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Michigan Population Overview (2026 Projection)

Michigan is a state in the Great Lakes region of the Upper Midwestern United States, bordered by Ohio and Indiana to the south, Wisconsin to the west, and surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes. It is the 10th most populous state in the U.S. and ranks 11th by land area, placing Michigan around 18th in population density nationwide.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Michigan recorded a population of 10,077,331 in the 2020 Census. The latest Census population estimate as of July 1, 2024, places Michigan’s population at 10,140,459, showing modest growth compared to 2020.

Recent trends indicate that Michigan’s population has largely stabilized, with slow growth driven by natural increase and selective in-migration, while overall population change remains moderate compared to faster-growing states.

👉 Projected Population of Michigan (2026): ~10.2 million

Michigan Population Growth (2010–2020)

Michigan recorded a population growth rate of about 2% between 2010 and 2020, with the state adding approximately 193,700 residents during the decade.

 
 

Michigan Census Snapshot (2020)

IndicatorsData
Total Population10,077,331 (10 million) 
Median Age39.5 years
Population Rank10th
Total Land Area96,716 sq mi (250,493 km2)
Area Rank11th
Population Density174/sq mi (67.1/km2)

Source: US Census 2020

Michigan Historical Population

Michigan’s population has grown substantially over the long term, rising from 2.8 million in 1910 to just over 10.0 million in 2020, an increase of more than 7.2 million people. The state experienced rapid growth through the mid-20th century, particularly between 1920 and 1970, followed by a period of slower growth and stagnation. After a slight decline during 2000–2010, Michigan returned to modest growth in the 2010–2020 decade, recording a 2% increase in population.

Decadal Population Change (1910–2020)

YearPopulation% Change
19102,810,17316.1%
19203,668,41230.5%
19304,842,32532%
19405,256,1068.5%
19506,371,76621.2%
19607,823,19422.8%
19708,875,08313.4%
19809,262,0784.4%
19909,295,2970.4%
20009,938,4446.9%
20109,883,640-0.6%
202010,077,3312%

Source: US Census  2020

Religion in Michigan (Overview)

Christianity is the largest religious affiliation in Michigan, followed by a sizable unaffiliated population.

  • Christian: ~70%

    • Protestant: 51%

    • Roman Catholic: 18%

  • Unaffiliated: ~24%

  • Other Religions: ~5%

    • Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Islam, and others

Read detailed data: Religion in Michigan

Race and Ethnicity in Michigan (Overview)

Michigan has a diverse population shaped by both historical migration and recent demographic change.

  • White (Non-Hispanic): 72.4% (largest group)

  • Black or African American: 13.48%

  • Hispanic or Latino: 5.60%

  • Two or More Races: 4.36%

  • Asian: 3.30%

Ancestry in Michigan (Overview)

Michigan’s population reflects strong European roots along with regional settlement patterns. The largest ancestry groups include:

  • German

  • Irish

  • English

  • Polish

  • American

Michigan also has one of the highest concentrations of Scandinavian ancestry in the U.S., particularly among Finnish and Dutch communities.

Read detailed data: Race and Ethnicity in Michigan

Cities and Counties in Michigan

The largest city in Michigan is Motor City, Detroit. Other large cities in Michigan include Grand Rapids, Warren, Sterling Heights, Lansing, and Ann Arbor. 

As of 2022, Michigan is divided into 83 counties. Wayne county is the most populous county in Michigan and  Keweenaw County is also the largest county by area.

for more details read Cities and Counties in Michigan

Michigan Population 2026 | Demographics, Growth & Census Estimates

About the Author & Data

USCanadaInfo is an independent informational website focused on demographics, population statistics, and ethnic trends in Canada and the United States. All information on this site is compiled from publicly available, official sources such as Statistics Canada, the U.S. Census Bureau, government publications, and reputable media outlets. Population figures, percentages, and projections are based on census data, historical trends, and immigration statistics. Content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, immigration, or policy advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, figures may change due to future census updates, revised estimates, or data corrections. about our methodology → https://uscanadainfo.com/methodology/