West Branch, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
West Branch
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| City of West Branch | |
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Downtown West Branch along Houghton Avenue
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| Motto(s):
"Up North. Down Home."
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Location within Ogemaw County
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 West Branch
Location in Michigan
West Branch
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Ogemaw |
| Incorporated | 1885 (village) 1905 (city) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor–council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.54 sq mi (3.99 km2) |
| • Land | 1.54 sq mi (3.99 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 955 ft (291 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,351 |
| • Density | 1,527.62/sq mi (589.92/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
48661
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| Area code(s) | 989 |
| FIPS code | 26-85580 |
| GNIS feature ID | 1627248 |
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West Branch is a city in the state of Michigan, United States. It is the main town and county seat of Ogemaw County. A county seat is like the main office for a county's government.
In 2020, West Branch had a population of 2,351 people. This was an increase from 2,139 people in 2010. The city of West Branch is mostly surrounded by West Branch Township. However, the city and the township are managed separately.
Contents
History of West Branch
How West Branch Started
In 1875, a railroad line called the Michigan Central Railroad was built through the area where West Branch is now. The community began as a station along this railroad. It was named West Branch because it was located near the western branch of the Rifle River. This river flows southeast into Saginaw Bay, which is part of Lake Huron.
Becoming a County Seat
Ogemaw County was officially created by the state government in 1873. Both West Branch and a nearby place called Ogemaw Springs wanted to be the county seat. West Branch officially became the county seat in 1876.
West Branch was first set up as a small town, or village, in 1885. Later, in 1905, it became a full city.
Geography and Climate
Where West Branch Is Located
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of West Branch covers about 1.53 square miles (3.99 square kilometers). All of this area is land.
West Branch's Weather
West Branch has a type of weather called a humid continental climate. This means it has big changes in temperature throughout the year. Summers are warm to hot and often humid. Winters are cold, and sometimes very cold.
| Climate data for West Branch, Michigan (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1900–present) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °F (°C) | 62 (17) |
70 (21) |
86 (30) |
91 (33) |
96 (36) |
105 (41) |
107 (42) |
103 (39) |
97 (36) |
89 (32) |
77 (25) |
68 (20) |
107 (42) |
| Mean maximum °F (°C) | 45.6 (7.6) |
48.8 (9.3) |
63.8 (17.7) |
77.0 (25.0) |
86.1 (30.1) |
90.6 (32.6) |
91.3 (32.9) |
89.9 (32.2) |
86.5 (30.3) |
77.7 (25.4) |
62.8 (17.1) |
50.0 (10.0) |
93.4 (34.1) |
| Mean daily maximum °F (°C) | 27.4 (−2.6) |
30.4 (−0.9) |
40.9 (4.9) |
53.7 (12.1) |
67.0 (19.4) |
76.3 (24.6) |
80.3 (26.8) |
78.5 (25.8) |
71.4 (21.9) |
57.8 (14.3) |
43.6 (6.4) |
32.7 (0.4) |
55.0 (12.8) |
| Daily mean °F (°C) | 18.9 (−7.3) |
20.3 (−6.5) |
29.9 (−1.2) |
42.0 (5.6) |
54.6 (12.6) |
64.2 (17.9) |
68.3 (20.2) |
66.5 (19.2) |
58.9 (14.9) |
46.9 (8.3) |
35.3 (1.8) |
25.5 (−3.6) |
44.3 (6.8) |
| Mean daily minimum °F (°C) | 10.4 (−12.0) |
10.1 (−12.2) |
18.9 (−7.3) |
30.3 (−0.9) |
42.2 (5.7) |
52.2 (11.2) |
56.4 (13.6) |
54.5 (12.5) |
46.4 (8.0) |
36.0 (2.2) |
26.9 (−2.8) |
18.2 (−7.7) |
33.5 (0.8) |
| Mean minimum °F (°C) | −11.2 (−24.0) |
−10.8 (−23.8) |
−2.7 (−19.3) |
16.8 (−8.4) |
27.9 (−2.3) |
38.3 (3.5) |
44.8 (7.1) |
43.5 (6.4) |
33.1 (0.6) |
23.8 (−4.6) |
11.7 (−11.3) |
−1.5 (−18.6) |
−15.0 (−26.1) |
| Record low °F (°C) | −30 (−34) |
−36 (−38) |
−33 (−36) |
−11 (−24) |
15 (−9) |
25 (−4) |
30 (−1) |
30 (−1) |
21 (−6) |
5 (−15) |
−15 (−26) |
−27 (−33) |
−36 (−38) |
| Average precipitation inches (mm) | 2.05 (52) |
1.61 (41) |
1.83 (46) |
3.40 (86) |
3.48 (88) |
3.53 (90) |
3.48 (88) |
3.44 (87) |
2.73 (69) |
3.31 (84) |
2.55 (65) |
2.15 (55) |
33.56 (852) |
| Average snowfall inches (cm) | 14.7 (37) |
11.7 (30) |
6.9 (18) |
2.9 (7.4) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.3 (0.76) |
3.8 (9.7) |
12.6 (32) |
53.0 (135) |
| Average extreme snow depth inches (cm) | 9.8 (25) |
10.4 (26) |
8.5 (22) |
2.2 (5.6) |
0.1 (0.25) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.0 (0.0) |
0.2 (0.51) |
2.2 (5.6) |
6.2 (16) |
12.3 (31) |
| Average precipitation days (≥ 0.01 in) | 13.1 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 11.4 | 12.3 | 11.4 | 10.6 | 10.5 | 11.0 | 13.4 | 11.8 | 13.3 | 137.3 |
| Average snowy days (≥ 0.1 in) | 10.7 | 8.8 | 5.0 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 3.3 | 9.4 | 39.0 |
| Source: NOAA | |||||||||||||
Main Roads in West Branch
- I-75 is a big highway that runs north and south. It passes southwest of the city.
- BL I-75 West Branch is a special route that goes through the city.
- M-30 is another north-south road that ends in West Branch.
- M-55 is an east-west road that crosses the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. It connects Manistee to Tawas City.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1880 | 139 | — | |
| 1890 | 1,302 | 836.7% | |
| 1900 | 1,412 | 8.4% | |
| 1910 | 1,276 | −9.6% | |
| 1920 | 1,105 | −13.4% | |
| 1930 | 1,164 | 5.3% | |
| 1940 | 1,962 | 68.6% | |
| 1950 | 2,098 | 6.9% | |
| 1960 | 2,025 | −3.5% | |
| 1970 | 1,912 | −5.6% | |
| 1980 | 1,785 | −6.6% | |
| 1990 | 1,914 | 7.2% | |
| 2000 | 1,926 | 0.6% | |
| 2010 | 2,139 | 11.1% | |
| 2020 | 2,351 | 9.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
West Branch in 2020
In 2020, there were 2,052 people living in West Branch. There were 979 households. The average household income was $30,508.
Most people (77.7%) drove to work alone. About 12.5% carpooled, and 5.06% walked. This means driving alone was the most common way to get to work.
The main groups of people living in West Branch were:
- 91% White
- 4.68% Asian
- 1.56% Hispanic
- 1.51% Multiracial (people of more than one race)
- 1.22% African American
On average, each household had 2 cars. People spent about 19.1 minutes traveling to work.
Education in West Branch
West Branch-Rose City Area Schools is the local public school district. Students attend Surline Elementary and Middle Schools. They also go to Ogemaw Heights High School, which serves both West Branch and Rose City. The high school's mascot is the falcon.
There is also a private school called Saint Joseph Catholic School. It teaches students from preschool up to eighth grade. It is connected to the Roman Catholic Church.
For education after high school, students can go to Kirtland Community College.
Health Care in West Branch
MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch is the local hospital. It is located at 2463 S. M-30. The hospital offers many different types of medical care.
Rehabilitation Programs
They have programs to help people recover from injuries or illnesses. These include:
- Physical therapy: Helps with movement and strength, like after hip surgery.
- Occupational therapy: Helps with daily activities, like recovering from shoulder pain.
- Speech therapy: Helps with speaking, thinking, and swallowing problems.
Wound Care Center
The hospital also has a special center for wounds that are not healing well. They offer treatments like:
- Debridement: Removing dead tissue from a wound.
- Special dressings: Using special bandages to help wounds heal.
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy: Breathing pure oxygen in a special room to help healing.
Maternity Services
The hospital closed its maternity ward in 2010. This meant expectant mothers had to go to other hospitals nearby. However, MidMichigan Medical Center – West Branch reopened its maternity ward on March 1, 2021.
Fun Things to Do
Irons Park
West Branch has a city park called Irons Park, which opened in 1955. It was named after Archie Irons, who used to own the land. Many events happen here every year, such as:
- An Easter egg hunt
- The Humane Society Mutt March
- Summer Music Series
- The Victorian Art Fair
- A fishing derby
- Duck races
The park also has Fort Austin, a large wooden play area named after Austin Clark. You can bike, fish, and watch birds in the park. There are also tennis courts, basketball courts, picnic tables, and grills. In winter, Irons Park is a popular spot for sledding.
Tolfree Wellness Park
In 2014, the John Tolfree Hospital created the Tolfree Wellness Park. This park was part of a project to help kids stay healthy. It has a 3.3-mile trail, gardens, a greenhouse, and a pavilion. The park also hosts the Soles for Cardio Run/Walk to encourage healthy living. Money raised helps health programs at the medical center and keeps the park nice.
Other Activities
West Branch has two bowling alleys: Ogemaw Lanes and Hi-Skore. You can also catch a movie at West Branch Cinema 3, located in the downtown area.
There are also special events throughout the year:
- R.O.A.R. Battle of the Bands: Held at Kirtland Community College, this event raises money to help people affected by domestic violence.
- Ogemaw County Winterfest: A winter celebration held in February.
- Ogemaw County Fair: Held in August, just east of the city.
- Relay for Life: Held in Irons Park in late July. This event supports the fight against breast cancer.
Famous People from West Branch
- Catherine Laurion: She was Miss Michigan Teen USA in 2005.
- Alex Rose: An athlete who competed for Samoa in the 2016 and 2020 Summer Olympics.
- Dita Von Teese: A famous burlesque dancer, model, and businesswoman.
- Dave Walter: A former NFL quarterback who played for the Cincinnati Bengals.
- Daniel Way: A comic book writer known for his work on Wolverine: Origins and Deadpool.
- Joy Williams: A singer and songwriter, known as half of the music duo The Civil Wars.
- Donny Winter: A poet who has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize.
- Anthony Zettel: A former NFL defensive end.
Images for kids
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U.S. Post Office in West Branch
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West Branch Library and City Hall
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Former West Branch train depot
See also
In Spanish: West Branch (Míchigan) para niños
