[3][4] The county is named after Chief Mecosta, the leader of the Potawatomi Native American tribe who once traveled the local waterways in search of fish and game.

On July 20, 1852, the first family to reside in the county, William and Margaret Brockway and their two children, moved into a logging shanty on Mitchell Creek.

In March 1854, Zerah and George French and nine members of their family moved to a shanty close to Mitchell Creek and the Muskegon River.

Their 160-acre (0.65 km2) farm in Green Township was located where 19 Mile Road intersects the west bank of the Muskegon River.

The first county elections were held on April 4 and these county officials were elected: Orrin Stevens, Clerk and Register of Deeds; Alfred L. Clark, Sheriff; Charles Shafer, Treasurer; Jesse A. Barker, Judge of Probate; and Augustine N. Williams, Surveyor.

The Mecosta County Board of Commissioners approved another jail renovation and expansion in 2000 with scheduled completion in 2001.

In 1883, the Board of Supervisors submitted to the voters the proposition to authorize a two-year tax for the purpose of erecting a county courthouse.

Construction of the Mecosta County Building was completed in late August 1970 and a dedication ceremony was held on November 7, 1970.

In the early 1900s, water power harnessed by hydroelectric dams became the energy base for the manufacturing of furniture and other wood products.

The extraction of bedrock deposits of oil, gas, glacial sand, and gravel soon became important economic activities.

Although logging activities dominated early history, health services and education have become more significant and enduring forces in shaping the community.

Mecosta County has grown in population through the years to over 42,000 with a wealth of opportunity in industry, education, and small-town country living.

[5] Mecosta County was first settled by African Americans in the 1860s when James Guy obtained 160 acres (0.65 km2) in Wheatland Township, with a deed signed by Abraham Lincoln.

The tourist industry within the area has had steady growth and is now an important source of income while development opportunities continue to exist.

With Mecosta County's numerous lakes, streams, and rivers opportunities for water and fishing activities are limitless: golf courses, bike trails, and other outdoor experiences.

MDEQ argued that "water levels in the impacted waters" in 2003 were at the "highest levels they have been in three years, thereby mitigating concern over possible imminent harm associated with Nestlé’s continued operation at a reduced rate of 250 gallons per minute (gpm) averaged over a monthly time period.

About 1.28% of the population were Hispanic or Latino, of any race; 25.5% were of German, 20.6% English, 9.2% Irish, and 5.3% Polish ancestry according to the 2010 American Community Survey.

Major employers in the county include: The county government operates the jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, keeps files of deeds and mortgages, maintains vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of welfare and other social services.

In Michigan, most local government functions — police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance, etc.

The intermediate school district offers regional special education services, a residential at-risk youth center, and technical career programs for its students.