Michigan Change in Population, Upper Peninsula Census Numbers Decline, and Masking and Vaccinations in the Upper Peninsula

Michigan Change in Population

Take a look at the following data from the U.S. Census Bureau for Michigan’s population changes between 2010 to 2019:

• Hispanic Population: +86,691
• Asian Population: +85,854
• Black: -21,100
• White: -98,291

Overall, Michigan’s population only rose 2 percent in the last ten years. The result is we will lose one congressional seat in Michigan–dropping to 13 seats from 14 in Congress.

This will also impact the reapportionment of state legislative seats, and assure that there will be some readjusting of existing legislative boundaries–including in the Upper Peninsula.

Michigan is now the 10th largest state in America, dropping from number 8, although we are now over 10 million people.

The census data shows a growth in metropolitan areas and declines or no change in rural areas. Overall, the data shows the United States is getting more diverse and more rural. 

Upper Peninsula Census Numbers Decline

Only Houghton County had an increase in population–733 people. Houghton increased by 2 percent–the same as the state’s overall increase. Luce County had the largest decrease–19.5 percent. 

None of the other 14 counties in the UP increased in population. The Upper Peninsula as a whole had a decrease of 3.1 percent. The overall population is now 301,608 in all 15 counties.

We will see legislative districts being redrawn statewide that will reflect the population declines/increases. The UP’s four state House seats will see redrawing to reflect the new numbers. The eastern UP’s 107th districts will most likely see its growth below the bridge increase.

The UP’s 1st Congressional district is already geographically one of the largest congressional districts east of the Mississippi River. We can expect to see more lower Michigan communities added to the district due to population losses in the UP. Some observers are thinking we could even lose a state house seat in the UP–going from four to three house districts.

Also, will the UP’s 38th Senate district be expanded to include more population in the eastern UP? The power and influence of the UP in the 1st CD election results have been declining for a long time and that will continue due to these new census numbers. 

The census news is not great for the Upper Peninsula or lower southeast Michigan. West Michigan, Washtenaw and Oakland County saw major gains in population in the Michigan census and as a result their power in state and federal politics and elections will increase at the expense of the Upper Peninsula and southeast lower Michigan.

Masking and Vaccinations in the Upper Peninsula

Most of the higher education institutions in the Upper Peninsula have all announced that they will require some level of masking on campus, but will not yet require vaccinations to return to campus. As we reported last week, only the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University will require vaccinations for returning students.

Interestingly, Stanford University announced that it will require vaccinations and masking for its returning students, but added they will require weekly testing of all students–even those who have been previously vaccinated. Might we see some of that developing in the midwest? In Michigan?

Reports are starting to come in about Upper Peninsula K-12 district requirements for students and teachers.

In the next couple of weeks we will see thousands of students returning to campuses in the Upper Peninsula from all across the country. Will we see an increase in infection rates? Time will tell. 

Book Recommendations From Readers

Appleseed. Matt Bell. 2021 (Woven together out of strands of myth, science fiction and ecological disaster. Appleseed is as urgent as it is audacious. K. Link.)

Quotes That Makes Us Go Hmmm

“Politicians are never so dangerous as after a triumph.” Peggy Noonan, Wall Street Journal. 2021.

“The louder he mentioned his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.” Ralph Waldo Emerson.

At Rural Insights we report, not advocate. We strive to increase the diversity of regional civic information, research, and news. Hopefully more digital platforms and potential digital platforms and potential content producers, including independent journalists, local governments, nonprofits and educational institutions will contribute toward the goal of civic information and more informed citizens.