Detroit grows in population for the first time in decades
The Spirit of Detroit | Susan J. Demas
Michigan’s largest has gained population for the first time in more than six decades, according to new population estimates released on Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Detroit gained 1,852 residents between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2023. It marks the first time since 1957 that the Motor City has not lost population, according to the federal agency.
In 1957, Dwight Eisenhower was president, G. Mennen “Soapy” Williams was the governor of Michigan and the Detroit Lions were National Football League champions.
Last year’s official, adjusted Census population for Detroit was 631,218. Its population now stands at 633,366.
As a result of its gains, Detroit is now ranked as the 26th most populous city in America, up three notches from 29th place this time last year. According to U.S. Census data, Detroit is now larger than Memphis, Louisville and Portland.
“We have known for some time that Detroit’s population has been growing, but this is the first time the U.S. Census Bureau has confirmed it in its official estimate,” said Mayor Mike Duggan. “This day is for the Detroiters who stayed and for everyone who has put in the hard work to make Detroit a great place to live.”
Memphis had been America’s largest city with a Black majority after the 2020 census. With this estimate, Detroit, which is 77% African American, appears to have retained that distinction.
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