Moving companies say about as many people came to Michigan as left it in 2025, with one firm even reporting a net gain. After years of sluggish population, is Michigan gaining steam?
Michigan population
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan lawmakers reject money for Gretchen Whitmer’s population growth office
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer sought $10 million for her Michigan Growth Office. Lawmakers said no.
Posted inQuality of Life
Southwest Michigan: We’ll pay you to move here. Will incentives work this time?
A similar effort failed just a few years ago, but leaders are optimistic about a new program that pays out-of-staters $5,000 in housing down payment assistance and free college tuition to move to Berrien, Cass or Van Buren counties.
Posted inGuest Commentary
Opinion | Michigan is failing our English learner students, and that has to change
Immigrants are an important part of Michigan’s economy and business community. With the state losing talent and population, increasing funding for English learners is critical.
Posted inMichigan Government
Michigan population may plummet by 700K in 26 years, report warns
The population could drop 7% as deaths exceed births, warns a report. Michigan’s best hope — luring people from other states —would stem some losses. But population woes will persist.
Posted inTalent & Education
Enrollment dropping, COVID relief over. Will more Michigan schools close?
Michigan public school enrollment has declined by 16% since 2003. The expiration of COVID relief dollars could force difficult decisions for district leaders.
Posted inQuality of Life
Moving truck data again ranks Michigan as among worst states for migration
Rankings from two moving companies again show far more leaving Michigan than entering it in 2023. Allied Van Lines says 57% of the state’s moving trucks left for another state.
Posted inBusiness Watch
A Sears comes down, apartments go up at Michigan mall. Is this the future?
Ann Arbor’s growth makes its 50-year-old Briarwood Mall attractive for additions: 370 apartments and two new stores will replace a closed Sears. Is this the solution for dying malls? Depends on the mall.
Posted inMichigan Government
Buck up, Michigan. Prices remain a bummer but there are positive signs
How ya doin’, Michigan? As 2023 ends, we take a look at how the state fared this year, and whether our mood matches what the economic and demographic numbers say. Spoiler alert: It hasn’t been all bad.
Posted inMichigan Government
Experts: ‘Everything up in the air’ now that Michigan districts must be redrawn
A court order that 13 districts must be redrawn creates a host of questions: Can Democrats keep power? Will more districts have to be changed? Is the redistricting panel up to the task?