Cities & Towns in Ingham County, MI

Situated in the heart of Michigan, Ingham County contains the capital city of Lansing as well as several smaller surrounding communities. Though Lansing dominates the area, each city and town in Ingham County has developed its own identity and local pride. Some of the most notable cities include Lansing, East Lansing, Mason, Williamston, and Leslie.

As the state capital, Lansing serves as the center of government and culture for Michigan. Adjacent East Lansing provides a quintessential college town atmosphere. Mason boasts a charming downtown district full of shops and eateries. Williamston contains numerous historic homes and buildings. And Leslie offers small town living at a leisurely pace.

• Lansing: The capital city of Michigan, with a population of 112,640. It is located mostly in Ingham County, but also extends into Eaton and Clinton counties. It is a center of government, education, culture, and industry. It is home to the Michigan State Capitol, the Michigan Supreme Court, the Michigan Historical Museum, and many other attractions.
• East Lansing: A city directly east of Lansing, with a population of 45,6764. It is well-known as the home of Michigan State University, one of the largest public universities in the country. It also hosts the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, the Wharton Center for Performing Arts, and the East Lansing Film Festival.
• Holt: A census-designated place south of Lansing, with a population of 23,973. It is part of Delhi Charter Township, and has a suburban character. It has several parks, trails, and golf courses for outdoor recreation.
• Okemos: A census-designated place east of East Lansing, with a population of 21,369. It is part of Meridian Charter Township, and is one of the most affluent communities in the county. It has a historic downtown area with shops and restaurants, as well as the Meridian Historical Village and the Meridian Mall.
• Haslett: A census-designated place northeast of East Lansing, with a population of 19,220. It is part of Meridian Charter Township, and is known for its lakefront properties and activities. It surrounds Lake Lansing, the largest lake in the county. It also has a public park, a beach, a boat launch, and a trail around the lake.
• Mason: The county seat and a city in the center of the county, with a population of 8,252. It is the only city in the county that does not border Lansing or East Lansing. It has a historic downtown area with a courthouse square, where the Ingham County Courthouse stands. It also has several festivals and events throughout the year.
• Williamston: A city in the northeast corner of the county, with a population of 3,854. It is located on the Red Cedar River, and has a charming downtown area with antique shops and eateries. It also has a theater company, a farmers market, and a museum.
• Leslie: A city in the southeast corner of the county, with a population of 1,851. It is situated on US Highway 127, and has a rural atmosphere. It has several historic buildings and landmarks, such as the Leslie Depot Museum and the Covert House.
• Dansville: A village in the southwest corner of the county, with a population of 563. It is surrounded by farmland and woods, and has a small downtown area with a library and a post office. It also has a school district that serves students from kindergarten to 12th grade.
• Webberville: A village in the southeast corner of the county, with a population of 1,272. It is located on Interstate 96, and has a mix of residential and commercial areas. It also has a community park with playgrounds and sports fields.
• Stockbridge: A village in the southeast corner of the county, with a population of 1,240. It is located on M-52 highway, and has an agricultural heritage. It also has several community events and organizations, such as the Stockbridge Area Arts Council and the Stockbridge Area Garden Club.

Beyond these larger hubs, Ingham County also includes agricultural towns like Dansville, progressive developments like Meridian Township, and rural enclaves like Webberville. From the corridors of power to the quiet countryside, the cities and towns of Ingham County offer an authentic taste of life in the very heart of Michigan. Each contributes its own unique story and setting.