ABOUT OTTAWA COUNTY

Nestled between Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan, the people of Ottawa County have a deep love for America, individual freedoms, and traditional American values— the bedrock of our vibrant communities. Strongly influenced by Dutch settlers, the county’s rich history is rooted in hard work, faith, and family, making Ottawa County one of Michigan’s most conservative counties.

Ottawa County offers a high quality of life, as reflected in many areas of our community. With a breathtaking freshwater coastline, our scenic beauty and strong social fabric attracts not only tourists, but also permanent residents. The county consistently ranks within the top 5 to 10 wealthiest counties in Michigan.

Ottawa County is Michigan’s seventh most populous county, with an estimated 305,000 people in 2024. Ottawa County is the fastest growing of the state’s 10 largest counties, with 11.4% growth from 2010-2020. The county is comprised of seventeen townships, six cities, and one village, with the largest growth over the past decade occurring in Jamestown, Allendale, Port Sheldon, Blendon, and Zeeland townships.

The County’s “spectacular parks, economic opportunities, bountiful agriculture, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and low property taxes all make Ottawa an attractive place to live.”

With its rich farming heritage and agricultural industry, Ottawa County ranks third in the state in agricultural sales, producing an incredibly diverse range of agriculture products. Agriculture and food processing, durable goods manufacturing, and institutions of high education make up the three largest sectors of Ottawa County’s economy.

2023 Estimates from the US Census Bureau

  • Land Area:  563.5 square miles
  • Population: 303,372
  • Persons under age 18: 22.7%
  • Persons 65 years and over: 17.3%
  • Median Age: 36.9
  • High School degree:  93.0%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher:  39.9%
  • Veterans: 3.6%
  • Households: 114,318
  • Median Household Income: $81,513
  • Median Home Value: $328,400
  • Median Gross Rent:  $1,149
  • Total Employment Establishments:  6,514