LANSING, MI (WOWO) Michigan’s population grew by an estimated 27,922 residents over the year ending in July, marking a notable turnaround after decades of population losses to other states.
According to new estimates released by the U.S. Census Bureau, Michigan gained about 1,800 residents through domestic migration, meaning more people moved into the state from elsewhere in the U.S. than moved out. Historical census data reviewed by Bridge Michigan show this is the state’s first year of positive domestic migration since at least 1990.
Overall, Michigan’s population rose to an estimated 10,127,884 residents, a 0.3 percent increase that ranked 36th among states and remained below the national growth rate.
State officials attributed the shift to economic and quality-of-life factors. In a statement, Governor Gretchen Whitmer cited Michigan’s cost of living, job availability and access to education as contributing factors.
State demographer Jaclyn Butler told Bridge Michigan that the domestic migration gain was driven more by fewer people leaving the state than by a surge of new arrivals. Butler said the trend aligns with broader Midwestern patterns showing reduced interstate mobility nationwide.
While domestic migration improved, most of Michigan’s population growth still came from international migration. Census estimates show about 30,700 people moved to Michigan from abroad during the past year, a sharp decline from more than 67,000 international arrivals the year before.
Federal immigration enforcement changes are expected to further reduce international migration in the short term. Nationally, the Census Bureau reported U.S. population growth slowed in 2025, driven largely by a significant drop in international immigration.
Michigan’s population gains were partially offset by natural population decline. Census estimates show the state recorded roughly 5,000 more deaths than births, reflecting an aging population and lower birth rates.
Despite the recent growth, Michigan continues to lag behind the national average. The Census Bureau estimates the U.S. population grew by about 0.5 percent over the same period, compared to Michigan’s 0.3 percent increase.
Census officials note the one-year population estimates are subject to revision as additional data become available.
