Cities and Towns in Saginaw County, Michigan

Founded in 1822, Saginaw County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Saginaw County was formed from part of Oakland County. The city of Saginaw is the county seat. With FIPS code of 145, Saginaw County has a population of 189,591 and area of 816 square miles (2,113 km²).

List of all cities in Saginaw County, MI alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Ameritech, MI	48663	989
AT&T, MI	48663	989
Birch Run, MI	48415	989
Boardwalk, MI	48638	989
Brant, MI	48614	989
Bridgeport, MI	48722	989
Burt, MI	48417	989
Carrollton, MI	48724	989
Chesaning, MI	48616	989
Frankenmuth, MI	48734	989
	48787	989
Frankenmuth Mutual Ins Co, MI	48787	989
Freeland, MI	48623	989
Hemlock, MI	48626	989
Merrill, MI	48637	989
Oakley, MI	48649	989
Saginaw, MI	48601	989
	48602	989
	48603	989
	48604	989
	48605	989
	48606	989
	48607	989
	48608	989
	48609	989
	48638	989
	48663	989
Saint Charles, MI	48655	989

Major Cities and Towns in Saginaw County, Michigan

Saginaw

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 18.10 square miles
• Population: 44,202 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 48601, 48602, 48603, 48607
• Latitude: 43.4195° N
• Longitude: 83.9508° W

City Location and History

Saginaw is located in the eastern part of Saginaw County, along the Saginaw River, which flows into Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron. The city has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century, when it served as a fur trading post and later grew due to the booming lumber industry. Incorporated in 1857, Saginaw was one of Michigan’s major industrial cities, thriving through manufacturing and industry. It played a key role in the automotive supply chain and remained an industrial center well into the 20th century. Over the years, the city has diversified its economy, though it still retains strong ties to manufacturing and healthcare, with Covenant HealthCare and St. Mary’s of Michigan among its major employers.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Saginaw is served by the Saginaw Public School District, with high schools like Arthur Hill High School and Saginaw High School. Notable landmarks include the Castle Museum of Saginaw County History, which offers insights into the region’s past. The Japanese Cultural Center and Tea House on Ojibway Island highlights the city’s international connections. The historic Temple Theatre is a venue for live performances and concerts. Saginaw’s riverfront area features the Saginaw Riverwalk, a popular location for walking and biking. The Dow Event Center hosts various sporting events and entertainment shows, making it a cultural and social hub in the region.

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Frankenmuth

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 3.07 square miles
• Population: 4,944 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 48734
• Latitude: 43.3311° N
• Longitude: 83.7386° W

City Location and History

Frankenmuth, also known as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” is located in the northeastern part of Saginaw County, about 15 miles southeast of Saginaw. Founded in 1845 by German settlers from Franconia (Bavaria), the city was established to provide religious and cultural continuity for German immigrants. Frankenmuth’s rich German heritage is evident in its architecture, festivals, and businesses, many of which reflect traditional Bavarian customs. The city is a major tourist destination, drawing visitors with its charming German-themed shops, restaurants, and cultural events. Frankenmuth also thrives on agriculture and light manufacturing, while tourism remains its largest industry.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Frankenmuth is served by Frankenmuth School District, with Frankenmuth High School being the main educational institution. The city is home to the world-famous Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, the largest Christmas store in the world, which attracts visitors year-round. The Bavarian Inn and Zehnder’s Restaurant are major landmarks that offer traditional German food and hospitality. The Frankenmuth Historical Museum showcases the area’s German roots, and Heritage Park hosts festivals such as the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival and Oktoberfest. The covered Holz-Brücke (wooden bridge) over the Cass River is another iconic landmark, enhancing the town’s old-world charm.

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Birch Run

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.92 square miles
• Population: 1,555 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 48415
• Latitude: 43.2508° N
• Longitude: 83.7942° W

City Location and History

Birch Run is located in the northern part of Saginaw County, just off Interstate 75, making it a major stop for travelers. The village was founded in the mid-19th century, initially serving as a farming community. However, Birch Run gained prominence in the late 20th century due to its proximity to Frankenmuth and the establishment of the Birch Run Premium Outlets, one of the largest outlet malls in the Midwest. The village has grown into a commercial hub, catering to both locals and tourists with its retail offerings, dining options, and events.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Birch Run Area Schools serve the village, with Birch Run High School being the primary educational institution. The Birch Run Premium Outlets is the village’s most significant landmark, attracting millions of shoppers annually. Other local attractions include the Birch Run Expo Center, which hosts various trade shows, concerts, and events throughout the year. The nearby Wilderness Trails Zoo is a family-friendly destination offering wildlife exhibits and educational programs. The village also serves as a gateway to the larger tourist attractions of Frankenmuth, just a few miles to the east, making it an important regional commercial center.

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Chesaning

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 2.14 square miles
• Population: 2,282 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 48616
• Latitude: 43.1864° N
• Longitude: 84.1164° W

City Location and History

Chesaning is located in the southwestern part of Saginaw County, along the Shiawassee River. Founded in 1842, the village grew as a milling and farming community. Chesaning’s name comes from a Native American word meaning “Big Rock Place,” referring to a large rock that once marked a crossing point in the river. The village developed around the lumber and agricultural industries, and later became a hub for trade and manufacturing in the region. Today, Chesaning retains its rural charm and is known for its community events and scenic beauty, with a strong sense of history.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Chesaning Union Schools serves the area, with Chesaning High School being the main educational facility. Major landmarks include the Showboat Park, which hosts the annual Chesaning Showboat Festival, a long-standing summer tradition that features parades, concerts, and riverboat rides. The Riverfront Grist Mill and Museum provides insight into the village’s milling history. Chesaning’s downtown area features historic buildings and locally owned shops that add to its quaint, small-town atmosphere. The nearby Shiawassee River offers fishing, canoeing, and other outdoor recreational activities, drawing nature lovers and tourists alike.

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Zilwaukee

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 2.54 square miles
• Population: 1,563 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 48604
• Latitude: 43.4844° N
• Longitude: 83.9444° W

City Location and History

Zilwaukee is located in the northern part of Saginaw County, along the Saginaw River, just a few miles north of the city of Saginaw. The city was founded in 1848 by Daniel and Solomon Johnson, who named it in an attempt to attract German settlers by echoing the name of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Zilwaukee developed as an industrial town, with sawmills and manufacturing playing key roles in its early economy. Over time, the city became known for its factories and river-based trade. The construction of the Zilwaukee Bridge in the 1980s, which spans the Saginaw River, marked a significant development in the city’s infrastructure, improving transportation in the area.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Zilwaukee is served by the Saginaw City School District, with Zilwaukee School offering K-8 education. The Zilwaukee Bridge is the most prominent landmark, a 125-foot-high structure that carries I-75 traffic over the Saginaw River and serves as a critical transportation link in the region. The Saginaw River itself offers opportunities for fishing and boating, and the city’s riverside parks provide green spaces for recreation. Zilwaukee’s industrial heritage is still visible today, though the city has also become a quiet residential community for those working in the nearby Saginaw and Bay City areas.

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St. Charles

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.26 square miles
• Population: 2,053 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 48655
• Latitude: 43.2967° N
• Longitude: 84.1422° W

City Location and History

St. Charles is located in the southwestern part of Saginaw County, along the Bad River. The village was founded in 1851 and developed as a small agricultural and milling community. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century spurred growth in the area, as it became a stop along key transportation routes. St. Charles thrived through its connection to both agriculture and light manufacturing, with sugar beets and dairy products playing significant roles in the local economy. Today, the village retains its rural charm while serving as a residential and service center for the surrounding agricultural region.

Major Schools and Landmarks

St. Charles Community Schools serves the village, with St. Charles High School being the central educational facility. The Hartley Outdoor Education Center is a notable landmark, offering environmental education programs and outdoor activities for students and visitors. The village celebrates its agricultural heritage through events like the St. Charles Bean Festival, which highlights the area’s long history of bean farming. The Bad River provides fishing and canoeing opportunities, while the village’s parks offer green spaces for picnics, sports, and family gatherings. St. Charles’ historic downtown area, with its small shops and local businesses, adds to its friendly, small-town atmosphere.