Frankfort is a city located in Benzie County, Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 1,513. The city is situated with Lake Michigan to the west, Lake Betsie, formed by the Betsie River before flowing into Lake Michigan, on the south and Crystal Lake Township to the north and east. The city is on Michigan State Highway 22 just north of Elberta. Michigan State Highway 115 has its western terminus in the city. The Frankfort Lighthouse is at the end of the northern breakwater in Lake Michigan.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.1 km² (1.6 mi²). 3.6 km² (1.4 mi²) of it is land and 0.5 km² (0.2 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 11.95% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 1,513 people, 665 households, and 395 families residing in the city. The population density is 417.3/km² (1,084.4/mi²). There are 873 housing units at an average density of 240.8/km² (625.7/mi²). The racial makeup of the city is 95.84% White, 0.33% African American, 2.31% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.00% Pacific Islander, 0.13% from other races, and 1.12% from two or more races. 1.78% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 665 households out of which 20.9% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.9% are married couples living together, 9.6% have a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% are non-families. 36.1% of all households are made up of individuals and 21.4% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.11 and the average family size is 2.71.

In the city the population is spread out with 17.9% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 20.8% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 31.2% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 49 years. For every 100 females there are 78.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 76.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city is $33,821, and the median income for a family is $43,375. Males have a median income of $29,205 versus $21,389 for females. The per capita income for the city is $20,132. 10.2% of the population and 6.6% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 13.6% of those under the age of 18 and 9.1% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.