TL/DR –
In 2023, Detroit’s population experienced growth for the first time in decades, according to new estimates from the Census Bureau. Many large cities in the Midwest and Northeast also saw moderate population rebounds after pandemic-era declines, with notable growth in Southern cities and midsize cities across all regions except the Northeast. The population growth in Detroit, which is attributed to years of continuous effort, is seen as fulfilling a campaign promise by Mayor Mike Duggan to reverse the city’s long-term population decline.
Detroit’s Population Grows in 2023, A First in Decades
For the first time in decades, Detroit’s population experienced growth in 2023, as per the new estimates released by the Census Bureau. The population increased slightly from 631,366 to 633,218. This increase in Detroit’s population is significant in a city that has been declining year after year since the days when it housed over 1.8 million residents.
Population Rebounds in Big Cities Post-Pandemic
Other large cities in the Midwest and Northeast have seen similar moderate population rebounds after pandemic-era declines. Cities in the Northeast with populations over 50,000 recorded an average growth of 0.2 percent after a decline of 0.3 percent in 2022. Midwest cities of similar size saw a growth of 0.1 percent in 2023.
Major Cities Return to Pre-Pandemic Trends
Major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which experienced population dips in 2021, largely returned to pre-pandemic growth trends. As per Social Explorer’s president Andrew Beveridge, the pandemic-induced movement from bigger cities to smaller cities has somewhat subsided.
Robust Growth in Southern Cities and Sun Belt Continues
Southern cities and Sun Belt cities continued to show robust growth in 2023, with Southern cities growing at an average of 1 percent. 13 out of the 15 fastest-growing cities were in the South, with eight located in Texas, as revealed by a Census Bureau statistician, Crystal Delbé.
Midsize Cities Show Growth
Midsize cities, with populations between 10,000 and 50,000, saw growth in every region except the Northeast. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan stated that the new population estimate for his city was the first time since 1957 that Detroit was found to have a growing population. In 2023, Detroit moved up to become the 26th most populous city in the nation.
Efforts to Revive Detroit Sees Results
For Mayor Duggan, the new population estimate fulfills his promise of getting the city growing again. In the past decade, over 10,000 houses have been renovated, property values have increased, and a new auto plant to produce Jeeps was built in the city.
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