights.

Special Units and Groups

Sometimes, special districts or public groups are created. These are allowed by the state constitution. They are often formed when different cities or townships agree to work together. This helps them share government tasks. For example, they might work together to provide water or fire services.

Here are some examples of these special groups:

• Beecher Metropolitan Water and Sewer District
• Education Achievement Authority (a school system formed by agreement)
• Karegnondi Water Authority
• Swartz Creek Area Fire Department
• South Kalamazoo County Fire Authority