Detroit, located in Wayne County, Michigan, currently has a population of 631,524 as of 2025 according to World Population Review.
Serving as the county seat, Detroit is experiencing a population decline at a rate of -0.27% per year, with a total decrease of -1.06% since the 2020 census, which recorded a population of 639,111 only had a slow growth in 2023.
In 2025, the population of the Detroit metro area is estimated to reach 3,543,000, reflecting a slight increase of 0.43% from the previous year according to Macrotrends.
This is noteworthy considering the city’s historical trend of population loss.
Key Takeaways
Economic and Population Decline
Nothing Stops Detroit ๐ช๐ฝ
Detroit is on the rise with the city gaining 1,852 residents between July 1, 2022, and July 1, 2023, bringing the population to 633,366, according to @CityofDetroit. After decades of population decline since 1958, this is a significant turnaround.โฆ pic.twitter.com/urwfCwOBTq
โ Detroitisit (@Detroitisit) May 28, 2024
Detroit has faced decades of economic and population decline, largely driven by urban decay, segregation, political challenges, and the collapse of its once-dominant auto industry.
The city lost over 140,000 manufacturing jobs between 1947 and 1963, with further losses due to competition from Japanese car imports.
From its peak population of 1.8 million in 1950, Detroit’s population fell by over 60%, dropping to 713,000 by 2010 and continuing to decline to 631,524 in 2024.
The city filed for bankruptcy in 2013, facing $20 billion in unpaid bills, the largest municipal bankruptcy in U.S. history. While the rate of population decline has slowed, projections estimate Detroit’s population may drop to 610,000 by 2030 before stabilizing.
Age Distribution
Detroit’s age distribution highlights a relatively balanced population across age groups, with notable concentrations among young adults (25-29 years) at 7.46%, followed by middle-aged groups like 55-59 years at 6.75%. Children and older adults show lower percentages, such as 1.62%-1.99% for those aged 5-9 and 80-84, respectively according to Statistical Atlas.
The higher share of working-age adults reflects a population base that supports economic activity, while the lower percentage in senior groups indicates potential future demographic shifts as younger cohorts age.
The steady distribution among younger cohorts suggests opportunities for investment in education and workforce development to counteract broader population decline trends.
Age and Sex Percentages Table
The age and sex distribution in Detroit reveals slight variations between males and females across different age cohorts.
Females generally outnumber males in senior age groups (65+), but males are slightly more prevalent in the college-age cohort (18-21).
Working-age adults (22-64) show relatively balanced representation between genders, with minor differences.
Children (0-17) and older adults maintain comparable percentages, highlighting the city’s dependency ratio challenges.
Ethnic and Racial Composition
Detroitโs racial composition is predominantly Black or African American, accounting for 77.82% of the total population, highlighting the cityโs long-standing identity as a hub of African American culture and history.
Whites make up 12.22%, while other racial groups, including Asians (1.61%) and American Indians and Alaska Natives (0.36%), represent smaller portions of the population as noted by Neilsberg.
Multiracial individuals and those identifying as “some other race” contribute 3.75% and 4.23%, respectively, reflecting some diversity in the city.
Immigrant Population in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metro Area
Region
Immigrant Population
Percentage of Total Population (%)
Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metro Area
401,100
10%
Michigan
639,500
6%
United States
42,228,200
13%
Immigrants constitute 10% of the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro areaโs population, compared to 6% in Michigan overall and 13% nationally.
This concentration highlights the metro area as a significant hub for foreign-born residents, reflecting its history as a center for immigration and industrial opportunity.
Year of Immigration to Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metro Area
Immigration to the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area has shifted significantly in recent decades, with 54% of immigrants arriving after 1990 according to the Reporters.
The post-2000 era accounts for a remarkable 29% of immigrants, reflecting recent global migration trends and the area’s attractiveness for newcomers despite broader population declines.
Top Five Countries of Birth Among Immigrants (Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metro Area)
Immigrants in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area show a unique distribution, with larger shares coming from Iraq, India, Canada, and Lebanon compared to national averages. This reflects the area’s role as a destination for specific ethnic communities, driven by economic and cultural factors.
Household Income of Immigrants in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metro Area
Immigrant households in Detroit-Warren-Dearborn report a higher median income ($52,657) compared to the national immigrant median ($46,581).
A greater share earns $75,000 or more, reflecting opportunities for upward mobility within the region, particularly for skilled workers in industries such as healthcare and engineering.
Nonfarm Employment in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metro Area
Year
Employment (Thousands)
Change (Thousands)
Percent Change (%)
June 2023
2,075.1
–
–
June 2024
2,082.4
+7.3
+0.4
Between June 2023 and June 2024, total nonfarm employment in the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area grew modestly by 0.4% (+7,300 jobs) according to BLS.
The change, while positive, reflects slower growth compared to the national increase of 1.6% over the same period, highlighting limited job expansion in the region.
Industry Sector Employment Changes
The largest growth occurred in Mining, Logging, and Construction (+8.7%), reflecting ongoing infrastructure development.
Declines in Professional & Business Services (-2.5%) and Information (-2.6%) indicate struggles in high-skill industries, possibly due to reduced demand or structural challenges.
Manufacturing also saw a minor decline (-0.6%), reflecting ongoing pressures from automation and global competition.
Employment by Metropolitan Division
The Warren-Troy-Farmington Hills division accounted for 62% of total employment in the metro area, driven by suburban growth and economic activity. The Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia division remains smaller but includes important urban employment centers. This divisionโs growth is critical for balanced regional development.
Yearly Industry Growth Comparison
The Detroit-Dearborn-Livonia division saw the highest percentage growth in Mining, Logging, and Construction (+12.8%), reflecting substantial urban construction activity. In contrast, Professional & Business Services declined significantly (-6.4%), signaling potential challenges in office-related industries and consulting.
Key Housing Market Metrics
Metric
Value
Change (Year-over-Year)
Median Sale Price
$93,450
+9.9%
Median Sale Price per Sq. Ft.
$75
+11.9%
Median Days on Market
53
+7 days
Number of Homes Sold
543
+3.4%
The Detroit housing market remains somewhat competitive, with median sale prices increasing by 9.9% compared to the previous year.
Homes are selling slightly slower, averaging 53 days on the market compared to 46 days last year, indicating a slight cooling but still active market according to Redfin.
The number of homes sold increased by 3.4%, reflecting consistent buyer demand.
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Detroit Market Competitiveness
Detroit’s market sees homes selling for an average of 5% below their list price, with 23.8% of homes selling above the listed price. Price drops decreased slightly, indicating that sellers are better aligning their expectations with market realities. The market’s competitiveness is steady, supported by consistent demand.
Income and Poverty Metrics in Detroit
Metric
Value
Year-over-Year Change (%)
Average Household Income
$54,054
+9.2%
Median Household Income
$37,761
+8.6%
Median Income (<25)
$29,740
N/A
Median Income (25-44)
$39,657
N/A
Median Income (45-64)
$38,733
N/A
Median Income (65+)
$35,596
N/A
People Below Poverty Level
-2
N/A
People Above Poverty Level
424,474
-1.0%
Detroit has experienced significant growth in household incomes, with average income rising by 9.2% and median income by 8.6%, signaling positive economic trends. However, the median income levels show disparities based on age groups.
Working-age adults (25-44) earn the highest median income at $39,657, while younger residents (<25) and seniors (65+) earn substantially less, at $29,740 and $35,596, respectively, highlighting potential economic vulnerabilities in these demographics as noted by Point2Homes.
Positive Educational Trends in Detroit
Metric
Value/Change
Bachelor’s Degree Attainment
City: 25% (+7 points in 5 years)
Region: 50% (+7 points in 5 years)
Four-Year Postsecondary Graduation Rate
City: 42%, Region: 71% (incremental increase)
Two-Year Postsecondary Graduation Rate
City: 12%, Region: 32% (minimal increase)
Detroit Promise Black Students
62% graduation rate (+13 points above national average)
Detroit Promise Latino Students
7 points above the national average
Apprenticeships
Over 7,600 active apprentices (+2x since 2018)
High School Graduation Rate
City: 73% (+5 points, nearing pre-pandemic levels)
Region: 85%, National Average: 87%
Detroit’s educational landscape shows progress, with bachelor’s degree attainment and high school graduation rates improving. Programs like Detroit Promise demonstrate significant impact, particularly among Black and Latino students.
Apprenticeships have nearly doubled, signaling a shift toward trade and industry-based training. However, despite these positive trends, high school graduation rates in Detroit still trail the national average, highlighting the need for sustained efforts to close the gap according to Detoritchamber.
Educational Challenges in Detroit
Metric
Value/Challenge
Postsecondary Enrollment Decline
City: 59% not enrolled within 12 months
Region: 37% not enrolled
Postsecondary Completion Gaps
City: 70%, Region: 42% (no credential in 6 years)
Racial Disparities in Education
Black: 27%, Hispanic: 34% (Associate degree or higher)
Region Rate: 44%
Adults with Some College, No Degree
492,000 adults (22% of working-age population)
Decrease in Degree Completion
-15% in associate degrees or higher over 5 years
Low FAFSA Completion Rates
Metro Detroit: 54%
Unclaimed Federal Aid
$93.5 million in unclaimed Pell grants
Perceptions of Higher Education
27.5% say a degree is worth the money
23% aware of the Michigan Achievement Scholarship
Detroit faces substantial educational challenges, including low postsecondary enrollment and completion rates, significant racial disparities, and a high number of adults with incomplete degrees.
Decreasing degree attainment and underutilization of FAFSA highlight systemic gaps. Misperceptions about the value of higher education further threaten progress, indicating the need for targeted initiatives to increase awareness, improve accessibility, and address equity in educational outcomes.
Methodology
This article was crafted using data-driven insights from trusted sources like the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and other reputable reports. Population trends were derived from longitudinal analyses of census and demographic data.
The housing market and income statistics were sourced from real estate and financial reports. Educational achievements and challenges were compiled from regional studies and institutional performance metrics.
Employment data were analyzed using industry-specific benchmarks and year-over-year growth patterns. Racial and immigrant demographics were based on national and regional statistics to ensure comprehensive coverage.
The synthesis of these elements aimed to create an accurate and balanced overview of Detroit’s current socio-economic landscape.
References
- World Population Review – Detroit Population 2025
- Macrotrends – Detroit Metro Area Population 2025
- U.S. Census Bureau – QuickFacts: Detroit City, Michigan
- Statistical Atlas – Age and Sex in Detroit, Michigan
- Neilsberg – Detroit MI Population by Race
- Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Area Employment in Detroit, June 2024
- Redfin – Detroit Housing Market Trends 2024
- Point2Homes – Detroit Demographics
- Detroit Chamber of Commerce – State of Education and Talent Press Release
- Institute for Immigration Research – Detroit Metro Area iDod Fact Sheet
