If you are looking at homes in Oakland County, you have almost certainly run into a common source of confusion: the difference between “Clarkston” and “Independence Township“.
You might see a listing that says “Clarkston” on the mailing address, but the legal description says Independence Township. Or perhaps you’re looking at tax records and wondering why the millage rates look different for two houses that are just a mile apart.
Here is the simplest way to visualize it: think of the area as a donut.
Independence Township is the donut. It is a large, sprawling area covering roughly 36 square miles. The City of the Village of Clarkston (often just called Downtown Clarkston or the City) is the hole in the middle. It is tiny—only about 0.5 square miles.
While almost everyone living in both the donut and the hole says, “I’m from Clarkston,” they are two distinct municipalities with different governments, taxes, and housing markets. Let’s break down which one is right for you.
Lifestyle & Vibe: Historic Walkability vs. Suburban Sprawl
The biggest decision you’ll make between these two isn’t just about taxes; it’s about how you want to live your day-to-day life.
Life in the City of the Village of Clarkston is defined by history and walkability. If you live here, you are likely within walking distance of Main Street (M-15). This is where you find the iconic restaurants like The Fed or Union Woodshop, and where the community gathers for events at Depot Park. It has a tight-knit, front-porch culture where neighbors know each other because the lots are smaller and the pace is slower. However, because the City centers on M-15 and Waldon Road, traffic can get heavy during rush hour or school drop-off times.
Independence Township offers a completely different “exurb” feel. This is where you go if you want space. The Township surrounds the City and extends out toward I-75 and the plains. Here, you’ll find sprawling subdivisions, golf course communities, and significant lake access on bodies of water like Deer Lake and Walters Lake.
The Township is also home to the major commercial corridors and amenities, including the famous Pine Knob Music Theatre. While City residents walk to dinner, Township residents usually drive, utilizing major arteries like Sashabaw Road and Dixie Highway to get around.
Government, Services, and Taxes
This is where the confusion often costs buyers money if they aren’t paying attention. Because they share a name and a zip code (usually 48346 or 48348), people assume the bills are the same. They aren’t.
The City of Clarkston operates with a City Council and a City Manager. Residents here pay a specific “City Operating” millage to maintain that historic downtown infrastructure.
Independence Township is governed by a Board of Trustees and a Supervisor. Residents here pay specific millages for police and fire services.
Interestingly, the services are deeply intertwined. The City does not have its own police force or fire department. Instead, the City contracts these services from the Township (for fire) and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (via the Township substation). While the relationship is usually cooperative, they are legally separate financial entities. As of 2024/2025, there have even been tensions over the costs of these service contracts, proving that these boundaries matter to your wallet.
One area where they work together seamlessly is the Clarkston Independence District Library, which is a shared asset supported by residents of both municipalities.
The Great Unifier: Clarkston Community Schools
For many buyers, the school district is the primary driver for the move. The good news is that the school boundaries do not care about the municipal lines between the City and the Township.
Both areas are served by Clarkston Community Schools. Whether you buy a historic Victorian in the City or a new construction colonial in the Township, your home will likely feed into the same system, including Sashabaw Middle School and Clarkston High School.
There is a common misconception that living in the Township means you are “out of district” or in a secondary tier. That is false. In fact, because the Township holds the vast majority of the population (roughly 36,000 people compared to the City’s ~900), the Township is actually the primary feeder for the district.
Real Estate: Victorian Era vs. Modern Subdivisions
When you start touring homes for sale in downtown Clarkston versus the surrounding township, you will see a stark contrast in inventory.
City Inventory Real estate inside the City limits is rare and highly specific. You are mostly looking at designated historic homes and Victorian architecture. Because the area is a dedicated Historic District, renovations are strictly regulated to maintain the 19th-century charm. You are paying for character and the privilege of walking to coffee, which often results in a higher price per square foot despite smaller lot sizes.
Township Inventory The Charter Township of Independence offers much more variety and volume. This is where you will find:
- Sprawling brick ranches from the 1970s and 80s.
- Large distinct subdivisions like Oakhurst with golf course frontage.
- Lakefront properties on all-sports lakes.
- New construction developments.
If you prefer a modern open floor plan, a three-car garage, or a half-acre of privacy, you will likely end up browsing homes for sale in Independence Township.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Clarkston and Independence Township the same place?
No, they are legally separate municipalities. The City of the Village of Clarkston is a small 0.5-square-mile city located entirely inside the much larger Charter Township of Independence. However, the post office allows “Clarkston, MI” to be used for mailing addresses in both areas.
Do Independence Township residents pay Clarkston city taxes?
No. If you live in the Township, you do not pay the City Operating millage. You pay taxes to Independence Township. Conversely, City residents pay taxes to the City, which then uses a portion of that revenue to pay for contracted services.
Which area is better for commuting?
Generally, Independence Township offers faster commuter access. Many Township neighborhoods are located directly off the Sashabaw Road or Dixie Highway interchanges for I-75. Living in the City often requires navigating two-lane traffic on M-15 to reach the highway.
Can I use the Clarkston library if I live in the township?
Yes. The library is named the Clarkston Independence District Library because it is a district library funded by and serving residents of both the City and the Township equally.
