Census Shows Big Boost in Rochester, Some Growth in Rochester Hills

In a state that experienced a historic decline in population during the past decade, Rochester and Rochester Hills each saw growth, according to U.S. Census data released Tuesday.

In fact, both cities saw an increase of about 2,200 people from 2000 to 2010. But in Rochester, which is one-sixth the size of Rochester Hills, that increase represented a 21.4 percent population boost. In Rochester Hills, the growth was 3.2 percent.

Rochester's growth came as a welcome surprise to Mayor Jeff Cuthbertson.

"It's great news for the community and one of a handful of positive stories to come out of the census for the state," he said. "It's a great story to tell. It shows that people want to be here."

Rochester's growth was the third-largest in Oakland County, behind Oakland Township (28.3 percent) and Oxford Township (28 percent).

It was the fastest-growing city in the county.

"The city won't take all of the credit; we are one of a lot of actors that contribute to making this area great."

Here is a snapshot of the census data:

Rochester 2000

Michigan recorded a 0.5 percent decrease overall and now has a population of 9,883,640; Oakland County was among several counties that experienced growth, with a 0.7 percent increase.

Other statistics released Tuesday offered a glimpse of the housing situation in both cities.

In Rochester Hills, the number of vacant houses more than doubled in the past 10 years, from 948 counted in 2000 to 1,916 in 2010.

In Rochester, that increase was not as drastic: there were 389 vacant homes in 2000 and 480 in 2010.