Ferndaleis a city inOakland Countyin theU.S. stateofMichigan.An inner-ringsuburb of Detroiton theWoodward Corridor,Ferndale bordersDetroitto the north, roughly 10 miles (16.1 km) northwest ofdowntown Detroit.As of the2020 census,the city had a population of 19,190.[4]
Ferndale, Michigan | |
|---|---|
| City of Ferndale | |
Top-to-bottom: Downtown Ferndale looking south toward Detroit, Ferndale City Hall | |
 Location withinOakland County | |
  Ferndale Location within the State of Michigan | |
| Coordinates:42°27′38″N83°08′05″W/ 42.46056°N 83.13472°W | |
| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Oakland |
| Incorporated | 1918 (village) 7 March 1927 (city) |
| Government | |
| • Type | Council–manager |
| •Mayor | Melanie Piana |
| •Manager | Joseph Gacioch |
| Area | |
•City | 3.88 sq mi (10.04 km2) |
| • Land | 3.88 sq mi (10.04 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 646 ft (197 m) |
| Population (2020) | |
•City | 19,190 |
| • Density | 4,949.70/sq mi (1,911.03/km2) |
| •Metro | 4,392,041 (Metro Detroit) |
| Time zone | UTC-5(EST) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4(EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 48220 |
| Area code(s) | 248 |
| FIPS code | 26-27880[2] |
| GNISfeature ID | 0625911[3] |
| Website | Official website |
Ferndale is well-known for its downtown, as well as its position as the hub of theLGBTQ+ community in Metro Detroit,and a center of progressive politics.[5]
History
editNative Americanswere original inhabitants of the area now known as the City of Ferndale. In the 1800s farmers began cultivating the land. After the invention of the automobile and the development of the automotiveassembly line,the population of Ferndale increased rapidly.[6]
Ferndale was incorporated into a village in 1918.[6]It was then incorporated into a city on March 7, 1927, by vote of the citizens of the village.[7]It became abedroom communityforDetroitworkers, with most of its growth in housing from 1920 to 1951. Through the early 1950s there weretrolley(interurban railroad) lines in the median strip of Woodward Avenue from downtown Detroit toPontiac.These helped the northern suburbs of Detroit grow as bedroom communities as people could take the trolley to shop or work in Detroit.
In the 1970s, the Ferndale suburban community emerged as a place for families to raise children during the "Baby Boom"era, with its elementary schools, a downtown, city parks, active churches and civic groups.[8]Ferndale Highwas completed in 1958.
Ferndale's downtown shopping area, 9 Mile Road, featured many busy, popular stores in the 1940s to 1960s, but later went into decline, and many business closed. In recent decades, the downtown area has revitalized. Ferndale's downtown is formed by two major thoroughfares, Nine Mile Road and Woodward Avenue. Circa 1997 the city made the downtown more pedestrian-friendly by narrowing West Nine Mile Road, the heart of the downtown, to one lane in each direction and adding on-street parking.[9]The result has been a return of pedestrian traffic and an influx of new stores and restaurants. The city has continued to make itself more accessible to people by reducing traffic lanes on Hilton Road and Pinecrest Road, two major local north/south streets, and adding bicycle lanes.
Geography
editAccording to theUnited States Census Bureau,the city has a total area of 3.88 square miles (10.05 km2), all land.[10]
Ferndale is adjacent to the cities ofDetroitto the south,Oak Parkto the west,Hazel Parkto the east,Pleasant Ridgeto the north,Royal Oak Townshipto the southwest, andRoyal Oakto the north.
Ferndale is bordered to the south by8 Mile Road,to the north (west ofWoodward Avenue) by Oakridge Street, and (east of Woodward Avenue) by 10 Mile Road andI-696.To the west it is bordered by Republic Street (south of Nine Mile Road), and Hyland Street (north of Nine Mile). To the east it is bordered by West End, Pilgrim Street, and Lennox Street.
Government
editFerndale utilizes the council-manager form of government, and is governed by a city council consisting of a mayor and four council members. The city council appoints a city manager, who manages the day-to-day operations of the city. The current mayor of Ferndale is Raylon Leaks-May. Current city council members are Greg Pawlica, Laura Mikulski, Rolanda Kelley and Donnie Johnson. The current city manager is Joseph Gacioch.[11]
Federal, state, and county legislators
edit| District | Representative | Party | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11th | Haley Stevens | Democratic | 2023[a] |
| District | Senator | Party | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8th | Mallory McMorrow | Democratic | 2023 |
| District | Representative | Party | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th | Helena Scott | Democratic | 2023 |
| 8th | Mike McFall | Democratic | 2023 |
| District | Commissioner | Party | Since |
|---|---|---|---|
| 19 | Charlie Cavell | Democratic | 2021 |
Demographics
edit| Census | Pop. | Note | %± |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1920 | 2,640 | — | |
| 1930 | 20,855 | 690.0% | |
| 1940 | 22,523 | 8.0% | |
| 1950 | 29,675 | 31.8% | |
| 1960 | 31,347 | 5.6% | |
| 1970 | 30,850 | −1.6% | |
| 1980 | 26,227 | −15.0% | |
| 1990 | 25,084 | −4.4% | |
| 2000 | 22,105 | −11.9% | |
| 2010 | 19,900 | −10.0% | |
| 2020 | 19,190 | −3.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census[18] | |||
2010 census
editAs of thecensus[19]of 2010, there were 19,900 people, 9,559 households, and 4,349 families living in the city. Thepopulation densitywas 5,128.9 inhabitants per square mile (1,980.3/km2). There were 10,477 housing units at an average density of 2,700.3 per square mile (1,042.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 84.7%White,9.6%African American,0.5%Native American,1.3%Asian,0.1%Pacific Islander,0.5% fromother races,and 3.4% from two or more races.HispanicorLatinoresidents of any race were 2.8% of the population.
There were 9,559 households, of which 20.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 30.3% weremarried couplesliving together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 54.5% were non-families. 39.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.08 and the average family size was 2.85.
The median age in the city was 35.6 years. 16.5% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 41.2% were from 25 to 44; 25.2% were from 45 to 64; and 8.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
2000 census
editAs of thecensus[2]of 2000, there were 22,105 people, 9,872 households, and 5,103 families living in the city. The population density was 5,697.9 inhabitants per square mile (2,200.0/km2). There were 10,243 housing units at an average density of 2,640.3 per square mile (1,019.4/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.46%White,3.42%blackorAfrican American,0.55%Native American,1.32%Asian,0.02%Pacific Islander,0.64% fromother races,and 2.58% from two or more races. 1.81% of the population wereHispanicorLatinoof any race.
There were 9,872 households, out of which 23.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 35.8% weremarried couplesliving together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 48.3% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.23 and the average family size was 2.97.
In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.4% under the age of 18, 9.1% from 18 to 24, 41.2% from 25 to 44, 19.7% from 45 to 64, and 9.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.8 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $45,629, and the median income for a family was $51,687. Males had a median income of $40,392 versus $30,859 for females. Theper capita incomefor the city was $23,133. About 7.2% of families and 8.2% of the population were below thepoverty line,including 12.0% of those under age 18 and 9.6% of those age 65 or over.
LGBT population
editThe 1980s and 1990s saw the growth of the LGBT population in Ferndale, coinciding with a migration from neighborhoods in Detroit to communities north alongWoodward Avenue,includingRoyal Oak,Pleasant Ridgeand others. In 1999 a proposed non-discrimination ordinance was introduced in Ferndale, but was defeated. TheMotor City Pridefestival moved to Ferndale from Royal Oak in 2001. In 2006 the city passed an anti-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBT people from discrimination in public accommodations, housing, and business, with 70% in favor and 30% in opposition.Affirmations,a 17,000-square-foot (1,600 m2) LGBT community center in Downtown Ferndale, opened its new, expanded building on Sunday June 3, 2007,[20]the same year the city elected the first openly gay mayor in Michigan. In 2011,Motor City Pridemoved to Detroit'sHart Plaza.Ferndale Pride was started that year.[21]
Media
editChurch Militant[22]used to have their headquarters in Ferndale until they ceased operations.
Crime
editThe crime rate in Ferndale is relatively neutral. Crime is significantly lower than inner communities such asDetroit,DearbornandHamtramck,and its neighbors such asHazel Park,Oak ParkandWarren.[23][24][25]However, other outer communities have a lower crime rate.Larceny theftwas the most common crime in Ferndale, making up 51.7% of the crime rate. Six knownhomicideshave been recorded in Ferndale since 2000; one being in 2001, one in 2005, one in 2007, one in 2008,[26]one in 2009,[27]and one in 2010.[28]
Education
editFerndale has its own school district,Ferndale Public Schools,[29]including elementary, middle, and high schools.Ferndale High Schooland University High School are both part of Ferndale Public Schools.[30]A portion of Ferndale is instead zoned toHazel Park Schools.[31]
Notable people
edit- James Blanchard,Governor of Michigan(1983–91) andU.S. Ambassador to Canada
- Joseph Bruce(a.k.a. Violent J), member ofInsane Clown Posse[32]
- Ron Carter,jazz musician
- Dana Elcar,actor best known for filmThe Stingand role as Peter Thornton on TV seriesMacGyver
- Elena Ford,heiress
- Frank Hagel,painter and sculptor[33][34]
- Josh Malerman,novelist and singer-songwriter[35]
- Rashad Phillips,professional basketball player; played for Ferndale High School (1992–96)
- Ken Rowe,MLB pitcher and coach; born in Ferndale
- The Spinners,American R&B group, formed in Ferndale.
- Bob Welch,MLB pitcher, 1990Cy Young Awardwinner, two-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion; lived in Ferndale, attended school in Hazel Park[36]
Notes
edit- ^Stevens has represented the 11th district since 2019, but the district has only included Ferndale since 2023.
See also
editReferences
edit- ^"2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedMay 21,2022.
- ^ab"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.Retrieved2008-01-31.
- ^U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Ferndale, Michigan
- ^"US Census QuickFacts".United States Census Bureau.RetrievedAugust 18,2021.
- ^Case, Wendy."Affirming Ferndale".Metro Times.Retrieved2013-12-04.
- ^ab"History, Community, City of Ferndale, Michigan".Archived fromthe originalon April 18, 2006.RetrievedApril 18,2010.
- ^"Ferndale Historical Society - History: Chronology of Ferndale".RetrievedApril 18,2010.
- ^"History of St. James Church".Archived fromthe originalon August 21, 2009.RetrievedFebruary 20,2011.
- ^"Funky Ferndale | The Detroit News | detroitnews.com".The Detroit News.2007-05-15. Archived fromthe originalon 2012-07-07.Retrieved2013-12-04.
- ^"US Gazetteer files 2010".United States Census Bureau.Archived fromthe originalon 2012-07-02.Retrieved2012-11-25.
- ^"Ferndale".
- ^Hendrickson, Clara (2024-11-05)."US Rep. Haley Stevens reelected to another 2-year term in Congress, defeating Nick Somberg".Detroit Free Press.
- ^"2022 Michigan State Senate Districts (Linden)".Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.
- ^"Senators".Michigan Senate.Retrieved2024-11-07.
- ^"2022 Michigan State House Districts (Hickory)".Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission.
- ^"2024 MI State House General Election Results".Detroit Free Press.2024-11-07.
- ^"Commissioner Districts".Oakland County– viaArcGIS.
- ^"Census of Population and Housing".Census.gov.RetrievedJune 4,2015.
- ^"U.S. Census website".United States Census Bureau.Retrieved2012-11-25.
- ^Case, Wendy. "Affirming FerndaleArchived2012-09-10 at theWayback Machine."Metro Times.May 30, 2007. Retrieved on January 24, 2013.
- ^Rupersburg, Nicole. "From Blue Collar To Rainbow Flags: How Ferndale Got Its Gay Groove."(Archive)Metro D Media.Thursday October 13, 2011. Retrieved on December 1, 2013.
- ^Allen, Robert."A look inside the Church Militant headquarters".Detroit Free Press.
- ^"Detroit Profile | Detroit MI | Population, Crime, Map".Idcide.com.Retrieved2013-12-04.
- ^"Dearborn Profile | Dearborn MI | Population, Crime, Map".Idcide.com.Retrieved2013-12-04.
- ^"Hamtramck Profile | Hamtramck MI | Population, Crime, Map".Idcide.com.Retrieved2013-12-04.
- ^"Ferndale Profile | Ferndale MI | Population, Crime, Map".Idcide.com.Retrieved2013-12-04.
- ^"Detnews.com | This article is no longer available online | detnews.com | The Detroit News".[dead link]
- ^"Ferndale Store Owner Was Shot To Death - Detroit Local News Story - WDIV Detroit".WDIV Detroit. Archived fromthe originalon December 4, 2010.Retrieved2010-12-11.
- ^"Ferndale Public Schools website".Ferndaleschools.org.Retrieved2013-12-04.
- ^"Schools - Ferndale Public Schools - Ferndale, MI".Archived fromthe originalon 2012-07-31.Retrieved2011-02-20.
- ^"SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP (2010 CENSUS): Oakland County, MI"(Archive).U.S. Census Bureau.Retrieved on June 29, 2015.
- ^"Violent J says Insane Clown Posse determined to win FBI lawsuits; he's eager for new Fuse TV show".July 18, 2013.
- ^"Hagel Funeral Rites Pending".The Daily Inter Lake.Kalispell, MT. December 1, 1967. p. 2 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^"Former Resident Dies in Michigan".The Daily Inter Lake.Kalispell, MT. November 28, 1967. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^Media, Stephanie Preweda For Digital First."'Goblin' a change for Ferndale novelist Josh Malerman ".The Oakland Press.Archived fromthe originalon 2018-12-19.Retrieved2018-12-18.
- ^1 Pitch At A Time - Sports Illustrated Vault
External links
edit
- City of Ferndale official website
- Ferndale Downtown Development Authority
- Ferndale Historical Society
Ferndale (Michigan)travel guide from Wikivoyage
