Population Characteristics

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population for Resort Township in 1990 was 2,068 persons (1,012 male - 1,056 female), averaging 98.5 persons per square mile for the Township's 21 square miles of land area. This population density can be compared to 53.5 persons per square mile for Emmet County and 163.6 persons per square mile for the State of Michigan.

In discussing the population for Resort Township, however, it is important to note that the figure presented by the 1990 Census does not reflect the actual number of persons residing in the Township during the summer months. This situation can be seen throughout much of northern Michigan. The Census tally, taken on April first, does not count residents who winter elsewhere. Respondents are asked to declare a permanent residence different from their April location, if more than six months are spent at the alternate address. However, many fail to do so for reasons of misunderstanding or for tax purposes.

In reviewing the social and economic information derived from Census data, the figures presented for housing characteristics show 237 units or 24 percent of the total housing units are listed as seasonal, recreational or occasional use homes. With this in mind, it can be assumed that the Township's resident population increases by at least 24 percent during the summer months. Based on the average household size in Resort Township of 2.97, the expected seasonal increase would be at least 703 persons. In addition, many summer visitors stay at private lodging places or at the homes of family or friends.

Household Size

Census data from 1990 shows Resort Township has a household size of 2.97 persons per household, compared with 2.58 persons per household in Emmet County and 2.66 persons per household for the State of Michigan as a whole. These figures are a significant change from prior decades. In 1970, for example, the household size for Resort Township was 3.47 persons, compared to 3.25 for the County and 3.27 for the State. The trend to smaller households is important because it creates demand for additional housing units, even in the absence of a numerical increase in population.

Seasonal Population

Emmet County is a travel destination for many Michigan residents and visitors throughout the Midwest. The combination of seasonal residences, ski resorts, campgrounds, and outdoor activities/events draws many nonresidents into the region. A July 1996 study conducted by the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments cited by the 1999 Emmet County Recreation Plan, shows an average monthly population increase of 21percent over the base population of the County. This increase accounts for visitors, tourists, or summer home occupants, which are likely to use the Township’s recreational facilities and other services during their stay. In fact, during the summer months of July, August, and September, the daily County population increases by nearly 50 percent according to the study. Since Resort Township offers many popular destinations within the County on Little Traverse Bay and Walloon Lake, a similar population increase within the Township is well expected.

Age Distribution and Racial Make-up

Information on age distribution within a population can assist the community in matching public services to community characteristics and in determining what, if any, special needs specific resident groups might have.

Age distribution figures for Resort Township from the 1990 reflect a population which is slightly younger than that of Emmet County, and is similar in age distribution to State of Michigan as a whole. Table 2-2 compares the age distribution from the 1990 Census for the Township, the County and the State.

At the time of the 1990 Census, the median age for Resort Township was 32.8 years, for Emmet County, 34.5 years, and for the State, 32.6 years. The Township median age is similar to that of the State, and slightly younger than that of the County.
The racial make-up of the Township is primarily white (2,026 persons). Native Americans are the primary minority population (31 persons), with a small number of Blacks (five persons), Asians (four persons) and other races (two persons).

Population Projections

According to the Emmet County Master Plan, the growth rate of Resort Township is projected to exceed Emmet County’s rate of increase over the next ten years. According to the summary in Table 2-3, the population growth rate from 1990 to 2000 as a percentage of the 1990 population taken by the US Census will increase 52.4 percent. The County further anticipates the Township population to increase by an additional 34.4 percent by the year 2010. This population was calculated in 1994 and accounts for the new development at Crooked Tree and Bay Harbor.

Income & Employment

Income statistics for the 1990 Census reflect information from the 1989 calendar year, because the Census was taken in April of 1990. Generally speaking, income levels for the Northern Michigan fall behind those found in the State as a whole. Table 2-4 compares income statistics for Resort Township to Emmet County and the State.

Education

Education is an important factor in analyzing the capabilities of the local work force and the economic vitality of a community. Of the 1288 persons in Resort Township over 25 years of age (according to the 1990 Census), 84.7 percent have attained an education of high school graduate or higher, while 25 percent have attained a bachelor’s degree or higher. At the time of the 1990 Census, 27 percent of the population was enrolled in school. This level of education achievement is somewhat higher than the County, with 81.4 % of the population having earned a high school diploma and 19.2 percent a bachelor's degree or higher. The Township educational levels are well above the State levels of 76.8 percent and 17.4 percent for high school and bachelor's degree, respectively.

Disability Status

For tracking disability status, the U.S. Census of Population and Housing breaks the population into two different age categories: working age and post working age. Of the civilian non-institutionalized population in the 16-64 years age group in Resort Township in 1990, 1.6 percent have a mobility or self-care limitation, while 2.1 percent have a work disability preventing them from being employed.

Township residents 65 years and older were also surveyed, and results show that nearly 23 percent of the group have a mobility or self-care limitation. In comparison, both the County and State were lower in this age group with 13.9 percent and 17.4 percent respectively.

Senior Citizens

Seniors are defined as residents over age 65 and compose slightly more than 11.2 percent of the Township’s population. This accounts for a total of 231 people out of the total population of 2,068 in the Township. Recreational opportunities and access to these facilities are important to consider because this age group will become one that will compose a greater percentage of the total population. In addition, nearly 23 percent of the Township’s residents claimed they have a self-care limitation, which reinforces the necessity of providing barrier-free access to facilities and events within the Township.