Eaton County
 
Eaton County is located in central/lower Michigan, with Charlotte as the county seat. It was organized in 1837, named after John Eaton, Secretary of War under Andrew Jackson. Beginning in the mid 1820’s, many pioneers coming from New York and New England helped settle the area, which was known for its rich soil and agricultural potential. Its first major community was Bellevue, where a unique sandstone, later known as Eaton Sandstone, was discovered-eventually used for mortar in the State Capital Building. Another early community, just a few miles away, was Olivet, where in 1844, a college was begun by the Congregationalists, an anti-slavery denomination which at that time led the way in admitting blacks as well as women.
Today, Eaton County has retained much of its agricultural tradition, still one of the leaders in dry bean and wheat production in the state. It has also kept its Early American, New-England-like atmosphere, as exemplified by Vermontville, which celebrates its annual Maple Syrup Festival the last weekend in April. Tourism also plays a significant role, especially at Grand Ledge, which sits high atop sandstone cliff formations along the Grand River, with a view worth the trip. The historic Island Park in Eaton Rapids is another unique attraction, where you can picnic, feed the ducks, or just spend a lazy afternoon fishing along the Grand.

As of the census² of 2000, there were 103,655 people, 40,167 households, and 28,237 families residing in the county. The population density was 69/km² (180/mi²). There were 42,118 housing units at an average density of 28/km² (73/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 90.25% White, 5.29% Black or African American, 0.44% Native American, 1.13% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 1.17% from other races, and 1.70% from two or more races. 3.21% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 40,167 households out of which 33.80% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.30% were married couples living together, 10.30% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.70% were non-families. 24.50% of all households were made up of individuals and 8.40% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 3.03.

In the county the population was spread out with 26.10% under the age of 18, 9.10% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 24.60% from 45 to 64, and 11.30% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 94.60 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 91.50 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $49,588, and the median income for a family was $57,898. Males had a median income of $41,978 versus $29,638 for females. The per capita income for the county was $22,411. About 4.10% of families and 5.80% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.80% of those under age 18 and 5.90% of those age 65 or over.