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Marquette, MI

Frequently asked questions

Marquette City, MI

Marquette City is the county seat of Marquette County and the largest city in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is a major port, known primarily for shipping iron ore from the Marquette Iron Range. The city is partially surrounded by Marquette Township, but the two are administered autonomously.

Marquette is named after Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary who had explored the Great Lakes region. Marquette had a population of 20,629 at the 2020 census, making it the largest city in Michigan north of the Tri-Cities. Marquette is also the third-largest American city on Lake Superior, behind Duluth, Minnesota, and Superior, Wisconsin. Marquette's urban area extends south toward the community of Harvey, and west toward Negaunee and Ishpeming, at the base of the Huron Mountains. 

Marquette is the home of Northern Michigan University (NMU), a four-year public university. NMU's athletic teams are nicknamed the Wildcats and compete primarily in the NCAA Division II Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC). The men's ice hockey team, which competes in the NCAA Division I Central Collegiate Hockey Association (CCHA), won the Division I national championship in 1991.

The land around Marquette was known to French missionaries of the early 17th century and the trappers of the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by the Anishinaabe Council of Three Fires, who referred to the area as Gichi-Bambini Ziibing. Development of the area did not begin until 1844 when William Burt and Jacob Houghton (the brother of geologist Douglass Houghton) discovered iron deposits near Teal Lake west of Marquette. In 1845, Jackson Mining Company, the first organized mining company in the region, was formed. The village of Marquette began on September 14, 1849, with the formation of a second iron concern, the Marquette Iron Company. Three men participated in organizing the firm: Robert J. Graveraet, who had prospected the region for ore; Edward Clark, agent for Waterman A. Fisher of Worcester, Massachusetts, who financed the company, and Amos Rogers Harlow. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 19.45 square miles (50.38 km2), of which 11.39 square miles (29.50 km2) is land and 8.06 square miles (20.88 km2) is water.

The city includes several small islands (principally Middle Island, Gull Island, Lover's Island, Presque Isle Pt. Rocks, White Rocks, Ripley Rock, and Picnic Rocks) in Lake Superior. The Marquette Underwater Preserve lies immediately offshore.

Marquette Mountain, used for skiing in the winter and lift-serviced downhill mountain biking in the summer, is located in the city, as is most of the land of Marquette Branch Prison of the Michigan Department of Corrections. The town of Trowbridge Park (under Marquette Township), is located to the west, Sands Township to the south, and Marquette Township to the northwest of the city.

Marquette City places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Meridian Healing Center provides a tranquil retreat with massages, facials, and holistic therapies designed to rejuvenate and relax. Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access to state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training programs, ensuring fitness fits into any schedule. Unity Yoga Co-op hosts yoga and Pilates classes, focusing on core strength, flexibility, and mindfulness for all skill levels. Superior Family Chiropractic & Wellness focuses on spinal health, pain relief, and overall wellness with a range of chiropractic services. The Marquette Fit Body Boot Camp offers high-intensity interval training classes that are designed to maximize fat loss and improve fitness in a supportive group setting. YMCA of Marquette County provides a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, sports programs, and fitness classes, fostering a sense of community and active living. UP Health System offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs. Superior Fitness offers comprehensive fitness services including group classes and personal training.

Top sites in Marquette City, MI are Marquette Maritime Museum, Presque Isle Park, and Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

Population: 21,079 (2023). ZIP code: 49855. Area code: 906. Elevation: 633 ft (203 m). Area: 19.40 sq mi (50.24 km2).

FAQs

Is it expensive to live in Marquette, MI?

The cost of living in Marquette, MI is 4% lower than the state average and 7% lower than the national average. Marquette, MI housing is 25% cheaper than the U.S. average, while utilities are about 3% less pricey. When it comes to necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 3% less in Marquette, MI than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs around 3% less. Healthcare services such as doctor check-ups and dentistry cost 2% more here compared to the U.S. average. At the same time, non-necessary expenses such as entertainment and grooming services are 3% cheaper in Marquette, MI.

What are the demographics of Marquette, MI?

Marquette, MI is home to a population of 20.7k people, of which 98.3% are citizens. As of 2022, 4.35% of Marquette, MI residents were born outside of the country (900 people). In 2022, there were 26.3 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (18.4k people) in Marquette, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 700 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) and 674 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

Is Marquette, MI a good place to live?

Marquette is in Marquette County and is one of the best places to live in Michigan. Living in Marquette offers residents a dense suburban feel and most residents rent their homes. In Marquette, there are a lot of bars and parks. Many young professionals live in Marquette and residents tend to lean conservative. The public schools in Marquette are above average.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Marquette

Rentcafe

Data USA

Niche

Marquette Maritime Museum

Presque Isle Park

Ellwood A Mattson Lower Harbor Park

Meridian Healing Center

Anytime Fitness

Unity Yoga Co-op

Superior Family Chiropractic & Wellness

Marquette Fit Body Boot Camp

YMCA of Marquette County

UP Health System

Superior Fitness

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