The 5 Fastest-Growing Counties in Michigan Are Exploding in Growth

Before examining the fastest-growing counties in Michigan, let’s have some context. A look at U.S. census data shows that the state of Michigan has had a fairly flat population curve over the past few decades. For example, over the past two years the state had a population decline of .54% in 2008, but this trend reversed itself in the years that followed, with a population gain of .85% in 2020 and a drop of just .03% in 2022. Historically speaking, These under 1% tics don’t compare with larger swings in previous decades, like a postwar 7.3% surge in 1946, or a near 4% gain in 1954. And overall, the state’s populace is on the rise, from 9.2 million in 1980 to a headcount of 10 million today. But its growth rate is the second slowest among all U.S. states (according to the 2020 U.S. Census update).

That said, not every spot in the Wolverine State is showing equal growth. While some are in decline, others are gaining. (The same is true for Michigan cities, with the 2020 census showing Detroit having a 10.5% drop from 2010-2020, while Dearborn gained 12%.) In fact, the top-growing county gained twice as many people as the next in rank, whose gain was nearly double that of the next on the list.

So let’s take a look at the 5 fastest growing counties in Michigan, ranked by population growth from 2020-2022. (Data is from the U.S. Census Annual and Cumulative Estimates of Resident Population Change for Counties and County Rankings, April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2022.)

1. Ottawa County gained 4,666 people.

Located in the southwestern section of Michigan’s lower peninsula, Ottawa County is bordered by Lake Michigan and enjoys lake beaches as well as 307 miles of rivers and streams, two state parks, and over 5,000 acres of county parks and open-space lands. Thirty-eight percent of the county’s 565 square miles is farmland. Efforts to attract new residences appear to be paying off; the county’s population (nearly 317,000 in 2020) has been growing for at least the last ten years and is projected to reach nearly 370,000 by 2030.

2. Livingston County gained 2,292 people.

Located in the southeastern region of the state, Livingston County is within commuting distance of Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Flint. Its borders include the Brighton Recreation Area, which features hiking and bike trails as well as opportunities for camping and boating. Expressways that pass through Livingston offer access to the nearby metros of Detroit, Lansing, Ann Arbor, and Flint.

3. Grand Traverse County gained 1,218 people.

Promoting itself as a tech, manufacturing, health care, and financial hub, Grand Traverse is the largest county in Northern Michigan. It offers access to Lake Michigan via Grand Traverse Bay, and also contains many notable lakes. The county seat, Traverse City, is Northern Michigan’s largest city. The TC area offers winery tours, historic lighthouses, multiple art galleries and museums, and other attractions.

4. Barry County gained 1,216 people.

Though it ranks fourth on this list, the difference in growth between Barry and Grand Traverse Counties is negligible. Geographically, though, the two counties are far apart, with Barry located in the southwest area of the state. The county claims a best-of-both-worlds kind of vibe, offering access to camping and outdoor activities as well as urban centers like Hastings (the county seat), Lansing, Grand Rapids, and Kalamazoo.

5. Kent County gained 1,099 people.

In fifth place on our list of the fastest-growing counties in Michigan, Kent County sits north of Barry, sharing a border. The county includes the city of Grand Rapids, whose attractions include a range of museums, outdoor activities, live music venues, and a “Beer City USA” designation with brewery tours and beer culture events.

Summary of the 5 fastest growing counties in Michigan

What does the future hold for Michigan’s population? According to a 2019 report by the State of Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, some counties will continue to see growth over the next decade, especially those in metro areas. The overall state population will likely increase, as workers move in to fill jobs left by retiring baby boomers. When that trend ends, though, the state population is likely to decline due to falling birth rates.

Here’s a summary list of the 5 fastest growing counties in Michigan.

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