Community Corner
New Census Data Reveal Birmingham's Aging Population, Larger Households
New data from the 2010 U.S. Census give a more detailed picture of Birmingham's demographics and housing characteristics.
More 2010 U.S. Census data was released last week — including Birmingham's housing, age and gender demographics — revealing a population that is growing older and households that are getting larger.
While several surrounding cities in Metro Detroit took a population hit in the 2010 Census, to come in at 20,103 residents. In 2000, Birmingham's population was 19,291.
The most noticeable change in last week's data release is Birmingham's aging population. Birmingham is officially over the hill. The median age jumped 1.8 years between 2000 and 2010 to 41.1, more than Michigan's median age by 2.5 years.
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The following is a breakdown of the median age in Birmingham and Michigan:
Birmingham 2000 Birmingham 2010 Michigan 2010 Total population
39.3 41.1 38.9 Women 40.5 41.9 40 Men 38 40.4 37.6
Birmingham's aging is noticeable when comparing the percentage of age groups to the total population. Birmingham's largest age group shifted from those in their 30s to those in their 40s and 50s. In addition, the percentage of those in their 20s in the city continued to decline.
Find out what's happening in Birminghamwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Birmingham 2000 Percent of population Birmingham 2010 Percent of population Percent change
Total population 19,291
20,103
19 and under 4,326 22.3% 5,202 25.9% +3.6%
20-29 1,975 10.2% 1,633 8.1% -2.1% 30-39 3,630 18.2% 2,820 14% -4.2%
40-49 3,226 16.7% 3,358 16.7% 0 50-59 2,680 13.9% 3,066 15.3% +1.4% 60-69 1,412 7.4% 2,152 10.7% +3.3% 70-79 1,290 6.7% 1,204 5% -1.7% 80+ 782 4% 848 2.4% -1.6%
City's household, family size grows
For Birmingham, the average household size grew, going from 2.11 to 2.22 people in 10 years. The average family size also expanded, growing from 2.86 people to 2.96 people during the past decade. While growing, these figures are still well below Michigan's averages; statewide, the average family size is 3.05 people.
Birmingham 2000 Birmingham 2010 Michigan 2010 Households 9,171 9,039 3,872,508
Average household size 2.11 2.22 2.49 Average family size 2.86 2.96 3.05
Household demographics have also changed. Contributing to this increase in household size was the number of those considered children, the population of which grew 3.5 percent since 2000.
Birmingham 2000 Percent of population Birmingham 2010 Percent of population Percent change Householders 9,171
47.3%
9,039 45% -2.3%
Spouses 4,477
23.1%
4,373 21.8% -1.3%
Children 4,751
24.5%
5,727 28% +3.5%
Other Relatives 275
1.4%
314 1.6% +0.2%
Non-relatives 695
3.6%
649 3.2% -0.4%
Homes for rent, sale contribute to increased vacancies
The 2010 Census also revealed a higher number vacancies throughout the city — a 9.4 percent vacancy rate as compared to 2000's 5.9 percent vacancy rate. Of those vacant units, the majority are those up for rent — 35 percent, up from 24 percent in 2000. The number of unsold homes also climbed. In 2010, homeowner vacancy is 3.4 percent, while rental vacancy is 11.9 percent.
The breakdown of those vacant homes are as follows:
Birmingham 2000 Percent of total vacant units Birmingham 2010 Percent of total vacant units Total vacant units 569
940
For rent 139 24.4% 332 35.3% For sale 121 21.3% 232 24.7% Rented/sold, not occupied 73 12.8% 88 9.4% Seasonal/temporary 101 17.8% 144 15.3% Other 135 23.7 144 15.3%
Birmingham demographic data is courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau.
For more information on Birmingham in the 2010 Census, check out Patch's Local Facts page: .
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