Population Trends

Understanding of the general population trends is an essential component of fully understanding our community, where we have been, where we are now and possibilities for the future.  Population characteristics play a role in the human resource programs provided or needed in an area and have significant implications for the current and future employment and training programs.  An area’s population size and age distribution is a major factor on its labor supply.

• The area's 1998 population was 134,847 or 1.4 percent of the state's population.  The area's population grew by over 19,000 between 1980 and 1998.  Almost sixty-three percent of this growth occurred between 1990 and 1998.

• Eight counties comprise the MWA, with Alpena the most populated (30,405 or 22.5 percent) and Oscoda the least populated (8,882 or 6.6 percent). 

• The MWA's racial profile is majority white (98.4 percent) with native americans comprising the largest minority group at nearly one percent. 

Overall, the northern portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan remains a fast growing area.  While the northeast region is not growing at the same rate as the northwest, much of the area is growing at rate greater than the state and national averages.  Otsego County has experienced the greatest population increase, between 1990 and 1998, of the eight counties in northeast Michigan, at 23.2 percent. 

Regional changes between 1990 and 1996:

• Decrease in all counties in Northeast Michigan for age groups:  < 5 years, 18-24 years, and 24-44 years of age. 

• Increase in all counties for 5-17 years old age group and all age groups greater than 45 years old. 

Households and Disability Status

Income and Education