Canton is a community in Michigan located midway between Detroit and Ann Arbor. It is a charter township with an elevation of 687 feet on approximately 36 square miles in Wayne County. The population of Canton is just under 89,879 (2015 U.S. Census estimate).
Canton History
The earliest known inhabitants of southeaster Michigan were the Potawatomi Indians. Native resistance to European settlers ended with a skirmish in 1819 in which Chief Tonquish and his son were killed. Canton Township was established in 1834, taking its name from a city in China in an era when the community enjoyed good trade relations with that nation. Canton became a charter township in 1961, gaining greater stature for self-governance and economic development.
• Historical Marker of Chief Tonquish Burial Site
• Canton Historical Society
Canton Weather
Canton’s climate is seasonally warm in summer and cold in winter. Average daily high temperature in July is 83°F and the average low in January is 17°F (U.S. averages are 86°F and 22°F). Annual rainfall is about 33.5 inches (U.S. average is 39 inches) and annual snowfall averages 44 inches (U.S. average is 26 inches).
• Sperling’s Climate Report for Canton, MI
• Accu Weather Forecast
Canton Transportation
Canton offers a variety of transportation options. Public buses provide service locally and between cities. A community mobility program provides transportation for elderly and disabled citizens. The main highways serving ground transportation are I-275, I-96, and I-94. The community encourages ride sharing and facilitates vanpooling and carpooling. The average commute is 27 minutes. Air travelers connect to the sky via the Wayne County Airport Authority, which operates Detroit Metro and Willow Run Airports.
• Ride Sharing Website
• Michigan Dept of Transportation
• Wayne County Airport Authority
Cost of Living in Canton
Canton is a little more expensive than the average for U.S. cities. Housing is the biggest reason—it carries about a 23 percent premium. You’ll also pay a bit more for utilities and transportation. Michigan assesses a six percent sales tax and 4.25 percent income tax. To get an idea of how far your salary will go, use the links below.
• Cost of Living Wizard from Salary.com
• Cost of Living Calculator from Money.cnn.com
Canton Schools
Canton is served by three public school districts: Plymouth-Canton Public Schools, Van Buren Public Schools, and Wayne-Westland Public Schools. You’ll also find 10 private schools serving students from K through 12. For higher education, 32 colleges are located within 25 miles; the closest is Madonna University (six miles from downtown Canton). The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is the largest school in the area, with an enrollment of about 44,000 students.
• Plymouth-Canton Community Schools
• Private Elementary Schools in Canton
• Madonna University
Canton Hospitals
You have plenty of healthcare options in Canton, including 60 hospitals located within 30 miles. Two of the best regional medical centers are Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak and University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor. The university hospital is nationally ranked in 20 specialties and rated as high-performing in nine procedures and conditions (U.S. News & World Report).
• Michigan Medicine
• Beaumont Hospital - Royal Oak
Canton Hotels
Most lodging options in Canton are located along the I-275 corridor. You’ll find several familiar brands to choose from, including Super 8, Days Inn, Holiday Inn Express, and Baymont Inn & Suites. The Fellows Creek Lodge is an owner-operated property offering accommodations with a rustic feel. It’s located on Michigan Avenue less than a half mile east of I-275.
• Fellows Creek Lodge in Canton
• Super 8 Canton
Canton Restaurants
You won’t go hungry in Canton. Some of the more popular eateries cater to ethnic tastes for Mexican, Italian, Greek, Middle Eastern, and Chinese dishes. That doesn’t mean you won’t find plenty of American fare. Billing itself as the “old school standby,” Jonathan’s Family Restaurant is a local favorite for traditional American meals. Hayden’s Grill & Bar is also a popular choice for sandwiches, steaks, and hand-crafted cocktails.
• Hayden’s Grill & Bar
• Canton Food Festival
• Palermo Pizzeria
Things to Do in Canton
While in Canton, you may enjoy taking in a show at the Emagine Theater—they make watching movies an event in itself. The IKEA store is a popular destination with over 300,000 square feet and 58 room settings—plus a restaurant where you can enjoy authentic Swedish meatballs. If you like to swing a club, play a round at the Pheasant Run Golf Club or Fellows Creek Golf Club. Or enjoy a family mini golf outing followed by a game of laser tag at Zap Zone.
• Canton Tourism
• Zap Zone
• Pheasant Run Golf Club