Macomb Township is a civil township within Metro Detroit in Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The township's population was 50,477 at the 2000 census. At the 2010 census, the population grew to 79,580, which ranked Macomb Township as the most-populated civil township in the state of Michigan. Its numbers have since grown to 91,579 as of 2020. It is the third most-populated township in the state after the charter townships of Clinton and Canton.
History
The early founders of Macomb Township arrived in the early 19th century in search of flat and fertile farmland, like that near the Clinton River. Many of these early settlers were of German descent, and the German influences remain today. The Township of Macomb was officially approved by the Legislative Council on March 7, 1834.
The township was named in honor of General Alexander Macomb, who was a highly decorated veteran of the War of 1812; his successful mercantile family owned most of Macomb County at one time.
Macomb Township was also a large part of the lumber and logging industry of Southeast Michigan in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Logs would be transported south from Wolcott Mill in Ray Township, down the Middle Branch Clinton River to sawmills. This route became known as Romeo Plank, and is the name of the modern-day road that runs down the same route.
Growth
Macomb Township experienced significant growth during the period of 2000–2008, boasting a 48% increase in population.
Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of , of which is land and (0.06%) is water. The area is predominantly a mix of flat fertile land and swampy wetland, but beginning with the housing boom in the late 1990s, the area has been largely suburbanizing.
Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 79,580 people and 27,585 households in the township. The population density was 2,196.8 per square mile (848.2/km). There were 27,585 housing units. The racial makeup of the township was 90.5% White, 3.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, 3.1% Asian, 0.0% Pacific Islander, 0.7% from other races, and 1.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.3% of the population.
As of the census of 2000, there were 50,478 people, 16,946 households, and 14,065 families residing in the township. The population density was 1,391.7 per square mile (537.3/km). There were 17,922 housing units at an average density of 494.1 per square mile (190.8/km). The racial makeup of the township was 96.12% White, 0.84% African American, 0.19% Native American, 1.41% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.31% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.46% of the population.
There were 16,946 households, out of which 45.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.7% were married couples living together, 6.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.0% were non-families. 13.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.97 and the average family size was 3.30.
In the township the population was spread out, with 30.2% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 35.1% from 25 to 44, 20.3% from 45 to 64, and 7.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.3 males.
According to a 2006 estimate, the median income for a household in the township was $84,901, and the median income for a family was $88,458.
Government
The public school districts that serve residents of Macomb Township are Chippewa Valley Schools, L'Anse Creuse Public Schools, New Haven Community Schools and Utica Community Schools. For public library services, the Township is served by the Clinton-Macomb Public Library district.
Media
The township's flagship newspaper is the Macomb Township Chronicle.
Notable people
Danny DeKeyser - hockey player for the Detroit Red Wings
Mario Impemba - sportscaster, former TV voice of the Detroit Tigers
Bob Learn, Jr. - professional ten-pin bowler, five-time champion on PBA Tour (lived in Macomb Township before moving to Tennessee)
Masiela Lusha - Albanian-American actress and writer
Jayson Blair - Actor
Communities
There are no incorporated villages within the township, but there are three unincorporated communities:
Macomb or Macomb Corners is located in the northwest part of the township at on Romeo Plank Road at 25 Mile Road, near the Middle Branch of the Clinton River.
Waldenburg, Michigan is located in the central portion of the township at , a few miles south of Macomb on Romeo Plank Road and the Clinton River, chiefly in the 22 Mile Road area.
Meade, Michigan is located in the northeast portion of the township at on the boundary with Ray Township at 26 Mile Road and North Avenue.
