Population of Ionia, MI growing because of jails and prisons (11/6/2000)

Percentage-wise, Ionia's population rose faster during the 1990s than any other city in the state. That's due in large part to the number of jails and prisons in town. The department of corrections is the county's largest employer. As of the 2020 census, the City of Ionia had 13,378 residents. This story aired during the 6 p.m. WZZM 13 newscast on November 6, 2000. Reporter: Chris Tye