Sturgis, Michigan
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Sturgis is a city located in St. Joseph County, Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 11,285. The city is located at the northeast corner of Sturgis Township.
Geography
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Location of Sturgis, Michigan
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 15.4 km² (6.0 mi²). 15.4 km² (6.0 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.
History
In 1827, Judge John Sturgis came to the St. Joseph Valley area in southern Michigan territory and settled in what is now Sturgis. The original site of his home can be seen at Pioneer Park, maintained by the City of Sturgis. The area's population grew in size and, in 1896, the town became a city. Sturgis is the home of Ross Laboratories and was once the home for Kirsch Company. Located in Sturgis is Burr Oak Tool and Gauge and just north of Sturgis is Kirsch Municipal Airport. Each year, in the third week of May, Sturgis acts as the kickoff city for Michigan week. In the past, the Governor of Michigan John Engler had walked in the city's kickoff parade annually. As of now, the tradition of the governor walking in the parade has been discontinued. Many other prominent political figures still walk in the parade annually. These include State Representative from the 59th District Rick Schaffer, State Senator from the 16th District Cameron Brown, and U.S. Representative Fred Upton. The current mayor is P(atrick). Joseph Haas.
Demographics
As of the census2 of 2000, there are 11,285 people, 4,293 households, and 2,726 families residing in the city. The population density is 731.1/km² (1,894.5/mi²). There are 4,529 housing units at an average density of 293.4/km² (760.3/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 91.32% White, 1.23% African American, 0.35% Native American, 0.69% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 4.79% from other races, and 1.62% from two or more races. 13.28% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 4,293 households out of which 35.3% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 45.6% are married couples living together, 12.9% have a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% are non-families. 30.2% of all households are made up of individuals and 14.6% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.57 and the average family size is 3.20.
In the city the population is spread out with 28.2% under the age of 18, 11.5% from 18 to 24, 27.9% from 25 to 44, 17.7% from 45 to 64, and 14.6% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 92.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 86.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city is $33,838, and the median income for a family is $43,381. Males have a median income of $29,508 versus $21,810 for females. The per capita income for the city is $15,990. 16.2% of the population and 11.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 23.5% of those under the age of 18 and 10.0% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.