After years of decline, Detroit’s population showed a slight increase in 2023, with new estimates from the Census Bureau revealing a rise to 633,218 residents from 631,366. This growth marks a significant change for a city that had been steadily decreasing in population since its peak of over 1.8 million residents. The increase in population is seen as a positive symbol for Detroit, which has been struggling with the effects of the shrinking auto industry, suburban flight, and municipal bankruptcy. City leaders have long been working to reverse this decline, and the recent population growth is a significant milestone in these efforts.
The new census estimates also showed modest population rebounds for many big cities in the Midwest and Northeast after experiencing declines during the pandemic. Cities in the Northeast with populations of 50,000 or more grew by an average of 0.2 percent in 2023, following a 0.3 percent decline in 2022. In the Midwest, cities of similar size saw a 0.1 percent growth in 2023, compared to a 0.2 percent decline the previous year. Major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago, which saw population dips in 2021, returned to prepandemic trends with increased rates of growth and smaller population declines.
Cities in the South and Sun Belt regions continued to experience robust growth in 2023, with Southern cities growing at an average rate of 1 percent. Thirteen of the 15 fastest-growing cities were in the South, with eight in Texas alone. The largest 15 cities in the nation remained the same in 2023, although some shifted positions on the list. Midsize cities, with populations between 10,000 and 50,000, saw growth in every region except the Northeast, indicating a trend of growth in smaller urban areas across the country.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed optimism about the new population estimate for his city, noting that this is the first time since 1957 that the Census Bureau has not reported a population decline for Detroit. The city is now ranked as the 26th most populous city in the nation, up from 29th in 2022. Mayor Duggan, who was elected in 2013 and is currently serving his third term, has been focused on reversing Detroit’s population decline since taking office. He sees the recent growth as a validation of his efforts and a fulfillment of a campaign promise to get the city growing again.
Despite facing ongoing challenges such as declining demand for office space, Detroit’s population growth is seen as a result of years of hard work and investment in the city’s revitalization. Over the past decade, more than 10,000 houses have been renovated, property values have increased, and a new auto plant to produce Jeeps was built in Detroit. The population growth, while modest, represents a significant step forward for a city that has been working to overcome the impacts of economic decline and population loss. Mayor Duggan remains committed to continuing this positive trajectory and ensuring that Detroit’s growth continues in the years to come.
