The US Census Bureau released their annual population estimates this week, and it was good news for Marquette County, which grew by 338 people over the past year. That puts Marquette County’s estimated number of residents at 66,999.
Really, Census Bureau? You couldn’t have found one more person to make it 67,000? Did you check everyone’s basement just to be sure?
Seeing all those 6’s and 9s made me think about other non-Census Bureau numbers that are important to the UP. There are certain ones we all know, like 2 or 41 or 75, but there are a few others that are so subtle you may have missed them.
Here are a few, although some of them might not be 100% accurate. Or even real.
First, 33– The percentage of Marquette County High Schools that made it at least to the semi-finals of this year’s state girls basketball championships. And…way to go, Hematites!
11–the number of letters in Tahquamenon
Also 11? The number of people in the UP who can correctly spell Tahquamenon without looking it up.
The approximate number of Packer fans in the UP? 180,000.
The approximate number of Lions fans in the UP? 120,000.
The approximate combined number of Bear and Vikings fans in the UP? 4.
25–the approximate length of the Seney Stretch in miles.
50–The approximate number of times someone who’s never driven the Seney Stretch will say “does this ever end”?
And finally, perhaps the most important number in the UP?
19– And you’d better know why!
Those are but a few of the important non Census Bureau numbers in the UP. Now, speaking of the Census Bureau, I’m off to see if we can convince just one more person to move into Marquette County, and bring us up to an even 67,000.
I’m Jim Koski, and that’s another slice of “Life in the 906.”
