Solon Township, Kent County, Michigan

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.28 sqmi, of which 34.72 sqmi is land and 1.56 sqmi (4.30%) is water.

Major highways

• runs north briefly through the southeast corner of the township.
• runs west–east through the southern portion of the township before running concurrent with U.S. Route 131.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 4,662 people, 1,682 households, and 1,310 families residing in the township. The population density was 130.1 PD/sqmi. There were 1,778 housing units at an average density of 49.6 /mi2. The racial makeup of the township was 96.31% White, 0.26% African American, 1.16% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.60% from other races, and 1.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.74% of the population.

There were 1,682 households, out of which 38.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.4% were married couples living together, 8.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 18.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.77 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 31.5% from 25 to 44, 22.3% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 101.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 102.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $44,814, and the median income for a family was $50,439. Males had a median income of $36,736 versus $27,451 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,540. About 2.5% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.6% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Nelson Township is served by four separate school districts. The majority of the township is served by Cedar Springs Public Schools. Portions of the western side of the township are served by Kent City Community Schools. A very small portion of the northeast corner of the township is served by Tri County Area Schools, and another very small portion of the northwest portion of the township is served by Grant Public School District to the north in Newaygo County.

Notable people

Mary Welch, 10-month old infant murdered by her parents

References

References

1. "U.S. Census website". [[United States Census Bureau]].
2. {{gnis. 1627088
3. "Explore Census Data".
4. (September 2012). "Michigan: 2010 Population and Housing Unit Counts 2010 Census of Population and Housing". [[United States Census Bureau]].
5. Michigan Geographic Framework. (15 November 2013). "Kent County School Districts".
6. (14 October 2021). "Jury finds Kent County woman guilty of murdering 10-month-old daughter". FOX 17 West Michigan News (WXMI).