Caro is a welcoming city located in the center of Michigan’s Thumb region and serves as the county seat of Tuscola County. Home to roughly 4,000 residents, Caro blends small-town charm with a rich history, vibrant community life and a strong agricultural foundation.
First settled in the mid-1800s, Caro was incorporated as a village in 1868 and later became a city in 1893. Its name is believed to come from the Latin word “carus,” meaning “dear” or “beloved,” reflecting the affection early settlers had for the area. The city grew steadily through farming, lumbering and railroad development, eventually becoming an important commercial and government center for Tuscola County.
One of Caro’s most significant industries was sugar beet production. The Michigan Sugar Company factory, established in the early 1900s, became a major employer and played a vital role in the local economy for generations. Agriculture remains central to the region today, with surrounding farms producing corn, soybeans, wheat and sugar beets across the fertile Thumb farmland.
Caro is also known for its historic downtown district, which features locally owned businesses, restaurants and historic architecture that reflect the city’s long-standing community pride. Annual events such as the Tuscola County Fair — one of Michigan’s oldest county fairs dating back to 1887 — continue to celebrate the area’s agricultural heritage and bring residents together each year.
Education remains an important part of community life through Caro Community Schools, while parks, trails and nearby recreational areas provide opportunities for outdoor activities throughout the year.
Today, Caro continues to embody the values of rural Michigan — strong community ties, agricultural tradition and historic charm — while serving as a vibrant center for residents throughout Tuscola County.
Current local officials
- Mayor: Karen Snider
- Mayor Pro Tem: Charlotte Kish
- City Clerk: Rita Papp
- Treasurer: Tammy Ries
- Zoning Administrator: Randy Heckroth
School district
- Caro Community Schools · (989) 673-3160
- McComb Elementary School · 303 N. Hooper St., Caro · (989) 673-3169
- Caro High School · 301 N. Hooper St., Caro · (989) 673-3165
- Caro Middle School · 299 N. Hooper St., Caro · (989) 673-3167
- Tuscola Intermediate School District · 1385 Cleaver Rd., Caro · (989) 673-2144
- Highland Pines School · 1381 Cleaver Rd., Caro · (989) 673-5200
- Tuscola Technology Center · 1401 Cleaver Rd., Caro · (989) 673-5300
Service organizations
- Post Office · 210 Lincoln St. · (989) 673-3104
- Police Non-Emergency · (989) 673-2402
- Fire Non-Emergency · (989) 673-2002
- Caro Chamber of Commerce · 429 N. State St. Ste. 101 · (989) 673-5211
- Tuscola Area Airport · 1750 Speirs Drive · (989) 673-4301
- Caro Area District Library · 840 W. Frank St. · (989) 673-4329
- Tuscola County Advertiser, Cass River Trader, Shoppers Advantage · 344 N. State St., Caro · (989) 673-3181
- McLaren Caro Region (hospital) · 401 N. Hooper St. · (989) 673-3141
- American Legion Post 7 · 110 W. Frank St. · (989) 673-0643
- VFW Post #4164 · 1030 W. Caro Rd. · (989) 673-4766
- Tuscola County Polish American Club 217 · 1466 Mertz Rd · (989) 673-6549
- Caro Kiwanis · (989) 670-5839
- Caro Rotary · (989) 673-2330
- Caro Eagles · 1400 W. Caro Rd. · (989) 673-7164
- Knights of Columbus · 903 Ryan Rd. · (989) 673-5322
- Caro Lions Club · (989) 673-6723
- Caro Mt. Moriah Lodge #226 F&AM · 156 N. State St. · (989) 673-2580
- Caro Moose Lodge #1049 · 1366 E. Caro Rd. · (989) 673-2008
- American Red Cross · 852 Hooper St. · (989) 672-4557