Marlette was first settled in the 1850s by people from Ontario who sought tall timber and fertile soil.

The community name was derived from the "Marlatt" family of settlers, who carved their name on a log shanty.

The village incorporated in 1881 to allow separate administration and taxation to improve common areas of the town.

[5] According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 1.64 square miles (4.25 km2), all land.

[7] Marlette's commercial radio station, WBGV 92.5 FM, features a country music format.

[8] It is capable of handling small business jets and medium-size cargo planes.

This provides residents in the "thumb" region with advanced cancer research and treatment.

31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 15.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.