# Whitmore Lake, Michigan

Whitmore Lake is a census-designated place (CDP) and unincorporated community in the U.S. state of Michigan. The community spans the boundary between Green Oak Township in Livingston County and Northfield Township in Washtenaw County. The population of the CDP was 7,584 at the 2020 census.

## History

The area was first settled by land surveyors Johnathon Stratton and Luke Whitmore, who came here from nearby Ann Arbor settlement in 1825. Stratton suggested the name of the new area and the surrounding lake as Whitmore, and it became mapped under that name. In 1829, Whitmore owned land in the area and became the first county treasurer. A post office began operating here on June 9, 1834, with George Dexter serving as the first postmaster. The post office was first named Northfield after its northern location in Northfield Township, but it was changed to Whitmore Lake on December 27, 1854.

## Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 5.3 square miles (13.7 km$^2$), of which 4.2 square miles (10.9 km$^2$) is land and 1.1 square miles (2.8 km$^2$), or 20.37%, is water.
The community is located about 9 miles (14 km) north of Ann Arbor and about 9 miles (14 km) south of Brighton. It is situated around the shores of Whitmore Lake, and the CDP also includes the area around the smaller Horseshoe Lake to the south, Lawton Lake to the east and Monahan Lake to the northeast.

### Major highways

* US 23 runs south–north and forms most of the western boundary of the CDP.
* M-36 has its eastern terminus with US 23 in Whitmore Lake.
* Several of the Mile Roads have their western ends within Whitmore Lake, including 6 Mile Road, 7 Mile Road, 8 Mile Road, and 9 Mile Road.

## Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 6,574 people, 2,663 households, and 1,741 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 1,508.5 inhabitants per square mile (582.4/km$^2$). There were 2,960 housing units at an average density of 679.2 per square mile (262.2/km$^2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 96.05% White, 0.93% African American, 0.46% Native American, 0.47% Asian, 0.12% Pacific Islander, 0.23% from other races, and 1.75% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.46% of the population.
There were 2,663 households, out of which 32.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.7% were married couples living together, 9.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.6% were non-families. 25.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42 and the average family size was 2.94.
In the CDP, 24.5% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.7% was from 18 to 24, 39.2% from 25 to 44, 20.9% from 45 to 64, and 7.7% were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.7 males.
The median income for a household in the CDP was $51,504, and the median income for a family was $63,113. Males had a median income of $42,174 versus $28,865 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $26,066. About 3.5% of families and 5.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.8% of those under age 18 and 2.2% of those age 65 or over.

## Arts and culture
### Fourth of July celebration

Each year Whitmore Lake hosts a weekend-long celebration for Independence Day. In 2011 it marked its 52nd year with the theme "Ignite the Spirit of America". Typical events include a fireworks display over the lake, a boat parade, a ski show performed by the Whitmore Lake Water Ski Club, a running / swimming race, and many other events.

### Harvest Festival

The Whitmore Lake Harvest Festival is a two-day event that occurs annually at the end of September, and was first established in 2007. The primary function of the 2009 Harvest Festival was to adopt a pet or donate money towards that cause.

### Michigan Pond Hockey Classic

The Michigan Pond Hockey Classic is an annual adult pond hockey tournament held on Whitmore Lake. Established in 2008, the event raises funds for families and schools to support youth participation in athletics.

## Education

The community is served by Whitmore Lake Public Schools. The Whitmore Lake High School Trojans are members of the Tri-County Conference.

## Notable people

* Dave Alexander, musician, member of the highly influential band The Stooges, born in Whitmore Lake