Beebe's Corners, the original settlement in what would become the city of Warren, was founded in 1830 at the corner of Mound Road and Chicago Road; its first resident was Charles Groesbeck.[10] Beebe's Corners was a carriage stop between Detroit andUtica, and included a distillery, mill, tavern, and trading post.[10][11] It was not until 1837 that the now-defunctWarren Township was organized around the settlement, first under the name Hickory, then renamed Aba in April 1838, and finally renamed Warren shortly thereafter.[12] It was named forWar of 1812 veteran, and frontier cleric, Rev. Abel Warren. However, when it was originally organized the township was named for Rev. Warren, aMethodist Episcopal preacher who left his native New York in 1824 forShelby Township. He went throughout the present-dayMacomb,Lapeer,Oakland, andSt. Clair Counties, baptizing, marrying, and burying pioneers of the area, as well as establishing congregations and preaching extensively.[13] He was the first licensed preacher in the State of Michigan.[14]
The settlement was formally incorporated as the Village of Warren from Warren Township on April 28, 1893, out of one square mile bound by 14 Mile Road and 13 Mile Road to the north and south, and in half-a-mile east and west of Mound Road.[10] The small village grew slowly, and had a population of 582 in 1940 and 727 in 1950, while the larger surrounding township grew at a much quicker pace.[16] Much of this growth was due to the construction of theChrysler's Truck Assembly plant in 1938, theDetroit Arsenal Tank Plant in 1940 to support theWW II effort, and theGeneral Motors Technical Center between 1949 and 1956.
The Red Run and Bear Creek, just small creeks back in the 1800s, has blossomed into an open major inter-county stormdrain flowing through Warren, into the Clinton River, and onward to Lake St. Clair.[17]
The Village of Warren and most of the surrounding Township of Warren, together withVan Dyke, incorporated as a city in 1957, less the city ofCenter Line, which had incorporated as a village from Warren Township in 1925 and as a city in 1936.[12] Between 1950 and 1960, Warren's population soared from 42,653 to 89,426. This population explosion was largely fueled by the post-WWIIBaby Boom and later, bywhite flight from its southern neighbor of Detroit in that decade. This change in population continued into the next decade when the city's population doubled again, ultimately reaching a high of 179,000 in 1970.
Historically, Warren was asundown town: an all-white municipality that excluded non-whites through a combination of discriminatory practices, local ordinances, and violence.[18][19] In 1970, Warren had a population of 180,000, with only 28 minority families, most of whom lived on a U.S. military base. As late as 1974, African Americans were practically nonexistent in Warren,[20] In 2000 Warren had less than 3% Black population,[20] compared to 80% in adjacent Detroit.[21]
According to theUnited States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 34.434 square miles (89.18 km2), of which 34.377 square miles (89.04 km2) is land and 0.057 square miles (0.15 km2) is water.[3] The city covers a 6-by-6-mile (9.7 by 9.7 km) square (from 8 Mile Road to 14 Mile Road, south to north) in the southwest corner ofMacomb County (minus the city ofCenter Line, which is a small city totally enclosed within Warren). Warren shares its entire southern border with the northern border of the Detroit city limits. Other cities bordering Warren areHazel Park andMadison Heights to the west,Sterling Heights to the north, andFraser,Roseville, andEastpointe to the east.
Warren features ahumid continental climate (Köppen:Dfa). Summers are somewhat hot with temperatures exceeding 90 °F (32 °C) on average 8.6 days. Winters are cold, with temperatures not rising above freezing on 39.1 days annually, while dropping to or below 0 °F (−18 °C) on average 1.2 days a year.
Climate data for Warren, Michigan (Eastpointe station)
Warren city, Michigan – racial and ethnic composition Note: the US Census treats Hispanic/Latino as an ethnic category. This table excludes Latinos from the racial categories and assigns them to a separate category. Hispanics/Latinos may be of any race.
Between 2010 and 2020, the Asian population in Warren doubled, increasing from 5% to 10%. This was due in large part to an increase in theHmong andBangladeshi populations.
There are 54,483 households accounted for in the 2022 ACS, with an average of 2.52 persons per household. The city's a median gross rent is $1,139 in the 2022 ACS. The 2022 ACS reports a median household income of $61,633, with 71.1% of households are owner occupied. 13.5% of the city's population lives at or below thepoverty line (down from previous ACS surveys). The city boasts a 63.7% employment rate, with 19.9% of the population holding a bachelor's degree or higher and 86.3% holding a high school diploma.[29]
The top nine reported ancestries (people were allowed to report up to two ancestries, thus the figures will generally add to more than 100%) were German (11.0%), Polish (8.8%), Irish (6.8%), Italian (5.8%), English (5.2%), Subsaharan African (4.0%), French (except Basque) (2.7%), Scottish (1.2%), and Norwegian (0.2%).
As of the2010 census, there were 134,056 people, 53,442 households, and 34,185 families residing in the city. The population density was 3,899.2 inhabitants per square mile (1,505.5/km2). There were 57,938 housing units at an average density of 1,685.2 per square mile (650.7/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 78.4%White, 13.5%African American, 0.4%Native American, 4.6%Asian, 0.0%Pacific Islander, 0.4% fromsome other races and 2.6% fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 2.1% of the population.
There were 53,442 households, of which 30.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.2% were married couples living together, 15.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.0% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.49 and the average family size was 3.11.
The median age in the city was 39.4 years. 22.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26.1% were from 25 to 44; 26.1% were from 45 to 64; and 16.1% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.4% male and 51.6% female.
The white population declined to 91.3% in 2000 and reached 78.4% as of the 2010 census.[30]
As of the2000 census, there were 138,247 people, 55,551 households, and 36,719 families residing in the city. The population density was 4,031.8 inhabitants per square mile (1,556.7/km2). There were 57,249 housing units at an average density of 1,669.6 per square mile (644.6/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 91.29%White, 2.67%African American, 0.36%Native American, 3.09%Asian, 0.02%Pacific Islander, 0.34% fromsome other races and 2.23% fromtwo or more races.Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 1.35% of the population.
There were 55,551 households out of which 27.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.7% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.9% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals and 12.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.47 and the average family size was 3.05.
The city’s population was spread out with 22.9% under the age of 18, 7.6% from 18 to 24, 30.8% from 25 to 44, 21.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females there were 95.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.1 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $44,626, and the median income for a family was $52,444. Males had a median income of $41,454 versus $28,368 for females. The per capita income for the city was $21,407. 7.4% of the population and 5.2% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total people living in poverty, 9.5% were under the age of 18 and 5.8% were 65 or older.
Warren's 2000 population was one of the oldest among large cities in the United States. 16.1% of Warren's population was 65 or older at the last census, tied for fifth withHollywood, Florida, among cities with 100,000+ population, and in fact the highest-ranking city by this measure outside of Florida or Hawaii.[31] Warren is ranked 1st in the nation for longevity of residence. Residents of Warren on average have lived in that community 35.5 years, compared to the national average of eight years for communities of 100,000+ population.[32] Warren remains a population center for people ofPolish,Lebanese,Ukrainian,Albanian,Scots-Irish,Filipino,Maltese andAssyrian descent.
In 2000 there were 1,026Filipinos in Warren as well as 1,145 Asian Indians in the city, and 1,559 American Indians. Many of the American Indians in Warren originated in the Southern United States with 429Cherokee and 66Lumbee. The Lumbee were the third largest American Indian "tribe" in the city, with only the 193Chippewa outnumbering them.
There are a number of distinguishing characteristics about Warren which render it unique among American cities of its relative size. Warren was one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the country between 1940 and 1970, roughly doubling its population every 10 years. In 1940 the official population of Warren Township was 22,146; in 1950, it was 42,653; in 1960, after Warren Township had become the City of Warren, population had risen to 89,240; and by 1970 it had grown to 179,260.
In the late 20th century, Warren was one of the fastest-declining cities in population in the country. After peaking in 1970, the city’s population declined by 10% during each of the next two decades (1980: 161,060; 1990: 144,864), then dropped by 4.6% between 1990 and 2000.
In 1970, whites made up 99.5% of the city's total population of 179,270; only 838 non-whites lived within the city limits. In the ensuing two decades the white portion of the city dropped gradually to 98.2% in 1980 and 97.3% as of 1990.
The Warren municipal government is composed of a mayor, city council, clerk, and various boards and commissions. Boards include the Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Review, Employee Retirement Board of Trustees, and Construction Board of Appeals. Commissions include Animal Welfare, Beautification, Compensation, Crime, Cultural, Disabilities, Historical, Housing, Library, Planning, Police & Fire, and Village Historic District Commissions.[34]
The City of Warren established a Christian prayer station at city hall that is operated by the Pentecostal Tabernacle Church of Warren. Douglas Marshall requested establishing a reason station. MayorJames R. Fouts personally refused to grant Marshall's request in a letter based, in part, on the claim that the station would disrupt those using the prayer station. TheAmerican Civil Liberties Union,Americans United for Separation of Church and State, andFreedom from Religion Foundation jointly filed a complaint against the city. In 2015 there was a $100,000 judgment against the city government and MayorJames R. Fouts for denying Marshall the right to establish his atheist station.[35][36][37]
Southeast Warren consists of the Belangers Garden, Berkshire Manor, Piper Van Dyke, Warrendale, and the southern portion of Warren Woods. The neighborhood population in 2009 was 33,031. The neighborhood's racial makeup was 70.14% White, 15.50% African-American, 2.27% Asian, 0.38% Native American, and 6.80% of other races. 1.84% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The neighborhood's median household income in 2009 was $35,136. The per capita income was $15,301.[39]
Much of Southeast Warren's residential architecture is based on the bungalows built immediately after World War II. To the north of Stephens Road, many homes were built after 1960 in the brick ranch style. Besides the residential areas, Southeast Warren is also occupied by multiple industrial parks.
Southwest Warren consists of the Beierman Farms and Fitzgerald neighborhoods. The neighborhood population in 2009 was 30,876. The neighborhood's racial makeup was 81.98% White, 7.9% African-American, 4.98% Asian, 0.48% Native American, and 4.23% of other races. 1.64% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The neighborhood's median household income in 2009 was $40,311. The per capita income was $19,787.[40]
Northeast Warren consists of the Bear Creek, Bella Vista Estates, Downtown, Fairlane Estates, Lorraine, Northampton Square, the northern portion of Warren Woods, and the eastern portion of Warren Con neighborhoods. The neighborhood population in 2009 was 45,492. The neighborhood's racial makeup was 92.47% White, 2.93% African American, 2.78% Asian, 0.5% Native American and 3.75% of other races. 1.36% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The neighborhood's median household income in 2009 was $48,806. The per capita income was $27,914.[41][42]
Northwest Warren consists of the western portion of the Warren Con neighborhood. The neighborhood population in 2009 was 24,997. The neighborhood's racial makeup was 85.50% White, 4.58% African American, 6.57% Asian, 0.19% Native American and 3.50% of other races. 1.32% were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
The median household income in 2009 was $55,102. The per capita income was $25,334.[43]
Warren Public Library consists of one main library and three branches. The Civic Center Library is located on the ground floor of the city hall. The Arthur Miller Branch is inside the Warren Community Center. The other two branches are the Maybelle Burnette Branch and the Dorothy Busch Branch.[46]
On July 1, 2010, the three branch libraries were closed. On August 3, the Library Millage was approved; as such, these branch libraries reopened later that August.[47]
Our Lady of Grace Vietnamese Parish (Vietnamese:Gx Đức Mẹ Ban Ơn Lành) is in Warren.[49] Our Lady of Grace was previously inEastpointe, but moved to Warren in 2011 when it merged with St. Cletus Church. St. Cletus had a predominately native-born population and had a declining parishioner base, and it could not find enough priests to staff the facility; meanwhile Our Lady of Grace had an increasing parishioner base and was asking for a larger facility.[50]
Other parishes include St. Faustina Parish,[51] St. Louise de Marillac Parish,[52] St. Mark Parish,[53] St. Martin de Porres Parish,[54] and St. Mary-Our Lady Queen of Families Parish (St. Dorothy Site).[55] St. Mark's first building opened in 1943.[56]
St. Mary, Our Lady Queen of Families was formed by the 2007 merger of Ascension Parish, St. Clement Parish, St. Leonard of Port Maurice Parish, and St. Teresa of Avila Parish. St. Faustina Church formed in 2013 through the merger of St. Edmund Church and St. Sylvester Church.[57]
The City of Warren has a Department of Parks and Recreation which oversees the Aquatic, Community, and Fitness Centers along with a system of 24 parks, includingHalmich Park.
TheWarren Symphony Orchestra gives several concerts per season, and changed its name to the Warren Symphony Orchestra in 2016.[58][59]
In 2003 the city built a new community center where the old Warren High School had been.[60]
There is also a nine-member Cultural Commission.[61]
Universal Mall, an enclosed shopping mall, was built in the city in 1965. In 2009, it was demolished for a new outdoor shopping center.
The Italian American Cultural Society (IACS) was located in Warren for 20 years. In 2004 it moved to its current location inClinton Township. Its previous location was sold to a charter school in July 2004.[62]
I-696 (Walter P. Reuther Freeway) cuts east and west through the city.
M-53 (Van Dyke Avenue), which is also known as theEarle Memorial Highway, runs north and south and (roughly) bisects the city.
M-97 (Groesbeck Highway) is located in southeast Warren. It comes north from Detroit, and is a fast and wide diagonal connector to northernMacomb County.
Mound Road is an important north–south artery in the city. East-west travel is mainly on themile roads. Most notable are8 Mile Road, which is on the southern border of Warren with Detroit;11 Mile Road, which serves as a service drive forI-696, and 14 Mile Road, which is on the northern border of Warren withSterling Heights.
Detroit Memorial Park Cemetery, where inventorElijah McCoy is buried (as noted on the historical marker).[63] Former member of the bandThe SupremesFlorence Ballard is also buried there.
The tenth and eleventh markers are technically inCenter Line, Michigan, but are included because of their proximity (both in distance and in history) to Warren:
^Dasch, Jean M.; Gorsich, D.J. (2012).The TARDEC Story. Sixty-five Years of Innovation 1946-2010. US Army Tank Automotive Research, Development and Engineering Center.
^abSundown Towns: A hidden dimension of American racism, James W. (2018).Loewen (2018 ed.). New York, London: The New Press. pp. 4, 430.ISBN9781620974346.
^abcd"Michigan Historical Markers".The Michigan Historical Marker Web Site. MichMarkers.com. Archived from the original on July 17, 2014. RetrievedApril 15, 2008.
^"St. Clement Catholic Church".The Michigan Historical Marker Web Site. MichMarkers.com. Archived from the original on February 17, 2001. RetrievedMarch 28, 2011.
^"St. Clement Catholic Church Cemetery".The Michigan Historical Marker Web Site. MichMarkers.com. Archived from the original on November 7, 2006. RetrievedMarch 28, 2011.
^"16 Alex Avila".The Tuscaloosa News. February 15, 2006.Archived from the original on November 9, 2023. RetrievedNovember 9, 2023.one season at DeLaSalle High School (2003) in Warren, Michigan
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