Lovells Township (population 669) is serenely located in Northern Michigan between Grayling and Lewiston on County Road 612 in Crawford County. The beautiful North Branch of the AuSable River runs right through the delightful community of Lovells which is home to both full-time and seasonal residents.

Lovells was named for Judge Louis Lovell, who was a judge of the Eighth Judicial District. A petition for the division of Maple Forest Township was presented to the County Board of Supervisors on Jan. 4, 1912, because residents in the Lovells area wanted to have their own representation for that portion of Crawford County. The petition was signed by 19 Maple Forest Township residents and 12 residents from Lovells.

DEMOGRAPHICS

As of the census of 2023, there were 669 people, 338 households, and 246 families residing in the township. The population density was 6.7 per square mile. There were 977 housing units at an average density of 9.7 per square mile (3.6/km²) 35% of housing units were recorded as full time occupied (65% unoccupied or seasonal). 96% of housing units were owned by occupant (4% renter). The racial makeup of the township was 93% White, 2% Asian, and 4% from two or more races and Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2% of the population.

There were 338 households out of which 69% were married couples living together, 12% had a female householder with no husband present, 2% had a male householder with no spouse present, and 17% were non-families. The average household size was 2% and the average family size was 2.25. 

In the township the median age was 62.5 years. The population age groups were spread out with 11% under the age of 18, 4% aged 20 to 29, 32% aged 30 to 60, 52% aged 60 to 80, and 6% were 80 years of age and older. Of the 669 persons in the Township 630 are registered to vote.

The median income for a household in the township was $58,839 (inflation adjusted) and the per capita income was $33,191 (inflation adjusted). Males had a median income of $49,400 versus $18,000 for females. Per capita income was $33,191. About 11.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 25% 18 and 2.0% of those age 65 or over.

OUR TOWNSHIP GOVERNMENT

Lovells Township is a Zoned Township within Crawford County, Michigan. Our Township Board consists of a five elected officials: Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer, and two Trustees. Officials are elected to a four year term that coincides with the US Presidential Elections. Additionally, the Township conducts country, state, and school district elections for voters within its single precinct. Township voters often have had the highest county participation rate in elections.

In addition to our elected officials the Township Government has a number of appointed and volunteer support staff. These include a volunteer Fire and Emergency Medical Service Department lead by an appointed leadership staff consisting of a chief, deputy chief, captains, and lieutenants. A number of services are provided to citizens include household waste management and recycling, a Township Cemetery, Zoning and Ordinance Compliance, Park, and Recreational opportunities, a Historical Society including a Museum, and unaffiliated social, civic, and nonprofit opportunities to come together as a strong and vibrant Community.