Dec. 22, 2005

The U.S. Census Bureau today released new population estimates for all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia.  Michigan's estimated population for July 2005 is 10,120,860, which is 0.2 percent higher than the newly revised 2004 figure of 10,104,206.  Since the 2000 Census, Michigan's estimated population has increased by 1.8 percent, or 182,380 people.

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

State Demographer Kenneth Darga said that although Michigan has grown less rapidly than the U.S. as a whole, the Great Lakes State has retained its ranking as the country's 8th-largest state, with just over 1 million more residents than 9th-ranked Georgia. 

"Many factors contribute to changes in state population levels," said Darga.  "A lower rate of migration from abroad and a lower birth rate account for slightly more than half of the difference between Michigan's growth rate and the U.S. growth rate since the 2000 Census."

According to Darga, Michigan's lower birth rate reflects its lower rate of foreign immigration, since first-generation immigrants tend to have higher birth rates than the native-born population.  Michigan also loses population when the number of people entering military service is greater than the number returning from service.  "Because Michigan does not have any large military bases, almost all active-duty military personnel are counted elsewhere," said Darga.  "Those in the U.S. are counted in the state where they are stationed, while those serving abroad are counted as part of the nation's overseas population."

The new population statistics are the product of a joint effort by the Population Division of the Census Bureau and the Federal State Cooperative 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 state.

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 (HAL).  The department, whose mission is to strengthen the economy and enrich the quality of life for Michigan residents by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage, and fostering cultural creativity, 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.