Dec. 22, 2004

The U.S. Census Bureau today released new population estimates, which show Michigan is maintaining its recent trend of slow, steady growth.  The state's estimated population for July 2004 is 10,112,620, which is 0.3 percent higher than the 2003 estimate of 10,079,985.  Since the 2000 Census, Michigan's estimated population has increased by 1.8 percent or 174,140 people.

According to the data, the nation's fastest-growing states (in percentage terms) have been Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Texas and Georgia.  Areas with lower estimated growth rates than Michigan since 2000 are Kansas, New York, Massachusetts, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Ohio, West Virginia, North Dakota and the District of Columbia.

Although Michigan has experienced some growth in recent years, State Demographer Kenneth Darga said that Michigan has been growing more slowly than the U.S. as a whole.  In 2000, Michigan comprised 3.53 percent of the nation's population; in 2004, that figure decreased to 3.44 percent.

"Loss of population to other states is not the only reason why Michigan is growing more slowly than the U.S. as a whole," said State Demographer, Kenneth Darga.  "A lower rate of migration from abroad and a lower birth rate account for slightly more than half of the difference."  According to Darga, Michigan's lower birth rate largely reflects Michigan's lower rate of foreign immigration, since first-generation immigrants tend to have somewhat higher birth rates than the native-born population. 

These population statistics are the product of a joint effort by the Population Division of the Census Bureau and the Federal State Cooperative Program for Population Estimates (FSCPE).  The Library of Michigan serves as Michigan's representative in the FSCPE.

These official population estimates will be widely used for planning purposes and will serve as a basis for distributing federal, state and non-governmental funds.  They also provide valuable information about social and economic changes occurring in each county.

An analysis of the new estimates, along with tables and a chart, is available on the Department of History, Arts and Libraries' Census Web site at www.michigan.gov/census.  Additional materials to be developed by the Library of Michigan and affiliated organizations of the state data center network will be added to this Web site as they become available.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Michigan Department of History, Arts and Libraries, whose mission is to enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage, and fostering cultural creativity.  The department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries.