Detroit grows in population for the first time in decades

City jumps from 29th to 26th place nationally
Detroit led the state of Michigan in total population growth in 2023

The city of Detroit has gained population for the first time in more than six decades, according to new population estimates released today by the US Census Bureau.

According to the estimate, Detroit gained 1,852 residents between July 1, 2022 and July 1, 2023, marking the first time since 1957 Detroit has not lost population in the eyes of the Census Bureau. Last year's official (adjusted) Census population for Detroit was 631,366. As of the new Census Bureau estimate, Detroit's population now stands at 633,218.

As a result of its gains, Detroit is now ranked as the 26th most populous city in America, up three notches from 29th place this time last year. According to US Census data, Detroit is now larger than Memphis (29), Lousiville (28) and Portland (27).

The City of Detroit also led the state of Michigan in total population growth in 2023.

"We have known for some time that Detroit's population has been growing, but this is the first time the US Census Bureau has confirmed it in its official estimate," said Mayor Mike Duggan, who has maintained that the one true measure of success would be whether more people were moving into the city than out of it. “This day is for the Detroiters who stayed and for everyone who has put in the hard work to make Detroit a great place to live."

Prior to this estimate, the Census Bureau has shown a population loss in Detroit every year since the estimate released on September 12, 1958, which showed a loss of 10,000 residents. The original US Census population estimate for 2022 was 620,376 but was later revised to 631,218 following challenges from the Duggan administration.

The increase comes amid a streak of positive news in Detroit recently, including:

$1 billion invested in more than 4,600 units of affordable housing over the past five years
Job growth with more than 25,000 more Detroiters employed since 2014
A return to investment grade bond status for the first time since 2009
$3 Billion in added wealth for Detroit’s black homeowners since 2014, according to a University of Michigan study
Reductions in crime beating national trends, including the fewest homicides in 57 years
Successfully hosting the largest ever NFL Draft at 775,000 people over three days