Michigan Population Stats: We would have lost more, but there was nowhere to run

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2009 STATE POPULATION RELEASE BY THE CENSUS BUREAU

The Census Bureau released new population estimates this morning. Here is my analysis of what it means for Michigan.

  • Michigan loses population between 2008 and 2009 for 4th straight year – second largest amount (32,759) since 2007-08 (48,361)
  • Michigan’s loss was greatest of all states.  Only Maine and Rhode island also lost population.
  • Michigan falls below 10 million for first time since 2001, but remains just above the 2000 census total.
  • Michigan’s share of the nation’s population has dropped from 3.5% to 3.2% over the decade
  • Births in Michigan are at their lowest number since the beginning of the baby boom in 1946.
  • Deaths have remained high throughout the decade and will increase over time due to the aging population.
  • The birth-death combination has resulted in a continued decrease in population growth.
  • Immigration estimates stayed relatively low, due to reduced U.S. immigration.  The overall reduction is a result of increasing restrictions since 2001, but even more so in recent years, the poor economy and prospect of fewer jobs.
  • Domestic out-migration (87,339) was second highest of the decade (second only to 2007-08’s 103,637).  The out-migration this year could have been the highest in the decade but for the crash of the housing market and increasing unemployment in the rest of the country, making job moves less available.
  • Michigan’s domestic out-migration (2008-09) total ranked third behind California and New York.  23 states experienced domestic out-migration.
  • 28 states experienced domestic in-migration (2008-09), with Texas (143,423) leading all others – followed by North Carolina (59,108), Washington State (38,201), Colorado (35,591), and South Carolina (31,480).
  • 9 states, led by Michigan, Ohio, New York, Illinois and Mississippi experienced Net Out-migration.  Michigan’s loss of 71,893 residents far outnumbered Ohio’s 24,443.
  • Michigan ranked 43rd in Birth Rate for 2008-09.  Number 1 was Utah (no surprise – consistent #1), while Vermont came in last.
  • Michigan ranked 22nd in its Death Rate for 2008-09.  Number 1 was West Virginia, while Alaska had the lowest death rate.
  • Michigan ranked 28th in its Immigration Rate for 2008-09.  Number 1 was Florida, while West Virginia came in last place.
  • Michigan was at the bottom of the list for Domestic Migration between 2008 and 2009, followed by Rhode Island and New York.  Wyoming, the District of Columbia and Colorado ranked 1 through 3.