Whew, what's going on in Macomb county?

[kraig]

May 14, 2009


Blacks leaving Wayne County

Census shows 8.9% loss from 2000-08

BY KRISTI TANNER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER Wayne County continues to lose its African-American population, while Macomb County has seen a dramatic increase in African-American residents, according to new U.S. census figures released today.
The African-American population in Wayne County decreased by 77,535 people, or 8.9%, between 2000 and 2008. Among African Americans age 19 and younger, the decline doubled to nearly 18%.
The white non-Hispanic population decreased by 6.3%, or by 66,284 people, in Wayne County over this period, while the Asian and Hispanic populations grew. The amount of Asians increased by 27% or 9,836 people, while Hispanic residents jumped to nearly 29% or 22,069 people.
An analysis by Kurt Metzger, a demographer and director of the Detroit Area Community Information System, found that Macomb County saw an increase of roughly 195% in its African-American population between 2000 and 2008. The increase was even sharper -- 231% -- among African Americans age 19 and younger.
These population shifts are attributable primarily to school-related decision-making and "cry out for more regional solutions," said Metzger, who noted that Michigan's younger population as a whole continues to decrease.
State demographer Ken Darga predicted a rebound in the Michigan population as the children of baby boomers start having children. Those children now are roughly 13-23 years old.
Contact KRISTI TANNER: ktanner@freepress.com or 313-222-8877 • CENSUS DATABASE: Age, race and gender by U.S. county





I've hung out at a bunch of bars and nightclubs in Warren, Shelby Township, Sterling Heights and Clinton Township. The nightlife for younger people in Macomb County seems to be a lot better than Oakland County, so does it's cost of living. Their school systems aren't quite as established as the Grosse Pointe and West Bloomfield districts. If they ever get there, Macomb County may end up being the best county in the state.