State Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit) speaks on the House floor on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the Capitol Building in Lansing.
DETROIT, Mich., May 16, 2025 — The U.S. Census released a report yesterday showing that the city of Detroit experienced a population growth of more than 12,000 residents in the last year. With this increase, the city is now ranked the 26th largest in the nation, surpassing Portland and coming in just behind Boston.
“Detroit’s population growth is a clear sign that our city continues to move in the right direction. The state’s investments to support families, improve schools, renovate neighborhood parks and make streets safer have clearly paid off. This moment proves that when we invest in people and neighborhoods, we build a Detroit that celebrates its amazing past, but also believes in its bright future,” said state Rep. Stephanie A. Young (D-Detroit), chair of the Detroit Caucus.
Detroit’s population growth reflects the success of targeted investments made in the state budget that are helping make the city a more attractive place to live, work and raise a family. In the 2024–2025 budget, House Dems prioritized funding to support core areas that matter most to young families and future generations.
“This growth didn’t happen by accident — it’s the result of intentional, strategic investments through the state budget that put Detroit families first,” said state Rep. Regina Weiss (D-Oak Park), secretary of the Detroit Caucus. “We prioritized what truly matters to families — strong schools, safe and beautiful neighborhoods, meaningful career pathways and spaces where children can learn, play and grow. When you invest in the foundation of a community, families take notice, and they choose to build their futures here in Detroit.”
Investments in education from last term’s Democratic trifecta are helping shape a brighter future for Detroit’s youth, with major funding going toward high schools, university programs and community-based academic support. Families are also benefiting from improvements to parks, cleaner neighborhoods and expanded access to arts and cultural spaces that make Detroit a more vibrant place to raise children. With increased funding for job training and workforce development, more Detroiters are also gaining the tools they need to build stable, fulfilling careers. These targeted investments are creating real momentum, making the city not only a place people return to, but also a place where new families want to plant roots.
“When we invest in our young people, our neighborhoods and the future of work, we’re investing in the soul of Detroit. Strategic investments aren’t just line items; they’re lifelines for families who want to give their children a better life. Whether it’s a high school student discovering their path, a parent finding a good-paying job or a child playing safely in a clean neighborhood park, this is what progress looks like,” said state Rep. Helena Scott (D-Detroit), vice chair of the Detroit Caucus.
These investments are doing more than improving services, they’re helping shape a Detroit where young families feel they can build a strong future. As momentum continues to build, the City’s growth is a reflection of what happens when lawmakers invest directly in people, neighborhoods and opportunity.
“Detroit’s population increase is a testament to its residents — both long-term and newer arrivals — who are committed to living in the City and working with lawmakers to improve their neighborhoods, schools and public services. When lawmakers and residents work together, we have common sense investments that keep residents in their homes, keep businesses growing and keep students learning. We need to continue these investments to support future population growth and retention,” said state Rep. Tonya Myers Phillips (D-Detroit), treasurer of the Detroit Caucus.
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