Michigan’s Prison Population Growth Compared to Rest of US

If you've ever driven by one of Michigan's prisons, no doubt you've looked from the outside at the razor-wire fences, brick walls, and guard towers and wondered what life may be like on the other side of freedom. Michigan's prisons house some of the state's and country's most violent and dangerous people.  While Michigan did see the prisoner population growth from year to year, it was one of the nation's smallest, according to a recent study conducted by H&P Law.

Related: What is the Leading Cause of Death in Michigan Prisons?

Often, we—at least I—forget just how scary places like our correctional institutions can be, not only to residents but also to those whose job it is to ensure the criminal element serves its sentence. The Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) oversees the state's prison population, and its members enter these facilities daily.

The United States and Michigan's Growing and Diverse Prison Population

Using data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics and National Prisoner Statistics and comparing 2021's population to 2022's, they examined each state individually to determine which state had the biggest jump in correctional housing year over year.

The US saw its total prison population go from 1,205,087 in 2021 to 1,123,143 in 2022; in just one year, 25,056 inmates were added to correctional institutions nationwide, a 2.1% jump.

While Michigan added more inmates, the increase wasn't as significant. Still, any slight bump is felt when the average cost to house a prisoner in Michigan is $47,900 per inmate.

Related: How Understaffed Are Michigan Prisons? New Research Revealed

Let's examine Michigan's prison population, its recent increase, and how it compares to the rest of the United States.