New data shows immigrants in Detroit paid more than $4.4 billion in taxes in 2017, an increase of more than $400 million in just one year

New York – Today New American Economy (NAE), a bipartisan research and advocacy organization focused on immigration, released new data highlighting the significant contributions immigrants make to Detroit’s community and economy. The data shows that immigrants in Detroit are driving economic growth — there were more than 23,000 immigrant entrepreneurs in the metro area and immigrants were more than 32 percent more likely to be entrepreneurs when compared to U.S.-born residents. Immigrants are also major consumers who help power Detroit’s businesses. In 2017, immigrants in Detroit held nearly $12 billion in spending power, a more than 10 percent increase from 2016.

The research is part of NAE’s Map the Impact, an interactive map that quantifies immigrant contributions at the national, state, metro area, and congressional district levels, and across industries. 

Key findings for the Detroit metro area include: 

• Immigrants are helping to grow Detroit’s economy. In 2017, there were 23,251 immigrant entrepreneurs in the Detroit metro area, a nearly nine percent increase from 2016. Immigrants were also 32.3 percent more likely to be entrepreneurs when compared to U.S.-born residents.
• Immigrants help fill workforce gaps. In 2017, nearly 78 percent of immigrants in Detroit were of working age, compared to 63 percent of U.S.-born residents. Immigrants subsequently helped to fill employment gaps across industries.
• Immigrants pay billions in taxes and hold significant spending power. In 2017, immigrants in Detroit paid more than $4.4 billion in taxes, a 10 percent increase in one year. Immigrants also held nearly $12 billion in spending power, a more than 10 percent increase from 2016. 
• Major industries in Detroit depend on immigrant workers. Despite making up just 10.2 of the area’s population, Detroit immigrants made up 17.7 percent of transportation workers, 15.2 percent of manufacturing workers, and 15.1 percent of professional, scientific, and technical services workers.

“These numbers tell a powerful story — immigrants are driving growth in Detroit,” said Kate Brick, Director of State and Local Initiatives at New American Economy. “This report also illustrates why providing immigrants with pathways to success will benefit major aspects of Detroit’s economy.” 

Map the Impact shows NAE analysis of the latest data from the 2017 American Communities Survey. You can find the new version of the Map at maptheimpact.org.