Detroit: A City of Opportunity, By the Numbers

Standing at the edge of the Detroit River, one can practically imagine the sails bringing Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac and his crew to what would become the city of Detroit 325 years ago.

Since that time, Detroit has undergone many changes. From a fur trading post to a hub of the Industrial Revolution to a blueprint for the manufacturing and music industries. So, why is it that across the nation and even around the world, Detroit has a reputation as a desolate, crime-ridden city?

It would be irresponsible not to honestly say that race and the worldwide effects of deindustrialization in the 1970s and 80s affected Detroit's reputation. In the eyes of outsiders, it goes from having economic opportunity (good), to not having economic opportunity (bad), so it becomes an easy target, and Detroit’s poverty and violent crime became the focus of national news stories contributing to its notoriety.

In May 2024, Detroit saw its first population increase since 1957 – a rise of 3,233. That was followed in 2025 by an increase of 6,583 new residents. This year’s increase of 5,060 brings the three-year total to nearly 15,000. Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield has said that three consecutive years of robust population growth show Detroit has become a city where longtime residents want to stay, and others want to move. The Mayor added that Detroit increasingly is seen as a city of opportunity.

Her words are reminiscent of those of esteemed American economist the late Julian Simon,who once wrote that "People are the ultimate resource. With more minds come more ideas, more innovation, and greater solutions to the world's challenges."

City officials further explain that "population numbers help shape federal funding, infrastructure investment, economic development opportunities, and how cities compete nationally for business and investment. Growth can also influence how Detroit is viewed nationally — helping counter decades-old narratives of decline while creating new confidence around the city’s future."

While the influx of new Detroiters may grab the headlines, there are benefits for long-term residents as well. Population growth can mean stronger neighborhoods, more housing and retail investment, additional services, and continued momentum in commercial corridors and community development.

This narrative is important as many long-term Detroiters have expressed that the city is being reshaped without them in mind. But, city officials emphasize, "More residents can also help strengthen Detroit’s long-term tax base, support local businesses, and create additional demand for grocery stores, retail, restaurants, and neighborhood services."

So, for long-time and native Detroiters, I encourage you to embrace our new fellow citizens, because like poet William Butler Yeats once said, "There are no strangers here; only friends you haven't yet met."

In 2009, Time Magazine embedded journalists in the city of Detroit at the height of a recession to write about the state of the city. Stories like, "Detroit: The Death — and Possible Life — of a Great City", "Detroit's Beautiful, Horrible Decline,"and even "Detroit: Now a Ghost Town" were among the results.

Time hasn't been the only publication that has written stories about the city's population decline. Additionally, independent writers and photographers have captured images and stories about abandoned houses, factories, and even churches.

“There are abandoned homes and commercial buildings across the city being renovated, and it’s happening at such a fast rate that we expect them to drive more annual population growth for the next few years,” said Mayor Sheffield.“Because we also know we’re going to run out of abandoned buildings, which is a great thing, it’s even more important to accelerate our pace of building new multi-family housing and single-family homes.”

The perception of Detroit as a ghost town comes from the fact that, at its height, the city had a population of more than 2 million. Today, there are just under 700,000 residents. There are differing opinions about whether Detroit will ever reach more than a million residents again. However, organizations like MoveDetroit are more focused on launching programs, policies, and storytelling efforts that support current residents choosing to stay, invite former residents to return home, and welcome others to join us.

A vibrant sports and cultural team, a beautiful international riverwalk, and a vibrant downtown are just some of the things that make Detroit a great place to live. Detroit ranks first in the country for homebuyer affordability, according to WalletHub's analysis of 300 cities.

Detroit's crime rates have fallen to historic lows, which is good news for everyone. Partnerships with Community Violence Intervention agencies and the creation of CVI zones have been introduced as a neighborhood-based pillar for reducing crime by addressing root causes. They have also been lauded for their success. There has also been more collaboration with Detroit's mental health support groups that are tapped during calls for those struggling with issues.

These declining crime rates directly benefit the city by stabilizing the population, boosting business investment, and improving neighborhood safety.

The beauty of the city, its many amenities, friendly people, and declining crime rates all contribute to why Detroit is a great place to live. Additionally, thriving industries such as health care, automotive, and the mortgage industry create career opportunities.

It was recently announced that Detroit will be featured in the new MICHELIN Guide American Great Lakes edition. The recognition positions Detroit to be considered for a MICHELIN Star restaurant pending the selection process. The full restaurant selection will be revealed in 2027 at the upcoming MICHELIN Guide American Great Lakes Ceremony.

In December 2024, Visit Detroit launched the first-ever prestigious MICHELIN Green Guide for Detroit. The world-renowned Guide is centered around culture and the overall travel experience, and spotlights the best Detroit visitor experiences including art, culture, architecture, music, neighborhoods, entertainment and more. Detroit is just the 10th U.S. city that can boast a MICHELIN Green Guide.

There are currently no MICHELIN starred restaurants in Detroit, but with hundreds of outstanding restaurants in the city. 2027 is definitely our year.

Follow Detroit Serves on YouTube to get to know some of the cities best fine dining.

So, you're coming to visit Detroit. There are so many different hotels in Detroit and they both appeal to different sensibilities.

The Godfrey Hotel
As the city’s newest luxury lifestyle hotel, The Godfrey Hotel Detroit embodies a contemporary aesthetic in the heart ofCorktown, Detroit's most vibrant and historic neighborhood. The Godfrey pays homage to Corktown's past while embracing Detroit's future, offering a stylish respite immersed in rich culture, trendy shops, and a thriving dining scene.

Cambria Hotel Downtown Detroit
From the echoes of Detroit’s historic art deco glamor, the iconic Albert Kahn-designed WWJ radio station is given new life as the Cambria Hotel Detroit Downtown. Glamorous in design—yet timeless in nature—the hotel exudes urban sophistication, within a landmark location that lies just steps from downtown Detroit’s main attractions.

JW Marriott Detroit Water Square
Despite a 2027 opening date, the JW Marriott Detroit Water Square is already booking weddings and meetings for the rising 25-story tower connected to Huntington Place Convention Center via a skybridge; the hotel will offer 601 elegantly appointed guestrooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking water views.

NoMad Detroit
Expected to open in 2027, NoMad Detroit will anchor the west side of The Station and the top five floors of the building’s tower. Nearly 180 guest rooms, including 30 suites, are slated for the upper floors, marking the first time in the building’s history that floors 14-18 will be occupied. Visitors will also enjoy luxury wellness facilities and additional amenities.

The rise of so many new, luxurious hotels is a reflection of the city's improving national reputation. Visitors are coming to Detroit more frequently and staying longer than other cities, according to Sofia Song, Global Cities Lead at the Gensler Research Institute. "Detroit actually ranked first nationally in our stickiness score, ranking high on both halves: frequency of visits and lingering."

There are some times of the year that are the best for visiting and staying in Detroit. Like many Midwest cities, spring brings warmer weather and outdoor activities.

There's no talking about Detroit without talking about culture. Our eclectic population, creative landscape, and beautiful venues lend themselves to good times. Check out our definitive guide to Detroit's Annual Festivals, but here are some highlights.

The Detroit Auto Show (January)
This annual show invites attendees to experience the future of mobility and the heart of Detroit’s creative energy. Experience cutting-edge automotive and mobility innovations with immersive experiences, brand-defining vehicles, and hands-on activations. The show features a dynamic lineup of brands from popular mainstream nameplates and uber-luxury marques, to exotic supercars and award-winning vehicles.

Movement Electronic Music Festival (May)
Don't miss Detroit's annual Electronic Music festival!

Taking place Memorial Day weekend at Hart Plaza in downtown Detroit, Movement, the city’s electronic music showcase, is a movement in itself. It’s where local legends and newbies to the electronic music scene bring it all back to the city where techno first started.

Get a taste of the tunes from multiple outdoor stages and an interactive technology center of musical instruments, or find yourself jamming out in the VIP area. It's not uncommon for more than 100 acts to be on Movement's lineup to round out this three-day event.

You won’t want to miss the high energy and riverfront scenery that more than 100,000 talk about every year.

African World Festival(July)
Every July, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History hosts a three-day cultural celebration featuring live concerts, food, and over 100 vendors at Hart Plaza. The African World Festival is an exciting celebration of African culture, music, and art. Hosted annually in Detroit, this festival attracts visitors from all over the world with its vibrant energy and cultural offerings. From live performances to authentic African cuisine and handmade crafts, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors can experience the rich traditions of African culture while also exploring the city's neighborhoods and historic landmarks.

Detroit Month of Design (September)
Every September, the festival brings design to life across the city. The 2026 calendar showcases how Detroit designers innovate to solve problems, build resilience, and move the needle on what’s possible. With 100+ events spanning every corner of the city, the festival calendar features exhibitions, product launches, talks, tours & more.

Detroit Jazz Fest (September)
For over 40 years, the Detroit Jazz Festival Foundation has celebrated Detroit’s rich history of jazz music by providing year-round concerts and educational programming, and of course, organizing the world’s largest free jazz festival, featuring world-class talent, over Labor Day weekend.

The Detroit Jazz Fest is the largest free jazz festival in the world. The Festival is also a major tourist attraction for the City of Detroit, with 26 percent of its audience coming from out of state.

So, there you have it. Just a little info and intro to our beloved city. We are not perfect by any means, but even our flaws are beautiful. Get to know more about Detroit through our new YouTube series, Detroit Serves and follow us on Instagram @VisitDetroit