Population Statistics

Historical population data for Iosco County is shown in Table 1. During this period, the County has consistently grown at a rate greater than the region or the state. Specifically, the county population increased in excess of three times the state and regional rates during 1960-70. In 1970-80, the county rate population expansion exceeded the regional average only slightly, but was still three times greater than the overall trend for the state. Closing of the Wurtsmith Airbase in 1992 resulted in a decline in population between 1990 and 1994 but the upward trend in population growth has resumed with the reuse of the base property.

These population trends distinguish the county as possessing some unique attributes which attract growth. The existing plan identifies these major growth attractants as follows: 1.) the County's scenic natural environment; and 2.) the presence of two urbanized centers along the shoreline, Tawas City/ East Tawas and Oscoda/ AuSable. Since 1970, most civil divisions in the county have undergone moderate to substantial population growth. During 1980-85, the steadiest population growth was experienced in the Townships of AuSable, Baldwin, Grant, Oscoda, Plainfield, Tawas, and Wilber.

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Data on the age and sex composition of the county population is shown in Table II together with comparable data for the state. In general, the data shows that the Iosco County population contains significant proportions of preschool age children (under 5 years old) and permanent retired residents (65 and over) in comparison to the statewide averages.

Persons 65 and over make up a greater part of the population than the state average in all of the local government units except Oscoda Township. In terms of median age, the losco County average was 32.6 years in 1994 and has increased to 44.2 in 2000. As an additional observation, women make up a smaller proportion of the county population in relation to the state average of 51.2 percent. This relationship is reflected most strongly in the townships. In all cases except Sherman Township, the female proportion is lower than state average. In the cities, however, this trend is reversed. East Tawas, Tawas City and Whittemore all contain female populations that are greater than the state and county averages.

More population and economic demographics for Iosco County are available HERE.

SEASONAL POPULATION

The County's scenic natural features and recreational facilities serve to attract many thousands of visitors each year in addition to the permanent population. Seasonal visitors utilize campground, motel and private cottage or seasonal home facilities located within Iosco County. Although the 2000 County population is approximately 27,300, it is possible for the population to increase dramatically during the parts of the year when seasonal units are occupied. More than half of the dwellings in the townships of Alabaster, Baldwin, Grant, Plainfield, and Wilber are seasonal units. In AuSable, Burleigh and Oscoda Townships, seasonal dwelling unit totals represent a very significant percentage of total dwellings as well. The bulk of seasonal dwellings in Iosco County are located within these communities.

Of course, seasonal dwelling unit figures only count for a portion of those tourists who will take up temporary occupancy in the County during the course of the year. Visitors can choose from a variety of motel and campground accommodations available throughout Iosco County. As well, it is estimated that 40% of vacationers stay with friends or relatives who live in the area. Thus, a large number of seasonal and year-round homes accommodate a substantial number of visitors.

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Revised: 05/18/2010 11:38 AM