Fenton is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan that lies mostly in Genesee County, with small portions in neighboring Oakland County and Livingston County. It is part of the Flint, MI Metropolitan Statistical Area, which in turn, is included in the Detroit-Warren-Ann Arbor, MI Combined Statistical Area.
History
It was first established in 1834 and was originally named "Dibbleville" after Clark Dibble, one of the first settlers. It was platted in 1837 as "Fentonville" by William M. Fenton who would later become lieutenant-governor of Michigan. When the settlement was incorporated as a village in 1863 the name Fenton was used.
The settlement's post office used the name Fentonville from 1837 until 1886, when it adopted the current name.
In the 1970s, the city leveled its downtown buildings and closed Leroy Street as part of an urban renewal plan. On August 24, 2007, an EF2 tornado hit Fenton, damaging several homes and a school, and almost completely destroying the soon to be opened Tractor Supply Company, tearing off its roof. This caused many people to go without power, leaving the city in a state of emergency. There were no fatalities or serious injuries. In July 2011, the first proposed building, Cornerstone, to restore the city's old downtown area was announced.
As of the 2010 census, the city population was 11,756. The city was incorporated from Fenton Township in Genesee County, and the city and township are administratively autonomous. Fenton includes several historic buildings. It was home to the first aviation school in Michigan and the A.J. Phillips Fenton Museum.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which is land and (4.57%) is water.
Numerous municipalities in Michigan span two counties, but Fenton is one of two municipalities in the state of Michigan to span three counties; the other being the capital city of Lansing. The overwhelming majority of Fenton is located within Genesee County, with a total area of , of which is land and is water. The Genesee County portion represents 98.29% of Fenton's total area and 99.99% of its population. Of Fenton's 11,747 residents, all but 10 residents live in Genesee County. The separate 10 residents live in the Livingston County portion of Fenton, which contains a land area of . A minuscule portion with no residents extends into Oakland County with a total land area of .
The Tipsico Lake Project is a brownfield redevelopment project to restore the land and surrounding area.
Demographics
2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 11,756 people, 5,067 households, and 2,953 families living in the city. The population density was . There were 5,572 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 95.1% White, 1.3% African American, 0.3% Native American, 0.7% Asian, 0.5% from other races, and 2.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.5% of the population.
There were 5,067 households, of which 31.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.8% were married couples living together, 13.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.2% had a male householder with no wife present, and 41.7% were non-families. 34.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.27 and the average family size was 2.96.
The median age in the city was 36 years. 24.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.7% were from 25 to 44; 22.8% were from 45 to 64, and 14.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 46.8% male and 53.2% female.
2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 10,582 people, 4,335 households, and 2,709 families living in the city. The population density was 1,612.5 per square mile (622.8/km2). There were 4,569 housing units at an average density of 696.2 per square mile (268.9/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 96.25% White, 0.60% African American, 0.39% Native American, 0.95% Asian, 0.66% from other races, and 1.16% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.80% of the population.
There were 4,335 households, out of which 32.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.5% were married couples living together, 10.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.5% were non-families. 30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.38 and the average family size was 3.01.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.4% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 33.7% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $47,400, and the median income for a family was $55,637. Males had a median income of $44,874 versus $30,435 for females. The per capita income for the city was $22,435. About 4.4% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.9% of those under age 18 and 12.4% of those age 65 or over.
Infrastructure
Highways
U.S. 23 runs north and south through the city.
Utilities
The municipality operates its own water system.
Notable people
Cynthia Roberts Gorton (1826–1894), blind poet and author
Ira W. Jayne (1882–1961), Wayne County Circuit Court Chief Judge
Ava Michelle (born 2002), American actress best known for her role as Jodi in Tall Girl
