Census Estimates Show Changing Age and Racial Demographics in Oakland County
(Kurt Metzger, July 18, 2024)
Oakland County, MI – Oakland County has lost just under 4,000 residents (3,976 to be exact) between the 2020 Census and the latest population estimates for July 1, 2023. Last week the Census Bureau provided information on the racial, ethnic, gender and age composition of that population.
Today’s analysis looks at the racial and ethnic changes that have occurred over the three-year period. The next article will explore the changing age and gender trends.
The first chart shows the percentage change for each major racial/ethnic group. Following national and state trends, Oakland County experienced a continuing loss in its white, non-Hispanic population – down 15,759 persons or 1.7 percent. Their overall share of the county’s population fell from 71 to 70 percent.
While Asians had the largest numerical increase (up 5,493 or 5.7 percent), Hispanics had the largest percentage increase (7.6 percent, or 4,628 persons). The next largest increase (up 1,471 or 5.4 percent) was seen in the multi-race segment. A look at the population pyramid for this group shows a heavy concentration in the lower age groups, representing the increasing number of children resulting from mixed race/ethnic marriages.
I have created 5 population pyramids to demonstrate the rather unique age distributions across groups.
The white, non-Hispanic pyramid shows the continuing dominance of baby boomers who are now 59 years and above, the result being a pyramid that tipping to the older age cohorts. The Hispanic/Latino pyramid shows somewhat the reverse – heavy in the lower cohorts and light at the top. The other 3 pyramids tell different stories that fall between the two extremes.
A last thing to look at, and something that will be addressed in my age/gender discussion, is that each pyramid shows decreasing bar size with decreasing age. This is a sign that, regardless of racial/ethnic group, birth rates are dropping. I will have more to say about the future of population growth in the county in future articles. Needless to say, county leaders must understand that:
- Birth rates are declining
- Death rates are increasing
- Domestic out-migration continues
- Immigration is critical to maintaining steady population levels
The State of Michigan is working on how to increase population so that Michigan can maintain a strong workforce, as well as to have the resources to maintain the quality of life and environment in the state. Learn more about the Growing Michigan Together program in this previous story. Also check out our previous population-related stories in the Data Section of Oakland County Times.
