Are You Younger or Older Than the Average Michigan Resident? Check Here

Have you ever wondered if you're younger or older than the average Michigan resident? I've actually wondered this a few times. When I was 18, I didn't think about it at all, but as I get older, I can't help but wonder where I fall. Well, now we have the answer on what's the average age in Michigan.

Before we get to the average, let's look at some fun facts. The average retirement age in U.S. is 64 years old, according to MadisonTrust.com, and the average retirement age across all states spans from 61 to 67 years old. "The Social Security Act sets the minimum age to retire at 65 to receive full retirement benefits, although the minimum retirement age will continue to rise," MadisonTrust.com adds.

Now, let's look at the states with the youngest and oldest populations. According to the latest information from the Census Bureau, the state with the youngest population is Utah. The average age there is 32.1 years old. That makes sense, because Utah is the state with the highest rate of births with 17.6 births per 1,000 people, according to Business Insider. Other states with young populations include North Dakota, Texas and the District of Columbia. But, it's worth noting that Utah's average age of 32.1 years old is much younger than any other state.

As for the state with the oldest population, according to the Census Bureau, that's Maine. The average age there is 45.1 years old. I was actually surprised that such a cold state would have the oldest population, but those are the numbers. Other areas with older populations include Puerto Rico, Vermont, New Hampshire, West Virginia and Florida. So, what's the average Michigan resident age? It's 40.3, which seems about average compared to other states. Find the full tally of data from the United States Census Bureau on states and average ages here.

Where did 2023 go? The year is almost over, and we're about to usher in a fresh start. As always, some new laws are going into effect at the start of the fresh year. This year, some of these laws are hot topics, including minimum wage and guns. Depending on your situation, these laws could really impact your life, so let's delve into these Michigan laws going into effect in 2024.

Actually, before we get into 2024, let's look at a refresher of what laws went into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. First of all, last year going into the current hear, there was a minimum wage increase. At the time, the minimum wage increase went from $9.87 an hour to $10.10 an hour. It's going up again this year, and you'll find more on that below. Also, another law that went into effect this year was automatic expungement of records. That started in April of 2023, and according to Michigan.gov, it's regarding an automated system for expunging convictions. So, now, residents who want to expunge their records don’t have to file an application. According to Michigan.gov, up to two felony convictions will be expunged the later of 10 years after sentencing or the person’s release from custody. Also, up to four misdemeanors will be expunged seven years after sentencing. Some conviction will not qualify for automatic expungement.

Now, that's the past. Let's get into the future. Here are the new laws going into effect in 2024 via Michigan.gov. Most of these laws will actually go into effect 90 days after the legislature ends, which is Feb. 13, 2024. However, the exception to that is the minimum wage increase, which goes into effect on Jan. 1. It's worth pointing out that there are more new laws going into effect this year than last year, at least at this point in the year. There are a ton, actually. So, you might want to keep this list handy throughout the year.

Beginning on Monday, Jan. 1, 2024, the state of Michigan's minimum wage will increase from $10.10 to $10.33. This change is thanks to Michigan's Improved Workforce Opportunity Wage Act of 2018. That law resulted in an annual schedule of increases.

This year, Gov. Whitmer signed a bill restoring a prevailing wage act. This bill means that Michigan-hired contractors are required to pay their employees at the union level.

Now, 16-year-old high school students in Michigan are able to pre-register to vote. Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says, "This new law helps us prepare the next generation of voters to inherit their democracy, bolstering our state’s commitment to engaging young people, educating them about the democratic process, and getting them ready to cast a ballot once they turn 18."

Michigan's right-to-work law is being repealed. The state's "right-to-work" law was passed over a decade ago. Michigan's "right-to-work" law had enabled workers in union settings to choose not to pay union dues and fees.

Earlier this year, Whitmer signed an expansion of the Elliot-Larsen Act. The act includes protection for those who are discriminated against due to sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. That's includes those in the LGBTQ+ community.

Michigan's third-grade reading law has been repealed. The original 2016 law made schools identify students who were struggling in reading and writing and hold them back a year if they were more than one grade level behind. Now, that requirement has lifted.

New gun laws are here, and these were introduced into Lansing following the tragic shooting at Michigan State University. The House and Senate passed these bills, and Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed them. The new laws require safe storage (gun owners must lock their weapons away, if a minor is expected to be in the home), background checks (mandatory, no matter how you're buying a firearm) and "red flag" (to cut down on possible violence for those who may have mental health problems or have threatened others).

Gov. Whitmer recently signed the Clean Energy & Climate Action Package, with a plan to have Michigan 100% clean energy by 2040. If all goes as planned, the state will produce 100% of its energy from clean sources by 2024.