As a result, the northern Lower Peninsula was Michigan's fastest-growing region for a third straight decade. Grand Rapids, however, was a modest gainer. Second in size only to Detroit, Grand Rapids posted a 4.6-percent gain of 8,674 residents. Flint, Lansing and Kalamazoo were among Michigan's larger cities that lost population in the 2000 census. In the northern Lower Peninsula, the lure of the wild continued to be a powerful force.
Urban dwellers crave open spaces nearby.
Growth creates demand for more roads and police. A shopping center is planned near Gaylord. West Branch has cardiac care. As folks in their 50s and 60s arrive, the northern Lower Peninsula also is graying faster than the rest of the state. The needs are growing and we are working feverishly to respond.