5 Things: White Lake Patch Breaks Down Census Numbers

Census figures for Michigan were released Tuesday, and the numbers for White Lake Township are higher than officials expected.

According to Supervisor Greg Baroni, the township expected only minor growth, with population estimates of just more than 29,000. Instead, the township recorded 6.4 percent growth with a 2010 population of 30,019.

"This is good news, a pleasant surprise," said Sean O'Neil, township planning director. "It means, to me, that people are recognizing that White Lake is a great place to live and relocating here."

Despite the state's overall economic downturn, growth has occurred in White Lake during the past decade – possibly contributing to the population growth.

In the past decade, several stores have opened locations in White Lake, including Kohl's, J.C. Penney, Marshalls, Waterfall Jewelers and Biggby Coffee. New businesses, such as The Root restaurant, are opening.

In addition, 27 housing units being built in the township this year, Baroni said.

Here are five things to take away from the initial numbers:

1.  Despite the state of Michigan's population decreasing 0.5 percent, White Lake has experienced a 6.4 percent increase in population.
2. In 2000, 20,482 White Lake residents were older than 18; in 2010, that number jumped to 22,621.
3.  White Lake is becoming more diverse, with minorities growing as a percentage of the township's population.
4. Among minorities, White Lake's Hispanic population has increased the most. In 2000, the township had 510 Hispanics; in 2010, it had 899.
5. There are 12,214 housing units in White Lake. Of those, 11,262 are occupied and 952 are vacant.

28,219

30,019

27,859

29,550

27,247

28,613

219

335

137

125

167

283

6

6

83

188

360

510

899

20,482

22,621