Cities and Towns in Osceola County, Michigan
Founded in 1840, Osceola County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Osceola County was formed from part of Mackinac County which was named Unwattin County until 1843. The city of Reed City is the county seat. With FIPS code of 133, Osceola County has a population of 23,105 and area of 573 square miles (1,484 km²).
List of all cities in Osceola County, MI alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Evart, MI | 49631 | 231 |
Hersey, MI | 49639 | 231 |
Le Roy, MI | 49655 | 231 |
Marion, MI | 49665 | 231 |
Reed City, MI | 49677 | 231 |
Sears, MI | 49679 | 231 |
Tustin, MI | 49688 | 231 |
Major Cities and Towns in Osceola County, Michigan
Reed City
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.08 square miles
- Population: 2,425 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49677
- Latitude: 43.8758° N
- Longitude: 85.5169° W
City Location and History
Reed City is the county seat of Osceola County, located at the junction of U.S. Route 131 and U.S. Route 10 in western Michigan. The city was founded in 1870 and named after early settler Thomas B. Reed, who played a significant role in its development. Originally a lumber town, Reed City thrived during the Michigan logging boom of the late 19th century. As the logging industry declined, the city shifted towards agriculture and later became a manufacturing and transportation hub due to its strategic location at the crossroads of two major highways. Today, Reed City is a quiet community known for its proximity to outdoor recreational areas and its rich history.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Reed City Area Public Schools serves the community, with Reed City High School being the primary educational institution. The city is known for its historic downtown, which features several preserved 19th-century buildings, and the Reed City Depot, a restored train station that serves as a reminder of the city’s railroad heritage. The White Pine Trail, a 92-mile-long recreational trail that passes through Reed City, is a major draw for hikers, bikers, and snowmobilers. The Osceola County Courthouse, an iconic red brick building constructed in 1889, stands as a prominent landmark and a symbol of the city’s longstanding importance in the region.
Evart
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.04 square miles
- Population: 1,811 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49631
- Latitude: 43.9000° N
- Longitude: 85.2561° W
City Location and History
Evart is located in the eastern part of Osceola County along the Muskegon River. Founded in 1871 and named after an early settler, Norman Evart, the city grew rapidly as a logging town during the late 19th century. The Muskegon River provided a convenient means for transporting logs downstream, fueling the town’s economy. After the decline of the lumber industry, Evart transitioned to agriculture and small-scale manufacturing. Today, it retains much of its small-town charm while benefiting from its riverside location, which attracts outdoor enthusiasts and visitors interested in fishing, canoeing, and other recreational activities.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Evart Public Schools serves the area, with Evart High School being the main secondary school. The city is home to Riverside Park, which offers scenic views of the Muskegon River and is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and canoeing. The Evart Downtown Historic District showcases the city’s well-preserved 19th-century architecture, giving visitors a glimpse into its past. Evart is also known for its connection to music, hosting the annual Dulcimer Funfest, one of the largest gatherings of dulcimer players in the country. The nearby Pere Marquette State Forest provides ample opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife observation, making Evart a great destination for nature lovers.
Marion
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.14 square miles
- Population: 818 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49665
- Latitude: 44.1036° N
- Longitude: 85.1472° W
City Location and History
Marion is located in the southeastern part of Osceola County, about 20 miles east of Reed City. The village was founded in the late 19th century as a logging settlement, taking advantage of the dense forests surrounding the area. Named after Francis Marion, a Revolutionary War hero, Marion grew quickly during the logging boom but transitioned into an agricultural community as the timber resources diminished. Today, Marion is known for its rural charm, small-town atmosphere, and close-knit community. It serves as a local service center for nearby farms and rural households, offering a peaceful, pastoral lifestyle.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Marion Public Schools serves the village, with Marion High School being the central educational institution. Marion’s major landmarks include the Marion Mill Pond, a popular spot for fishing and picnicking. The village also hosts the annual Marion Old Fashioned Days, a festival celebrating the area’s rural heritage with parades, tractor pulls, and family-friendly activities. Marion’s downtown area features several historic buildings, including the Marion Mill, which was once a central part of the town’s economy. The nearby Muskegon River offers outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, canoeing, and kayaking, making it a key attraction for both residents and visitors.
Tustin
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.05 square miles
- Population: 218 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49688
- Latitude: 44.1031° N
- Longitude: 85.4564° W
City Location and History
Tustin is a small village located in the southwestern part of Osceola County, just off U.S. Route 131, approximately 10 miles south of Reed City. Established in the late 19th century, Tustin was originally a stop along the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad, which brought settlers and business to the area. The village developed as a logging and agricultural community, with local farms playing a key role in its economy. As the timber industry declined, Tustin remained a small, quiet rural community, known for its scenic surroundings and strong agricultural roots.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Tustin is part of the Pine River Area Schools district, with students typically attending Pine River High School, located in nearby LeRoy. Major landmarks in the village include Pine River, which offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and outdoor exploration. The village is also home to several parks and green spaces, making it a pleasant place for outdoor activities. Tustin’s annual Tractor Pulls event attracts visitors from around the region, showcasing the village’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. The surrounding forests and fields provide ample opportunities for hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation, contributing to Tustin’s appeal as a peaceful rural retreat.
LeRoy
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.00 square miles
- Population: 260 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49655
- Latitude: 44.0361° N
- Longitude: 85.4492° W
City Location and History
LeRoy is located in the southwestern corner of Osceola County, just south of Tustin and close to U.S. Route 131. Founded in 1871 as a lumber settlement, LeRoy quickly grew due to the area’s abundant timber resources. The village was named after the township in which it resides, which was in turn named after a French word meaning “the king.” Following the decline of the logging industry, LeRoy evolved into an agricultural community and remains a small, quiet village today, known for its pastoral surroundings and close-knit community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
LeRoy is served by the Pine River Area Schools district, with Pine River High School providing education for local students. The village’s main landmark is LeRoy Township Park, which offers recreational facilities including sports fields, playgrounds, and picnic areas. The nearby Pine River, known for its clear waters and excellent fishing, is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking. LeRoy’s annual LeRoy Heritage Days festival celebrates the village’s history with parades, food vendors, and family-friendly activities. The surrounding rural landscape, with its farms and forests, provides a peaceful setting for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking for a quiet lifestyle.