Canton, Michigan is a charter township located about 20 miles west of Detroit in Wayne County. With a population of over 90,000 as of the 2020 census, Canton is Michigan’s largest charter township and the 11th largest community in the state. The township has seen rapid growth over the past few decades, more than doubling in population since 1990.
Population and Demographics
According to the 2020 census, Canton has a population of 90,173 residents. This makes it the second largest community in Wayne County after Detroit. Canton saw its population grow by over 8% since the 2010 census, when the population was 83,730.
Canton has a racial makeup of about 66% white, 19% Asian, 10% African American, and 5% other races. The median age is 39.8 years old. Over 95% of adults in Canton have at least a high school diploma and over 45% hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is a highly educated population compared to national averages.
Canton has over 30,000 households. More than 60% are family households, with an average household size of 2.7 people. The median household income is $80,297, which is significantly higher than the national median.
Economy and Major Employers
Canton has a strong and diverse economy. According to the Canton Economic Development Office, major employers in Canton include:
- Trinity Health (St. Joseph Mercy Hospital)
- Ford Motor Company
- Magna International
- Faurecia Interior Systems
- International Automotive Components (IAC)
Other major industries include finance, insurance, real estate, scientific and technical services, construction, and retail trade. Overall, Canton has a low unemployment rate of just 2.7% as of June 2022 according to Federal Reserve Economic Data.
Canton’s economy benefits from its proximity to Detroit and location in the highly populated metro area. It is able to attract major employers while also maintaining a diversified economic base.
Government
Canton practices a council-manager style local government. The township supervisor serves as the chief elected official, along with the clerk and treasurer. The Township Board consists of seven trustees who are elected at-large. The day-to-day operations are handled by a professional township manager appointed by the board.
You can learn more about Canton’s local government structure on the township website.
Parks and Recreation
Residents of Canton have access to outstanding parks and recreational facilities. The township operates over 1,300 acres of parkland, including numerous playgrounds, trails, athletic fields, dog parks, and picnic areas. Major parks include Heritage Park, Independence Park, and Griffin Park.
The Canton Sports Center and Summit on the Park are large indoor recreation facilities with pools, fitness centers, ice rinks, and more. Canton’s parks and recreation system has received national awards and recognition for excellence.
Education
Most students in Canton attend the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools district, which is one of the largest in Michigan with over 17,000 students. The district operates three high schools, four middle schools, and twelve elementary schools located in Canton and Plymouth.
Canton is also home to a campus of Schoolcraft College, which provides two-year associate’s degrees and certificate programs. Many Canton residents pursue higher education at the nearby University of Michigan in Ann Arbor or Wayne State University in Detroit.
Points of Interest
Some of the most popular attractions and landmarks in Canton include:
- The Village Theater – Built in the 1920s, this historic theater shows indie films and hosts live entertainment.
- DDA Liberty Fest – A popular summer street fair and festival in Heritage Park.
- Canton Historical Museum – Highlights the history of Canton Township.
- IKEA – Canton is home to one of only three IKEA stores in Michigan.
- Canton Leisure Golf Course – An 18-hole public golf course.
- Hines Park – Part of a major county park system that extends into Canton.
Canton’s location near Detroit provides easy access to professional sports, casinos, concerts, and other metro area attractions. Popular destinations like Ann Arbor, Dearborn, and Plymouth are also a short drive away.
Living in Canton
Canton provides an excellent quality of life for residents. According to Niche rankings, Canton ranks highly for public schools, family-friendliness, outdoor activities, and low crime rates compared to other communities in Michigan.
The township has invested heavily in parks, trails, recreation, arts, culture, and development of a vibrant downtown district. Festivals and community events give residents plenty of chances to get out and meet neighbors.
With its location near major highways, rail lines, and Detroit Metro Airport, Canton offers convenience and connectivity. The area is expected to continue attracting residents and economic growth in the coming decade.
To learn more about what Canton has to offer, check out the township’s Facebook page or tourism website.