LANSING — Over the past decade, the average income for Michigan households dropped by more than $9,000 according tot he U.S. Census Bureau. 

In 2009, the average household income was $45,255 but the 2000 income level was $54,651 when adjusted for inflation. Only Hawaii has seen a bigger loss in income in that time. 

Some economists are hopeful that the state will come back again as it has changed from a mostly factory-based economy to one that relies on its higher education institutions, however.