Why is the population of Detroit is steep decline?

Question

During the 2000 Census, the Population of Detroit was over 951,000 but according to Wikipedia, the Population today is less than 867,000 and I was wondering how Detroit could lose over 84,000 residents in a five year time period?

I meant to say "Why is the Population of Detroit in Steep Decline?"

Answer 1

I'll add my "two cents" as well, with the economy so bad in Detroit and surrounding areas NYMan and CB (hello to both) are both correct that people have been leaving and continue to leave for economic reasons and better economic opportunities/jobs elsewhere. If you know anything about recent history of the metro-Detroit area, the job market has been brutal as the Big Three continually get their butts kicked by foreign automakers; much of the entire region had their economy based largely on the jobs/etc. provided by the automakers. For those staying in the region, Detroit has probably suffered the most economic damage and still those that want to live and can still find work in the area are leaving the city, because it continues to suffer urban decay-which leads to more social problems like family decay, gangs, crime, drugs, etc., and are moving to the suburbs. I also think Detroit taxes are surprisingly high and as more people move out, those that remain have more taxes to burden- which only leads to more people, who can afford to, leaving the city. Others are moving to cities and towns on the other side of the state or leaving the state totally as well because the economy is much better off. Of course, if I just suggested the reason why Detroit's population has declined so much in recent years was simply because all the gang members and drug dealers have been killing each other off, most people from the suburbs and out-state may actually think that was an honest answer and those living in other parts of the country would presume that answer to be correct.

Answer 2

Well, for starters, jobs. People need to earn a decent living. Thats not happening in Detroit at this time. Everyones loosing thier jobs! Secondly, theres nothing to do in and around the city. NOTHING. No community feel, nothing. Everyone hides in thier houses. When was the last time you saw a neighborhood have a BBQ together? When was the last time you actually hung out with neighors? Thirdly, we all moved out here honey. Guess where the better half of Michigan is right now?? LIVING IN PHOENIX!!!!!!

Answer 3

People are moving to the suburbs, or more attractive areas, such as Grand Rapids/West Michigan. However, although the city has lost a lot, the metro area is growing.

Detroit metro area population:
April 1, 2000: 5,357,420
July 1, 2005: 5,428,000
Increase of 70,580.

Answer 4

High Crime
High Unemployment
Urban Decay
Crumbling Infrastructure
Social Unrest
Drugs
Blight
Need I go on.

The earlier poster is right. The metro area is actually doing quite well. It is Detroit proper that is dying.

Answer 5

Have you seen Detroit? Id be running too!!

Answer 6

rampid crime, and loss of jobs... among other factors

Answer 7

its freakin scary.