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Jackson, Michigan

Encyclopedia : J : JA : JAC : Jackson, Michigan

Jackson is a city located in the south central area of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city population was 36,316. It is the county seat of Jackson County, Michigan6. It was founded in 1827, and is named for Democratic President Andrew Jackson.

It is the birthplace of the Republican Party, and was also home to one of the Apollo Space Capsules at the Jackson Space Center until the museum closed in 2004. (The Apollo capsule was moved to the Kalamazoo Air Zoo.) It is the home of Jackson Community College and the Michigan Shakespeare Festival.

Surrounding communities include Parma, Spring Arbor, Springport, Grass Lake, Clark Lake, Napoleon and Michigan Center.

Contents

Geography

Location of Jackson, Michigan
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 28.7 km² (11.1 mi²), all land.

Jackson was originally the hub of the county's railroad, and for over a century it has been known as the crossroads of Michigan. In this modern time, Jackson is accessible from Interstate 94, US 127, M-50, M-60, and M-106 as well as the rail lines, making Jackson County a great location for both businesses and residents. (See Rail Transportation below)

Economy

Major employers in the city are CMS Energy, which provides natural gas and electrical services to much of Michigan and has its international headquarters in the city, as well as Foote Hospital. Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. (MACI) is the largest manufacturer in the County. Jackson is also home to one of the world's largest maximum-security prisons, which provides employment to many Jackson residents.

The Enterprise Group of Jackson is a business resource for Jackson County that brings together many organizations to help shape Jackson's economic future.

Income Tax

The City of Jackson currently assesses a 1% income tax to residents and businesses within the city, and 0.5% for non-residents. The income tax provides $7,000,000 of revenue, or 32% of the city's annual budget.

Coney Island heritage

Jackson is known "the world 'round" for its famous Coney Island-style hot dogs. Originating with (arguably) Jackson Coney Island, Virginia Lunch and Todoroffs in the early 1910s, the Coney dog has been a Jackson mainstay. Coney Island hot dogs typically contain "everything", or meat sauce, mustard, and chopped onions. Unlike neighboring Detroit style Coney dogs, Jackson style sauce more closely resembles crumbled ground beef than the more traditional chili con carne, runnier sauces of Detroit. Many Jackson residents have fond memories of eating Coney Island hot dogs during the height of their popularity in the 1960s.

Many Coney Island restaurants are still active today, including :

Sparks Foundation County Park - Illuminated Cascades

Bordered by Warren Avenue and Kibby Rd, the park occupies nearly 500 acres (2 km²) and contains the illuminated "Cascades", six fountains and a giant concrete waterfall construction over which water tumbles in continually changing patterns of colorful light. They are the largest man-made waterfalls in North America. The falls are lit after dusk until 11 PM, every summer evening. There also is a small museum depicting the history of Cascades Falls, two golf courses, tennis courts, a picnic area, lagoons with paddleboats in the summer and ice skating in the winter, batting cages, and a miniature golf course. Sparks Park also is home to festivals such as a Civil War re-enactment and the Dragons & Dreams festival.

Other Quality of Life Extras

Just about every weekend during the summer you can find a festival in the area, from the Rose Festival during the month of June, to the Hot Air Jubilee and Race Week in July, the four-week Michigan Shakespeare Festival and the largest Civil War Muster in the Midwest happens in August. Jackson County is host to over 500 holes of golf, 188 lakes and 27 public parks covering 17,000 acres. With the third largest number of public golf holes per capita in the United States and the second oldest harness racing track in Michigan, there is year 'round fun indoors and out.

NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series and IRL races occur regularly at nearby Michigan International Speedway. The two-mile speedway oval normally hosts two Nextel Cup Series races (June and August), and an IRL race in July. The track has reserved seating for over 137,000 race fans, including a brand new suites level and club seating section.

Education

Jackson is home to approximately 16 different elementary public schools, as well as about 16 private or parochial schools. It also has a large public middle school (The Middle School at Parkside), as well as Jackson Catholic Middle School. Finally, it also boasts six high schools: Jackson High School (Public), East Jackson High School (Public), Northwest High School (Public), The daVinci Institute (Charter), Jackson Christian School, and Lumen Christi Catholic High School. Jackson High School is known for having an excellent selection of AP (Advanced Placement) courses and a noteworthy German language program.

Education continues for adults who can take advantage of programs offered at three institutions of higher learning: Jackson Community College, Baker College, and Spring Arbor University. There are an additional 15 institutions all within one hour of Jackson County.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there were 36,316 people, 14,210 households, and 8,668 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,264.4/km² (3,274.9/mi²). There were 15,241 housing units at an average density of 530.6/km² (1,374.4/mi²). The racial makeup of the city was 73.87% White, 19.70% Black or African American, 0.56% Native American, 0.51% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 1.65% from other races, and 3.67% from two or more races. 4.05% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 14,210 households out of which 33.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.8% were married couples living together, 19.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.0% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.48 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city the population was spread out with 29.7% under the age of 18, 9.8% from 18 to 24, 30.4% from 25 to 44, 18.2% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females there were 91.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,294, and the median income for a family was $39,072. Males had a median income of $31,957 versus $23,817 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,230. About 15.2% of families and 19.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 26.9% of those under age 18 and 11.0% of those age 65 or over.

Rail Transportation

Amtrak, the national passenger rail system, provides service to Jackson, operating its Wolverine three times daily in each direction between Chicago, Illinois and Pontiac, Michigan via Detroit.

{| class="toccolours" border="1" cellpadding="2" style="margin: 0 auto; border-collapse: collapse; text-align: center;" |- style="background:#F0F0F0;" | Preceding station | Amtrak routes | Following station |- style="text-align: center;" | Battle Creek, Michigan | The Wolverine
(#350) | Ann Arbor, Michigan |- style="text-align: center;" | Ann Arbor, Michigan | The Wolverine
(#351) | Battle Creek, Michigan |- style="text-align: center;" | Albion, Michigan | The Wolverine
(#352) | Ann Arbor, Michigan |- style="text-align: center;" | Ann Arbor, Michigan | The Wolverine
(#353) | Albion, Michigan |- style="text-align: center;" | Battle Creek, Michigan | The Wolverine
(#354) | Ann Arbor, Michigan |- style="text-align: center;" | Ann Arbor, Michigan | The Wolverine
(#355) | Battle Creek, Michigan

External links

Jackson is a town on Old U.S. 12, Interstate Highway 94, and U.S. Highway 127

 

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