Largest cities in Michigan

Michigan, known for its Great Lakes and automotive industry, is a state that offers a diverse range of living experiences. With a population of approximately 10 million, it ranks as the 10th most populated state in the U.S. Michigan has seen stable population growth, driven by its robust economy and appealing living conditions. Bordered by Ohio and Indiana to the south, Wisconsin to the west, and Canada to the north and east, Michigan offers a variety of urban and rural living environments across its roughly 1,800 cities and towns.

Living in Michigan provides numerous benefits, including access to excellent education, a strong job market, and a rich cultural scene. The state's moderate population density allows for vibrant community life and ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Michigan's economy is diverse, with strengths in manufacturing, technology, and healthcare. The state's stable population growth supports sustainable development and economic stability. The AreaVibes list of the largest cities in Michigan, based on data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey, offers a comprehensive overview of Michigan cities by population, highlighting the state's most significant urban centers.

Detroit Population: 672,351 Livability Score: 73

Area Size: 359 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,846 Med. Household Income: $32,498

Detroit, MI, known as 'The Motor City,' offers a unique blend of industrial history and cultural vibrancy. Located in southeastern Michigan, Detroit is a large city that played a significant role in the automotive industry. Major nearby cities like Ann Arbor and Windsor, Ontario enhance its status as a central hub in the Great Lakes region. Detroit's blend of historic landmarks, music heritage, and urban revitalization creates a distinctive living experience.

Grand Rapids Population: 199,417 Livability Score: 83

Area Size: 115 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,454 Med. Household Income: $51,333

Grand Rapids, MI, known as "Furniture City," is famous for its rich history in furniture manufacturing and its vibrant arts scene. Located in the western part of Michigan, Grand Rapids is approximately 30 miles east of Lake Michigan and 150 miles northwest of Detroit. This medium-sized city offers a perfect blend of cultural amenities and Midwestern charm.

Warren Population: 134,188 Livability Score: 74

Area Size: 89 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,903 Med. Household Income: $51,796

Warren, MI, known as 'The City of Progress,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in Macomb County, Warren is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Detroit (15 miles) and Sterling Heights (5 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Warren's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Sterling Heights Population: 132,296 Livability Score: 74

Area Size: 94 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,630 Med. Household Income: $66,346

Sterling Heights, MI, known as 'The Heart of Macomb,' offers a unique blend of suburban tranquility and modern urban amenities. Located in Macomb County, Sterling Heights is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Detroit (15 miles) and Warren (5 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Sterling Heights' blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Ann Arbor Population: 121,093 Livability Score: 89

Area Size: 72 KM² Density (sq mi): 4,294 Med. Household Income: $69,456

Ann Arbor, Michigan, affectionately known as "Tree Town," is a vibrant college town located in the southeastern part of the state. Home to the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor offers a lively atmosphere, rich cultural scene, and a strong sense of community. The city's blend of academic excellence, historic charm, and modern amenities makes living in Ann Arbor an attractive option for students, families, and professionals alike.

Lansing Population: 117,488 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 101 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,001 Med. Household Income: $44,233

Lansing, Michigan, known as "The Capital City," is a vibrant community with a rich history and a strong sense of civic pride. As the state capital, Lansing offers a unique blend of government, education, and industry, providing a high quality of life for its residents. The city's diverse cultural scene, economic opportunities, and welcoming atmosphere make living in Lansing an attractive option.

Flint Population: 95,999 Livability Score: 74

Area Size: 87 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,871 Med. Household Income: $30,383

Flint, MI, known as 'The Vehicle City,' offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern urban amenities. Located in Genesee County, Flint is a large city that serves as a major cultural and economic hub. Major nearby cities like Detroit (70 miles) and Ann Arbor (55 miles) enhance its status as a central point in the region. Flint's blend of scenic landscapes, cultural festivals, and urban amenities creates a distinctive living experience.

Dearborn Population: 94,328 Livability Score: 79

Area Size: 63 KM² Density (sq mi): 3,890 Med. Household Income: $56,302

Dearborn, MI - The Heart of Automotive Innovation"; echo "

Livonia Population: 93,970 Livability Score: 76

Area Size: 92 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,633 Med. Household Income: $82,158

Livonia, MI - The Heart of Metro Detroit"; echo "

Troy Population: 84,051 Livability Score: 77

Area Size: 87 KM² Density (sq mi): 2,513 Med. Household Income: $104,132

Troy, MI - A City of Growth and Opportunity"; echo "

Full list of the largest cities in Michigan

Rank	Location	Population	Area KM²	Median Income	Livability Score
1	Detroit	672,351	359	$32,498	73
2	Grand Rapids	199,417	115	$51,333	83
3	Warren	134,188	89	$51,796	74
4	Sterling Heights	132,296	94	$66,346	74
5	Ann Arbor	121,093	72	$69,456	89
6	Lansing	117,488	101	$44,233	79
7	Flint	95,999	87	$30,383	74
8	Dearborn	94,328	63	$56,302	79
9	Livonia	93,970	92	$82,158	76
10	Troy	84,051	87	$104,132	77
11	Westland	81,713	53	$51,956	76
12	Farmington Hills	80,937	86	$85,152	81
13	Kalamazoo	76,106	64	$43,222	76
14	Wyoming	75,999	64	$57,088	77
15	Rochester Hills	74,340	85	$99,666	76
16	Southfield	72,966	68	$58,076	71
17	Taylor	61,164	61	$52,872	77
18	Novi	60,439	78	$93,943	86
19	Pontiac	59,714	52	$34,673	64
20	Royal Oak	59,256	31	$83,194	82
21	St. Clair Shores	59,184	30	$62,935	79
22	Dearborn Heights	55,630	30	$50,987	79
23	Kentwood	51,780	54	$55,046	73
24	Battle Creek	51,084	110	$42,285	73
25	Portage	49,224	84	$66,571	80
26	East Lansing	48,437	35	$40,800	84
27	Saginaw	48,407	44	$30,845	62
28	Roseville	47,160	25	$49,426	72
29	Midland	41,922	89	$63,867	84
30	Muskegon	37,317	37	$35,323	78
31	Lincoln Park	36,525	15	$47,094	81
32	Holland	33,329	43	$58,796	83
33	Bay City	32,892	26	$38,014	69
34	Jackson	32,251	28	$37,192	74
35	Eastpointe	32,221	13	$49,800	73
36	Madison Heights	30,000	18	$54,668	80
37	Oak Park	29,446	13	$54,202	83
38	Southgate	29,129	18	$59,975	85
39	Port Huron	28,918	21	$41,165	65
40	Forest Hills	28,690	128	$130,646	76
41	Burton	28,598	60	$48,174	61
42	Allen Park	27,089	18	$69,331	88
43	Garden City	26,565	15	$57,011	83
44	Holt	25,888	41	$70,851	84
45	Mount Pleasant	25,290	20	$39,485	82
46	Wyandotte	24,944	14	$54,419	88
47	Walker	24,930	64	$63,878	74
48	Norton Shores	24,557	60	$65,727	69
49	Inkster	24,398	16	$32,109	67
50	Okemos	24,295	44	$78,596	84

Methodology

To compile the list of the largest cities in Michigan, AreaVibes used census data from the United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS). The American Community Survey releases updated estimates annually, offering a valuable resource for understanding the evolving dynamics within communities. These estimates are crucial for officials, community leaders, businesses, and local residents as they provide insights into demographic, economic, and social changes. By analyzing ACS data, stakeholders can make informed decisions, plan for future developments, and address the needs of their communities effectively. The detailed population information from the ACS helps track trends, allocate resources, and implement policies that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Map of the population Density by State

Well Below nat. avg.
Below nat. avg.
Similar to nat. avg.
Above nat. avg.
Well above nat. avg.

The map above serves as an excellent tool for discovering the most and least densely populated states across the United States. By highlighting both the states with the highest and lowest population density, it offers a comprehensive view of the nation's demographic landscape. This visual representation allows users to easily compare different regions, making it a valuable resource for anyone considering relocation or investment opportunities. Living in high density states could give you access to the following benefits: additional economic opportunities, enhanced amenities, improved health care, better infrastructure and technological advancement. Less densely poupulated states on the other hand, often have a lower cost of living, reduced traffic, closer-knit communities, abundant natural spaces and lower crime rates.