Michigan confronts additional losses in Congressional representation and federal funding in the wake of 2010 Census figures showing a 10-year population loss of .6% -- the only state population decline during that period.
In total, Michigan's population dropped to 9.88 million from 9.93 million in the 2000 Census. It was the state's first decline in the past 100 years, spurred by struggles in its core industries and the economic recession.
More than damaging the state psyche, the census results are used to proportionately dole out billions of dollars in federal funding for state and municipal projects. They also apportion the number of seats each state has in the 435-seat U.S. House of Representatives. In the latter category, Michigan lost one seat of representation, reducing its number of seats to 14, according to Census data.
The loss follows a 30-year trend, as the state has lost at least one seat in the House since 1980; Michigan lost two seats in 1990. Taken together with a modest 3.3% population increase in Illinois and virtually flat trend in Ohio, the entire Great Lakes region could potentially lose clout in Congress over issues of mutual interest. Moreover, the results are also used to determine the make-up of the electoral college, meaning presidential elections can be impacted when national results are considered.
MI Perspective: The 2010 Census data confirm what most residents knew by observation: Michigan is losing people. It should, however, lend new urgency to the need for a united campaign to the the country know Michigan is still alive and kicking. The talking points should includes efforts --and successes -- toward economic diversification, the states abundant natural and human resources, and overall merits in quality of life. A modest proposal from MI: A "Come Home to Michigan" campaign coordinating communication on the above themes. Not a PR initiative, but a coordinated effort applying the offices and resources of business, government and academia. Together we can do this.
In other 2010 data, the Census Bureau reported that U.S. population now stands at 308.7 million. The most populous state was California (37,253,956); the least populous, Wyoming (563,626). The state that gained the most numerically since the 2000 Census was Texas (up 4,293,741 to 25,145,561) and the state that gained the most as a percentage of its 2000 Census count was Nevada (up 35.1% to 2,700,551).
Regionally, the South and the West picked up the bulk of the population increase, 14,318,924 and 8,747,621, respectively. But the Northeast and the Midwest also grew: 1,722,862 and 2,534,225.
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