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Michigan is old and getting older. Experts warn of looming consequences
State officials said more than one-third of residents are over 55, and the labor force has lost 93,000 workers since March 2025.
- On Friday, State Demographer Jaclyn Butler presented sobering labor market data to lawmakers at the Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference, warning that Michigan's aging population and shrinking workforce threaten long-term economic stability and tax revenues.
- Michigan's labor force has lost 93,000 workers since March 2025, largely because baby boomers are retiring in waves, said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director at the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics.
- About 80% of Michigan school districts have reported enrollment reductions since 2009, with only about 99,000 births in 2024 limiting the younger population available to replenish the workforce.
- State officials expressed concern Friday about an expected $1 billion shortfall, as State Budget Director Jenn Flood warned that balancing the budget will require tough decisions.
- To prepare for the 2030 Census, Butler is meeting with local governments to discuss the Local Update of Census Addresses operation, aiming to position the state for a strong count.
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Associated Press News+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Michigan is old and getting older. Experts warn of looming consequences
An aging population, rising retirement rates and a stagnating labor market could have serious consequences for the state and its residents if left unaddressed, state demographers said Friday.
·United States
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Michigan Ranked as 13th Oldest State in the Country as Future of Labor Force Remains Uncertain
Photo: Nick King/Lansing State Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK May 20, 2026 ~ Bridge Michigan’s Jordyn Hermani joins Kevin Dietz to discuss Michigan’s population getting older and what it means for the state.LANSING, MICH. ~ As of 2024, one-third of Michigan residents were over the age of 55. With 22% of Michigan’s population ages 16 and up having already retired, demographers worry about the rate at which young workers in the state can rep…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left3Leaning Right4Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution37% Center, 36% Right
Bias Distribution
- 37% of the sources are Center, 36% of the sources lean Right
37% Center
L 27%
C 37%
R 36%
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