Hartland Township Expected to Grow to more than 16,000 people by 2040

The total population of Hartland Township is expected to grow to more than 16,000 residents by 2040, according to a study by the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) with the total number of households increasing by 15.8 percent.

Overall, Livingston County is expected to see the highest growth rate in Southeast Michigan by 18.4 percent, according to the SEMCOG study, with more than 214,000 people living within the county by 2040.

Hartland township manager, James Wickman, says that the estimated growth is based on Hartland’s reputation for offering its residents “quality of life and a sense of community.”

“It is a good place to live and raise a family,” Wickman said. “To connect with community, neighbors, activities, all the things that provide for a high quality of life."

Along with its community-minded reputation, location is another key element for attracting new residents. Its centered location on US-23 and M-59 helps make the commutes  for drivers reasonable when heading to larger cities such as Ann Arbor, Lansing, Flint and the Detroit area for work. Wickman says that having that prime spot is a huge draw for many families.

Another strong pull for many families, according to Wickman, is the school system. 

“The township has long recognized that the quality and reputation of Hartland schools makes us who we are,” Wickman said. “And with all due respect to our other neighbors in Livingston County, we’re pleased to have we what we feel is the best school system in the county and that’s a huge attractor."

The SEMCOG study reveals that Howell Township might have the highest projected growth rate due to more available business spaces and potential housing, but Wickman says that even though Hartland does not have as many of these type of opportunities, there is still a demand for housing which is reflected in housing prices and sales.

“We have high demand for housing and really low supply,” Wickmand said. “And that’s reflected in home sales. Our demand is increasing, and the prices are increasing.”

Even with some of the advantages to the projected population increase, Wickman says that the township board has always been sensitive to preserving the integrity, character and history of the small town.

“Hartland township has such a rich history, that nobody wanted to lose sight of that,” he said. “And I think that the residents that have moved here that don’t have that generational connection, they’ve embraced that and have followed the lead of those who wanted to make sure that everybody understood and incorporated that history into defining who we are.

“Character, the community values, the health and safety, morals of our community are a common element" Wickman said. “I think our residents are very intentional about staying in touch with those things.”