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Delta County, Michigan facts for kids

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Delta County
Delta County Courthouse in Escanaba
Delta County Courthouse in Escanaba
Map of Michigan highlighting Delta County
Location within the U.S. state of Michigan
Map of the United States highlighting Michigan
Michigan's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  Michigan
Founded March 9, 1843 (authorized)
1861 (organized)
Named for Greek letter Delta
Seat Escanaba
Largest city Escanaba
Area
 • Total 1,991 sq mi (5,160 km2)
 • Land 1,171 sq mi (3,030 km2)
 • Water 820 sq mi (2,100 km2)  41%%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 36,903
 • Density 32/sq mi (12/km2)
Time zone UTC−5 (Eastern)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−4 (EDT)
Congressional district 1st

Delta County is a county located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a U.S. state. A county is like a smaller region within a state, often with its own local government. In 2020, about 36,903 people lived here. The main city and county seat (where the county government is) is Escanaba.

Delta County was first mapped out in 1843 and officially started in 1861. Its name comes from the Greek letter Delta (Δ). This letter looks like a triangle, which was the shape of the county when it was first created. Back then, it included parts of other nearby counties like Menominee and Marquette. Today, fun activities like outdoor recreation and products from forests are big industries here. Farmers in Delta County grow crops such as hay, corn, potatoes, and strawberries.

Delta County is also part of the Escanaba, MI Micropolitan Statistical Area. This means it's a smaller city area with strong economic ties to Escanaba.

Geography of Delta County

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Delta County covers a total area of 1,991 square miles. About 1,171 square miles of this is land, and 820 square miles (or 41%) is water. This makes it the fifth-largest county in Michigan by land area.

Counties Nearby

Delta County shares borders with several other counties.

By land

By water

Protected Natural Areas

Communities in Delta County

Delta County, MI census map
U.S. Census data map showing local municipal boundaries within Delta County. Shaded areas represent incorporated cities.

Delta County has several different types of communities, from cities to small villages.

Cities

Village

Civil Townships

Unincorporated Communities

Indian Reservations

Population Changes

Historical population
Census Pop.
1860 1,172
1870 2,542 116.9%
1880 6,812 168.0%
1890 15,330 125.0%
1900 23,881 55.8%
1910 30,108 26.1%
1920 30,909 2.7%
1930 32,280 4.4%
1940 34,037 5.4%
1950 32,913 −3.3%
1960 34,298 4.2%
1970 35,924 4.7%
1980 38,947 8.4%
1990 37,780 −3.0%
2000 38,520 2.0%
2010 37,069 −3.8%
2020 36,903 −0.4%
2023 (est.) 36,790 −0.8%
US Decennial Census
1790-1960 1900-1990
1990-2000 2010-2018

The 2010 United States census showed that Delta County had a population of 37,069 people. By the 2020 census, the population was 36,903.

Education in Delta County

Several school districts serve the students in Delta County:

  • Bark River-Harris School District
  • Big Bay de Noc School District
  • Escanaba Area Public Schools
  • Gladstone Area Schools
  • Mid Peninsula School District
  • Rapid River Public Schools

Transportation

Main Roads

  • US 2 travels east to west through the southern part of the county.
  • US 41 runs north to south through the middle of the county. It then goes southwest along the Lake Michigan shore.
  • M-35 comes from Marquette County and goes southeast to Gladstone.
  • M-69 crosses the southwestern tip of the county.
  • M-183 goes from Fayette State Park to Garden Corners.

Airport

Delta County has its own airport, Delta County Airport (KESC), located southwest of Escanaba. This airport offers flights to major cities like Detroit and Minneapolis.

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Delta (Míchigan) para niños

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