Burton, Michigan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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There is also a tiny unincorporated community known as Burton in Shiawassee County, Michigan.
Burton is a city in Genesee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 30,308 at the 2000 census.
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[edit] History
Many of the original settlers of Burton came from the towns of Adams and Henderson in Jefferson County, New York. For many years the place was known as the Atherton settlement, after brothers Shubael and Perus Atherton (and later joined by another brother, Adonijah), who settled on the Thread Creek in 1835. Although there were other persons who purchased land earlier, and even some who attempted to settle there, the first permanent white settler in the area is considered to be Levi Gilkey, who purchased land on May 11, 1831, and settled near the mouth of the Gilkey Creek (in what is now part of Flint).
The City of Burton was originally organized as Burton Township, named after John Burton, a prominent local farmer. Burton Township had first been a part of Grand Blanc Township and then Flint Township until it was separately organized by the Genesee County Board of Supervisors on October 12, 1855, although the first township meeting did not take place until April 7, 1856, which is sometimes taken as the actual date of organization. Over the years, large portions of the northern and western sides of the township were annexed by the City of Flint. On May 16, 1972, township residents voted to incorporate and the City of Burton was officially formed later that year. On May 27, 1997 the city's veterans memorial was dedicated to honor residents who served in the armed forces. The memorial plays host to the city's Independence Day and Memorial Day celebrations, and is part of the complex that also includes Burton's city hall, police, fire and public works headquarters, and the local post office.
In order to keep pace with Burton's growing population, city government has expanded over the years, and today there are 41 policemen and 66 firemen in the city. Burton is also home to the 40-acre Kelly Lake Park, which includes a lake, bike path, picnic pavilion and nature trails; the 380-acre For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum; two 18-hole golf courses; and the Ice Mountain hockey arena. In addition, the Courtland Center shopping center is located here.
[edit] Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 60.8 km² (23.5 mi²), all land.
[edit] Demographics
As of the census² of 2000, there were 30,308 people, 11,699 households, and 8,165 families residing in the city. The population density was 498.6/km² (1,291.3/mi²). There were 12,348 housing units at an average density of 203.1/km² (526.1/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 92.09% White, 3.55% African American, 0.76% Native American, 0.74% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 0.81% from other races, and 2.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.33% of the population.
There were 11,699 households out of which 35.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.8% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.2% were non-families. 25.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 9.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the city the population was spread out with 27.4% under the age of 18, 8.4% from 18 to 24, 32.0% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 11.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 95.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.7 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $44,050, and the median income for a family was $50,332. Males had a median income of $41,433 versus $27,601 for females. The per capita income for the city was $20,548. About 5.5% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.6% of those under age 18 and 9.5% of those age 65 or over.
[edit] Education
There are three public school districts currently organized within the Burton city limits. These are Atherton Community Schools, Bendle Community Schools and Bentley Community Schools.
[edit] External links
- City of Burton
- A History of Burton from History of Genesee county, Michigan. With illustrations and biographical sketches of its prominent men and pioneers, Ellis, Franklin, 1828-1885.
