[6] The name "Manistee" is from an Ojibwe word first applied to the principal river of the county.

By land By water As of the census[17] of 2000, there were 24,527 people, 9,860 households, and 6,714 families residing in the county.

School districts include:[18] 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.

The county board of commissioners controls the budget but has only limited authority to make laws or ordinances.

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

(information as of February 2012) As of early 2021 North Flight EMS has since transferred the primary ambulance service to Mobile Medical Response.

It offers direct flights to Chicago O'Hare International Airport.

Previously, an additional highway, M-110, was designated to run from US 31 at Parkdale to Orchard Beach State Park.