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Flint, MI

Frequently asked questions

Flint, MI

Flint is the largest city and seat of Genesee County, Michigan, United States. Located along the Flint River, 66 miles (106 km) northwest of Detroit, it is a principal city within the region known as Mid Michigan. At the 2020 census, Flint had a population of 81,252, making it the twelfth-most populous city in Michigan. The Flint metropolitan area is located entirely within Genesee County. It is the fourth largest metropolitan area in Michigan with a population of 406,892 in 2020. The city was incorporated in 1855. 

Flint was founded as a village by fur trader Jacob Smith in 1819 and became a major lumbering area on the historic Saginaw Trail during the 19th century. From the late 19th century to the mid-20th century, the city was a leading manufacturer of carriages and later automobiles, earning it the nickname "Vehicle City". General Motors (GM) was founded in Flint in 1908, and the city grew into an automobile manufacturing powerhouse for GM's Buick and Chevrolet divisions, especially after World War II up until the early 1980s recession. Flint was also the home of a sit-down strike in 1936–37 that played a vital role in the formation of the United Auto Workers.

Since the late 1960s, Flint has faced several crises. The city experienced an economic downturn after GM significantly downsized its workforce in the area from a high of 80,000 in 1978 to under 8,000 by 2010. From 1960 to 2010, the population of the city nearly halved, from 196,940 to 102,434. In the mid-2000s, Flint became known for its comparatively high crime rates and has repeatedly been ranked among the most dangerous cities in the United States according to crime statistics. The city was under a state of financial emergency from 2002 to 2004 and again from 2011 to 2015.

From 2014 to 2019, Flint faced a public health emergency due to lead contamination in parts of the local water supply as well as an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease. The acute lead crisis has been addressed as the city has secured a new source of clean water, installed modern copper pipes in nearly every home, and distributed filters to all residents who want them. However, a legacy of distrust in public authorities remains.

Flint lies in the Flint/Tri-Cities region of Michigan. Flint and Genesee County can be categorized as a subregion of Flint/Tri-Cities. It is located along the Flint River, which flows through Lapeer, Genesee, and Saginaw counties and is 78.3 mi (126.0 km) long.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.06 square miles (88.21 km2), of which, 33.42 square miles (86.56 km2) is land and 0.64 square miles (1.66 km2) is water. Flint lies just to the northeast of the Flint Hills. The terrain is low and rolling along the south and east sides, and flatter to the northwest.

Flint, MI offers a variety of spas, gyms, and health and wellness activities to cater to the diverse needs of its residents. The YMCA of Greater Flint provides extensive fitness facilities, including swimming pools, gyms, and numerous fitness classes that encourage community health and wellness. Powerhouse Gym is a popular spot for fitness enthusiasts, offering a range of workout equipment and personal training services. Courtland Center Mall is home to Planet Fitness, known for its affordable membership and welcoming atmosphere. Ascension Genesys Health Club provides comprehensive fitness programs, including yoga, pilates, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) classes. Hurley Medical Center offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Summerset Salon & Day Spa provides relaxation and therapeutic services to help reduce stress.

Top Sites in Flint, MI are the Sloan Museum of Discovery, Flint Children's Museum, and Stepping Stone Falls.

Population: 79,854 (2022). ZIP Codes: 48501, 48507, 48531, 48532, 48550, 48557, 48559. Area code: 810. Elevation: 751 ft (229 m). Area: 34.10 sq mi (88.33 km2).

FAQs

What county is Flint, MI?

Black or African American: 56.3% White: 35.25% Two or more races: 6.52%.The average household income in Flint is $47,221 with a poverty rate of 33.3%. The median age in Flint is 36.1 years: 34.9 years for males, and 36.9 years for females. 

Why is Flint, MI famous?

Flint was founded as a village by fur trader Jacob Smith in 1819 and grew into a major lumbering area during the nineteenth century. From the late 1800s to the mid-twentieth century, the city was a leading manufacturer of carriages and, later, automobiles, earning it the moniker “Vehicle City.” General Motors (GM) was founded in Flint in 1908, and the city grew into an automobile manufacturing powerhouse for GM’s Buick and Chevrolet divisions.

What is the crime rate in Flint, MI?

The crime rate in Flint is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America from the largest to the smallest, although at 27 crimes per one thousand residents, it is not among the communities with the very highest crime rate. The chance of becoming a victim of either violent or property crime in Flint is 1 in 37. Based on FBI crime data, Flint is not one of the safest communities in America. Relative to Michigan, Flint has a crime rate that is higher than 91% of the state's cities and towns of all sizes. In fact, after researching dangerous places to live, NeighborhoodScout found Flint to be one of the top 100 most dangerous cities in the U.S.A.

Sources

City of Flint

Wikipedia

Neighborhood Scout

Sloan Museum of Discovery

Flint Children's Museum

Stepping Stone Falls

The YMCA of Greater Flint

Powerhouse Gym

Courtland Center Mall

Planet Fitness

Ascension Genesys Health Club

Hurley Medical Center 

Summerset Salon & Day Spa

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.