Spring Arbor, Michigan

Spring Arbor is an unincorporated community within Spring Arbor Township, Jackson County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The U.S. Census Bureau has defined a census-designated place (CDP) with the same name for statistical purposes. The CDP has no official status as a municipality and the boundaries defined by the Census Bureau may not precisely correspond to local understanding of the Spring Arbor area. The population of the CDP was 2,188 at the 2000 census. There is a post office in Spring Arbor that covers an area larger than the CDP, but smaller than the township. The ZIP code for this area is 49283. As of 2000, the ZIP Code area had a population of 3,110. Spring Arbor Township surrounds the community, but also includes portions of surrounding communities. As of 2000, the township had a population of 7,577.

Spring Arbor is the home of Spring Arbor University, a liberal arts university affiliated with the Free Methodist Church.

History

Potawatomi resided in present-day Spring Arbor in three known aboriginal villages until their removal to reservations near Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Organized by Territorial Council in 1832, the township has continued to exist with its present boundaries since 1837. Spring Arbor was first spelled Spring Arbour on all early maps.

During the mid-1800s a Village of Spring Arbour had been planned along what is now the intersection of Cross and Hammond Roads in the southwest portion of the township. The development of such village began but stopped with the departure of the Free Will Baptists' seminary to what is now Hillsdale College. Remnants of this plot are clearly visible on an aerial view of the area: a portion of Matthews Rd continues along a street directed at the intersections of Cross & Hammond. Falling Waters Park can be found at this former establishment with historical information about the area.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.8 square miles (7.1 km²), all land.

Spring Arbor is well known for its artesian water springs which form several small lakes, creeks and rivers. Lime Lake County Park is located in Spring Arbor.

North is Sandstone Township. Northeast is Blackman Township. East are the city of Jackson and Summit Township. Southeast is Liberty Township. South are the village Hanover, Hanover Township, and the unincorporated community of Horton. Southwest is Pulaski Township. West are the village of Concord and Concord Township. Northwest are the village of Parma and Parma Township.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,188 people, 643 households, and 367 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 792.2 per square mile (306.1/km²). There were 682 housing units at an average density of 246.9/sq mi (95.4/km²). The racial makeup of the CDP was 95.34% White, 1.83% African American, 0.23% Native American, 1.19% Asian, 0.32% Pacific Islander, 0.27% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 1.10% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 643 households out of which 25.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.7% were married couples living together, 6.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 42.9% were non-families. 38.9% of all households were made up of individuals and 23.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the CDP the population was spread out with 16.0% under the age of 18, 31.8% from 18 to 24, 16.9% from 25 to 44, 14.4% from 45 to 64, and 21.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 28 years. For every 100 females there were 72.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 67.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $38,750, and the median income for a family was $67,647. Males had a median income of $42,500 versus $26,510 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $14,490. 8.9% of the population and 6.7% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 7.8% are under the age of 18 and 9.3% are 65 or older.

Education

Three K-12 school districts cover the township:
* [http://www.westernschools.org/ Western School District]
* [http://www.ccs.k12.mi.us/ Concord Community Schools]
* [http://www.hhcomets.org/ Hanover-Horton School District]

Trinity Lutheran School serves grades K-8 and is located in the northeast quarter of the township. It is affiliated with the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.

Spring Arbor University is located in Spring Arbor. Established in 1873 as a seminary of the Free Methodist Church, it later became a high school, followed by a junior college, then a college and finally a university on April 30, 2001.

The Jackson Community College District also serves the township.

Commerce and industry

There are several nursing homes, retirement centres and assisted living centres in the community. Many of these are owned by members of the Ganton family.

Spring Arbor University employs approximately 275 staff and faculty on its Main Campus as of September 2004, which is by far the largest employer located in the community.

[http://www.consumersenergy.com/ CMS Energy] employs a large number of Spring Arbor residents, but is located in Jackson.

References

External links

* [http://www.springarbor.org/ Official Township Website]
* [http://www.arbor.edu/ Spring Arbor University Website]
* [http://www.jacksoncommunity.net/ Jackson County Michigan]