Adobe Acrobat File:Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics.pdf
This document is a text-only version of the original Adobe Acrobat file. Graphics and formatting may be lost in the conversion from pdf to html.
View the Adobe Acrobat version of this file.
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
HISTORIC POPULATION TRENDS population over the past decade.
Population numbers for 1970-1994 for the The average population per household has
City of Muskegon, its surrounding dropped from 2.80 in 1970 to 2.46 in
communities, and Muskegon County are 1990. In effect, the added population from
provided in Table 2.1. new housing is being offset by lower
population numbers within existing housing
Table 2.1 indicates that the City of units. This trend is consistent with State
Muskegon, after experiencing about a and national trends. Average population
4,000 drop in population between 1970 per household for the United States has
and 1980, has remained stable since that declined from 3.14 in 1970 to 2.63 in
time with an estimated population in 1994 1990. Likewise the State of Michigan has
of 40,639. The other cities surrounding declined from 3.27 in 1970 to 2.66 in
Muskegon have generally remained stable 1990.
or declined slightly in population between
1970 and 1994. The trend in household size during the next
20 to 30 years will be as big of an influence
The reason the City of Muskegon has not on future City population counts as
increased in population, despite slow infill continued infill of residential construction.
of new residential construction may be due
to a number of factors including It is difficult to predict whether this long
outmigration to the County's outlying areas, downward trend in household size will
other communities and counties, a continue or whether it has bottomed out.
declining area economy, and a trend This difficulty lies in the fact that people are
toward smaller per household population. responding to so many societal factors in
making their decisions relative to family
Outmigration trends may be influenced by size. The general trend throughout the
the increase in the City's African American County toward an aging population will be
population and the generally greater a factor in keeping the average population
economic mobility of the City's white per household low. Migration is likely to
Unit 1970 1980 1990 1994
City of Muskegon 44,631 40,823 40,283 40,639
City of North Muskegon 4,243 4,024 3,919 3,809
City of Muskegon Heights 17,304 14,611 13,176 14,017
City of Roosevelt Park 4,176 4,015 3,885 3,252
City of Norton Shores 22,271 22,025 21,755 22,061
Township of Muskegon 13,754 14,557 15,302 15,373
Muskegon County 157,426 157,589 158,983 163,436
Source: 1990 U.S. Census 1994 Estimates provided by West Michigan Shoreline Regional
Development Commission
Table 2.1 Population Trends
City of Muskegon and Surrounding Communities
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 1
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
also have a continued impact on population increase of 16,653 persons for Muskegon
size. Only 50 percent of the population County as a whole.
over five years of age lived in the same
residence in 1990 as it did in 1985. Ten Current WMSRDC projections for the City
percent of the population came from a of Muskegon are realistic given an analysis
different County in Michigan, and 6 percent of past construction and demolition trends
were from another State. According to IRS in the City, and anticipated changes in the
records from 1979 and 1980, Ottawa average population per household in future
County and the Southern United States are years. The population in the City of
the top two places from which both Muskegon is predicted to range between
population inflow and outflow from 43,000 and 47,000 by the year 2025. The
Muskegon County result. higher range will most likely be reached if
the average population per household does
2. Population Projections not continue to decline.
Data provided by the West Michigan A more accurate population projection is
Shoreline Regional Development unavailable because it is difficult, if not
Commission (WMSRDC) projects a 4,365 impossible, to accurately predict 1) the
person increase in the City's population number of homes or dwelling units that
over the next 30 year period. WMSRDC may be demolished as a result of age, fire,
population projections indicate that the City natural disaster, etc.; 2) the number of
will have a population of 45,004 by the dwelling units that may be displaced by
year 2025, a figure slightly higher than the other types of development; 3) the number
1970 population of 44,631 persons. of new dwelling units that might result from
Population projections for the City, future infill development, and; 4) changes
surrounding communities, and Muskegon in average household population.
County through the year 2025 are provided
in Table 2.2. These projections anticipate 3. Age Groups
an increase of 6,283 persons for the City
and its surrounding communities, and an A breakdown of age groups within City,
Unit 1994 2005 2015 2025
City of Muskegon 40,639 42,137 43,547 45,004
City of North Muskegon 3,949 4,082 4,218 3,809
City of Muskegon Heights 14,017 14,534 15,020 15,522
City of Roosevelt Park 3,252 3,372 3,485 3,601
City of Norton Shores 22,061 22,874 23,639 24,430
Township of Muskegon 15,373 15,940 16,473 17,024
Muskegon County 163,436 169,461 175,130 180,089
Source: 1990 U.S. Census Note: The City's 1984 Master Land Use Plan projected the 1990 and
2000 populations at 38,532 and 36,726 persons, respectively.
Table 2.2 Population Projections
City of Muskegon and Surrounding Communities
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 2
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
County and the State populations is in the elementary school, family forming
provided in Table 2.3. Table 2.3 shows no and mature family phases. Table 2.5 shows
significant differences between City, County the distribution of age on a census tract by
and State populations except in the 65 to census tract basis and supplements the data
74 and 85 and older age groups. The in Table 2.4.
number of persons in these City age groups
is slightly higher than that of the State's, 4. Gender, Racial & Ethnic
though almost double that of the County's. Composition
Persons within these age groups typically The City's population is composed of
have needs for lower housing costs; 19,942 males and 20,341 females.
efficient public transportation; easily Approximately 70 percent the City's
accessible community medical and population is white, 27 percent is African-
shopping facilities, assistance with home American, one percent American Indian,
maintenance, and increased neighborhood 0.03 percent Asian/Pacific Islander, and
security. Elderly renters often need rent 1.67 listed as other. The City's African
subsidies, or subsidized housing. American population has increased over the
Homeowners frequently need access to past decade, and the white population has
home maintenance programs. The greater declined. Between 1990 and 2000, the
number of persons within these age groups City's white population is projected to
may be a result of the City's ability to meet decrease by 620 persons, or from
such needs, or due to the general aging of approximately 70 percent to approximately
the City's long-term resident population. 66 percent of the City's total population.
The African-American population is
Table 2.4 illustrates life phases 1970, 1980 expected to increase by 2,263 persons, or
and 1990. While there have been changes from approximately 27 to 31 percent of the
in all life phase groups between 1970 and total population.
1990, significant reductions have occurred
Age Group Number Percent of City Percent County Percent State
Population Population Population
Under 5 3,495 8.6 8.0 8.0
5 to 14 5,780 14.3 20.0 19.0
15 to 24 6,239 15.4 4.0 5.0
25 to 34 7,832 19.3 5.0 6.0
35 to 44 5,353 13.2 31.0 32.0
45 to 54 3,018 7.5 10.0 10.0
55 to 64 2,850 7.0 4.0 4.0
65+ 5,923 14.7 18.0 16.0
Total 40,490 100 100 100
Source: 1990 U.S. Census Percentage figure have been rounded to next highest percentage point.
Table 2.3 Population by Age Group, 1990
City of Muskegon, Muskegon County, and State of Michigan
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 3
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
Age Group Life Phase Number Percent in Percent in Percent in
1990 1980 1970
Under 5 Pre School 3,495 8.6 8.6 8.8
5 to 14 Elementary School 5,780 14.3 14.4 19.5
15 to 19 Secondary School 3,120 7.7 9.1 9.9
20 to 44 Family Forming 16,304 40.2 35.3 27.3
45 to 64 Mature Family 5,868 14.5 18.1 21.8
65 and over Retirement 5,923 14.7 14.5 12.7
Total 40,490 100 100 100
Table 2.4 Population by Life Phase Groups
City of Muskegon 1990
The racial composition of Muskegon varies Muskegon Heights. While the racial
significantly from neighborhood to composition for Muskegon County is quite
neighborhood. Minority households are similar to that of the State, the City's racial
concentrated in near-Downtown composition was about 13% lower in the
neighborhoods where high concentrations white category and about 13% higher in the
of low-income households are prevalent. African American category.
As of the date of this plan, the majority of Although Hispanic persons constitute only
the City's African-American population 3.5% of the City of Muskegon's population,
lives in the East Muskegon, Angell, and this group increased between 1980 and
McLaughlin census tracts. Between 1970 1990 by 16%. This segment of the
and 1980, more than 90 percent of population is distributed throughout the
Muskegon County's minority population community on a relatively even basis.
lived in the Cities of Muskegon and
Census Tract
Age 1 2 3 4 5 6.01 6 7 8 9 10 21
Group
Under 5 307 99 437 560 672 196 305 2 315 274 73 286
5 - 9 243 72 386 529 586 152 210 --- 310 248 66 197
10 - 14 215 83 335 447 506 151 185 1 254 229 67 165
15 - 19 298 79 298 447 607 158 242 --- 205 203 71 168
20 - 24 482 81 381 885 534 164 303 8 252 255 58 296
25 - 34 768 120 531 2,279 1,047 326 511 17 687 655 156 581
35 - 44 559 97 408 1,411 708 311 303 7 477 547 209 395
45 - 54 310 78 238 610 368 117 167 9 255 391 135 231
55 - 64 224 102 254 520 345 104 168 8 230 368 168 326
65 - 74 299 81 304 500 344 116 204 2 264 384 182 396
75 - 84 219 31 157 388 194 94 166 8 183 245 70 306
85+ 69 16 66 197 65 35 47 --- 75 53 20 121
Total 3,993 939 3,695 8,773 5,976 1,924 2,811 62 3,507 3,852 1,275 3,468
Source: 1990 U.S. Census & City of Muskegon 1995 Consolidated Housing & Community Development
Plan
Table 2.5 Age by Census Tract, City of Muskegon, 1989
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 4
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon Muskegon State of
County Michigan
Category Number Percent Percent Percent
White 28,148 69.9 84.2 83.4
African American 10,916 27.1 13.6 13.9
American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut. 390 1.0 0.8 0.6
Asian or Pacific Islander 139 0.3 0.3 1.1
Other Race 690 1.7 1 0.9
Hispanic (any race) 1,416 3.5 2.3 2.2
Table 2.6 Racial Composition
Muskegon County, City of Muskegon, & State of Michigan
Table 2.6 indicates that the City's Hispanic older age groups. The 16 to 64 age group
population is similar to State and regional has been assessed as to work disability,
populations. including disabilities which would prevent
individuals from working. Disability
Table 2.7 shows the breakdown of the information for the City of Muskegon,
City's populations by race and ethnicity on Muskegon County, and the State of
a neighborhood by neighborhood basis. Michigan is provided in Table 2.8.
5. Disabled Population Table 2.8 indicates that the City's labor
force exhibits nearly twice the rate of work
The disabled population is assessed by the disabilities and disabilities that prevent
Census Bureau as non-institutionalized working than is exhibited by the State's
persons either in the 16 to 64 or 65 and labor force. The City's labor force also
White African American Other Hispanic1
# % # % # % # %
All Tracts 28,148 69.9 10,916 27.1 1,219 3.0 1,416 3.5
Marquette 2,782 69.7 1,096 27.4 115 2.9 158 4.0
Jackson Hill 147 15.7 787 83.8 13 1.4 16 1.7
Angell 1,289 34.9 2,290 70.0 116 3.1 137 3.7
East Muskegon 5,649 64.4 2,821 32.2 303 3.5 331 3.8
McLaughlin 3,818 63.9 1,916 32.0 242 4.0 302 5.1
South Nelson 1,399 72.7 463 24.1 62 3.2 44 2.3
North Nelson 1,453 51.7 1,268 45.1 90 3.2 108 3.8
Downtown 59 95.2 2 3.2 1 1.6 0 0
Nims 3,280 93.5 106 3.0 121 3.4 140 4.0
Lakeside 3,716 97.6 38 1.0 53 1.4 73 1.9
Bluffton/Beachwood 1,255 98.4 8 0.6 12 1.0 3 0.2
Henry/Glenside/Rud 3,256 93.9 121 3.5 91 2.6 104 3.08
diman
Source: City of Muskegon 1995 Consolidated Housing & Community Development Plan
1The term Hispanic is used as an ethnic rather than a racial indicator. Persons of Hispanic origin can be of
any racial group and are included in other racial groups within the general population.
Table 2.7 Population by Race & Census Tract
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 5
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
Category City of Muskegon State of
Muskegon County Michigan
Persons 16 - 64 years of age 21,474 94,727 ---
Having work disability (%) 16.0 12.0 9.0
Prevents from Working (%) 9.0 6.0 4.7
Mobility or self-care limitation (%): 17.0 10.9
a) mobility limitation (%) 15.0 11.0 8.9
b) self-care limitation (%) 4.0 3.0 3.3
Persons 65 years and older 5,368 19,719 1,108,461
Mobility or self-care limitation (%) 41.0 37.0 37.0
a) mobility limitation (%) 35.0 33.0 33.2
b) self-care limitation (%) 14.0 12.0 11.7
Table 2.8 Disability Status, City of Muskegon, 1990
exhibits higher numbers of people in the medium to lower income levels.
mobility and self care limitation categories
when compared to County and State Muskegon had about 16% more
figures. households in the three under $15,000
income range categories than did the State.
6. Income Likewise, the State had about 25% of
households in the income ranges of
An illustration of Muskegon households by $50,000 or more compared to 7% for the
income range (as reported in 1989) is given City of Muskegon.
in Table 2.9. This table also includes
percentages of households in each income Median household income is a commonly
range for both the City, County, and the used value to compare general income
State for comparison purposes. This table capacity among governmental units. Table
identifies a concentration of households in 2.10 indicates that with the exception of
Income Range Number of Percent of Percent of Percent of
City City County State
Households Households Households Households
Less than $5,000 1,334 9.1 6.0 6.0
$5,000 to $9,999 2,948 20.1 13.0 9.6
$10,000 to $14,999 1,741 11.8 10.0 8.6
$15,000 to $24,999 3,195 21.8 20.0 16.4
$25,000 to $34,999 2,355 16.0 17.0 15.3
$35,000 to $49,999 1,983 13.5 18.0 18.7
$50,000 to $74,999 929 6.3 11.0 16.3
$75,000 to $99,999 131 1.0 2.0 5.4
$100,000 to $149,999 36 0.2 1.0 2.5
$150,000 or more 33 0.2 1.0 1.2
Table 2.9 Household Income, City of Muskegon, 1990
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 6
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
Community Median Income
City of Muskegon $18,748
City of North Muskegon $37,281
City of Muskegon Heights $13,778
City of Roosevelt Park $28,955
City of Norton Shores $33,646
Muskegon Township $25,058
Muskegon County $25,617
State of Michigan $31,020
Table 2.10 Median Household Income
City of Muskegon 1989
Muskegon Heights, the City of Muskegon household age ranges.
has a lower median household income than
its surrounding communities or that of Table 2.12 presents an illustration of City
Muskegon County or State. resident's use of certain types of financial
resources and services compared to or
The differences between incomes in the indexed against national averages. An
City and other County municipalities is index of 100 means the use of the resource
largely due to a concentration of low- or service is identical to that of national
income households. Female-headed averages. An index of less than 100 means
households with children are even more the use is less than the national average.
likely to be living in poverty. In the City of With limited exception, use of or access to
Muskegon, 74% of these households were certain types of financial resources and
living in poverty in 1989. With the services such as bank accounts, certificates
exception of households headed by persons of deposit, investments and investment
75 years of age and older, the income of services, by residents 18 years of age and
white households significantly exceeds that older is less than national averages.
of African-American households. Table
2.11 illustrates differences in the City's 7. Poverty Status
white and African-American median
household income within various head of As would be expected with a low median
Age Range White Households African-American Households Difference
Under 25 $16,323 $5,493 $10,830
25 - 34 $24,300 $10,698 $13,602
35 - 44 $27,319 $20,765 $6,584
45 - 54 $31,694 $21,188 $10,506
55 - 64 $26,815 $17,623 $9,192
65 - 74 $14,175 $11,989 $2,186
75+ $10,767 $11,125 $3,852
Source: Urban Decisions Systems
Table 2.11 Household Income - White & African American Households
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 7
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
income, the City has a significant 9,615 persons represent almost 24 percent
percentage of its population living below of the City's population. Only 13 percent
the poverty level. The 1990 Census of the State's population is identified as
Reports indicate in 1989 that of the 36,264 being below the poverty level. Table 2.13
persons for whom poverty level status was provides a breakdown of poverty status by
determined, 9,615 people were determined age group.
as living below the poverty level. These
Table 2.12 Use of Financial Resources by Household
Percentages Index
Bank Accounts/CD's
Non-Interest Checking 32.9 89
Interest Checking 29.2 89
Savings 45.0 91
Short Term CD 7.5 86
Long Term CD 8.5 76
Non-Interest Check Last Year 4.7 103
Interest Check Last Year 3.1 93
Savings Account Last Year 5.2 103
ATM Card 33.9 85
Check Guarantee Card 3.9 91
Safe Deposit Box 7.3 95
Investments and Investment Services
Own Investment Property 3.6 86
Keogh Account 1.4 94
Tax Sheltered Annuities 2.9 78
IRA 16.0 77
IRA - via Brokerage 6.5 84
IRA - Bank/Credit Union 10.1 92
Brokerage Firm Account 6.1 72
Use Full Service Brokerage 3.8 73
Use Discount Brokerage 0.9 50
Use Accountant 6.6 84
Use Lawyer 16.7 90
US Savings Bonds 10.0 75
Other Bonds 3.2 76
Mutual Funds 7.5 74
Stocks in Employer Company 3.2 78
Stocks in Other Company 5.7 75
Stock <10K 4.5 75
Stock >10K 3.4 74
3+ Transactions Last Year 2.2 73
Investment in Precious Metals 1.5 100
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 8
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
Table 2.12 - Continued Use of Financial Resources by Household
Percentages Index
Christmas/Chanukah Club 3.7 90
Loans and Mortgages
Automobile 18.9 94
Personal Loan - Education 8.1 96
Other Personal Loan 10.6 90
Home Improvement 6.2 107
First Mortgage 22.4 86
First Mortgage - Last Year 2.7 74
Home Equity 6.0 84
Line of Credit 10.4 90
Credit Cards
Mastercard 22.3 82
Visa 30.1 82
American Express 7.2 73
Other Bank Card 2.8 85
Gold/Premium Cards 14.2 75
Gasoline 13.9 81
JC Penney 18.9 92
Montgomery Ward 8.1 88
Sears 19.4 86
Other Department Store 17.5 85
Air Travel Card 1.4 53
Auto Rental Card 0.9 55
AT&T Card 4.6 76
Any Credit Card 50.7 88
Other Services
Money Order Last Year 30.9 114
Non-Postal Money Order 20.6 124
Postal Money Order 8.4 95
Source: Urban Decision Systems
Median family incomes for Muskegon Table 2.14 presents an overview of
County are considerably lower than both neighborhood population trends between
the median family incomes for the State and 1970 and 1990, and 1990 poverty level
nation. The adjusted median family income and median age statistics.
for Muskegon County was $30,151 in
1989, compared to a State median family Table 2.15 presents an illustration of
income of $36,652, and a national median household income ranges for households
of $35,225. Muskegon County's poverty on a census tract by census tract basis.
figures also exceed State and national Muskegon households by income range (as
figures by 2 percentage points. reported in 1989) is given in Table 2.9.
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 9
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
Age Group Number Percent
5 and under 1,890 19.7
6 to 17 2,441 25.4
18 to 64 4,529 47.1
65 and over 755 7.8
Total 9,615 100.0
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 1989
Table 2.13 Poverty Status by Age Group, City of Muskegon, 1989
8. Housing significant, the overall decline of housing
units exceeds the City's decline in
The 1990 Census indicated that the City population of 1.3 percent over the same
had 16,019 housing units. This figure period. This is significant when compared
represents a loss of 331 units, or 2 percent to trends between 1970 and 1980 when the
of the City's housing stock, since 1980. City's available housing stock increased by
The majority of the City's housing stock is 3% from 15,925 units to 16,350 units,
composed of detached single-family homes. while population declined by over 10%.
However, the City does experience a lower
percentage of single family detached The City has a high percentage of multiple
housing as a percent of total housing than family units in buildings having between 2
either Muskegon County or the State of and 4 units. Many of these multiple-family
Michigan. Conversely, Muskegon has units were originally constructed as single-
higher percentages in every category of family homes and have subsequently been
multiple family housing units. divided into multifamily rental units. The
City's 1995 Consolidated Housing and
Although a 2 percent decline in available Community Development Plan indicates
housing stock may not appear to be that much of the City's rental housing stock
Census Neighborhood 1970 1980 1990 % Below Poverty Median
Tract Level Age
1 Marquette 1,892 4,408 3,993 21.3 30.4
2 Frobel --- 1,181 939 55.4 30.2
3 Angell 4,947 4,095 3,695 48.1 26.8
4 East Musk. N&S 7,273 6,244 8,773 18.5 31.4
5 N&S McLaughlin 6,926 6,305 5,976 38.2 25.7
6.01 South Nelson 2,160 1,940 1,924 38.4 28.7
6.02 North Nelson 3,595 3,035 2,811 48.9 28.1
7 Downtown 328 26 62 34.5 41
8 E&W Nims 4,229 3,667 3,507 16.6 31
9 Lakeside 4,879 4,079 3,852 8.4 35.9
10 Beachwood & Bluffton 1,627 1,488 1,275 9.5 41.1
21 Henry/Ruddiman/Glenside 4,168 3,602 3,468 8.5 35.9
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Table 2.14 Population, Poverty Level & Median Age Comparisons
by Census Tract
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 10
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
Inc ome Range 1 2 3 4 5 6.01 6.02 7 8 9 10 21
<$5,000 92 68 248 144 266 86 192 13 89 46 18 72
5,000-9,999 377 98 430 280 550 110 359 --- 235 212 48 249
10,000-14,999 270 31 186 275 231 108 177 --- 120 138 55 150
15,000-24,999 511 61 294 473 305 135 238 --- 321 351 135 371
25,000-34,999 199 40 106 420 375 126 117 15 324 256 57 320
35,999-49,999 165 17 63 353 323 34 50 11 203 386 140 238
50,000-74,999 96 7 30 140 77 52 52 --- 109 178 62 126
75,000-99,999 --- --- 8 32 10 6 --- --- 18 27 13 17
100,000+ --- --- --- --- 8 6 --- --- 20 16 14 5
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Table 2.15 Household Income by Census Tract
City of Muskegon 1989
is comprised of these converted units, few These are not considered significant
of which were originally constructed for percentages.
multifamily or rental use.
Age of Housing Stock
The City has a substantially lower
percentage of mobile homes than either the Table 2.17 presents an illustration of the
County or the State. A breakdown of age of the City's housing stock. New
housing units by type is illustrated in Table construction of housing units between 1980
3.16. Figures for Muskegon County and the and 1990 represents almost 25% of new
State are given for comparison purposes. construction figures during the 1970s.
Most of the new units built during the
In 1990 there were a total of 1,249 vacant 1980s were multifamily rental units. Much
housing units. Of those, 56 were classified of the City's owner-occupied housing stock
as vacant due to seasonal, recreational, or is older than the rental housing stock.
occasional use. The homeowner vacancy Almost 47 percent of the City's owner-
rate for the City in 1990 was 1.7 percent, occupied housing is over 50 year old,
and the rental vacancy rate 7.8 percent. compared to approximately 27 percent of
Housing Unit Percentages Percentages Percentages
Type Units City of Muskegon Muskegon County State of Michigan
1 unit detached 10,164 63.4 75.6 69.5
1 unit attached 238 1.5 1.2 3.4
2-4 units 2,784 17.4 7.2 7.0
5-9 units 716 4.5 2.3 3.9
10+ units 1,917 12.0 6.0 8.7
Mobile Homes 200 1.2 7.7 7.5
Total 16,019 100 100 100
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Table 2.16 Housing Unit Types City of Muskegon 1990
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 11
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
Year Number of Housing Units
1989 - March 1990 53
1985 - 1988 153
1980 - 1984 327
1970 - 1979 1,954
1960 - 1969 1,821
1950 - 1959 2,689
1940 - 1949 3,119
1939 or earlier 5,903
Total Housing Units 16,019
Table 2.17 Year Housing Units Were Built
City of Muskegon 1990
the rental units. Many of the City's older neighborhoods to replace old or
rental units are in structures originally built demolished housing stock.
as single family homes that have been
converted to rental use. The age of Muskegon's housing stock will
continue to present the issues of housing
Unlike many other urban communities, rehabilitation and demolition. Seventy
Muskegon has not experienced periodic three percent of Muskegon's housing units
redevelopment of its urban core. Much of are over 35 years of age, and 37% are over
the City's inner-City housing stock is intact 55 years of age.
excepting that which has been lost to fire,
demolition, and commercial or industrial 9. Employment Statistics
development. In certain locations, new
housing has been established in inner City In 1990 the City of Muskegon had 15,786
Occupation Category Number of Persons
Executive, administrative, and managerial occupations 1,182
Professional specialty occupations 1,387
Technicians and related support occupations 422
Sales occupations 1,504
Administrative support occupations, including clerical 2,011
Private household occupations 68
Protective service occupations 274
Service occupations, except protective and household 2,368
Farming, forestry, and fishing occupations 78
Precision production, craft, and repair occupations 1,543
Machine operations, assemblers, and inspections 2,047
Transportation, and material moving occupations 435
Handlers, equipment cleaners, helpers, and laborers 651
Total employed, persons 16 years and over 13,970
Table 2.18 Employment by Occupation
City of Muskegon 1990
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 12
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
people in the labor force. The areas in Muskegon County and other
unemployment rate at that time was 11.3 communities has been the primary
percent, so approximately 1800 of the contributing factor to the decline in the
15,786 were not employed. Table 2.18 City's population. Much of this movement
indicates the occupation of employed can be attributed to a decline in area
persons age 16 and over. The three economic opportunities. Population trends
occupation categories having the highest of the City's white and African American
employment numbers are: Service; population groups suggest that the overall
Machine Operators, Assemblers, and decline in population may be attributable to
Inspectors; and Administrative Support. a loss of the white population to other
areas. Although an increase in the City's
Employment by industry for employed population is expected to occur over the
persons age 16 and over is listed in Table next 20 years, outmigration trends among
2.19. This information indicates high the white population are likely to continue
employment levels in the industry for the foreseeable future. (Source: Urban
categories of: Retail Trade, Manufacturing Decisions Systems).
of Durable Goods, and Health Services.
As is the case in many older central cities,
10. General Conclusions Muskegon has first-hand experience with
the broad ranging impacts of a cyclical
Movement of the population to outlying economy. Although 1990 Census data
Industry Category Number of Persons
Agriculture, forestry, and fisheries 107
Mining 5
Construction 513
Manufacturing, nondurable goods 993
Manufacturing, durable goods 2,886
Transportation 351
Communications and other public utilities 374
Wholesale Trade 605
Retail trade 3,145
Finance, insurance, and real estate 422
Business and repair services 406
Personal services 469
Entertainment and recreation services 306
Health Services 1,191
Educational Services 978
Other professional and related services 616
Public Administration 603
Total Employed Persons 16 years and over 13,970
Table 2.19 Employment by Industry
City of Muskegon 1990
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 13
Population and Socio-Economic Characteristics
Master Land Use Plan
reflects a decrease in lower income
households over the past decade is a result
of a decrease in the City's population, not
an increase in household income. This
decline in income, while impacting all City
households to some degree, has had a more
dramatic impact on low-income individuals
and families.
Population, income, and housing data
suggest that the City will see increasing
numbers of persons in lower income
brackets. The City will also likely
experience increasing needs for (and
witness increases in) additional rental
housing to serve a lower income
population.
Master Land Use Plan
City of Muskegon 2 14