New Study Looks at Seasonal Population, Seasonal Workforce and Short-Term Rentals in Northern Michigan

November 1, 2022

Networks Northwest has released the 2022 Northwest Michigan Seasonal Population, Seasonal Workforce, and Short-Term Rental Study. The study includes data for each of the ten counties in northwest Lower Michigan. Networks Northwest partnered with Beckett and Raeder, Inc., a Michigan-based planning firm, for the completion of the data collection for the study.

Northwest Michigan has long been a draw for a significant seasonal population. The natural beauty, wide range of recreational options, and quaint idealistic communities are a large part of what draws many individuals to our region. With large influxes of population come challenging questions and tasks for our region’s local units of government, businesses, schools, and the general population. 

Having readily available, accurate, and recent data to help inform community decision-makers as they navigate the complexities of setting policy for a dynamic population, business owners as they recruit for talent, and developers as they weigh the need and return for specific projects, are just a few of the reasons for this study.

The Seasonal Population, Seasonal Workforce, and Short-Term Rental Study can be found at nwm.org/SeasonalPopulation. The study is also available on the Housing page of the Community Development section of the Networks Northwest website, NetworksNorthwest.org.

Questions or comments about the study may be emailed to rpd@networksnorhwest.org or by phone to 231-929-5000.