Grosse Pointe Woods is a city in Wayne County, Michigan. It is one of the five "Grosse Pointe" suburbs of Detroit and is located about 12 miles (19.3 km) east of downtown Detroit. According to the 2020 census, Grosse Pointe Woods had a population of 16,487.

History

The city was first settled more than 100 years ago, but most of its current buildings were constructed in the middle of the 20th century, especially during and just after World War II. This helps make Grosse Pointe Woods different from older parts of Grosse Pointe.

The city was first named the Village of Lochmoor in 1927, formed from the last unincorporated area of Grosse Pointe Township. In 1931, the village added the Stanhope-Allard area, which was part of Gratiot Township at the time. The village changed its name to Grosse Pointe Woods in 1939 but did not become a city until 1950.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.25 square miles (8.42 km²), all land. Out of the five Grosse Pointes, this city is the only one that does not have a shoreline along Lake St. Clair. However, the city owns a park in the neighboring city of St. Clair Shores, which is located on the lake.

Demographics

As of the 2010 census, the city had 16,135 people, 6,416 households, and 4,681 families. The population density was 4,964.6 people per square mile (1,916.8 per square kilometer). There were 6,819 housing units, with an average density of 2,098.2 per square mile (810.1 per square kilometer). The racial makeup of the city was 91.4% White, 4.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 2.4% Asian, 0.3% from other races, and 1.3% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people made up 1.7% of the population.

There were 6,416 households. Of these, 31.9% had children under 18 living with them, 60.0% were married couples, 10.0% had a female householder without a husband, 3.0% had a male householder without a wife, and 27.0% were non-family households. Twenty-four point four percent of households included only one person, and 12.7% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.51 people, and the average family size was 3.01 people.

The median age in the city was 45.1 years. Twenty-three point seven percent of residents were under 18, 6.2% were between 18 and 24, 20% were aged 25 to 44, 32.4% were aged 45 to 64, and 17.7% were 65 or older. The gender makeup was 47.9% male and 52.1% female.

As of the 2000 census, the city had 17,080 people, 6,531 households, and 4,970 families. The population density was 5,237.3 people per square mile (2,022.1 per square kilometer). There were 6,717 housing units, with an average density of 2,059.6 per square mile (795.2 per square kilometer). The racial makeup was 96.30% White, 0.63% African American, 0.06% Native American, 2.08% Asian, 0.11% from other races, and 0.81% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people made up 0.98% of the population.

There were 6,531 households. Of these, 35.1% had children under 18, 65.4% were married couples, 8.5% had a female householder without a husband, and 23.9% were non-family households. Twenty-two percent of households included only one person, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 or older. The average household size was 2.60 people, and the average family size was 3.07 people.

The population was spread across age groups: 26.1% under 18, 5.0% aged 18 to 24, 25.2% aged 25 to 44, 25.6% aged 45 to 64, and 18.2% aged 65 or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.7 males. For every 100 females aged 18 or older, there were 87.7 males.

The median household income was $78,558, and the median family income was $89,086. Males had a median income of $70,488, while females had a median income of $43,665. The per capita income was $38,653. About 1.7% of families and 2.4% of the population lived below the poverty line, including 2.3% of those under 18 and 2.8% of those aged 65 or older.

Our Lady Star of the Sea School first opened in 1957 in a part of the church, teaching only first graders while a new K-8 school building was being built.

Grosse Pointe Woods is served by the Grosse Pointe Public Schools. Three public elementary schools are located within the city: Ferry, Mason, and Monteith. Most residents are assigned to Parcells Middle School in Grosse Pointe Woods, while some areas to the southwest are assigned to Brownell Middle School in Grosse Pointe Farms. All residents are assigned to Grosse Pointe North High School in Grosse Pointe Woods.

University Liggett School is located in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Our Lady Star of the Sea School, a private Catholic K-8 school, is in the community. It opened in 1958. Our Lady Star of the Sea High School, a girls’ school, opened in 1959. When the high school closed in 1993, the middle school began using its building.

The Grosse Pointe Public Library operates the Woods Branch in Grosse Pointe Woods.

Notable people

• Nolan Allaer, racing driver
• J. K. Simmons, actor
• Corey Tropp, NHL ice hockey player
• Zachary Werenski, NHL ice hockey player