Gaines Township, Kent County, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gaines Township, Michigan
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Charter township
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| Gaines Charter Township | |
Location within Kent County (red) and an administered portion of the Cutlerville CDP (pink)
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 Gaines Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Gaines Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Kent |
| Established | 1848 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 35.76 sq mi (92.62 km2) |
| • Land | 35.70 sq mi (92.46 km2) |
| • Water | 0.06 sq mi (0.16 km2) |
| Elevation | 817 ft (249 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 28,812 |
| • Density | 805.70/sq mi (311.078/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | |
| Area code(s) | 616 |
| FIPS code | 26-081-31240 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626329 |
Gaines Charter Township is a special type of local government area called a "charter township" in Kent County, Michigan, in the United States. It's a place where many people live and work. In 2020, about 28,812 people called Gaines Township home.
This township is part of the larger Grand Rapids metropolitan area. It's located just about 3 miles (4.8 km) south of the big city of Grand Rapids.
Contents
Communities in Gaines Township
Gaines Township is made up of several smaller communities. Each has its own unique history and character.
Corinth: A Historic Spot
Corinth is a community located in the southwest part of the township. Back in 1866, three brothers named Cody built mills here. Because of this, the area was first known as "Cody's Mills." A post office opened here in 1867 and was later renamed Corinth in 1871.
Cutlerville is another community in the northwest part of Gaines Township. It's interesting because this community also stretches into Byron Township, which is to the west.
Dutton: Settled Long Ago
Dutton is a community that started around 1870. It's centered where Dutton Avenue and 68th Street meet.
Gaines Center and Gainesville
There were once other small places here too. Gaines Center had a post office for a short time from 1854 to 1856. Gainesville was a station on the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad and had a post office from 1856 until 1871.
History of Gaines Township
Gaines Township has a rich history, dating back to when the first settlers arrived.
Early Settlers and Naming
The first people to settle in this area were Alexander Clark and Alexander L. Bouck. They arrived in 1837, looking for new opportunities. The township was given its name, Gaines, in 1846. It was named after Gaines, New York, because many of the first families who moved here came from that town.
Official Establishment
Gaines Township was officially created and recognized as a township in 1848. This marked an important step in its development and organization.
Geography and Location
Gaines Township is located in a great spot in Michigan. Let's explore its size and where it is on the map.
Size and Water
According to official measurements, Gaines Township covers a total area of about 35.76 square miles (92.62 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, about 35.70 square miles (92.46 square kilometers). Only a very small part, about 0.06 square miles (0.16 square kilometers), is water.
Where is Gaines Township?
The township is located about 13 miles (21 km) south of downtown Grand Rapids. It sits directly south of the city of Kentwood. To its east, you'll find Caledonia Charter Township and the village of Caledonia. To the south is Leighton Township in Allegan County, and to the west is Byron Township.
Main Roads Nearby
Two important highways are close to Gaines Township, making it easy to travel.
US 131 runs alongside almost the entire western border of the township. While it doesn't go through the township itself, it's very close.
M-6 goes from west to east near the northern edge of the township.
Education in Gaines Township
Students in Gaines Township attend schools in different public school districts, depending on where they live.
School Districts Serving the Township
- Most of the township is served by Caledonia Community Schools. These schools are located to the east in Caledonia Township.
- The western part of Gaines Township is served by Bryon Center Public Schools, located in Byron Center.
- The very northwestern corner of the township is part of the Kentwood Public Schools district, which is in Kentwood.
People of Gaines Township
Let's learn about the people who live in Gaines Township and what makes the community diverse.
Population and Diversity
As of the 2020 United States Census, there were 28,812 people living in Gaines Township. The community is made up of people from many different backgrounds. About 66.8% of the people were White, 11.5% were Black or African American, and 7.5% were Asian. About 0.3% were Native American, and 10.1% identified as being of two or more races. Additionally, 9.8% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Households and Families
In 2010, there were 9,220 households in the township. A household is a group of people living together, like a family or roommates. Out of these, 6,740 were families. About 38.3% of households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had about 2.69 people, and the average family had about 3.15 people.
