MICHIGAN, USA — Many West Michigan communities are continuing to see steady population growth over the last four years, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates released Thursday.
Before reviewing the data, it is important to note that these numbers are all estimates.
West Michigan counties have seen sustained growth since 2020, with the one exception of Ionia County, which saw about a 1% decrease in population from 2020 to 2023.
Montcalm County saw the largest percentage increase from 2020 to 2023 with a 2.23% increase, followed by Ottawa County with a growth of about 2.13%.
Newaygo and Barry counties also saw considerable growth, increasing their populations by 1.95% and 1.90% respectively.
Here's how the population has changed for West Michigan counties between 2020 and 2023:
While most West Michigan counties grew in population, several cities in the area have seen a decline in residents in recent years.
Grand Rapids is the most notable of these cities, seeing one of the largest declines in population since 2020, losing over 2,000 people with a 1.07% decline.
Allegan. Lowell and Muskegon Heights also saw some of the highest rates of decline, losing 1.03%, 1% and 0.92% of their populations since 2020.
Grandville, Newaygo, Greenville, Wayland and Holland saw the highest rates of growth since 2020. Grandville led the way increasing in size by 620 people, a growth of 3.72%. Newaygo also saw considerable growth, increasing by 2.52%.
Here's how the population has changed for West Michigan municipalities between 2020 and 2023:
Michigan overall has seen a slight population decline since 2020, losing over 40,000 people by the 2023 estimates. The state does look like it may be on its way to reversing that trend, however. The state saw a slight influx of population from 2022 to 2023, growing by about 4,000 people.
You can see the entire U.S. Census Bureau estimates for 2023 here.
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