Lansing's population increases for second straight year

LANSING – The City of Lansing's population increased by 338 residents to 114,620 last year, according to estimated U.S. Census figures released Thursday.

The Census calculates estimates as of July 1 of each year and reported Lansing's population at 114,282 in 2013 and 114,250 in 2012.

State of Michigan demographer Eric Guthrie said an improving economy, affordable housing and a rising Hispanic population are a few reasons why Lansing is on pace to keep growing.

"We're talking about people who are coming here for a reason," said Guthrie, a Lansing resident.

Lansing, based on the U.S. Census, is the sixth largest city in Michigan behind Detroit (680,250), Grand Rapids (193,792), Warren (135,099), Sterling Heights (131,741) and Ann Arbor (117,770). Lansing ranks No. 238 among the nation's largest cities; New York City (8,491,079) is No. 1.

The Census also reported Michigan's population grew from 9,875,736 in 2011 to 9,909,877 last year.

Census figures were released about three months after the Washington-based Urban Institute reported Greater Lansing will have 540,960 residents by 2030, a nearly 17 increase. Greater Lansing includes Ingham, Eaton and Clinton counties.

Guthrie said the Urban Institute's forecast for the region could be "a little optimistic."

"It's certainly not impossible," Guthrie said. "Geographies change, and the Lansing metro area may expand into a larger area."

Lansing's estimated population (as of July 1 of each year)

2014 - 114,620

2013 - 114,282

2012 - 114,250

2011 - 114,270

2010 - 114,323

Michigan's estimated population

2014 - 9,909,877

2013 - 9,898,193

2012 - 9,884,781

2011 - 9,875,736

2010 - 9,876,498

Source: U.S. Census