Cities and Towns in Oceana County, Michigan
Founded in 1831, Oceana County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Oceana County was formed from part of Mackinac County. The city of Hart is the county seat. With FIPS code of 127, Oceana County has a population of 26,815 and area of 1,307 square miles (3,385 km²).
List of all cities in Oceana County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Hart, MI | 49420 | 231 |
| Hesperia, MI | 49421 | 231 |
| Mears, MI | 49436 | 231 |
| New Era, MI | 49446 | 231 |
| Pentwater, MI | 49449 | 231 |
| Rothbury, MI | 49452 | 231 |
| Shelby, MI | 49455 | 231 |
| Silver Lake, MI | 49436 | 231 |
| Walkerville, MI | 49459 | 231 |
Major Cities and Towns in Oceana County, Michigan
Hart
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.08 square miles
- Population: 2,063 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49420
- Latitude: 43.6981° N
- Longitude: 86.3597° W
City Location and History
Hart is the county seat of Oceana County, located in the western part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, just a few miles east of Lake Michigan. The city was founded in the mid-19th century and named after early settler Wellington Hart. Initially a lumber town, Hart grew rapidly as it became a hub for agriculture, particularly the production of fruit, such as apples and cherries. The construction of the Pentwater River Dam in the early 20th century created Hart Lake, which is a central feature of the town. Over the years, Hart has transitioned into a peaceful community with a focus on tourism and agriculture, benefiting from its proximity to the Silver Lake Sand Dunes and Lake Michigan.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hart Public Schools serves the community, with Hart High School being the primary educational institution. Major landmarks in Hart include the historic Oceana County Courthouse, built in 1893, which still functions as the county’s government center. The Hart Historic District features several well-preserved 19th-century homes, while Hart Lake and the surrounding parks provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. The nearby Silver Lake Sand Dunes are a major tourist attraction, offering off-road vehicle rides, sandboarding, and spectacular views of Lake Michigan. Hart also hosts the annual Oceana County Fair, showcasing local agriculture, crafts, and family entertainment.
Shelby
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.37 square miles
- Population: 1,827 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49455
- Latitude: 43.6100° N
- Longitude: 86.3647° W
City Location and History
Shelby is located in the southern part of Oceana County, near the border with Muskegon County, and about 10 miles east of Lake Michigan. Founded in the mid-1800s, Shelby began as a lumber town and later transitioned into an agricultural community. The town is particularly known for its apple orchards and asparagus fields, which have played a significant role in the local economy for more than a century. Shelby’s agricultural success was further supported by the arrival of the Chicago and West Michigan Railroad, which helped transport produce to larger markets. Today, Shelby retains its rural charm and is known for its strong agricultural base and community-centered living.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Shelby Public Schools serves the area, with Shelby High School being the main educational institution. Major landmarks include the Shelby Gem Factory, which produces synthetic gemstones and offers tours to visitors. The Shelby Historical Museum, housed in a former school building, preserves the town’s history with exhibits on early settlers and the local agricultural industry. The nearby Stony Lake and Lake Michigan provide opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Shelby also celebrates its agricultural heritage with the annual Asparagus Festival, featuring parades, asparagus dishes, and family-friendly events, attracting visitors from across the region.
New Era
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.02 square miles
- Population: 451 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49446
- Latitude: 43.5653° N
- Longitude: 86.3397° W
City Location and History
New Era is a small village located in the southeastern part of Oceana County, about halfway between Muskegon and Ludington. Established in the 1870s, New Era developed as an agricultural and railroad town. The fertile land surrounding the village made it ideal for farming, and New Era became known for its fruit orchards, particularly apples and cherries. The village’s growth was closely tied to the railroad, which helped transport local produce to larger markets. Today, New Era remains a small but vibrant community, known for its peaceful rural setting and strong agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
New Era is served by Shelby Public Schools, with students attending nearby Shelby High School. The village’s major landmarks include the Hart-Montague Trail State Park, a 22-mile paved trail that runs through New Era and is popular for biking, walking, and snowmobiling. The Country Dairy farm is a local attraction that offers farm tours, a store selling fresh dairy products, and a café. New Era is also home to several fruit orchards, and visitors can enjoy fresh produce from local farms. The village’s location near the scenic Lake Michigan coastline makes it a great place for those who enjoy outdoor activities and a slower pace of life.
Rothbury
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.97 square miles
- Population: 406 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49452
- Latitude: 43.5050° N
- Longitude: 86.3478° W
City Location and History
Rothbury is a small village located in the southeastern corner of Oceana County, near the border with Muskegon County. Established in the late 19th century, Rothbury originally developed as a farming community. The village is named after Rothbury, England, reflecting the British heritage of some of its early settlers. Rothbury gained wider recognition in recent years as the site of the Electric Forest music festival, which draws thousands of visitors each summer. Despite its small size, Rothbury is known for its close-knit community and its location near some of Michigan’s most popular outdoor recreational areas.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Rothbury is part of the Montague Area Public Schools district, with students attending Montague High School. Major landmarks include the Double JJ Resort, a year-round destination offering horseback riding, water parks, golf, and lodging. The resort is also home to the Electric Forest festival, which brings thousands of music fans to the area each summer. The village is surrounded by forests and farmlands, providing a peaceful rural setting for outdoor activities like hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. The proximity to Lake Michigan and the Hart-Montague Trail State Park adds to the area’s appeal as a destination for nature lovers.
Pentwater
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.64 square miles
- Population: 857 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49449
- Latitude: 43.7800° N
- Longitude: 86.4283° W
City Location and History
Pentwater is a picturesque village located on the shore of Lake Michigan in the northwestern part of Oceana County. Established in the mid-19th century, Pentwater originally thrived as a lumber town, with its harbor serving as a key point for shipping timber across the Great Lakes. As the timber industry declined, Pentwater transitioned into a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, marina, and historic charm. The village’s location on Pentwater Lake and its proximity to Lake Michigan have made it a haven for boaters and vacationers seeking a peaceful lakeside retreat.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Pentwater Public Schools serves the village, with Pentwater High School providing education for local students. Major landmarks include the Pentwater Pierhead Lighthouse, which has guided ships into the harbor for over a century, and Charles Mears State Park, known for its sandy beach, campground, and stunning views of Lake Michigan. The village’s downtown area is lined with charming shops, art galleries, and restaurants, making it a popular spot for tourists. Pentwater also hosts the annual Homecoming Parade and Art Fair, attracting visitors from across Michigan for a weekend of community celebrations, live music, and local crafts.
Hesperia
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.23 square miles
- Population: 954 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49421
- Latitude: 43.5650° N
- Longitude: 86.0372° W
City Location and History
Hesperia is located on the eastern edge of Oceana County, straddling the border with Newaygo County. Founded in the mid-19th century, Hesperia developed as a small agricultural town, with farming and logging driving the local economy. The village is situated along the White River, which provided a vital source of water for both agriculture and milling operations. Over time, Hesperia has grown into a quiet, rural community known for its peaceful riverside setting and its focus on outdoor recreation, including fishing, canoeing, and hiking.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Hesperia Community Schools serves the area, with Hesperia High School being the main educational institution. The village’s major landmarks include the Hesperia Dam on the White River, which is a popular fishing spot, particularly for steelhead and salmon. The nearby Manistee National Forest provides extensive opportunities for hiking, hunting, and camping. The White River is also popular for canoeing and kayaking, attracting outdoor enthusiasts to the area. Hesperia’s annual Heritage Day Festival celebrates the village’s history and rural culture with parades, craft fairs, and family-friendly activities, drawing visitors from across the region.
