Welcome to The
City of Swartz Creek
Like many American communities, Swartz Creek was first home to several Native Americans, including the Sauk and Chippewa. In the early 1800's, many of the first families of Swartz Creek came from New York State. One of these, the Millers, followed a well-worn Native American trail along a creek referred to as the "Swartz" (German for black). They stopped just west of Flint and established the Miller Settlement.
In 1842, a post office opened and took the name, Swartz Creek. This name remains as the community's name today, with the Millers' legacy living on through the name of our main street: Miller Road. With Grand Trunk railroad providing community transportation and service, the area remained largely agricultural. Upon the emergence of the auto industry in the Flint area, the community developed into a residential suburb. The suburb was home to many prominent people, including two past Governors - Henry Howland Crapo (Republican 1865-1868) and Josiah W. Begole (Democrat 1883-1884). In the late 1950's, Chevrolet became a prominent resident with the establishment of a large auto plant (later this became General Motors Service Parts Operations). In 1959, area residents voted to form an official city. After 40 years of city-ship, Swartz Creek provides superb services while boasting one of the lowest tax rates of any Michigan city. The community is perfectly situated to provide superb opportunities in education, recreation, housing, business and industry.
Swartz Creek - Where town and country join hands!!
Facts and Figures:
The City of Swartz Creek houses over 5,300 residents and is growing quickly.
The City encompasses about five square miles and has over 20 miles of streets.
There are also four neighboring townships that are adjacent to the City;
Gaines, Clayton, Flint, and Mundy.
The City is serviced by public water and sewer facilities. While
Swartz Creek maintains these utilities, Genesee County is responsible for
treatment and transfer of water and sewer. In fact, the City’s water
is originally pumped in Detroit and piped over sixty miles to residents!
Swartz Creek City is located completely within the Swartz Creek School
District, the City’s second largest employer next to GM. There are
also many other institutions of learning within the vicinity, including
private schools and prestigious universities. While the city is home to ITT Tech, the county is home
to more than 30,000 college students that attend the schools of UM-F, Kettering, Mott, and
Baker, as well as the nearby university of MSU and the University of Michigan.
