News Summary
Detroit has experienced significant population growth, reaching 645,705 residents in 2024, marking an increase from the previous year. Mayor Mike Duggan noted this growth as the largest among cities in Michigan, making Detroit the 26th largest city in the U.S. The demographic landscape is also shifting, with a notable rise in diversity. Despite past declines, the city has welcomed nearly 11,000 newcomers, and suburban areas around Detroit are experiencing growth, highlighting ongoing transformation amid economic challenges.
Detroit has marked a significant turning point in its demographic landscape as its population has grown for the second consecutive year, reaching 645,705 residents in 2024, an increase from 638,914 in 2023. This growth, reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, reflects an influx of nearly 11,000 people moving into the city over the past year, translating to a growth rate of 1.1% in 2024, which surpasses the national average growth rate of 0.98%.
Mayor Mike Duggan heralded this moment as the largest population growth among Michigan cities, noting that Detroit is now ranked as the 26th largest city in the United States, positioning it ahead of other prominent urban areas such as Portland, Memphis, and Baltimore. This upward trend in population comes after a long period of decline during which the city’s population saw nearly a 25% decrease from 2000 to 2010.
Despite the overall decline, the demographic composition of Detroit has also undergone a notable transformation. From 2010 to 2023, while the city’s population continued to decrease, the diversity of its residents has increased significantly. The proportion of Black residents has decreased from 84% to 79%, while the percentage of Hispanic residents has risen from 6.6% to 8.3%. Additionally, White residents have grown from 8.2% to 10.7%, and Asian residents increased from 1.3% to 1.7%.
The surrounding suburban areas have also seen changes; overall population growth in the suburbs around Detroit was measured at 0.73% from 2023 to 2024. Particularly, outer-ring suburbs reported a 1% growth, accounting for an increase of nearly 20,000 residents, while inner-ring suburbs like Southfield and Warren grew by only 0.31%, welcoming approximately 4,000 new residents. Economic disparities between these areas have become more pronounced, as median household incomes in outer-ring suburbs rose by 37.7% compared to 16.8% in inner-ring suburbs between 2000 and 2020. Furthermore, poverty rates increased by 77% in inner-ring suburbs, whereas outer-ring suburbs reported a 50.8% increase.
Demographic shifts are partly attributed to the surge in the foreign-born population in outer suburbs, which jumped by 24.9% from 2000 to 2020, contrasting with a 20% decline in inner suburbs. Although residential segregation persists in inner suburbs, a trend is emerging towards more integrated neighborhoods overall.
Changes in Census-related policies, specifically regarding how demolitions and renovations are accounted for, have led to revisions in population estimates. Continuous efforts from local leaders and housing authorities are underway, with plans to restore 2,000 homes each year. Community leaders are committed to ensuring that growth strategies do not displace existing residents.
Nevertheless, despite the positive momentum, challenges remain. Economic uncertainties and their impacts on future developments and community growth are significant concerns that require attention as Detroit navigates this transformative phase.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- The Conversation
- Fox 2 Detroit
- Wikipedia: Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Detroit
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
