DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILES

Region 8’s population increased from 837,655 in 1980 to 1,104,848 in 2000. This represents an increase of 31.9 percent. During the same 20-year period Michigan’s population increased by 7.3 percent – a much lower percentage increase than the growth experienced in Region 8.

While the tremendous growth in the Region is a good overall indicator of an area in which  people choose to live, work, and play, it does not provide specific information about the people in the area.  The following links provide a range of demographic information about each of the seven counties in Region 8. 

 
Allegan County Demographic Profile

Ionia County Demographic Profile

Kent County Demographic Profile

Montcalm County Demographic Profile

Osceola County Demographic Profile  

Ottawa County Demographic Profile

Information in each profile includes:

●  Population Trends and Projections

●  Age and Gender Distribution

●  Household Distribution

●  Employment Trends

●  Employment Distribution

●  Income and Poverty Information

●  Housing Information

Each link also provides information for both Region 8 and Michigan as-a-whole to allow comparisons and demonstrate the unique demographic characteristics of each county.

A map of each county, showing the location of each city, village, and township is available at the end of each profile.

Contact the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission for assistance if additional information is needed for any of the counties or individual units of government.

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