Why Gratiot County?

Agri-business

Gratiot County is a leading producer of dry beans, sugar beets, corn wheat, oats, poultry, pork, beef and dairy products. Approximately 80% of Gratiot County’s land is used in agriculture. Currently, there is a very strong agri-business sector growing in our regional economy, including the recent addition of ZFS Ithaca which has capacity to process 40% of the state’s soybean production.

Manufacturing

Gratiot County is also home to many manufacturing companies. Products manufactured here include pontoon boats, molded plastic parts, aircraft engine parts, auto parts, custom machines, and many fabricated and machined products large and small. Gratiot County’s diverse industry base provides numerous job opportunities and a stable economy.

Healthcare

Gratiot County has an excellent health care system as well as two correctional facilities that increase the employment opportunities for its citizens.

Alternative Energy

Recently, Gratiot County has realized significant new investment from the alternative energy industry. It is home to five wind farms and 345 turbines: Gratiot County Wind, LLC with 133 turbines, Pine River Wind Energy with 29 turbines in Gratiot (65 total), Polaris Wind with 68 turbines, and Beebe Renewable Energy, LLC with 55 turbines, and Gratiot Farms with 60 turbines.

Recreation

Throughout the county, there are many different types of recreational activities to take part in. These include three state game areas, the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail (bicycle rail trail), as well as multiple county parks used for camping, swimming, and hiking.

Education

Gratiot County is also home to Alma College, an acclaimed private liberal arts college with 1,400 students, a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and an average incoming freshman GPA of 3.5. They have an 80% retention rate, and 70% of the classes have less than 20 students.