Rogers City is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is the county seat of and largest city in Presque Isle County. The city had a population of 2,850 at the 2020 census, a slight increase from 2,827 at the 2010 census. The city is located in the northeast of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, along the shore of Lake Huron. Within the city's limits is the world's largest open-pit limestone quarry, the Port of Calcite. The port is one of the largest shipping ports on the Great Lakes.

History

Rogers City was established in 1868, when William E. Rogers, Albert Molitor, Frederick Denny Larke, and John Raymond arrived to survey the area and for logging. In 1870, a post office opened in the settlement under the name Rogers' Mills, though this name was changed several times; to Rogers City in 1872, to Rogers in 1895, and back to Rogers City in 1928. The community was incorporated as a village in 1877, and as a city in 1944. On November 15, 1958, the freighter, SS Carl D. Bradley, sank in a storm on Lake Michigan. Of the 35 crew members, 33 died in the sinking, and 23 were from Rogers City, the ship's home port.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.34 sqmi, of which 4.52 sqmi is land and 3.82 sqmi is water. The city is considered to be part of Northern Michigan.

Climate

Transportation

Airports

The nearest commercial airports are Alpena County Regional Airport and Cherry Capital Airport (Traverse City)

Highways

Bus

Trails

Demographics

2010 census

As of the census of 2010, there were 2,827 people, 1,328 households, and 800 families residing in the city. The population density was 625.4 PD/sqmi. There were 1,628 housing units at an average density of 360.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.3% White, 0.6% African American, 0.5% Native American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.8% of the population. There were 1,328 households, of which 20.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.8% were married couples living together, 8.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 3.8% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.8% were non-families. 36.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.03 and the average family size was 2.60. The median age in the city was 51.9 years. 15.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19% were from 25 to 44; 31.4% were from 45 to 64; and 29% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.7% male and 52.3% female.

2000 census

As of the census of 2000, there were 3,322 people, 1,480 households, and 914 families residing in the city. The population density was 727.2 PD/sqmi. There were 1,626 housing units at an average density of 355.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.43% White, 0.03% African American, 0.69% Native American, 0.27% Asian, 0.03% from other races, and 0.54% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.45% of the population. There were 1,480 households, out of which 24.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.9% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.2% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.17 and the average family size was 2.78. In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.4% under the age of 18, 7.2% from 18 to 24, 23.2% from 25 to 44, 23.5% from 45 to 64, and 25.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 89.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 84.8 males. The median income for a household in the city was $29,531, and the median income for a family was $36,310. Males had a median income of $31,515 versus $19,107 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,750. About 5.3% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.5% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education

Public schools in Rogers City consist of an elementary school (K-5) and Middle/High School (6-12). The wrestling, cross country, bowling, volleyball, baseball, football, and softball teams all have a reputation for being successful.

Economy

The northeast corner of Michigan has an industrial base. Rogers City is the locale of the world's largest limestone quarry and one of the world's largest limestone processing plant, which is also used in steel making all along the Great Lakes. Water transport has been formative to the economy. This ties to the world's largest cement plant, which is in Alpena to the south. Both of these landmarks are recognized by historical markers.

Local attractions

Local events

Media

Newspapers

Television

The following television stations are available over-the-air: Charter Communications is the local cable provider for Rogers City; the system offers all the above channels, as well as WNEM-DT2 (MyNetworkTV, Bay City) and CBMT (CBC Television, Montreal).

Radio

WHAK-AM 960 is the heritage station in Rogers City. All three local stations licensed to Rogers City now broadcast out of studios in Alpena, leaving Rogers City without a truly locally based station of its own. The following radio stations can be heard in Rogers City