United States >> States >> Michigan
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)
| Indicators | Data |
| Total Population | 10,077,331 (10 million) |
| Median Age | 39.5 years |
| Population Rank | 10th |
| Total Land Area | 96,716 sq mi (250,493 km2) |
| Area Rank | 11th |
| Population Density | 174/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)
| Year | Population | % Change |
| 1910 | 2,810,173 | 16.1% |
| 1920 | 3,668,412 | 30.5% |
| 1930 | 4,842,325 | 32% |
| 1940 | 5,256,106 | 8.5% |
| 1950 | 6,371,766 | 21.2% |
| 1960 | 7,823,194 | 22.8% |
| 1970 | 8,875,083 | 13.4% |
| 1980 | 9,262,078 | 4.4% |
| 1990 | 9,295,297 | 0.4% |
| 2000 | 9,938,444 | 6.9% |
| 2010 | 9,883,640 | -0.6% |
| 2020 | 10,077,331 | 2% |
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