The area was first settled as early as 1849 and formally organized as a civil township in 1855.

[6] As of the 2020 United States census,[7] the township had a population of 5,021 people.

14.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Out of the total population, 11.0% of those under the age of 18 and 11.6% of those 65 and older were living below the poverty line.

Almost the entire township is served by Kent City Community Schools.

A very small portion of the southeast corner of the township is served by Sparta Area Schools, and a very small northern portion is served by Grant Public School District to the north in Newaygo County.