Grayling is a city located in Crawford County, Michigan in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,952. It is the county seat of Crawford County⁶.

Grayling is situated within Grayling Township, though it is politically independent. Interstate 75 passes just to the west of Grayling, and connects with the Mackinac Bridge at Mackinaw City 84 miles to the north and with U.S. Highway 127 just 4 miles south of the city. Michigan State Highway 72 passes east-west through the city and Michigan State Highway 93 is an 11-mile route connecting the main gate of Michigan Army National Guard's Camp Grayling, 4 miles southwest of Grayling, with Hartwick Pines State Park, 7 miles northeast of Grayling.

Geography

The middle branch of the Au Sable River passes through the city. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 5.2 km² (2.0 mi²). 5.2 km² (2.0 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,952 people, 828 households, and 481 families residing in the city. The population density is 375.0/km² (972.1/mi²). There are 895 housing units at an average density of 171.9/km² (445.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 96.88% White, 0.51% African American, 0.87% Native American, 0.77% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.15% from other races, and 0.82% from two or more races. 1.54% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 828 households out of which 30.7% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.4% are married couples living together, 16.3% have a female householder with no husband present, and 41.8% are non-families. 38.3% of all households are made up of individuals and 20.3% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.24 and the average family size is 2.94.

In the city the population is spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 22.5% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 40 years. For every 100 females there are 78.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 70.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $24,250, and the median income for a family is $29,850. Males have a median income of $29,167 versus $20,060 for females. The per capita income for the city is $13,089. 21.8% of the population and 21.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 29.5% of those under the age of 18 and 17.5% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.