Somerset Township, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Somerset Township, Michigan
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Somerset Township Hall and Fire Department
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Location within Hillsdale County
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 Somerset Township, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Somerset Township, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Hillsdale |
| Established | 1837 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 35.56 sq mi (92.10 km2) |
| • Land | 33.41 sq mi (86.53 km2) |
| • Water | 2.15 sq mi (5.57 km2) |
| Elevation | 1,070 ft (326 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 4,532 |
| • Density | 135.6/sq mi (52.4/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | |
| Area code(s) | 517 |
| FIPS code | 26-74560 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1627090 |
Somerset Township is a special kind of local government area called a civil township in Hillsdale County, Michigan. It's located in the United States. In 2020, about 4,532 people lived here.
Contents
Communities in Somerset Township
Somerset Township is home to several smaller communities. Each has its own unique history!
Bakers: A Historic Spot
- Bakers is a historic settlement within the township. It used to be a stop along the Detroit, Toledo and Milwaukee Railroad. For a short time, from 1897 to 1903, it even had its own post office.
Jerome: Named After a Pioneer
- Jerome is an unincorporated community in the township. This means it's a recognized place, but it doesn't have its own separate local government. It started in 1871 when a railroad line was built through the area. Jerome Smith, who helped plan the community, gave it his name. He was also the first postmaster there.
Lake LeAnn: A Lakeside Community
- Lake LeAnn is another unincorporated community. It's also a census-designated place, which means the U.S. Census Bureau counts it as a distinct area for statistics. It's known for its beautiful lake.
Somerset: The Original Settlement
- Somerset is an unincorporated community along U.S. Route 12. It was first settled in 1832 by James D. Van Hoevenburg. The first post office opened here in 1835. The community's name changed a few times before it became Somerset again in 1898.
Somerset Center: The Heart of the Township
- Somerset Center is an unincorporated community right in the middle of the township. It's also located along U.S. Route 12. Settlers arrived here as early as 1833. It was named "Somerset Center" because of its central location. It got its own post office in 1872.
Geography and Natural Features
Somerset Township covers about 35.56 square miles (92.10 square kilometers). Most of this area is land, but about 2.15 square miles (5.57 square kilometers) is water, mostly from its many small lakes.
Nature and Rivers
The township is home to the Somerset State Game Area, which is a large natural space covering 748 acres. The Grand River, which is the longest river in Michigan, actually starts right here in Somerset Township!
Main Roads
- U.S. Route 12 (also called E. Chicago Road) runs through the northern part of the township from east to west.
- U.S. Route 127 briefly passes through the very northeast corner of the township.
People of Somerset Township
In 2000, there were 4,277 people living in Somerset Township. Most residents (about 97.9%) were White. A small number of people identified as African American, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander. About 1.38% of the population was Hispanic or Latino.
Households and Families
There were 1,687 households in the township. Many of these (68.9%) were married couples living together. About 28.6% of households had children under 18 living with them. The average household had about 2.53 people.
Age Groups
The population in 2000 was spread out by age:
- About 23% were under 18 years old.
- About 30.3% were between 45 and 64 years old.
- About 14.9% were 65 years or older.
The average age in the township was 42 years old.
Education
Students in Somerset Township attend schools from four different public school districts:
- North Adams-Jerome Schools serves the western part of the township.
- Addison Community Schools serves the eastern part.
- Hanover-Horton Schools serves a small area around Lake LeAnn in the north.
- Columbia School District serves a tiny part of the northeast corner.
Notable People
- George A. Smith was a politician from Somerset Township who served as a state senator and representative.
Images for kids
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Community of Jerome
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Community of Somerset
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Community of Somerset Center
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Community of Lake LeAnn
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