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Michigan’s struggle to maintain its population is not just about finding ways for people to move here or stay here.
It’s also about fertility.
State Demographer Eric Guthrie told a gathering of lawmakers and economists on Friday in Lansing, that Michigan’s fertility rate has not been high enough to keep a steady population.
The state’s fertility rate is below the magic number of two, although he notes that other states are also below two.
House Republican Cindy Gamrat of Plainwell asked if that means the state should be “encouraging more children in Michigan.” Guthrie’s response: “I’m going to leave that for you folks to decide.”
Guthrie did note that the numbers show “migration” should be considered greatly important as Michigan heads into its future.
