 |
Since 1980, about 30% of the Ann Arbor population has lived in the central area. Single family housing density increased slightly between 2000 and 1990, however gross residential density decreased slightly.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau and SEMCOG |
|
Population of Ann Arbor |
|
Year
|
Total Population (*) |
Central Area Population (**) |
Central Area % of Total Population (***) |
|
1960 |
67,340 |
30,896 |
46 |
|
1970 |
99,797 |
36,000 |
36 |
|
1980 |
107,966 |
34,781 |
32 |
|
1990 |
109,592 |
36,058 |
33 |
|
2000
|
114,024
|
33,550 |
29 |
|
*Prior to 1950, the Census Bureau considered college students to be residents in their parents’ homes. Since 1950, the Census has included students as residents of the communities in which they lived for most of the year. The Ann Arbor Planning Department has estimated the number of students not counted by the Census for each Census year from 1900 through 1940. These estimates were made from data supplied by The University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Public Schools. For details, see Economic Base Report, Ann Arbor Planning Department, 1965, p. 73. The “total population” figure counts students as well as the more permanent population.
**Data not available prior to 1960.
***Data not available prior to 1960.
Sources: U.S. Census of Population 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990 and 2000. City of Ann Arbor Planning Department supplied the data for years prior to 1950. |
|
Residential Density (Units per Acre) |
|
Density Type |
1990 |
2000 |
|
|
|
Single-Family Land Use |
3.17 |
3.24 |
|
Gross Residential Density |
5.68 |
5.64 |
|
Source: SEMCOG Community Profiles |
Where is the central area?
The Central Area is approximately 1,995 acres (3.12 square miles) in size and contains the downtown commercial districts; the University of Michigan Central, Medical and South Campuses; and the surrounding established residential neighborhoods. There are four distinct business districts in the Central Area: Main Street, State Street, South University, and Kerrytown.
What is residential density?
Residential density is a measurement of population per acre.
The above SEMCOG statistics show Residential density calculated separately for single-family and for gross or all residential land:
- Single-Family Land Use Density - The number of single-family housing units divided by the area of single-family land use.
- Gross Residential Density - The number of all housing units divided by the total area of both single-family and multi-family land use.
- 1990-2000 Increment - The density of housing units built 1990-2000, that is, the number of housing units built divided by the area of residential land added 1990-2000.
Source: SEMCOG Community Profiles
How does population density affect our environment?
The population density indicator serves as a proxy to measure pressures on natural resources, such as water, air and land.
In already urbanized areas, increased density can positively impact on the environment, as increased development in already urbanized areas can prevent development in more rural areas, reducing overall sprawl. Where housing is integrated into areas with jobs and shopping, transportation impacts may be reduced.
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