Troy is a city located in Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. With a population of 84,373 as of 2021, Troy is the 11th largest city in Michigan by population.
Population and Demographics
According to the Wikipedia page for Troy, Michigan, the city had a population of 80,980 at the 2010 census, making it the 13th largest city in the state at the time. Troy’s population has grown steadily over the decades, more than doubling since 1970 when the population was just 35,760.
Troy has a racial makeup of 70.5% White, 18.9% Asian, 4.6% Black, 0.1% Native American, 3.6% from other races, and 2.4% from two or more races. 4.9% of the population is Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There are 34,689 households in Troy with an average household size of 2.51 persons. The median age is 40.7 years old. The gender breakdown is 48.7% male and 51.3% female.
Troy is considered part of the Detroit metropolitan area. However, unlike Detroit which has seen a decline in population for decades, Troy has experienced steady growth since its incorporation as a city in 1955 when its population was just 2,900.
Economy and Major Employers
Troy has a strong and diverse economy. In the 1970s, Troy began developing into a major business center and now has numerous office centers and headquarters. The city’s economy features a mix of industries including technology, retail, healthcare, finance, and automation.
Some of the major employers in Troy include Auto-Owners Insurance, Flagstar Bank, Kelly Services, Meritor, General Motors, and Aptiv. Other large companies with major operations in Troy include Amazon and Johnson Controls.
In addition to business and corporate operations, Troy is home to two major shopping malls – Somerset Collection and Oakland Mall – which provide thousands of retail jobs.
The presence of these diverse industries and employers has given Troy a very low unemployment rate and provided stability and continued growth for the local economy.
Landmarks
Some of the notable landmarks in Troy, Michigan include:
- Somerset Collection – One of the largest and most upscale shopping malls in the Midwest.
- Oakland Mall – Major shopping mall located in southern Troy.
- Troy Historic Village – Open air museum with over 25 historic buildings from the 1800s.
- Automotive Hall of Fame – Museum dedicated to honoring automotive history located next to Oakland Mall.
- Athens High School – One of the largest high schools in the state with prominent athletics programs.
The city boasts quality schools, libraries, parks and recreational facilities that provide an excellent quality of life for Troy residents and visitors.
Sports Teams
Troy is home to several amateur sports teams and organizations, but does not currently have any major professional sports teams.
Some of the youth sports programs located in Troy include:
- Troy Colt Baseball and Softball
- Troy Soccer Club
- Troy Colts Youth Football
- Troy National Sports Center – youth baseball, soccer, and volleyball programs
At the high school level, Troy’s sports teams compete in the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) as part of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA). Teams from Troy High School and Avondale High School have won state championships in various sports.
Many recreational leagues for both youth and adults also utilize the sports facilities and parks located throughout the city.
City Government
Troy has a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is made up of a Mayor and six council members who are responsible for establishing city ordinances and policies. The City Manager is appointed by the Council to oversee the day-to-day administration of the city and implement the Council’s policies.
Some useful resources on the city government include:
Residents can contact the Mayor, Council Members, City Manager and various city departments through the city website and social media pages. City Council meetings are open to the public.
Conclusion
From its origins as a small village, Troy has developed into a thriving economic center in the metro Detroit region. The city’s rapid growth over the past several decades can be attributed to its diverse economy, high quality of life, and location within the nation’s automotive industry hub. Troy’s population of over 84,000 residents enjoys low unemployment, strong public schools, and a vibrant business community containing both corporate headquarters and retail destinations. The city provides an excellent example of balanced development and sound leadership.