Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, Michigan Overview

Grand Rapids scores 45.8/100 overall (C), ranking #13 of 20 cities in Michigan — below the state composite of 47.7. Affordability is the city’s relative strength at 74/100, while Outdoor Access lags at 18/100.

Income & Employment in Grand Rapids

The median household income in Grand Rapids is $70,258, 3% above the statewide median of $68,505. The local unemployment rate of 4.8% is lower than the state’s 4.9%. Population grew 0.9% recently.

Safety in Grand Rapids

With a violent crime rate of 882.1 per 100,000, Grand Rapids exceeds the Michigan average of 430. Safety is a factor prospective residents should weigh carefully. The property crime rate is 3078.8 per 100,000.

Cost of Living in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 95.2 (where 100 equals the national average), slightly below the national benchmark. The median home value is $225,500. Median monthly rent is $1,191. Renters spend 20.3% of income on rent, well within the 30% affordability guideline.

Health & Wellness in Grand Rapids

The adult obesity rate in Grand Rapids is 36.4%, above the national average and a factor in the city’s health profile. The diabetes prevalence rate is 10.4%. Residents report an average of 18.9 poor mental health days per month, above the typical range. Michigan ranks #31 nationally for overall health.

Education & Schools in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has a high school graduation rate of 87.9%. The student-teacher ratio is 17.2:1. Per-pupil spending is $15,099. The city has 108 public schools serving 47,749 students. School data is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data and EDFacts.

Climate & Commute in Grand Rapids

The annual average temperature in Grand Rapids is 50.9°F. Summers average 70°F. Winters average 33.2°F. Annual precipitation is 40.2 inches. The average commute of 17.2 minutes is notably short.

Frequently Asked Questions