LANSING, MI (WOWO) Michigan added nearly 56,000 residents between 2020 and 2025, with most of the state’s growth concentrated in west and northern counties, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

Fifty-seven of Michigan’s 83 counties saw population gains, led by Lake, Montmorency, and Keweenaw counties in the north. West Michigan also grew rapidly, adding more than 43,000 residents over the five-year period. Kent County gained the most residents in raw numbers, nearly 17,000, while Wayne County lost over 20,000.

According to Jaclyn Butler, the rise of remote work and retirees returning to lake cabins contributed to northern Michigan’s growth. “We have so many lakes, we have the north woods,” Butler said. “Those are the type of areas that grew the most after COVID, with hybrid and remote work.”

The Thumb region, including Huron County, saw the largest declines, losing more than 2,500 residents, while mid-Michigan lost 270. Overall, Michigan’s population grew by 0.6% over five years, remaining just above 10.1 million, a rate slower than much of the nation.

The trends highlight ongoing shifts in where people choose to live, with amenities, lifestyle, and work flexibility driving growth in northern and west Michigan, while traditional industrial and urban areas like Wayne County continue to see population declines.