Cities and Towns in Sanilac County, Michigan
Founded in 1822, Sanilac County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Sanilac County was formed from part of St. Clair County. The city of Sandusky is the county seat. With FIPS code of 151, Sanilac County has a population of 40,506 and area of 1,590 square miles (4,118 km²).
List of all cities in Sanilac County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Applegate, MI | 48401 | 810 |
| Argyle, MI | 48410 | 989 |
| Brown City, MI | 48416 | 810 |
| Carsonville, MI | 48419 | 810 |
| Croswell, MI | 48422 | 810 |
| Decker, MI | 48426 | 810 |
| Deckerville, MI | 48427 | 810 |
| Forestville, MI | 48434 | 989 |
| Lexington, MI | 48450 | 810 |
| Marlette, MI | 48453 | 989 |
| Melvin, MI | 48454 | 810 |
| Minden, MI | 48456 | 989 |
| Minden City, MI | 48456 | 989 |
| 48465 | 989 | |
| Palms, MI | 48465 | 989 |
| Peck, MI | 48466 | 810 |
| Port Sanilac, MI | 48469 | 810 |
| Sandusky, MI | 48471 | 810 |
| Snover, MI | 48472 | 810 |
Major Cities and Towns in Sanilac County, Michigan
Sandusky
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.51 square miles
- Population: 2,679 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48471
- Latitude: 43.4197° N
- Longitude: 82.8292° W
City Location and History
Sandusky is the county seat of Sanilac County, located in the central part of Michigan’s “Thumb” region. Situated approximately 30 miles west of Lake Huron and about 90 miles north of Detroit, Sandusky serves as a key agricultural and commercial hub for the surrounding rural areas. The city was established in the mid-19th century and became the county seat in 1879. Its name is believed to have been derived from the Native American term “Sandusky,” meaning “cold water.” Early in its development, Sandusky thrived as a service center for local farmers and as a stop on the stagecoach route between larger towns. Today, the city continues to play a central role in Sanilac County’s economy, with agriculture, retail, and healthcare as its main industries.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Sandusky Community Schools is the primary educational institution in the area, with Sandusky High School serving the city’s students. One of the major landmarks in Sandusky is the Sanilac County Courthouse, a historic building that dates back to 1884 and reflects the city’s long-standing importance in regional governance. Additionally, the nearby Sanilac County Historical Village and Museum provides a window into the area’s past, featuring preserved buildings and artifacts from the 19th century. The Thumb Festival, an annual event held in Sandusky, draws visitors for its parades, food stalls, and community activities, celebrating local culture and history.
Croswell
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 2.62 square miles
- Population: 2,268 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48422
- Latitude: 43.2767° N
- Longitude: 82.6253° W
City Location and History
Croswell is a small city located in the eastern part of Sanilac County, approximately seven miles west of Lake Huron and 20 miles south of Port Sanilac. The city was originally founded in the mid-1800s and was first known as Davisville, after an early settler. However, it was later renamed Croswell in honor of Charles M. Croswell, who served as the 17th governor of Michigan. Croswell grew rapidly during the lumber boom, as it was situated in a heavily forested area, and the construction of a gristmill and sawmill helped spur its development. Today, Croswell maintains its small-town charm while serving as a regional agricultural hub, with a mix of local businesses supporting the economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Croswell-Lexington Community Schools serves the area, with Croswell-Lexington High School being the primary educational facility for local students. One of the city’s most notable landmarks is the Croswell Swinging Bridge, a pedestrian suspension bridge that spans the Black River and is a popular attraction for both residents and visitors. The annual Croswell Fair is another major event, celebrating the city’s agricultural roots with livestock exhibitions, rides, and family-friendly activities. The Black River provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, adding to the outdoor appeal of this quiet, historic community.
Brown City
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.49 square miles
- Population: 1,253 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48416
- Latitude: 43.2114° N
- Longitude: 82.9892° W
City Location and History
Brown City is located in the southwestern corner of Sanilac County, approximately 25 miles west of Lake Huron and near the Lapeer County border. It was founded in 1879, during the height of Michigan’s lumber era, and was named after a prominent local family, the Browns. Early on, Brown City became a railroad town, with the Michigan Central Railroad playing a vital role in its growth and development. The town’s economy initially centered on agriculture, lumber, and railroad services. Today, Brown City is a small, quiet community that serves as a residential and agricultural center, with local businesses catering to the needs of nearby farms and rural households.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Brown City Community Schools is the primary education provider for the area, with Brown City High School serving the town’s students. A major landmark is the Brown City Park, which offers sports facilities, picnic areas, and a campground, making it a focal point for outdoor recreation in the community. The Brown City Days Festival is an annual event that features parades, carnival rides, and food stalls, drawing visitors from across the region. The town’s historic downtown area retains much of its original 19th-century architecture, providing a glimpse into Brown City’s past as a bustling railroad stop.
Lexington
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.60 square miles
- Population: 1,178 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48450
- Latitude: 43.2686° N
- Longitude: 82.5303° W
City Location and History
Lexington is a small village located on the shores of Lake Huron, about 18 miles north of Port Huron. It was established in the early 19th century and was originally known as “Greenbush,” but it was later renamed Lexington after the famous battle of the American Revolution. During its early years, Lexington became a prominent shipping and trading port due to its strategic location on Lake Huron. The town also became known for its shipbuilding industry. Today, Lexington is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its picturesque lakeside views, historic downtown, and vibrant cultural scene.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Lexington is served by the Croswell-Lexington Community Schools district, with students attending Croswell-Lexington High School. Major landmarks include the Lexington State Harbor, which provides boating access to Lake Huron and serves as a hub for local water-based activities such as fishing, sailing, and kayaking. The Lexington Village Theatre is a prominent cultural venue, offering live performances, concerts, and plays throughout the year. The downtown area, with its preserved 19th-century architecture and boutique shops, adds to the town’s charm, while the nearby beaches and parks provide ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. The annual Lexington Music Festival and art fairs draw large crowds, celebrating the town’s rich heritage and vibrant community life.
Marlette
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 1.74 square miles
- Population: 1,818 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48453
- Latitude: 43.3267° N
- Longitude: 83.0808° W
City Location and History
Marlette is located in the northwest part of Sanilac County, approximately 40 miles east of Saginaw and 35 miles west of Lake Huron. The city was founded in the 1850s as a lumber and agricultural community, and its early economy was driven by the logging industry and farming. Marlette was known as the “Heart of the Thumb” due to its central location in Michigan’s Thumb region. The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century boosted the town’s growth, making it a key shipping point for agricultural products and lumber. Today, Marlette remains an important agricultural hub, with dairy farming and crop production playing central roles in the local economy.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Marlette Community Schools serves the town’s educational needs, with Marlette High School being the primary secondary institution. Major landmarks include Marlette City Park, which offers recreational facilities such as baseball fields, walking paths, and picnic areas. The town’s annual Marlette Country Fair is a highlight of the community calendar, celebrating the area’s agricultural heritage with livestock shows, tractor pulls, and carnival rides. The historic Marlette Train Depot, once a key point of transport for goods and passengers, has been preserved and now serves as a museum showcasing the town’s railroad history. Additionally, nearby M-53 provides easy access to the surrounding Thumb region, making Marlette a key crossroads in Sanilac County.
Peck
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 0.99 square miles
- Population: 632 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 48466
- Latitude: 43.2569° N
- Longitude: 82.8211° W
City Location and History
Peck is a small village located in the central part of Sanilac County, about 10 miles southwest of Sandusky. The village was established in the late 19th century and named after early settler Aaron Peck, who played a significant role in its development. Peck grew as a small farming community, with local agriculture being the backbone of its economy. The village maintained a rural, tight-knit character throughout the 20th century and continues to serve as a local center for agricultural services and small businesses catering to the surrounding farming community.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Peck Community Schools serves the village, with Peck High School being the central educational institution. The main landmark in Peck is the Village Park, which offers a playground, picnic areas, and sports facilities, serving as the town’s primary gathering place for outdoor activities and community events. Peck is also home to the annual Peck Summer Fest, which includes a parade, local vendors, and family entertainment, celebrating the village’s agricultural roots and close-knit community spirit. The quiet, rural surroundings of Peck make it a peaceful place to live, with a strong sense of community and local pride.