Michigan has small gain in population

Michigan had a tenth-of-a-percent gain in population from July 2011 to July 2012, according to U.S. Census data.

Estimated figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau show Michigan will gain 6,559 new residents since July last year, pushing its population to more than 9.8 million. It would be Michigan’s first net increase since 2004.

Locally, St. Joseph County is on track to record 60,796 residents, a decrease of 220 people in the one-year period, and loss of 499 people since the 2010 Census.

Meanwhile, Cass County is poised to experience a drop of 332 residents compared to July 2011. Projections call for Cass County’s population this year to be 52,242 people. That is 51 fewer people compared to what was recorded through the 2010 Census.