Population193,866 (2020 Census)
Lakeside Trails and Welcoming Downtown Days
Livingston County, MichiganLivingston County brings together lake recreation, nature learning and the downtowns of Howell and Brighton. Choose a woodland walk, visit the wildlife exhibits at Howell Nature Center or explore local shops before dinner. State recreation areas provide more options for camping, cycling and paddling, while libraries offer indoor activities. Use this guide to find those experiences alongside school information, county offices, transportation contacts and essential services for residents and visitors.
Livingston County at a Glance
Population193,866 (2020 Census)
County SeatHowell
Largest MunicipalityHamburg Township (21,259; 2020 population within county)
Established1836
ZIP Codes22 ZIP codes wholly or partly within the county
Total Area585.4 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesI-96, US-23, M-36 and M-59
Area Codes517, 810 and 734
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Livingston County
Livingston County
Organized in 1836, Livingston County combines an established county seat in Howell with communities shaped by lakes, trails and regional travel routes. Today, Howell and Brighton offer distinct downtown destinations, while Hartland, Hamburg, Pinckney and surrounding townships connect residential neighborhoods with rural landscapes. Public recreation areas protect places for outdoor activity, and Howell Nature Center adds wildlife education to that setting. Libraries and local shops provide gathering places that help connect these varied communities through everyday learning, conversation and commerce.
Daily plans across Livingston County may take residents between townships, downtowns and nearby regional destinations. Confirm school assignment and utility service using your street address, and book transportation with the operator serving your trip. Libraries provide practical resources and community activities throughout the area. Outdoor visits also benefit from preparation: choose a specific trailhead, check park entry requirements and allow for seasonal facilities. Hospital services are now based at Trinity Health Livingston’s Brighton campus following the 2026 move.
What Shapes Us
Lakes and Trails
Brighton, Island Lake and Pinckney recreation areas offer different combinations of trails, lake access and camping, with separate rules for activities and seasonal facilities.
Wildlife Learning
Howell Nature Center offers wildlife exhibits and natural play areas, giving families an opportunity to combine outdoor exploration with learning during a paid day visit.
Downtown Shopping
Howell and Brighton provide dining and shopping destinations, while local libraries add reading spaces and activities that can round out a relaxed community visit.
Explore lake country, then linger on a downtown street.
Around Livingston County
Around Livingston County
Places, landscapes and community stories
Lead Story
Summer Nights Bring Greenfield Together
Music, food, and neighbors fill the courthouse square as the county summer season gets underway.
Read the Story June 12, 2026 • 5 min read
Around Livingston County
Stories from every corner of Livingston County.
Summer Nights Bring Greenfield Together
Music, food, and neighbors fill the courthouse square as the county summer season gets underway.
June 12, 2026 • 5 min read
A New Season at the Lake
Boating, trails, and sunny days return to the water.
June 10, 2026 • 4 min read
Festival Weekend Returns
A favorite local celebration returns this weekend.
June 9, 2026 • 3 min read
Main Street After Dark
Shops, dining, and music bring downtown to life.
June 8, 2026 • 4 min read
Five Hidden Stops Worth The Drive
Scenic places and local favorites worth discovering.
June 7, 2026 • 5 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the right local resource
Use these resources to connect with public offices, essential services and community organizations in Livingston County. Visit the linked provider for current details before making a trip.
County Government
Board of Commissioners — Official county office information, contacts and services.
County Clerk — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Treasurer — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Register of Deeds — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Equalization — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Schools and Education
Confirm school assignment with the district serving your street address.
Livingston Educational Service Agency — Regional education and special education resources.
Howell Public Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Brighton Area Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Hartland Consolidated Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Pinckney Community Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Hospitals and Regional Care
Call 911 for an emergency. Regional facilities are labeled separately.
Trinity Health Livingston Hospital — Current hospital at 7575 Grand River in Brighton; the former Howell hospital campus closed in April 2026.
Public Safety
Livingston County Sheriff — County law enforcement contacts and services.
Livingston County Emergency Management — Emergency coordination, preparedness and local alerts.
Michigan State Police — State law enforcement contacts and resources.
DNR Law Enforcement — Conservation enforcement and outdoor regulations.
Michigan local emergency management directory — Official county emergency management contacts.
Emergency Services
Call 911 for immediate police, fire or ambulance response.
Livingston County Emergency Management — Emergency coordination, preparedness and local alerts.
Livingston County Health Department — Public health and environmental health resources.
Community Mental Health Services of Livingston County — Regional partnership listing for local mental health service access and contacts.
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac — Official forecasts, watches and warnings.
Michigan energy emergency preparedness — Official utility outage preparation and energy emergency resources.
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Brighton Recreation Area — Lakes, campgrounds and multi-use trails; check entry requirements and rules for your chosen activity.
Island Lake Recreation Area — Trails, paddling and lake recreation near Brighton; park entry and activity requirements apply.
Pinckney Recreation Area — Large recreation area spanning Livingston and Washtenaw counties; select the correct trailhead and check seasonal access.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation
Brighton Recreation Area — Lakes, campgrounds and multi-use trails; check entry requirements and rules for your chosen activity.
Island Lake Recreation Area — Trails, paddling and lake recreation near Brighton; park entry and activity requirements apply.
Pinckney Recreation Area — Large recreation area spanning Livingston and Washtenaw counties; select the correct trailhead and check seasonal access.
Howell Nature Center — Wildlife exhibits, trails and nature play near Howell; paid admission applies and pets are not permitted.
Lutz County Park — Nature trails and picnic space in Deerfield Township; check current access and park rules.
Utilities
Providers and public water or sewer service vary by address; confirm your service territory.
Consumers Energy — Utility account and outage information in its service territory.
DTE Energy — Utility account and outage information in its service territory.
Livingston County Health Department — Public health and environmental health resources.
MPSC electric service area map — Identify the electric utility serving an address.
Michigan energy emergency preparedness — Official utility outage preparation and energy emergency resources.
Libraries
Howell Carnegie District Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Brighton District Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Cromaine District Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Hamburg Township Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Pinckney Community Public Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Courts
Circuit Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
District Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Probate Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Juvenile Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Friend of the Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Secretary of State — license and ID renewal — Review renewal options and documents.
Michigan Secretary of State — vehicle tabs — Renew vehicle registration.
Michigan Secretary of State — titles and registration — Prepare for a vehicle transfer.
Michigan Secretary of State — address changes — Update your address with the department.
Michigan Secretary of State — disability parking — Find placard application and renewal information.
Michigan self-service stations — Find a nearby kiosk and check supported transactions.
Transportation
Livingston Essential Transportation Service — LETS public transportation; confirm service area, trip reservations and fares.
Livingston County Airport — County airport information and aviation contacts.
MDOT Mi Drive — Road conditions and construction information.
Michigan public transit providers — Official transit agency contacts across Michigan.
Michigan transportation guide — Airports, bus connections and other travel resources.
Postal Services
Official USPS tools for local mailing and delivery needs.
USPS Post Office locator — Search your town or ZIP for nearby offices and services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Confirm the mailing ZIP for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold.
USPS Change of Address — Use the official postal address-change service.
USPS PO Boxes — Find and manage a post office box.
USPS package pickup — Check and schedule an eligible pickup.
Veterans Resources
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — Connect with state benefits assistance and local support.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund — Review emergency-assistance options and eligibility.
VA health care enrollment — Find enrollment guidance.
Veterans education benefits — Explore federal and state education programs.
Veteran Readiness and Employment — Learn about employment and rehabilitation support.
Veterans burial benefits — Find benefit and memorial planning resources.
Employment and Training
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Works! — Find the workforce agency serving your area.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services — Employment support for eligible people with disabilities.
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency — Claims, account help and program information.
Michigan Reconnect — Check eligibility for community college tuition support.
Veterans Employment Services — Career assistance for eligible veterans.
Workforce education and training — Explore state training programs and pathways.
Make yourself at home
Practical answers for residents and visitors
County Questions
Know Before You Go
Find answers to common questions about exploring and living in Livingston County.
Howell Nature Center offers wildlife exhibits and nature play. Admission applies, pets are not permitted, and some activities require separate registration.
Brighton Recreation Area and Island Lake Recreation Area offer trails and lake activities. Check the correct entrance, activity rules and vehicle-entry requirements.
Pinckney Recreation Area covers a large area across county boundaries. Choose a specific unit or trailhead and review seasonal access and posted advisories before traveling.
Lutz County Park provides a trail system and picnic space in Deerfield Township. Check the current map, conditions and park rules.
Brighton Bar & Grill and Stillwater Grill Brighton offer local dining. Consult their current menus, hours and reservation options.
2FOG’s Pub is behind its Grand River Avenue building with an alley entrance. Check current service hours and seating arrangements.
The Artisan’s Bench, Wallflower Mercantile and Cooper & Binkley Jewelers are Brighton options for handcrafted pieces, gifts and jewelry.
Brass + Oak and Hush Intimate Apparel are in Brighton, while Maurices Howell is near Howell. Confirm stock and any fitting appointments.
Howell Carnegie District Library, Brighton District Library and Cromaine District Library offer public reading and browsing. Borrowing, printing and specific programs have their own requirements.
Livingston Essential Transportation Service provides local transit information. Confirm trip coverage, advance reservations, fares and return arrangements.
Trinity Health Livingston Hospital is at 7575 Grand River in Brighton. It replaced the Howell campus in April 2026. Call 911 for an emergency.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make a day of itExplore places to eat, shop and spend time together.
Kids’ Fun
- Howell Nature Center — Wildlife exhibits, trails and nature play near Howell; paid admission applies and pets are not permitted.
- Brighton District Library — Public reading spaces and activities in Brighton; borrowing and special services have separate requirements.
- Cromaine District Library — Library collections and community activities in Hartland; check hours and registration.
Restaurants
- Brighton Bar & Grill — American dining in downtown Brighton; consult current menus and hours.
- Stillwater Grill Brighton — Restaurant on West Grand River Avenue in Brighton; check reservations and current menus.
- 2FOG’s Pub — Downtown Howell dining with an alley entrance behind the Grand River Avenue building.
Shopping & Retail
- The Artisan’s Bench — Handcrafted art, home pieces and jewelry on West Main Street in Brighton.
- Wallflower Mercantile — Gifts, home goods and children’s items in downtown Brighton.
- Cooper & Binkley Jewelers — Jewelry and design services on West Main Street in Brighton.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Brass + Oak — Women’s clothing and accessories in downtown Brighton.
- Hush Intimate Apparel — Specialty apparel and fitting services in Brighton; contact the shop for fitting arrangements.
- Maurices Howell — Women’s clothing at Kensington Valley Outlets on North Burkhart Road near Howell.
Outdoor Fun
- Brighton Recreation Area — Lakes, campgrounds and multi-use trails; check entry requirements and rules for your chosen activity.
- Island Lake Recreation Area — Trails, paddling and lake recreation near Brighton; park entry and activity requirements apply.
- Lutz County Park — Nature trails and picnic space in Deerfield Township; check current access and park rules.
Free Things To Do
- Howell Carnegie District Library — Public browsing, reading and library activities in Howell; check hours and program requirements.
- Brighton District Library — Public reading spaces and activities in Brighton; borrowing and special services have separate requirements.
- Cromaine District Library — Library collections and community activities in Hartland; check hours and registration.
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