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(517) 663-8118 |
City of Eaton Rapids

City of Eaton Rapids

Michigan's Island City

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        • Visiting Eaton Rapids
        • Shopping, arts, culture, dining, recreation….Eaton Rapids has it all! You couldn’t have chosen a better place for a visit.

        • Attractions
        • Learn more about Eaton Rapids attractions like Union Street Center or the local Farmers Market.

        • Events
        • We are proud to provide citizens and visitors with year-round family style entertainment by producing and promoting free festivals and city-wide holiday celebrations.

        • Parks, Recreation & Events
        • Our community has more than 60 acres of land designated for parks and recreational use for you to enjoy!

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        • Report & Submit
          • Report a Code Violation
          • Report a Downed Tree/Limb
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          • Report a Street Light Outage
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        • Animals, Environment & Forestry
          • Animal Regulations
          • Chicken Permit Application
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        • Health & Wellness
          • Health Alliance - Food Assistance
          • Health Alliance - Double Up Food Bucks
          • Eaton Rapids Medical Center
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          • Eaton Rapids School District
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  • Business
        • Economic Development
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          • Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
          • Elevate Eaton Rapids
          • Eaton Rapids Development Corporation
          • Guide to Development
        • Regional Resources
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          • Capital Area Michigan Works
          • Lansing Economic Area Partnership
          • Michigan Economic Development Corporation
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          • Curb-Side Residential Grant
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About Eaton Rapids

Founded in 1837

Eaton Rapids offers high quality living with unique entertainment and recreation opportunities. Within a 45-minute radius, you can find abundant shopping, fine dining, vibrant nightlife, theater and cultural activities, as well as collegiate, minor-league and Michigan International Speedway sporting events.

Our History

The area was originally occupied by members of the Potawatomi tribe, who were foricibly removed from the land as a consequnce of the Indian Removal Act (adopted by the federal government in 1830). The origins of the City of Eaton Rapids go back to 1837, when it was founded.  It was organized in 1859 and incorporated as a village in 1871.

In 1881, the Village of Eaton Rapids was ready for a big change.  The January 1, 1881, Eaton Rapids Journal stated that “Eaton Rapids is Tired of the Appelation ‘Village’ and Signs for a City Charter.”  So it came to pass that, in 1881, with a proposal to the State Legislature, Eaton Rapids became incorporated and chartered as a City.

In the 1880’s, Eaton Rapids was a thriving community.  The water power furnished by the Grand River ran grist, woolen, and lumber mills.  The subterranean water tables were of superb mineral quality and gave rise to numerous artisan wells.  Because of these wells, Eaton Rapids became known as the “Saratoga of the West.”  There were 16 daily trains that brought health seekers to Eaton Rapids for the magnetic mineral water and bath houses.

Eaton Rapids was once considered as a site for the State’s Capitol and was also temporarily home to the 13th Michigan Governor, Austin Blair.

“The Only Eaton Rapids on Earth” is located on the Grand River, and its business district is located on an island in the middle of the river–with bridges to the north, south, east and west. Thus, often referred to as the “Island City,” it is known for its picturesque river views.

Behind the business district, on the east side, is another island called Grand Army Republic Park.   The City could have easily been called the “City of Bridges,” as, at one time, it had 14 bridges to maintain.  Today, the City has six vehicle bridges and three foot bridges.

Today, Eaton Rapids offers high quality living with unique entertainment and recreation opportunities.  Within a 45-minute radius, you can find abundant shopping, fine dining, vibrant nightlife, theater and cultural activities, as well as collegiate, minor-league and Michigan International Speedway sporting events.

Many regional outdoor recreational opportunities are also available, including lakes, golf courses, public parks, beaches and mini-amusement parks.  Eaton Rapids is ideally located in mid-Michigan offering small town charm with big city benefits.

Demographics

Population

2010 Census – 5,214
Median Age – 34

School System

Total Enrollment – 3226
Instructional Staff – 185
Student per Teacher – 17:1

Income

Mean Income – $48,703

Housing

Owner Occupied – 1,421
Renter Occupied – 646
Median Value Owner Occupied – $90,900
Median Rent – $471

Services Provided

Police & Fire
Water & Sewer
Electric
Library

Millage Rates

City – 9.69
County – 32.21
Schools – 5.76

Labor Market

In Labor Market – 2,599

Footer

200 S Main St
Eaton Rapids, MI 48827

Monday-Friday | 8:30am-4:00pm

(517) 663-8118

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  • Home
  • Visit
    ▼
    • Visiting Eaton Rapids
    • Attractions
    • Events
    • Parks, Recreation & Events
  • Departments
    ▼
    • Administrative
      ▼
      • City Assessor
      • City Attorney
      • City Clerk
      • City Manager
      • City Treasurer
      • Cemetery
      • Building & Zoning
      • Parks, Recreation & Events
    • Emergency & Utilities
      ▼
      • Police
      • Fire
      • Public Service
      • Electric
      • Water & Sewer
    • Related Links
      ▼
      • Document Center
      • City Department Directory
      • Tax, Utility & Permit Payments
      • Employment
  • Government
    ▼
    • Boards & Committees
      ▼
      • City Council
      • Planning Commission
      • DDA
      • CBA
      • LDFA
      • ZBA
      • Property Tax Board of Review
      • Local Officers Compensation Committee
      • Parks, Recreation & Events Board
    • Subcommittees
      ▼
      • Arts Council Subcommittee
      • Parks & Recreation Subcommittee
      • Oakridge Park Subcommittee
    • Elections
      ▼
      • Election & Voter Info
      • Election Results
      • Polling Location
    • Related Links
      ▼
      • Agendas & Meeting Minutes
      • Document Center & FOIA
      • Calendar
      • Public Notices
      • News
      • Newsletters
      • 2023 Public Meeting Schedule
      • Board & Commission Opportunities
      • Mayor’s Corner
  • Residents
    ▼
    • Report & Submit
      ▼
      • Report a Code Violation
      • Report a Downed Tree/Limb
      • Report Low Water Pressure or Bad Odor/Color
      • Report a Street Light Outage
      • Submit a Citizen Response
      • Submit an FOIA Request
    • Animals, Environment & Forestry
      ▼
      • Animal Regulations
      • Chicken Permit Application
      • Yard Waste
      • Recycling
      • Watershed
      • Tree Care & Maintenance
    • Health & Wellness
      ▼
      • Health Alliance – Food Assistance
      • Health Alliance – Double Up Food Bucks
      • Eaton Rapids Medical Center
    • Schools
      ▼
      • Eaton Rapids School District
    • Related Links
      ▼
      • Tax, Utility & Permit Payments
      • Resources
      • News
      • Newsletters
  • Business
    ▼
    • Economic Development
      ▼
      • Available Properties
      • Building & Zoning FAQ’s
      • Business Setup Guide
      • Eaton Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce
      • Elevate Eaton Rapids
      • Eaton Rapids Development Corporation
      • Guide to Development
    • Regional Resources
      ▼
      • Business & Economic Development
      • Capital Area Michigan Works
      • Lansing Economic Area Partnership
      • Michigan Economic Development Corporation
      • Small Business Development Center
    • Related Links
      ▼
      • Rental Registration
      • Open Bids & Request for Proposals
  • Apply For
    ▼
    • Permits
      ▼
      • Banner Permit
      • Burn Permit
      • Building, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing Permit
    • Licenses
      ▼
      • Dog License
      • Vendor License
    • Grants
      ▼
      • Curb-Side Residential Grant
  • About
  • Contact