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Michigan: People Are Leaving These Cities and Flocking to These

By Anne Erickson May 25th
Illustrated map of the state of Michigan.

The latest U.S. Census shows Michigan moving statistics about which local cities are gaining in population and which cities are declining in their number of residents.

The numbers might surprise you. There’s always some controversy on how accurate the numbers are, too. But, here are the latest results, according to the U.S. Census.

Detroit continued to lose population in 2022, according to the report. This is a trend that’s been going on for some time now. The Motor City lost about 1 percent of its population, about 7,791. It fell to the 29th biggest city in the country, according to the U.S. Census. Of course, this is Detroit proper. It doesn’t count all the suburbs and neighboring areas outside of Wayne County. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan had an issue with the numbers and said on Twitter that the Census Bureau was a “complete national clown show.” He said postal records prove the city has more than 2,300 more homes getting mail in 2022. Moreover, he says Detroit added 4,000 homes in 2021.

Other Michigan cities that lost more than 1,000 residents, according to the study, are Warren and Dearborn. Also, Michigan’s second-biggest city, Grand Rapids, lost 843 people. The city lost 947 people the previous year.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though, when it comes to Michigan moving. Many college towns gained in population, largely as students came back to classes following the pandemic. East Lansing, which has Michigan State University, saw its population go from 34,532 to 47,340. Ann Arbor, where the University of Michigan is based, gained 805 residents. Other “college towns,” such as Marquette (Northern Michigan University) and Ypsilanti (Eastern Michigan University) also gained in population. According to the U.S. Census, Michigan lost 3,400 residents from 2021 to 2022. For the full study and more information, go here.

Michigan Town Named the No. 2 Most Beautiful, Affordable in the US

  • 10. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

    Here we go! Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is No. 10 on this list. According to this article and the data, the median housing cost is around $222,000, which is more affordable than many other areas in America. Pittsburgh is also a big city with a small-town appeal, as so many neighboring areas are quaint and delightful.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CpFq3n1Op6f/

  • 9. South Bend, Indiana

    South Bend, Indiana, is home to Notre Dame, and that’s really the city’s claim to fame. That said, it’s a beautiful town that offers plenty of amenities found in larger towns, but in a smaller setting. According to the study, this town as a low cost of living and an affordable median housing cost” at around $142,000. That’s definitely a steal in today’s housing market.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Ci0FKDFu7QM/

  • 8. Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina

    Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, is another example of a town that’s not too big and not too small. It offers a comfortable environment for living, and it’s not too expensive to live there, either. According to the study, the median housing price is about $436,700, which “keeps pace with the national median, while homeowners reap the benefit of lower property taxes.”

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnh_Ub-JhIq/

  • 7. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

    Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, is one of the hottest places to move lately. I have some friends who recently moved down there, and they are not alone. According to this study, the area has “serene walking trails, vibrant nightlife and innovative restaurants.” Sounds like a win to me. The median housing costs are about $394,400.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpsl7H6MDxh/

  • 6. St. Louis, Missouri

    St. Louis, Missouri, is another gem on this list, when it comes to an area that’s both affordable and beautiful. The median housing cost in this area is around $260,000, which is “significantly less than the national median and greatly appeals to those looking to relocate,” the study says.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CqTi2FLvper/

  • 5. Knoxville, Tennessee

    Knoxville, Tennessee, is another city that’s not too big and not too small. When you think of Tennessee, you probably think of Nashville or Memphis, but Knoxville has its own charm. This town has a great music scene and with a $335,000 median housing price, the cost of getting a home is “markedly lower than many other similar-sized metropolitan areas in the U.S.,” according to the study.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CqLB8IDOyDy/

  • 4. Louisville, Kentucky

    Louisville, Kentucky, is a city that I’ve traveled to many times to attend the annual Rock on the Range music festival. It has some great walking trails and park areas. What’s a big draw is that the city has a very low median housing cost at around $163,000, according to this study, and a low cost of living.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CqRVzoLAQEQ/

  • 3. Greenville, South Carolina

    Greenville, South Carolina, is an area that is a bit off the radar, but it’s tops when it comes to its beauty and affordability. According to the study, the median home price is about $320,000, under the national median. The city also offers a charming downtown area.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CqTHcBhPxIk/

  • 2. Grand Rapids, Michigan

    Here we go! Grand Rapids, Michigan, is a high No. 2 on the list. Grand Rapids is the second biggest city in Michigan, behind Detroit. While the city is vibrant and fairly large, Grand Rapids definitely has a small town feel. It’s also close to Lake Michigan, which makes it perfect for summer lake trips.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDmt4sufFW/

  • 1. Hickory, North Carolina

    Hickory, North Carolina, is the No. 1 spot on this list of the most beautiful and affordable places to live in the US. According to the study, “currently ranked as the cheapest place to live in the U.S., Hickory has a median home price of $161,000.” Sounds like a win-win.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CqIxo48OcPF/

  • Source: TravelandLeisure.com

    10 Most Beautiful and Affordable Places to Live in the U.S.

    From its bustling cities to its quiet coastal towns, America is home to a plethora of enticing places with their own unique draws to prospective residents. When considering where to live in the U.S., it's more important than ever to assess both the affordability and beauty of a location, especially with housing and living costs steadily rising.

Anne Erickson's love for music drew her into radio. She started on the airwaves shortly after graduating from MSU. Anne has a passion for rock and metal, and she also fronts the band Upon Wings. Email Anne at erickson@WRIF.com, follow her on Instagram at @EricksonAnne and tweet at her @AnneErickson! Anne covers the Detroit, Philadelphia and Las Vegas markets and beyond.

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