If you’re looking at a map of Metro Detroit, Dearborn looks like a standard inner-ring suburb. But the data says something way more interesting. Honestly, the population in Dearborn Michigan is one of the most misunderstood data sets in the Midwest right now. While most nearby cities are shrinking, Dearborn is basically holding its own, sitting at roughly 106,377 people as of the most recent 2024 and 2025 estimates.
It’s the seventh-largest city in Michigan. That’s a big deal for a place that only covers about 24 square miles.
Most people just think of Henry Ford when they hear the name. Sure, the Ford Motor Company world headquarters is here, and the massive River Rouge Complex still dominates the skyline. But if you walk down Warren Avenue or West Michigan Ave, you’ll see that the heartbeat of the city has shifted. It’s younger, it's more global, and it's way more complex than the "Company Town" label suggests.
The Big Shift: A Majority MENA City
For decades, the Census Bureau had a bit of a data problem. They didn't have a specific category for people of Middle Eastern or North African (MENA) descent. They just lumped everyone into "White."
Everything changed with the 2020 Census and subsequent 2023 updates.
Recent data shows that about 54.5% of Dearborn’s population now identifies as having MENA ancestry. This makes Dearborn the first Arab-majority city in the United States. You’ve got huge communities of Lebanese, Yemeni, Iraqi, and Palestinian families. This isn't just a "minority group" anymore; it’s the cultural and demographic baseline of the city.
Why the 2020 Census was a "Glow Up" for Dearborn
Before 2020, the official count was around 98,000. People in the city knew that was wrong. They knew the schools were packed and the houses were full. When the 2020 numbers finally came in at 109,976, it was a validation of what locals had been saying for years.
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Lately, the numbers have dipped slightly—down to that 106k range—but that’s mostly due to the national trend of people moving for remote work or seeking lower-density housing. Even with that tiny drop, Dearborn is outperforming almost every other Detroit-bordering city.
The Fountain of Youth (Literally)
Here’s a stat that usually surprises people: Dearborn is incredibly young.
While the rest of Michigan is worried about an aging workforce and "brain drain," Dearborn is thriving on youth. Roughly 28.9% of the population is under the age of 18. To put that in perspective, the national average is closer to 22%.
- Median Age: Approximately 32.6 years.
- The School Factor: Dearborn Public Schools is one of the only districts in the state that has consistently needed to build more space rather than closing schools down.
- Household Size: You're looking at an average of 2.97 persons per household, which is significantly higher than the Michigan average of 2.45.
This youth surge is driven largely by the immigrant families who have settled here over the last thirty years. These families tend to be larger, and they are sticking around. It’s creating a "reverse migration" effect where the kids who grow up here want to stay and open businesses here.
The Income Gap Nobody Talks About
If you look at the population in Dearborn Michigan through a financial lens, you see a "Tale of Two Cities."
The city is geographically split into West Dearborn and East Dearborn (plus the South End). The 48128 zip code in the west has a median household income hovering around $98,362. Meanwhile, in the 48126 area to the east, that number drops to about $42,353.
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That is a massive spread.
You’ve got high-earning engineers and executives living just a few miles away from new immigrants working service jobs or blue-collar roles at the plant. About 24.3% of the population lives below the poverty line, which is a sobering reality in a city that generates billions in corporate revenue. It’s a place of extreme opportunity, but also significant struggle.
Education and the Workforce
Despite the poverty stats, the city is surprisingly well-educated.
- High School Grad Rate: 84%.
- Bachelor’s Degree or Higher: 34.3%.
- The Ford Influence: Roughly 69% of the workforce is in the private sector, with many of those jobs tied directly or indirectly to the auto industry.
Why Immigration is the Secret Sauce
If Dearborn didn't have such a strong pull for international residents, the population would likely be in freefall like many other post-industrial cities. Roughly 29.4% of the residents are foreign-born.
Think about that. Nearly one out of every three people you pass at the grocery store was born in another country.
This brings in a level of "entrepreneurial energy" that is hard to fake. It’s why you see the Arab American National Museum sitting right in the center of town. It’s why the city elected its first Arab-American mayor, Abdullah Hammoud, in 2021. The political and social power of the city is finally catching up to the demographic reality of the people living there.
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Real-World Impact: What This Means for You
So, what does this data actually mean if you're thinking about moving there or starting a business?
The "Halal" Economy is Massive
Because of the concentrated Muslim population, Dearborn has become the "Halal Capital of America." If you’re a food entrepreneur, this is the Super Bowl. The market isn't just local; people drive from Ohio, Ontario, and Chicago just to eat here.
Housing is Tight
With a growing young population and large families, the housing market is notoriously competitive. You’ll find 1940s bungalows and brick Tudors that go for way over asking price because the demand to live in "the community" is so high.
Infrastructure Stress
The city was built for a different era. The high population density means traffic on Ford Road is a nightmare, and the sewage systems (like much of SE Michigan) have struggled with the increased intensity of storms lately.
Your Dearborn Action Plan
If you are looking to engage with the population in Dearborn Michigan, don't just look at the raw numbers. You have to understand the nuances of the neighborhoods.
- For Investors: Look toward the East side commercial corridors. The city is pouring money into "walkability" projects to mirror the success of West Dearborn’s downtown.
- For Families: Check out the Dearborn Public Schools' "P-12" programs. They actually offer a free associate's degree to students through Henry Ford College—one of the only places in the country where you can get two years of college for $0.
- For Visitors: Avoid the chains. Go to the South End for Yemeni coffee or East Dearborn for the best shawarma you’ve ever had.
The reality is that Dearborn is a lab for what the rest of America might look like in 50 years: diverse, young, and intensely local. It’s a city that hasn't just survived the decline of the Rust Belt—it’s reinvented itself entirely through its people.
To stay on top of these shifts, keep an eye on the semi-annual U.S. Census Bureau ACS (American Community Survey) releases. They usually drop new granular data every December that reveals how the income and age gaps are trending. Focus on the 48126 and 48124 zip codes specifically, as they represent the biggest demographic shifts in the city right now.