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Owosso, MI

Frequently asked questions

Owosso, MI

Owosso is the largest city in Shiawassee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 14,714 at the 2020 census. It is located 29 miles (46.7 km) west of Flint, and 32 miles (51.5 km) northeast of Lansing. The city is mostly surrounded by Owosso Township on its west, but the two are administered autonomously. The city was named after Chief Wosso, an Ojibwe leader of the Shiawassee area.

Alfred L. and Benjamin O. Williams were early European-American settlers in the area. They were joined by Elias Comstock, who built the first permanent home in the settlement. Dr. John B. Barnes, a physician and a judge, and Sophronia King Barnes moved to Owosso in 1842. They lived on Oliver and Water streets where they operated an Underground Railroad waystation, where they provided aid and shelter for enslaved African Americans.

Owosso was incorporated as a city in 1859, at which time it had 1000 people. The city's first mayor was Amos Gould, a judge originally from New York. Many other settlers also migrated across the Northern Tier from New York and New England. In 1876, the city organized its fire department. The pattern of settlement and migration resulted in a majority-white city. In the 1950s, Owosso was reported by a major Montgomery, Alabama, newspaper to be a sundown town, where African Americans were not allowed to live or stay overnight.

The city is on the Shiawassee River. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.39 square miles (13.96 km2), of which 5.25 square miles (13.60 km2) is land and 0.14 square miles (0.36 km2) (2.60%) is water. 

Owosso experiences frigid winters, with the last snow usually falling in April, typically Northern Midwestern spring thaws, balmy to hot summers, and colorful falls, with the first snows usually occurring sometime in December but typically in January. Each year Owosso averages eleven days with temperatures below 0 °F (−18 °C), and nine days with temperatures above 90 °F (32 °C). Owosso averages twenty-nine inches of rain per year and forty-one inches of snow. The average growing season in Owosso is 144 days.

Owosso places a strong emphasis on health and wellness for its residents. Massage Bliss provides a serene retreat with massages, facials, and holistic therapies designed to rejuvenate the body and mind. Anytime Fitness offers 24/7 access to state-of-the-art equipment and personalized training programs, making fitness accessible for all schedules. Yoga Cabana hosts yoga and Pilates classes that focus on improving core strength, flexibility, and overall wellness. Shiawassee Spinal Center specializes in spinal health, pain relief, and comprehensive wellness care. Planet Fitness promotes a judgment-free environment with various exercise equipment and group fitness classes. Owosso Community Center features various outdoor activities, walking trails, and community sports programs to encourage active living. Memorial Healthcare offers comprehensive health services, including wellness check-ups and preventive care programs

Top sites in Owosso, MI are Steam Railroading Institute, Shiawassee Arts Center, and Owosso Curwood Castle.

Population: 14,544 (2024). ZIP code: 48867. Area code: 989. Elevation: 738 ft (225 m). Area: 5.39 sq mi (13.96 km2).

FAQs

How did Owosso, MI get its name?

Owosso is the largest city in Shiawassee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 14,714 at the 2020 census. It is located 29 miles (46.7 km) west of Flint, and 32 miles (51.5 km) northeast of Lansing. The city is mostly surrounded by Owosso Township on its west, but the two are administered autonomously. The city was named after Chief Wosso, an Ojibwe leader of the Shiawassee area.

What are the demographics of Owosso, MI?

Owosso, MI is home to a population of 14.7k people, of which 99.7% are citizens. As of 2022, 1.34% of Owosso, MI residents were born outside of the country (196 people). In 2022, there were 35.3 times more White (non-Hispanic) residents (13.5k people) in Owosso, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 383 White (Hispanic) and 342 Two+ (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

What county is Owosso, MI in?

Owosso is the largest city in Shiawassee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 14,714 at the 2020 census. It is located 29 miles (46.7 km) west of Flint, and 32 miles (51.5 km) northeast of Lansing. The city is mostly surrounded by Owosso Township on its west, but the two are administered autonomously. The city was named after Chief Wosso, an Ojibwe leader of the Shiawassee area.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Owosso

Data USA

Steam Railroading Institute

Shiawassee Arts Center

Owosso Curwood Castle

Massage Bliss

Anytime Fitness

Yoga Cabana

Shiawassee Spinal Center

Planet Fitness

Owosso Community Center

Memorial Healthcare 

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