LANSING, Mich. (News 10) – New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows Michigan has 108,000 fewer children than it did in 2020, as young families across the state report having fewer kids amid rising costs.
The percentage of Michigan residents under the age of 18 dropped more than a full percentage point over the past five years. Ninety-five percent of Michigan counties saw their child populations decline. In Ingham County, children make up just 19% of the population — slightly below the state average.
Parents point to financial pressure
Erika Parsons, a fourth-grade teacher and mother of two, said the cost of raising children is a primary factor.
“I think the financial aspect of it is a huge part of it,” Parsons said. “Things are just different now — other generations, they were able to have a decent job and be able to take care of their children. I feel like now it’s a lot harder to do that.”…