McKinley Township is home to Pellston Regional Airport.

As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 1,269 people, 459 households, and 330 families residing in the township.

There were 572 housing units at an average density of 16.2 per square mile (6.3/km2).

The racial makeup of the township was 90.46% White, 0.87% African American, 6.15% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.08% from other races, and 2.21% from two or more races.

22.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.