Detroit, a city that has been grappling with population decline since the 1950s, is finally witnessing a reversal of this trend. According to the latest estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau, Detroit's population has increased for the first time in over six decades.
The city, which is Michigan's largest, saw an increase of 1,852 residents between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2023, bringing its population to 633,218. This marks a significant milestone for Detroit, which had a population of 1.8 million in the 1950s, only to see it dwindle due to various socio-economic factors.
Mayor Mike Duggan, who took office in 2014, hailed this development as a "great day" and a "day of celebration." He stated, "The city of Detroit has joined the communities in America that are growing in population according to the Census Bureau. For our national brand, it was critically important for the Census Bureau to certify us as growing."
The population growth in Detroit is a testament to the city's resilience and slow but steady progress. The city has been working tirelessly to tackle its massive blight problem, with more than 25,000 houses razed and 15,000 renovated. The city's efforts seem to be paying off, as more people are moving into the renovated houses.
Duggan also attributed the population growth to job creation by auto manufacturers and other companies. However, the city's population count has been a contentious issue, with Detroit suing the Census Bureau in 2022 over population estimates that showed a loss of 7,100 residents.
While Detroit's growth is noteworthy, the South continues to dominate the nation's growth. The Census Bureau's estimates showed that 13 of the 15 fastest-growing cities in the U.S. were in the South, with eight in Texas alone. San Antonio, Texas, had the biggest growth spurt in pure numbers last year, adding about 22,000 residents.
Despite the population growth, Detroit is still recovering from the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. The city exited bankruptcy in December 2014, restructuring or wiping out about $7 billion in debt and setting aside $1.7 billion to improve city services.
While the population increase is a positive sign, Detroit still has a long way to go. However, the city's resilience and determination to rebuild and grow are evident, and the latest population figures are a testament to that. As Mayor Duggan put it, "Right now, it doesn't seem like we can build apartments fast enough."
More for you:
