New U.S. Census offers encouragement as estimates show U.P. population growth in seven counties
MARQUETTE — New U.S. Census estimates show several Upper Peninsula counties posted population gains between 2021 and 2025, with Luce County seeing the largest percentage increase and Houghton, Iron, Keweenaw, Mackinac, Marquette and Schoolcraft counties also edging upward.
Demographers say more affordable housing, remote work attraction and the U.P.’s natural assets are helping drive recent migration trends. Regional leaders also point to internship retention, startup growth and new housing developments as additional pieces of the response.
The recent growth gives the region something concrete to build on as leaders work to turn short-term gains into longer-term growth.