Ionia County

Ionia County is an administrative division in central Michigan spanning roughly 580 square miles. It contains multiple cities, villages, and townships that form part of the larger Grand Rapids-Kentwood metropolitan region.

The county officially came into existence on March 2, 1831, named after the ancient Greek region of Ionia. Its establishment reflected the westward expansion and settlement patterns in this part of Michigan during the early 1800s.

The courthouse serves as the heart of county government and a gathering place for residents handling official matters. The building's presence shapes how people understand local authority and community services.

Multiple highways including I-96, M-21, and M-66 run through the county, making travel between communities straightforward. These routes connect to neighboring regions and make it easy to navigate across the various towns and townships.

The name Ionia references an ancient cultural region on the eastern Mediterranean, reflecting classical roots embedded in this American administrative area. This naming choice was a common practice in the 1800s when settlers honored Old World geography.

Location: Michigan

Inception: March 2, 1831

Capital city: Ionia

Shares border with: Montcalm County, Barry County, Eaton County, Clinton County, Gratiot County, Kent County

Website: http://ioniacounty.org

GPS coordinates: 42.94000,-85.07000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:21