Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant Facts

Mount Pleasant has an interesting history tracing back to its days as a boomtown for oil production. Here are a few highlights.

• Mount Pleasant's city seal includes four emblems representing Native American heritage and culture, agriculture, education, and the discovery and production of oil.
• Mount Pleasant is in the top 1 percent for short commute times and in the top 3 percent for biking or walking to work compared to similar size places in the U.S. (Source: citytowninfo.com)
• Mount Pleasant is in the top 9 percent for rent affordability compared to similar size places in the U.S. (Source: citytowninfo.com)
• Mount Pleasant is in the top 7 percent of the state for college-educated adults. (Source: citytowninfo.com)
• Population: 25,946 (Source: 2000 Census)
• Mount Pleasant is considered the oil capital of Michigan, which ranks 17th in the U.S. for oil production. In 1928 the first well in Isabella County struck oil, creating a booming industry for the town.
• The 80-mile Chippewa River runs through Mount Pleasant.
• The Florence Maxwell Sanctuary offers a 40-acre preserve for observing more than 110 different bird species in the area.
• Mount Pleasant features seven public parks.
• Founder David Ward purchased land from the government in 1855 and used it for logging operations. He named his new village Mount Pleasant.
• Former Michigan Governor John Engler was born in Mount Pleasant.
• City area: 7.9 square miles
• Climate: January averages: 29 degrees (high)/13 degrees (low); July averages: 84 degrees (high)/58 (low); Average annual rainfall: 30 inches; Snowfall: 36 inches