Penn Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Penn Township, Michigan
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Location within Cass County (red) and the administered villages of Vandalia and a portion of Cassopolis (pink)
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 Penn Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Penn Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States | |
| State | Michigan | |
| County | Cass | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 35.4 sq mi (91.7 km2) | |
| • Land | 33.6 sq mi (86.9 km2) | |
| • Water | 1.8 sq mi (4.7 km2) | |
| Elevation | 889 ft (271 m) | |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 1,755 | |
| • Density | 49.57/sq mi (19.138/km2) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) | |
| ZIP code(s) |
49031, 49095
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| Area code(s) | 269 | |
| FIPS code | 26-63380 | |
| GNIS feature ID | 1626890 | |
Penn Township is a civil township located in Cass County, in the state of Michigan, United States. In 2020, about 1,755 people lived here.
This area is famous for its connection to the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved people find freedom. The historic Bonine House, a special lookout spot, is in Penn Township. The village of Vandalia, also in Penn Township, played a big part in this important history.
Contents
Communities in Penn Township
Exploring Local Settlements
- Geneva was a planned community started in 1831. For a short time, it was even the county seat, which means it was the main government center for the county. Today, this area is known as Shore Acres.
Understanding Penn Township's Geography
Land and Water Features
Penn Township is found just northeast of the center of Cass County. The village of Vandalia is located in the southeastern part of the township.
The United States Census Bureau reports that the township covers a total area of about 91.7 square kilometers (35.4 square miles). Most of this area, about 86.9 square kilometers (33.6 square miles), is land. The remaining 4.7 square kilometers (1.8 square miles), or about 5.18%, is water. The two largest lakes in the township are Diamond Lake, located in the southwest, and Donnell Lake, found in the southeast.
Who Lives in Penn Township?
Population Changes Over Time
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2000 | 1,902 | — | |
| 2010 | 1,774 | −6.7% | |
| 2020 | 1,755 | −1.1% | |
In 2000, there were 1,902 people living in Penn Township. This population was spread across 747 households and included 560 families. The population density was about 56.5 people per square mile. There were also 1,280 housing units in the township.
Diversity in Penn Township
In 2000, the people living in Penn Township came from different backgrounds. About 82.07% were White, and 12.36% were African American. Smaller groups included Native American (0.58%) and Asian (2.10%). About 1.00% of the population identified as Hispanic or Latino.
Households and Families
Out of the 747 households, about 26.9% had children under 18 living with them. Most households (60.2%) were married couples living together. About 9.6% had a female head of household without a husband present. Roughly 25.0% of households were not families. The average household had 2.54 people, and the average family had 2.91 people.
Age Groups in the Township
The population in the township was spread out by age. About 25.1% were under 18 years old. About 8.0% were between 18 and 24. The largest group, 28.5%, was between 45 and 64 years old. About 15.5% of the population was 65 years or older. The average age in the township was 41 years.
Income and Economy
In 2000, the average income for a household in Penn Township was $38,375. For families, the average income was $43,077. Men earned an average of $32,167, while women earned $24,769. The average income per person in the township was $19,462. About 9.9% of families and 13.6% of the total population lived below the poverty line. This included 17.8% of those under 18 and 8.1% of those 65 or older.
Education in Penn Township
Local School Districts
Most students living in Penn Township attend Cassopolis Public Schools. However, a small part of the township in the northeast is part of the Marcellus Community Schools district.
