


Where places within the county are incorporated, and thus granted home rule, the power of the county government is greatly diminished. This local government division has its greatest effect on unincorporated lands within the county, and can provide service which can include law enforcement, justice administration, health care, among other basic services.

Municipalities may be incorporated as cities, villages, or charter townships, which are unique to Michigan. The largest municipality by land area is McMillan Township which spans 588.78 sq mi (1,524.9 km 2), while Ahmeek is the smallest at 0.07 sq mi (0.18 km 2). The largest municipality by population in Michigan is Detroit with 639,111 residents the smallest municipality by population is Pointe Aux Barques Township with 15 residents. Michigan is divided into 83 counties and contains 1,773 municipalities consisting of 276 cities, 257 villages and 1,240 townships. According to the 2020 United States Census, Michigan is the 10th most populous state with 10,077,331 inhabitants and the 22nd largest by land area spanning 56,538.90 square miles (146,435.1 km 2) of land. Michigan is a state located in the Midwestern United States. Map of the United States with Michigan highlighted
