Cities and Towns in Clinton County, Michigan

Founded in 1831, Clinton County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Clinton County was formed from unorganized territory. The city of St. Johns is the county seat. With FIPS code of 37, Clinton County has a population of 79,426 and area of 575 square miles (1,489 km²).

List of all cities in Clinton County, MI alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Bath, MI	48808	517
Carland, MI	48831	989
De Witt, MI	48820	517
Dewitt, MI	48820	517
Eagle, MI	48822	517
Elsie, MI	48831	989
Eureka, MI	48833	989
Fowler, MI	48835	989
Lansing, MI	48906	517
Maple Rapids, MI	48853	989
Ovid, MI	48866	989
Saint Johns, MI	48879	989
Westphalia, MI	48894	989

Major Cities and Towns in Clinton County, Michigan

1. St. Johns

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 3.87 square miles
• Population: Approximately 7,865 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48879
• Latitude: 43.0003° N
• Longitude: 84.5581° W

Location and History

St. Johns, the county seat of Clinton County, is located about 20 miles north of Lansing, Michigan’s capital. Established in 1853, the city was named after the biblical figure John the Baptist. St. Johns developed as an agricultural hub due to its fertile lands and proximity to transportation routes. The arrival of the Detroit, Grand Haven & Milwaukee Railroad in the late 19th century spurred growth and made the city a central point for agricultural trade, particularly sugar beet farming and dairy production. Known as the “Mint City,” St. Johns became a leading producer of mint oil in the early 20th century, an industry that remains important today.

Major Schools and Landmarks

St. Johns is served by St. Johns Public Schools, with St. Johns High School being the primary educational institution. Notable landmarks include the Clinton County Courthouse, a historic building that reflects the city’s role as the county’s administrative center. Uncle John’s Cider Mill, located just outside the city, is a popular destination for cider, apple picking, and seasonal events. Sleepy Hollow State Park, a short drive away, offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The annual Mint Festival celebrates the city’s agricultural heritage with parades, arts and crafts, and community events.

2. DeWitt

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 2.99 square miles
• Population: Approximately 4,779 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48820
• Latitude: 42.8425° N
• Longitude: 84.5700° W

Location and History

DeWitt is located just north of Lansing, near the Grand River. Founded in 1833, the town was named after DeWitt Clinton, the governor of New York who spearheaded the construction of the Erie Canal. Initially a small farming community, DeWitt grew with the expansion of the railroad in the mid-19th century, becoming a hub for agriculture and trade. Despite a fire in 1930 that destroyed much of its downtown, DeWitt rebuilt and developed into a suburban community. Its close proximity to Lansing has made it a popular residential area for commuters while maintaining its small-town charm.

Major Schools and Landmarks

DeWitt is served by the DeWitt Public Schools district, with DeWitt High School being the central educational institution. Major landmarks include the Looking Glass River, which runs through the city, providing recreational opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Riverside Park offers trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas for family outings. The DeWitt Memorial Building, a restored historic site, houses local events and meetings. The city hosts the annual DeWitt Ox Roast Festival, a popular summer event that includes parades, games, and a carnival, celebrating the town’s community spirit and heritage.

3. Ovid

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.01 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,512 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48866
• Latitude: 43.0061° N
• Longitude: 84.3714° W

Location and History

Ovid is located in the northeastern part of Clinton County, near the Shiawassee River. The village was established in the mid-19th century and named after the Roman poet Ovid. Initially a farming community, Ovid’s growth was supported by the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, which facilitated the transportation of agricultural goods. The village developed into a center for grain and dairy farming, with a strong focus on agriculture that continues to influence its economy today. Ovid is known for its quiet, rural lifestyle and rich farming history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Ovid is part of the Ovid-Elsie Area Schools district, with students attending Ovid-Elsie High School in nearby Elsie. Key landmarks in Ovid include the Ovid Historical Society Museum, which showcases local history, including artifacts from the village’s agricultural past. Maple River State Game Area, located nearby, offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, and birdwatching. The Ovid Carriage House Park is a local favorite for outdoor activities and picnicking. The village hosts an annual Ovid Carriage Days Festival, celebrating the community’s history with parades, vintage car shows, and family-friendly events.

4. Elsie

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.05 square miles
• Population: Approximately 966 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48831
• Latitude: 43.0897° N
• Longitude: 84.3928° W

Location and History

Elsie, located in the northeastern part of Clinton County, was founded in the 1850s and named after Elsie Tillotson, the daughter of one of the village’s early settlers. Like many towns in the region, Elsie’s growth was spurred by the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated agricultural trade. The village became a center for dairy farming and grain production, and agriculture remains central to the local economy. Elsie is known for having one of the largest dairy farms in the state of Michigan, underscoring its deep connection to farming.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Elsie is also part of the Ovid-Elsie Area Schools district, with Ovid-Elsie High School serving both Elsie and Ovid students. Major landmarks include Elsie Dairy Festival Grounds, where the annual Elsie Dairy Festival is held, celebrating the town’s agricultural heritage with parades, tractor shows, and family activities. Elsie Village Park offers walking paths, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The Elsie Historical Museum preserves the village’s history through exhibits on farming and local culture. The Maple River and nearby Maple River State Game Area offer outdoor recreational activities, including hunting, fishing, and hiking.

5. Westphalia

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.05 square miles
• Population: Approximately 923 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48894
• Latitude: 42.9306° N
• Longitude: 84.7961° W

Location and History

Westphalia is located in the western part of Clinton County, known for its strong German heritage. Founded in 1836 by German Catholic immigrants from Westphalia, Germany, the village was built around St. Mary’s Church, which remains central to the community today. Westphalia has preserved its agricultural roots, with many family farms surrounding the village. Its rich German Catholic traditions, including religious festivals and events, have shaped the town’s identity over the centuries, making it a unique cultural enclave in Clinton County.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Westphalia is served by Pewamo-Westphalia Community Schools, with Pewamo-Westphalia High School serving students from both Westphalia and the nearby village of Pewamo. Major landmarks include St. Mary’s Church, a beautiful historic church that remains a focal point of the community. Westphalia Village Park offers recreational facilities such as sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The village hosts an annual St. Mary’s Fall Festival, a key community event that features games, food, and entertainment, celebrating the town’s German heritage. The Westphalia Historical Society Museum preserves artifacts from the village’s early settlers and religious history.