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History
Established by New Englanders and up-state New Yorkers drawn to the richest soil in the county, by the 1850's, Romeo was a leading trading center just decades after it's incorporation as a village in 1838.
From factories that manufactured hoop-skirts, brooms, chairs, cigars, sashes and blinds to an iron foundry, Romeo was the center of many small industries.

With the largest branch of the University of Michigan located in Romeo during the 1840's, by the 1870's Romeo was well known as a community that manufactured carriages. Romeo was a station on the underground railway, and it's citizens were involved in the abolishment of slavery, prohibition, and women's rights. Doctors, lawyers, ministers, and teachers were attracted to Romeo as were many other professionals.

Romeo's past is depicted today in it's historic district. From elegant mansions and quaint cottages to churches and public buildings designed by Detroit architects after the Civil War, Romeo is truly beautiful with it's well-maintained architectural heritage. Within walking distance of the downtown area, there are three historical museums that preserve, document and promote interest in the heritage of the Village of Romeo and the surrounding areas. To appreciate what a 19th century village was like, visit Romeo today.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 5.2 km² (2.0 mi²). 5.2 km² (2.0 mi²) of it is land and none of it is covered by water.

Government
The government of the Village of Romeo consists of elected and appointed officials. The elected officials include: six council members, one President, one Treasurer, and a Clerk. The appointed officials include: Chief of Police, Department of Public Works Director, and Village Administrator. Currently, the elected clerk also holds the appointed position of Village Administrator. The day to day operations of the Village are handled by the Clerk/Administrator.

Over the past 20 Years, Romeo has undergone numerous upgrades to the infrastructure of the Village. These include a revamping of the streetscape on Van Dyke Avenue, the main road through the Village, and the installation of a new water tower. Romeo also has one of the few wastewater treatment plants in the region. While most of the region receives water and sewage service from the City of Detroit, Romeo sustains its own supply of water, and treats all of the Village sewage through their own treatment plant. It also receives electricity from the local Ford engine plant. This was especially valuable during the blackout that occurred throughout the entire NE United States on August 14, 2003. Romeo was one of the many areas in the Detroit Metropolitan area to have clean running water and electricity. More recent infrastructure improvements include a complete renovation of the Village water system, and replacement of all the sidewalks throughout the Village.

Demographics
As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 3,721 people, 1,528 households, and 993 families residing in the village. The population density was 1,842.8 per square mile (711.2/km²). There were 1,605 housing units at an average density of 794.9/sq mi (306.8/km²). The racial makeup of the village was 92.66% White, 4.35% African American, 0.16% Native American, 0.40% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 1.64% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.74% of the population.

There were 1,528 households out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.2% were married couples living together, 13.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.0% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals and 13.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.40 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the village the population was spread out with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.2% from 18 to 24, 30.1% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females there were 87.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.5 males.
The median income for a household in the village was $48,015, and the median income for a family was $60,179. Males had a median income of $51,875 versus $27,696 for females. The per capita income for the village was $22,588. About 3.2% of families and 3.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 3.9% of those age 65 or over.

Notable Residents
Frank Bowerman (December 5, 1868 – November 30, 1948) former catcher in Major League Baseball with the Baltimore Orioles, the Pittsburgh Pirates, the New York Giants, and the Boston Doves

Arnie Meissner, game show writer

Henry Stephens (lumberman) was an early settler, a lumber baron, and had his summer home in Romeo.

David McLaughlin, author, musician

Blaze Ya Dead Homie, also known as Chris Rouleau, musician