Burr Oak is a village located in St. Joseph County in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 United States Census, the village had a population of 494 residents. The community is situated in the southwestern portion of the state, approximately 20 mi east of the Indiana state line and about 25 mi north of the city of South Bend, Indiana.
Geography
The village lies at an elevation of roughly 820 feet (250 m) above sea level and is positioned at geographic coordinates 41°51′N 85°38′W. According to the United States Census Bureau, Burr Oak encompasses a total area of 0.71 square miles (1.84 km²), all of which is land. The village is traversed by M-62, a state highway that provides connections to nearby communities such as New Carlisle and Sturgis.
History
The area that would become Burr Oak was first settled in the mid‑19th century, primarily by agricultural pioneers. A post office was established under the name “Union” in 1864; the name was changed to Burr Oak in 1875, reflecting the prevalence of burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa) trees in the locality. The settlement was incorporated as a village in 1913.
Demographics
The 2020 census reported 494 inhabitants, with a population density of approximately 695 persons per square mile (268 persons per km²). The racial composition was predominantly White, with small percentages of African American, Native American, Asian, and individuals of two or more races. Household and family structures, as well as median income figures, align with patterns typical of small, rural Midwestern communities, though specific economic data are not detailed here.
Infrastructure and Services
Burr Oak is served by the Burr Oak–St. Joseph County School District, which provides public education for elementary through high school students. The village’s postal ZIP code is 49030, and telephone services fall within area code 269. Municipal services include a volunteer fire department and a small public library branch.
Economy
The local economy is chiefly based on agriculture, with surrounding farms producing corn, soybeans, and livestock. Small businesses within the village cater to the everyday needs of residents, including retail, dining, and automotive services.
Culture and Community
Community events often revolve around the agricultural calendar and local traditions, such as an annual summer festival and seasonal parades. The presence of historic buildings, including the former Burr Oak United Methodist Church and several late‑19th‑century homes, contributes to the village’s historical character.
References
- United States Census Bureau, 2020 Census Data.
- Michigan Department of Transportation, Highway Maps.
- St. Joseph County Historical Society, “History of Burr Oak.”
This entry reflects information available from publicly released governmental and historical sources and does not include speculative or unverified content.