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Latest Census Bureau Population Estimates for the U.P.
The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates show that the Upper Peninsula’s population has remained relatively stable overall—but the story varies widely by county. While places like Marquette and Houghton continue to attract new residents through migration, many other counties face long-term population decline, an aging population, workforce shortages, and rising housing costs. Our newest article explores what these trends mean for the future of the U.P.
U.P. Exceptionalism: The Case of Craft Beer
Michigan’s craft beer industry has grown dramatically over the past decade—even as overall beer consumption declines. Discover how Upper Peninsula breweries are adapting by becoming community hubs, diversifying their offerings, and finding new ways to thrive in a changing market.
Rural Voices
Global Service from Upper Peninsula Roots: Talking to Karen Ogle About Her Foreign Service Career
In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Karen Ogle, a Marquette native who has carved out a distinguished career in the U.S. State Department’s Foreign Service.
Diplomatic Paths: From Marquette to the World with Robert Hilton
In the latest episode of the Rural Insights Podcast, David Haynes sits down with Robert Hilton, Foreign Policy Advisor to the Chief of Staff of the Army and a Marquette native with a storied international career.
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More From Our Articles
The U.P. Falling Further and Further Behind?: An Comparison of Median Household Income Growth
How has the U.P. fared economically compared to neighboring Wisconsin counties over the past 35 years? This new analysis by Michael Broadway examines changes in median household income, population trends, manufacturing job losses, and what they may mean for the region’s future.
Knife Fight in a Phone Booth, Food Waste Research Project, Status of Former Marquette Hospital Site Development, and the High Cost of Higher Education
Knife Fight in a Phone Booth, Food Waste Research Project, Status of Former Marquette Hospital Site Development, and the High Cost of Higher Education. Read this week’s Rural Whispers, Noise & Rumors by David Haynes.
Going to war, it happened before
War rarely begins with a single event. Barry Kaye’s latest article examines how the Gulf of Tonkin incident helped draw the United States into Vietnam, the role of political decision-making, and the lessons history still offers today. A thought-provoking look at how nations drift into conflict—and why understanding the past matters.
Research
Assessing Socioeconomic Trends and Disparities in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: A County-by-County Analysis
We occasionally publish research by NMU students, and this article is an…
Earned Income Tax Credit: Max Steele’s Analysis
Rural areas have several demographic components that lend themselves to having a…
Recent Population Changes in the U.P. Amidst the Pandemic
The population dynamics of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are well documented. Its population,…
Boom and Bust: Calumet and Keweenaw National Historical Park 30 Years On
Many communities throughout the Upper Peninsula have developed their sense of place…
Survey Shows Diversity of NMU’s Student Veterans
Diversity is something that members of America’s armed forces inadvertently come to…







