Editing Gaylord, Michigan

{{Use American English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement
 | name                     = Gaylord, Michigan
 | settlement_type          = [[City]]
 | nickname                 = The Alpine Village
 | motto                    =
 | image_skyline            = Gaylord, MI downtown (July 2022).jpg
 | image_caption            = Looking east along Main Street ([[M-32 (Michigan highway)|M-32]])
 | image_flag               = 
 | image_seal               = 
 | image_blank_emblem       = Logo of Gaylord, Michigan.svg
 | blank_emblem_type        = Logo
 | blank_emblem_size        = 85
 | pushpin_map              = Michigan#USA
 | pushpin_label_position   = right
 | pushpin_label            = Gaylord
 | pushpin_map_caption      = Location within the state of Michigan##Location within the United States
 | pushpin_mapsize          = 
 | image_map                = Gaylord, MI location.png
 | map_caption              = Location within [[Otsego County, Michigan|Otsego County]]
 | subdivision_type         = Country
 | subdivision_name         = {{Flagu|United States}}
 | subdivision_type1        = [[U.S. state|State]]
 | subdivision_name1        = {{Flag|Michigan}}
 | subdivision_type2        = [[List of counties in Michigan|County]]
 | subdivision_name2        = [[Otsego County, Michigan|Otsego]]
 | government_footnotes     = <ref>{{cite web|last=City of Gaylord|url=https://cityofgaylord.com/city-government/#CityCouncil|title=Gaylord: City Council|date=2021|accessdate=November 12, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=City of Gaylord|url=https://cityofgaylord.com/city-departments/#CDS|title=Gaylord: City Department Staff|date=2021|accessdate=November 12, 2021}}</ref>
 | government_type          = [[Council–manager government|Council–manager]]
 | leader_title             = [[Mayor]]
 | leader_name              = Evan Casselden
 | leader_title1            = [[City manager|Manager]]
 | leader_name1             = Kim Awrey
 | leader_title2            = [[Municipal clerk|Clerk]]
 | leader_name2             = Jen Molski
 | established_title        = [[Plat]]ted
 | established_date         = 1874
 | established_title1       = Incorporated
 | established_date1        = 1881 (village)<br>1922 (city)
 | unit_pref                = Imperial
 | area_footnotes           = <ref name="CenPopGazetteer2020">{{cite web|title=2020 U.S. Gazetteer Files|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/docs/maps-data/data/gazetteer/2020_Gazetteer/2020_gaz_place_26.txt|publisher=United States Census Bureau|accessdate=May 21, 2022}}</ref>
 | area_magnitude           = 
 | area_total_km2           = 13.33
 | area_land_km2            = 13.27
 | area_water_km2           = 0.06
 | area_total_sq_mi         = 5.15
 | area_land_sq_mi          = 5.12
 | area_water_sq_mi         = 0.03
 | population_as_of         = [[2020 United States census|2020]]
 | population_est           = 
 | pop_est_as_of            = 
 | population_footnotes     = 
 | population_total         = 4286
 | population_density_km2   = 322.98
 | population_density_sq_mi = 836.46
 | pop_est_footnotes        = 
 | timezone                 = [[North American Eastern Time Zone|Eastern (EST)]]
 | utc_offset               = -5
 | timezone_DST             = EDT
 | utc_offset_DST           = -4
 | elevation_footnotes      = 
 | elevation_m              = 411
 | elevation_ft             = 1348
 | coordinates              = {{coord|45|01|29|N|84|40|36|W|region:US-MI|display=inline,title}}
 | postal_code_type         = [[ZIP Code|ZIP code(s)]]
 | postal_code              = 49734, 49735
 | area_code                = [[Area code 989|989]]
 | blank_name               = [[Federal Information Processing Standard|FIPS code]]
 | blank_info               = 26-31720<ref name="GR2">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=January 31, 2008 |title=U.S. Census website }}</ref>
 | blank1_name              = [[Geographic Names Information System|GNIS]] feature ID
 | blank1_info              = 0626696<ref name="GR3">{{cite web|url=http://geonames.usgs.gov|access-date=January 31, 2008|title=US Board on Geographic Names|publisher=[[United States Geological Survey]]|date=October 25, 2007}}</ref>
 | website                  = {{URL|https://cityofgaylord.com}}
 | footnotes                = 
}}
[[File:Gaylord, MI city hall.jpg|thumb|right|Gaylord City Hall and Police Department]]
'''Gaylord''' ({{IPAc-en|'|g|eɪ|l|ɚ|d}} ''{{respell|GAY|lərd}}'') is a [[city]] in the U.S. state of [[Michigan]]. It is the [[county seat]] of [[Otsego County, Michigan|Otsego County]], and the only city within the county.<ref name="GR6">{{cite web|url=http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |access-date=June 7, 2011 |title=Find a County |publisher=National Association of Counties |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110531210815/http://www.naco.org/Counties/Pages/FindACounty.aspx |archive-date=May 31, 2011 }}</ref> Gaylord had a population of 4,286 at the [[2020 United States census|2020 census]], an increase from 3,645 at the [[2010 United States census|2010 census]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.petoskeynews.com/story/news/local/gaylord/2021/08/16/2020-census-data-reveals-strong-population-growth-gaylord/8120320002/ |title=2020 Census data reveals strong population growth for Gaylord |publisher=Amp.petoskeynews.com |date= |accessdate=May 6, 2022}}</ref>

Gaylord styles itself as an "alpine village" and contains many buildings in the downtown area with [[Tyrol (state)|Tyrolean]] style motifs. Receiving abundant snowfall and experiencing mild summer temperatures, the area around Gaylord has long been known for its many [[skiing]] and [[golf]] resorts, one of the largest such concentrations in the [[Midwestern United States]].

==History==
{{See also|Northern Michigan}}
{{Cleanup rewrite|date=April 2023||section=yes}}

=== Founding and early years ===
The town was unofficially called '''Barnes,''' after secretary of the [[Michigan Central Railroad]] and state representative [[Orlando M. Barnes|Orlando Barnes]], the town was settled in 1873 when the Jackson, Lansing, and Saginaw Railroads were extended north from Otsego Lake Village in the same year.{{Citation needed|date=January 2025}} All property north of Main Street was owned by the railroad. Barnes owned all of the property to the south. Main Street was the borderline for two townships. This put the northern half of the new community in [[Livingston Township, Michigan|Livingston Township]] and the southern portion in [[Bagley Township, Michigan|Bagley Township]].

The town became known as the “Village of Gaylord” in 1874. In the same year, Gaylord was also granted a post office of the same name. If the community was truly ever named Barnes, the name change would have occurred between November 1873 and October 1874. William F. Parmater, a township supervisor, was appointed to find a location for the town's court house in November 1877. Parmater and George Smith, a local store owner, were given land owned by Barnes and his wife to build the court house.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Gaylord |url=http://www.otsego.org/ochs/Towns%20Red%20Buttons/Gaylord/GaylordJumpPage.htm |access-date=June 19, 2023 |website=Otsego County Historical Society}}</ref>

Augustine Smith Gaylord, who is the namesake for the town, was an attorney associated with the Michigan Central Railroad. His law firm was located in Saginaw. Gaylord never lived in his namesake town, but he did own property in [[Hayes Township, Otsego County, Michigan|Hayes Township]]. His distinguished career included serving as a school teacher, church choir director, county clerk, and member of the State Legislature, Gaylord was appointed to serve as an attorney for the [[United States Department of the Interior|Department of the Interior]] in 1875.

Gaylord became the county seat of [[Otsego County, Michigan|Otsego County]]. Prior to 1877, Otsego Lake Village had been designated as the temporary county seat. Gaylord's central location in the county, along with its growing business community, prompted the change. In the same year, the namesake of the town, Augustine Smith Gaylord died at his home in [[Saginaw, Michigan|Saginaw]] at the age of 46. It is believed that a trip to negotiate a treaty with Native American tribes out west in [[Montana]] and [[The Dakotas]], at the request of President [[Ulysses S. Grant]] was possibly too strenuous for his pre-existing health conditions at the time, which declined his health, which prevented him from returning to [[Washington, D.C.|Washington]].

In 1879, the state legislature appropriated state-owned lands to be exchanged for construction of a state road from [[Petoskey, Michigan|Petoskey]] through Berryville to Gaylord. These lands were originally conveyed to the State of Michigan by the Federal government in 1850 by the [[Swamp Land Act of 1850]].

Gaylord was officially incorporated as a village in 1881, with the first council meeting being held in March of the same year which was presided by Chester C. Mitchell.<ref name=":0" />

=== 20th century history ===
{{See also|Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord#History}}
During the early 20th century, many fires and epidemics swept through the town.

In 1905, a marketing campaign was undertaken to attract outside business investors and new residents to locate in Gaylord. A 38-page photo booklet entitled “Gaylord Illustrated” was published to showcase the many benefits of living in the town.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Gaylord Illustrated |publisher=Herald Printing House |year=1905 |location=Gaylord, Michigan}}</ref> Among the many photographs featured in the booklet were the Otsego County Courthouse and the Dayton Last Block Works. The Dayton Last Block Works was located south and west of downtown Gaylord between the Michigan Central Railroad and U.S. 27. It was bordered on the south by Wisconsin Avenue, and to the north by Third Street. The 14-acre industrial site included 27 buildings, and the owners claimed it to be the largest factory of its kind in world. The company, headquartered in [[Dayton, Ohio]], operated its Gaylord branch from 1895 to 1931.

Otsego County hardwoods were used to produce wooden shoe forms, bowling pins, and golf club heads. One of the original brick buildings still stands on South Otsego Avenue as the Bavarian Office complex.

A second railroad, the Boyne City, Gaylord and Alpena (BC,G&A), reached Gaylord in 1906. This provided east–west rail travel and transportation. The tracks entered Gaylord from Hallock from the northeast. The BC,G&A shared the Michigan Central Railroad depot on Michigan Avenue. Heading east, the tracks paralleled Fourth Street and headed toward the town of [[Sparr, Michigan|Sparr]].

Another important manufacturing venture in Gaylord's past was the Gaylord Motor Car Company. Formed in 1910 by local investors who had dreams of becoming the next [[Detroit]], the company offered four innovative styles designed to compete with other automakers. Approximately 350 cars were produced before the company went bankrupt in 1913. The only known Gaylord car still around was a Gaylord 30 restored by Ivan Polus, a resident of [[Whitefish, Montana]], which was then purchased by the Gaylord 30 Car Committee, who bought it for $20,000, the restored car is on display at the Chamber of Commerce in downtown Gaylord.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Granlund |first=Bill |title=The Rise and Fall of the Gaylord Motor Car Company |url=http://www.otsego.org/ochs/GaylordCar/gaylordcar12232000.htm |access-date=June 19, 2023}}</ref>

In 1921, roads were officially paved downtown Gaylord became a city in 1922. The change from village to city required a vote by town residents. The residents voted in favor 114 to 93, a 21-vote margin. John Hamilton was elected the first mayor of Gaylord. A sewage system was installed in the late 1930s or early 1940s.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite book |url=http://www.otsego.org/ochs/county_centennial_book/cent_book_1975.htm |title=County Centennial Book |year=1975 |pages=20}}</ref>

Throughout the 20th century Gaylord grew, with summer tourism, winter sports including downhill and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. In December 1970, a [[Roman Catholic Diocese of Gaylord|Roman Catholic Diocese]] was created by [[Pope Paul VI]], and erected it on July 20, 1971, with [[Edmund Szoka]] becoming the first bishop of the diocese, and named [[St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral (Gaylord, Michigan)|St. Mary, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral]] as the cathedral for the diocese, the current bishop is [[Jeffrey Walsh]].<ref name=":1" />

===Modern history===
In 2002, Bishop [[Patrick R. Cooney]] allowed Gerald Shirilla to serve as pastor of a [[Church (building)|church]] with a [[Catholic school|school]], having known that Shirilla had been removed from the [[Archdiocese of Detroit]] in 1993 following decades-long allegations of [[Catholic sex abuse cases|sexual abuse]], After the ''[[Detroit Free Press]]'' reported on the situation in 2003, Cooney said that Shirilla had made "some errors in judgment" but was "no threat to the well-being of our children," but suspended him two weeks later.<ref name="abuse">{{cite news |title=Special Reports: Catholic Bishops and Sex Abuse |work=Bishop-Accountability.org |url=http://www.bishop-accountability.org/resources/resource-files/databases/DallasMorningNewsBishops.htm#cooney}}</ref>

The Edelweiss Village Shopping Center opened in 2004 on Dickerson Road.

On [[Tornadoes of 2022#May 18–21 (United States and Canada)|May 20, 2022]], an EF3 [[tornado]] with winds of {{convert|150|mph|km/h}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Update [5:45 PM]: Survey team has completed the survey. EF3 rating with maximum winds of 150 mph. |url=https://twitter.com/NWSGaylord/status/1528130684161642498 |access-date=May 21, 2022 |website=Twitter |publisher=National Weather Service Forecast Office in Gaylord, Michigan |language=en}}</ref> struck the city killing two people and injuring 44. There was major damage to several businesses and a mobile home park.<ref>{{cite news |title=Large Tornado Strikes Northern Michigan Town; 2 Killed, Dozens Injured |url=https://www.wunderground.com/article/news/news/2022-05-20-gaylord-michigan-tornado-latest |access-date=May 21, 2022 |work=Weather Underground |date=May 21, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> Incumbent Michigan governor [[Gretchen Whitmer]] declared a state of emergency for the Gaylord area and stated that Lansing will provide reconstruction to Gaylord.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Elamroussi |first1=Aya |last2=Afshar |first2=Paradise |last3=Rose |first3=Andy Rose |last4=Elassar |first4=Alaa |title=Michigan governor declares state of emergency after powerful tornado rips through town Friday |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/21/weather/gaylord-michigan-tornado-saturday/index.html |access-date=May 21, 2022 |work=CNN |date=May 21, 2022}}</ref> This tornado was the first to hit the city since records began in 1950.

In 2023, Gaylord's high school softball team won their first state championship, defeating [[Vicksburg, Michigan|Vicksburg]] 8–3, the team set a [[Michigan High School Athletic Association|MHSAA]] home run record (72) in their championship season, the team would repeat as champions again in 2024, defeating Vicksburg 3–2.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kendra |first=Tom |date=June 17, 2023 |title=Record-Setting Gaylord Makes Most Historic Headline Yet with 1st Finals Win |work=[[Michigan High School Athletic Association]] |url=https://upnorthlive.com/sports/hometown-highlights/gaylord-brings-home-d2-softball-state-championship-in-8-3-in-over-vicksburg |access-date=June 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Wright |title=Michigan high school softball: Gaylord tops Vicksburg in 8 to repeat as Division 2 champ |url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/high-school/2024/06/15/michigan-high-school-softball-gaylord-wins-in-8-to-repeat-in-d-2/74109763007/ |access-date=2024-06-17 |website=Detroit Free Press |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Geography==
*According to the [[United States Census Bureau]], the city has a total area of {{convert|4.83|sqmi|sqkm|2}}, of which, {{convert|4.80|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is land and {{convert|0.03|sqmi|sqkm|2}} is water.<ref name="Gazetteer files">{{cite web|title=US Gazetteer files 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]] |access-date=November 25, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120112090031/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/gazetteer/files/Gaz_places_national.txt |archive-date=January 12, 2012 }}</ref>
*Gaylord experiences heavy [[lake effect snow]] during the winter and is in the middle of the Northern Michigan [[snowbelt]].
*Highway signs denote that Gaylord rests on the [[45th parallel north|45th parallel]] line<ref>[http://www.otsego.org/ochs/gaylordstory/gaylordstory1.htm Gaylord signs denoting the 45th Parallel.]</ref>&nbsp;– halfway between the equator and the North Pole. This is one of 29 places (six are in Michigan) in the U.S. where such signs are known to exist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wurlington-bros.com/Museum/45th/NAmer.html|title=45th Parallel North America|work=wurlington-bros.com}}</ref>
*It is considered to be part of [[Northern Michigan]].
*[[Hartwick Pines State Park]] is just {{convert|28|mi|km}} to the south, and is one of the last remaining stands of old growth virgin [[Eastern white pine]] forest.
*The [[Huron-Manistee National Forests]] is nearby.

===Climate===
This [[climate|climatic]] region has large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters. According to the [[Köppen Climate Classification]] system, Gaylord has a [[humid continental climate]], abbreviated "Dfb" on climate maps.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather-summary.php3?s=690302&cityname=Gaylord%2C+Michigan%2C+United+States+of+America&units=|title=Gaylord, Michigan Köppen Climate Classification (Weatherbase)|work=Weatherbase}}</ref>

{{Weather box
|location = Gaylord, Michigan (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1893–2022)
|single line = yes
|Jan record high F = 53
|Feb record high F = 60
|Mar record high F = 84
|Apr record high F = 88
|May record high F = 95
|Jun record high F = 100
|Jul record high F = 101
|Aug record high F = 99
|Sep record high F = 96
|Oct record high F = 86
|Nov record high F = 75
|Dec record high F = 65
|year record high F = 101

|Jan avg record high F = 43.0
|Feb avg record high F = 46.4
|Mar avg record high F = 59.0
|Apr avg record high F = 73.2
|May avg record high F = 83.7
|Jun avg record high F = 88.4
|Jul avg record high F = 88.9
|Aug avg record high F = 87.6
|Sep avg record high F = 83.5
|Oct avg record high F = 75.1
|Nov avg record high F = 60.3
|Dec avg record high F = 47.4
|year avg record high F = 91.3

|Jan high F = 23.5
|Feb high F = 25.6
|Mar high F = 36.6
|Apr high F = 50.0
|May high F = 64.0
|Jun high F = 73.4
|Jul high F = 77.3
|Aug high F = 75.2
|Sep high F = 67.6
|Oct high F = 53.9
|Nov high F = 39.8
|Dec high F = 29.0
|year high F = 51.3
|Jan mean F = 15.9
|Feb mean F = 16.4
|Mar mean F = 26.0
|Apr mean F = 38.7
|May mean F = 52.1
|Jun mean F = 61.9
|Jul mean F = 66.0
|Aug mean F = 64.3
|Sep mean F = 56.9
|Oct mean F = 44.4
|Nov mean F = 32.3
|Dec mean F = 22.6
|year mean F = 41.5
|Jan low F = 8.4
|Feb low F = 7.2
|Mar low F = 15.4
|Apr low F = 27.3
|May low F = 40.1
|Jun low F = 50.5
|Jul low F = 54.8
|Aug low F = 53.3
|Sep low F = 46.2
|Oct low F = 34.8
|Nov low F = 24.9
|Dec low F = 16.1
|year low F = 31.6

|Jan avg record low F = -10.4
|Feb avg record low F = -10.8
|Mar avg record low F = -6.1
|Apr avg record low F = 13.4
|May avg record low F = 27.1
|Jun avg record low F = 36.5
|Jul avg record low F = 42.8
|Aug avg record low F = 42.2
|Sep avg record low F = 32.7
|Oct avg record low F = 23.6
|Nov avg record low F = 10.2
|Dec avg record low F = -1.4
|year avg record low F = -16.1

|Jan record low F = -32
|Feb record low F = -37
|Mar record low F = -27
|Apr record low F = -7
|May record low F = 12
|Jun record low F = 22
|Jul record low F = 30
|Aug record low F = 26
|Sep record low F = 22
|Oct record low F = 10
|Nov record low F = -8
|Dec record low F = -27
|year record low F = -37
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation inch = 2.83
|Feb precipitation inch = 2.01
|Mar precipitation inch = 2.16
|Apr precipitation inch = 2.92
|May precipitation inch = 3.22
|Jun precipitation inch = 3.16
|Jul precipitation inch = 3.09
|Aug precipitation inch = 3.40
|Sep precipitation inch = 3.74
|Oct precipitation inch = 4.08
|Nov precipitation inch = 3.36
|Dec precipitation inch = 2.96
|year precipitation inch = 36.93
|Jan snow inch = 37.4
|Feb snow inch = 26.4
|Mar snow inch = 14.9
|Apr snow inch = 8.0
|May snow inch = 0.5
|Jun snow inch = 0.0
|Jul snow inch = 0.0
|Aug snow inch = 0.0
|Sep snow inch = 0.0
|Oct snow inch = 2.5
|Nov snow inch = 19.2
|Dec snow inch = 31.4
|year snow inch = 140.3
|unit precipitation days = 0.01 in
|Jan precipitation days = 17.1
|Feb precipitation days = 13.3
|Mar precipitation days = 10.6
|Apr precipitation days = 10.9
|May precipitation days = 11.0
|Jun precipitation days = 9.2
|Jul precipitation days = 9.5
|Aug precipitation days = 9.5
|Sep precipitation days = 10.5
|Oct precipitation days = 13.9
|Nov precipitation days = 13.9
|Dec precipitation days = 16.9
|year precipitation days = 146.3
|unit snow days = 0.1 in
|Jan snow days = 16.7
|Feb snow days = 14.3
|Mar snow days = 7.9
|Apr snow days = 4.1
|May snow days = 0.3
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.0
|Oct snow days = 1.6
|Nov snow days = 8.4
|Dec snow days = 14.9
|year snow days = 67.3

|Jan snow depth inch = 19.7
|Feb snow depth inch = 21.3
|Mar snow depth inch = 18.1
|Apr snow depth inch = 5.2
|May snow depth inch = 0.2
|Jun snow depth inch = 0.0
|Jul snow depth inch = 0.0
|Aug snow depth inch = 0.0
|Sep snow depth inch = 0.0
|Oct snow depth inch = 1.2
|Nov snow depth inch = 7.6
|Dec snow depth inch = 14.2
|year snow depth inch = 23.6

|source 1 = [[NOAA]]<ref name= NOAA >
{{cite web
| url = https://www.weather.gov/wrh/Climate?wfo=apx
| title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 28, 2021}}</ref><ref name=NCEI>
{{cite web
| url = https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/services/data/v1?dataset=normals-monthly-1991-2020&startDate=0001-01-01&endDate=9996-12-31&stations=USC00203096&format=pdf
| title = Station: Gaylord, MI
| work = U.S. Climate Normals 2020: U.S. Monthly Climate Normals (1991–2020)
| publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
| access-date = August 28, 2021}}</ref>
}}

== Demographics ==
[[File:Gaylord, MI post office.jpg|thumb|right|U.S. Post Office in Gaylord]]

{{US Census population
|1880= 292
|1890= 661
|1900= 1561
|1910= 1538
|1920= 1701
|1930= 1627
|1940= 2055
|1950= 2271
|1960= 2568
|1970= 3012
|1980= 3011
|1990= 3256
|2000= 3681
|2010= 3645
|2020= 4286
|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census<ref name="DecennialCensus">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=Census of Population and Housing|publisher=Census.gov|access-date=June 4, 2015}}</ref>
}}

===2010 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="wwwcensusgov">{{cite web|title=U.S. Census website|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=[[United States Census Bureau]]|access-date=November 25, 2012}}</ref> of 2010, there were 3,645 people, 1,610 households, and 826 families residing in the city. The [[population density]] was {{convert|759.4|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|1}}. There were 1,847 housing units at an average density of {{convert|384.8|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 94.8% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.9% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.8% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 1.0% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.2% from [[Race (U.S. Census)|other races]], and 2.3% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.8% of the population.

There were 1,610 households, of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 33.7% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.1% had a male householder with no wife present, and 48.7% were non-families. 42.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.14 and the average family size was 2.95.

The median age in the city was 39.3 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.2% were from 25 to 44; 23.2% were from 45 to 64; and 20% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 45.9% male and 54.1% female.

===2000 census===
As of the [[census]]<ref name="GR2" /> of 2000, there were 3,681 people, 1,584 households, and 888 families residing in the city. The population density was {{convert|932.8|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 1,773 housing units at an average density of {{convert|449.3|/mi2|/km2|disp=preunit|units&nbsp;|units|}}. The racial makeup of the city was 96.50% [[White (U.S. Census)|White]], 0.30% [[African American (U.S. Census)|African American]], 0.95% [[Native American (U.S. Census)|Native American]], 0.30% [[Asian (U.S. Census)|Asian]], 0.08% [[Pacific Islander (U.S. Census)|Pacific Islander]], 0.33% from [[Race (United States Census)|other races]], and 1.55% from two or more races. [[Hispanic (U.S. Census)|Hispanic]] or [[Latino (U.S. Census)|Latino]] of any race were 1.71% of the population.

There were 1,584 households, out of which 29.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.8% were [[Marriage|married couples]] living together, 13.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 43.9% were non-families. 38.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.9% under the age of 18, 9.4% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 18.6% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 79.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 76.0 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $28,770, and the median income for a family was $36,654. Males had a median income of $33,264 versus $19,815 for females. The [[per capita income]] for the city was $17,313. About 8.8% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the [[poverty line]], including 8.8% of those under age 18 and 13.6% of those age 65 or over.

==Transportation==
*{{jct|state=MI|I|75}} passes to the west of the city and connects with the [[Mackinac Bridge]] to the north and [[Saginaw, Michigan|Saginaw]] and [[Detroit]] to the south
*{{jct|state=MI|BL|75|dab1=Gaylord}} is a loop route running through Gaylord. It follows the former route of [[U.S. Route 27 in Michigan|US&nbsp;27]], in part, and was commissioned in 1986. The highway returns to I-75.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michiganhighways.org/listings/MichHwysBus32-94.html#I-75BL-GA|title=Michigan Highways: Business Connections 32 through 94|author=Christopher J. Bessert|work=michiganhighways.org}}</ref>
*{{jct|state=MI|M|32}} passes east–west through the city. Although it is not a true 'cross-peninsular' highway—crosses the [[lower peninsula]] from [[Lake Michigan]] to [[Lake Huron]]—it is close.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.michiganhighways.org/listings/MichHwys30-39.html|title=Michigan Highways: Route Listings: Routes 30-39|author=Christopher J. Bessert|work=michiganhighways.org}}</ref>
*{{jct|state=MI|CDH|C-42}} terminates at M-32 west of the city. It originates at [[U.S. Route 131|US&nbsp;131]] in [[Alba, Michigan|Alba]].
*{{jct|state=MI|CDH|F-42}} begins at BL I-75 (Old US&nbsp;27) south of the city and proceeds easterly to M-32 southeast of Gaylord.
*{{jct|state=MI|CDH|F-44}} begins at M-32 east of the city and continues easterly through [[Sparr, Michigan|Sparr]] to [[F-01 (Michigan county highway)|F-01]].
*Old 27 is the former route of [[U.S. Route 27 in Michigan|US&nbsp;27]] and is a major north–south local route through the city and the rest of Otsego County.<ref>[http://www.cqql.net/us-27.htm Old US&nbsp;27 history] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080222171611/http://www.cqql.net/us-27.htm |date=February 22, 2008 }}</ref>
*[[Gaylord Regional Airport]] is located at 1100 Aero Drive, Gaylord, MI 49735. (989) 732-4218 Phone. It is owned and operated by the County of Otsego. The Airport is licensed by the Michigan Aeronautics Commission as a General Utility Airport. It is listed as a tier one airport in all categories of the Michigan Airport System Plan.<ref>[http://www.otsegocountymi.gov/airport/airport.htm Gaylord Airport, County page.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219142256/http://www.otsegocountymi.gov/airport/airport.htm |date=February 19, 2008 }}</ref><ref>*[http://www.airnav.com/airport/KGLR Gaylord Regional Airport Information]</ref>
*[[Indian Trails]] provides daily intercity bus service between [[St. Ignace, Michigan|St. Ignace]] and [[East Lansing, Michigan]].<ref>{{cite web|title=EAST LANSING-PETOSKEY-ST. IGNACE |publisher=[[Indian Trails]] |date=January 15, 2013 |access-date=February 27, 2013 |url=http://www.indiantrails.com/sites/default/files/1488.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140629095410/http://www.indiantrails.com/sites/default/files/1488.pdf |archive-date=June 29, 2014 }}</ref>

==Recreation==
[[File:Otsego County Library (Gaylord).jpg|thumb|right|Otsego County Library in Gaylord]]
Gaylord sees significant [[snowfall]] during winter due to its elevation and its location in the path of [[lake-effect snow]] produced by [[Lake Michigan]]. Combined with local terrain and topography, many winter recreation opportunities abound.
* Much of the old train system has been converted to trails for biking or [[Snow Mobile]] riding. The [[North Central State Trail]] north to [[Mackinaw City, Michigan|Mackinaw City]] is a [[Rails to trails]] converted remnant of a spur line of the [[Michigan Central Railroad]] that used to serve Gaylord.<ref>{{cite web | title = North Central State Trail |publisher=Michigan Trails, Traillink|date=2015 
| url = http://www.traillink.com/trail/north-central-state-trail.aspx 
| access-date = August 7, 2015 
 }}
</ref>
* Fall colors and [[snowshoe]]ing are highlights in several of the local parks.
* [[Cross country skiing]] is an important tourist activity near Gaylord. There are two venues  [[Hartwick Pines State Park]] Trails and [[Mason Tract Pathway]] nearby.
* Downhill [[skiing]] and [[snowboarding]] are also highly accessible with several resorts operating in the area.
* [[Water skiing]], [[wakeboarding]], and [[Personal watercraft|jetskiing]] are also available on [[Otsego Lake (Michigan)|Otsego Lake]].
* [[Otsego Lake State Park]], swimming, boating, and camping.

==Twin town==
Gaylord is [[Twin towns and sister cities|twinned]] with the [[Switzerland|Swiss]] town of [[Pontresina]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.gaylordmichigan.net/welcome-to-gaylord/gaylords-alpine-theme/|title=Gaylord's Alpine Theme|access-date=December 15, 2020 |work=Gaylord official website}}</ref>

==Media==
*Local newspaper ''[[Gaylord Herald Times]]'' serves the area.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaylordheraldtimes.com/|title=Gaylord|work=Petoskey News-Review}}</ref>
*Regionally available is the Weekly Choice Publication.
*[[WMJZ]], "Eagle" 101.5 FM, features a [[classic hits]] format and is the primary local (Gaylord/Otsego County-focused) commercial radio station.  
*Also licensed to Gaylord are [[WBLW]] 88.1 FM of Grace Baptist Church and [[WPHN]] 90.5 FM (The Promise FM), which both feature non-commercial Christian religious programming. Also, Charlevoix-based [[Roman Catholicism|Catholic]] radio station [[WTCK]] operates a translator in Gaylord at 92.1 FM.
*[[WSRT]] 106.7 FM, a [[talk radio]] station (formerly WKPK "The Peak," a locally legendary [[top 40]] station) which, although licensed to Gaylord, is based in Traverse City.
*WQON, Q100.3, The Only Place for Rock & Roll and play-by-play for Detroit Lions Football and University of Michigan Football/Basketball.<ref>Owned and Operated locally by Blarney Stone Broadcasting, Inc. Streaming live @ www.q100-fm.com / Free Smart Phone App: Search WQON</ref>
*WGRY AM/FM, Y101.1/AM1230, YOUR Sports Talk in Northern Michigan, CBS Sports Talk and home of Detroit Tiger Baseball, Detroit Red Wing Hockey, and Detroit Pistons Basketball.<ref>Owned and Operated by Blarney Stone Broadcasting.</ref>

Gaylord is also served by radio and TV broadcasts from Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Cadillac, Grayling, Houghton Lake, Cheboygan, and Alpena.

== Notable people ==
* [[Ken Borton]], politician and state representative
* [[Patrick R. Cooney]] (1934–2012), bishop
* [[Bob Davis (Michigan politician)|Bob Davis (politician)]] (1932–2009), politician and lobbiyst
* [[Bernard Hebda]] (born 1959), archbishop
* [[Harry Melling (NASCAR owner)]] (1945–1999), NASCAR owner
* [[Steven J. Raica]] (born 1953), bishop
* [[Robert John Rose]] (1930–2022), bishop
* [[Claude Shannon]] (1916–2001), the "father of [[information theory]]"
* [[Edmund Szoka]] (1927–2014), priest and cardinal

==See also==
* [[Let Us Prey: A Ministry of Scandals]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.cityofgaylord.net/}}
* [http://www.gaylordmichigan.net Gaylord Area Convention & Tourism Bureau]

{{Otsego County, Michigan}}
{{Michigan county seats}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Gaylord, Michigan| ]]
[[Category:Cities in Otsego County, Michigan]]
[[Category:County seats in Michigan]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1874]]
[[Category:1874 establishments in Michigan]]