Plainwell, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Plainwell, Michigan
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| Nickname(s):
The Island City
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Location of Plainwell, Michigan
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Allegan |
| Incorporated (village) | March 26, 1869 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2.07 sq mi (5.37 km2) |
| • Land | 1.99 sq mi (5.16 km2) |
| • Water | 0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2) |
| Elevation | 728 ft (222 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 3,788 |
| • Density | 1,901.61/sq mi (734.19/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code |
49080
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| Area code(s) | 269 |
| FIPS code | 26-64740 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0635077 |
Plainwell is a city located in Allegan County, in the state of Michigan, United States. In 2020, about 3,788 people lived there.
Plainwell is found along M-89. It's just east of where M-89 meets US 131. The city of Otsego is about 3 miles (5 km) to the west. Kalamazoo is about 10 miles (16 km) south. Grand Rapids is about 35 miles (56 km) north. The Kalamazoo River flows right through the city. This is why Plainwell is often called "The Island City."
Contents
Plainwell's History and Growth
This area of Michigan began to be settled in the 1830s. This happened after the native people moved from the land. Allegan County was officially formed in 1835. Plainwell was settled soon after.
Plainwell was an important stop on the stagecoach route between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Later, the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad was built along the same path. When cars became popular, U.S. Route 131 was created and ran through the town. In the 1960s, a new, wider US-131 freeway was built west of Plainwell. This new road connected Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. It had an exit on M-89 between Plainwell and Otsego. This made Plainwell a "bedroom community." This means many people who live in Plainwell work in bigger cities like Kalamazoo or Grand Rapids.
Plainwell's Geography
Plainwell covers about 2.06 square miles (5.34 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, about 1.98 square miles (5.13 square kilometers). A small part, about 0.08 square miles (0.21 square kilometers), is water.
The city's nickname, "The Island City," comes from a special feature. A power canal takes some water from the Kalamazoo River. This canal goes around the downtown area. This makes the downtown area look like an island.
Major Roads in Plainwell
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US 131 is a major freeway. It runs along the western side of the city.US 131 shield
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M-43 follows M-89 for most of its path in Plainwell. It then joins US 131 near the city border.M-43 shield
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M-89 shares its route with M-43 in Plainwell. It then continues west on its own into Otsego.M-89 shield
Plainwell's Population Over Time
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1870 | 1,035 | — | |
| 1880 | 1,356 | 31.0% | |
| 1890 | 1,414 | 4.3% | |
| 1900 | 1,318 | −6.8% | |
| 1910 | 1,493 | 13.3% | |
| 1920 | 2,049 | 37.2% | |
| 1930 | 2,279 | 11.2% | |
| 1940 | 2,424 | 6.4% | |
| 1950 | 2,767 | 14.2% | |
| 1960 | 3,125 | 12.9% | |
| 1970 | 3,195 | 2.2% | |
| 1980 | 3,751 | 17.4% | |
| 1990 | 4,057 | 8.2% | |
| 2000 | 3,933 | −3.1% | |
| 2010 | 3,804 | −3.3% | |
| 2020 | 3,788 | −0.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Plainwell's Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 3,804 people living in Plainwell. These people lived in 1,561 households. About 966 of these were families. The city had about 1,921 people per square mile (742 people per square kilometer). There were 1,674 homes, with about 845 homes per square mile (326 homes per square kilometer).
Most people in Plainwell were White (96.0%). A smaller number were African American (1.0%), Native American (0.5%), or Asian (0.4%). Some people were from other races (0.6%) or from two or more races (1.5%). About 2.3% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
About 32.4% of households had children under 18. About 44.3% were married couples. The average household had 2.33 people. The average family had 2.97 people. The average age in Plainwell was 38.7 years old. About 23.8% of residents were under 18. About 15.9% were 65 or older.
Education in Plainwell
Students from kindergarten through 12th grade attend schools in the Plainwell School District.
Plainwell has two high schools:
- Plainwell High School
- Renaissance High School (an alternative education high school)
There is one middle school:
- Plainwell Middle School
The school district also has three elementary schools:
- Cooper Elementary
- Gilkey Elementary
- Starr Elementary
The Michigan Career and Technical Institute is also located nearby.
Famous People from Plainwell
- Jack Conklin, an American football player who plays offensive tackle.
- Dave Coverly, a cartoonist whose work appears in many newspapers.
- Mallory Comerford, a competitive swimmer.
- Ed Gale, an actor.
- Narada Michael Walden, a singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer.
See also
In Spanish: Plainwell (Míchigan) para niños
