Gaines Township is a township located in Kent County, Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the township had a total population of 20,112.

Geography

\nAccording to the
United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.1 km² (36.0 mi²). 93.1 km² (35.9 mi²) of it is land and 0.1 km² (0.04 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 0.06% water.

Demographics

\nAs of the
census of 2000, there are 20,112 people, 7,501 households, and 5,318 families residing in the township. The population density is 216.1/km² (559.8/mi²). There are 7,789 housing units at an average density of 83.7/km² (216.8/mi²). The racial makeup of the township is 89.30% White, 5.26% African American, 0.50% Native American, 2.08% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, 1.01% from other races, and 1.82% from two or more races. 2.82% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race. There are 7,501 households out of which 37.1% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.2% are married couples living together, 10.5% have a female householder with no husband present, and 29.1% are non-families. 22.6% of all households are made up of individuals and 4.9% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.64 and the average family size is 3.12. In the township the population is spread out with 28.8% under the age of 18, 9.5% from 18 to 24, 31.7% from 25 to 44, 20.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.4% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 32 years. For every 100 females there are 96.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 94.5 males. The median income for a household in the township is $48,482, and the median income for a family is $56,402. Males have a median income of $41,446 versus $27,333 for females. The per capita income for the township is $23,459. 5.4% of the population and 3.2% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 4.6% are under the age of 18 and 6.0% are 65 or older.