Like much of coastal Northern Michigan, the Petoskey area has been growing.
Population growth has been a persistent trend for thirty years (1960-1990). Most of this growth has been due to immigration which in 1970-1980 occurred at five times the rate of growth in 1960-1970!
The people who are moving to our area are generally from 20 to 40 years of age. Many of these people are young professionals whose spending power and family investments will certainly increase in the future. This is probably one of the reasons why the retail and service sector of our economy continues to expand in the region.
The City of Petoskey had a 2000 population of 6,080, which represents about 2,170 households. The County's 2000 population was measured at 31,437.
SEASONAL SURGES: These population figures do not reflect the important seasonal surges in local activity. Emmet County's seasonal population reaches 25,000 during peak days. Many of these visitors are resorters; i.e., people who spend the entire season at their cottage or condominium. The summer residents have all the retail needs of the permanent resident and they contribute to community activities. A similar influx occurs from November to March when approximately 225,000 skiers inhabit the area's accommodations.
