MichiganPop. 198,535Mid-size cities
Is Grand Rapids a Good Place to Live? Grand Rapids, Michigan: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Grand Rapids ranks #948 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (19 min, #33 of 256) and fast population growth (+0.9%, #48 of 241), and trails on high violent crime (894 per 100,000, #220 of 235) and high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
Grand Rapids by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Grand Rapids's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,266/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $307,094, 15% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
| Measure | Grand Rapids | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 101.8 · US 100 | 95.5#459 of 1,308 | 96.2 | 101.8 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $439,863 · US $368,697 | $307,094#398 of 1,187 | $266,292 | $439,863 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,871/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,580/mo#400 of 1,115 | — | $1,871/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $405,750 | $244,500#377 of 1,309 | — | $405,750 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,641/mo | $1,266/mo#501 of 1,309 | — | $1,641/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 5x | 3.5x#381 of 1,309 | — | 5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 23.9% | 22%#680 of 1,309 | — | 23.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Grand Rapids housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Grand Rapids is in the Grand Rapids-Kentwood, MI metro.
Michigan housing market →Is Grand Rapids safe?
Grand Rapids recorded 894 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1031 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #220 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Rapids Police Department. Property crime runs 2,334 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Grand Rapids | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 352 · US 328 | 894#1031 of 1,085 | 416 | 352 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,730 · US 1,548 | 2,334#807 of 1,085 | 1,259 | 1,730 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Grand Rapids?
The median household in Grand Rapids earns $69,108, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Grand Rapids | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $80,112 · US $83,163 | $69,108#832 of 1,312 | $72,389 | $80,112 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 5.3%#896 of 1,058 | 5.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 12.6% | 16.9%#974 of 1,312 | — | 12.6% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.3% · US +0.5% | +0.9%#254 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.3% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Grand Rapids?
The median resident of Grand Rapids is 32.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 41.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Grand Rapids | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 36.7 | 32.3 | 36.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 34% | 41.6%#428 of 1,312 | 34% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 56.7% | 54% | 56.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Grand Rapids's schools and health?
Grand Rapids's 57 public schools graduate 83.1% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $16,449 spent per pupil. 36.4% of adults are obese and 10.4% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 33.3% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Grand Rapids | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 88% | 83.1%#773 of 1,063 | 81% | 88% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 17.4 | 16.9#722 of 1,188 | — | 17.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $14,993 | $16,449#447 of 1,188 | — | $14,993 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 33.3% | 36.4%#904 of 1,311 | — | 33.3% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 10.4%#479 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.5% | 18.9%#1033 of 1,311 | — | 17.5% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.1% | 9.9%#645 of 1,311 | — | 11.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 18,552 students are enrolled in Grand Rapids's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Grand Rapids?
The average commute in Grand Rapids is 19 minutes (Michigan 24.3); 3% of workers take transit and 13.9% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Grand Rapids scores 13 of 20 (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.3°F and winters 26.3°F, with 39.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Grand Rapids | MichiganMI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 24.6 min | 19 min#261 of 1,312 | 24.3 min | 24.6 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6% | 2.9%#171 of 1,312 | 6.1% | 6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.7% | 68.7% | 75.6% | 70.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 3% | 1% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 4.2% | 1.9% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.3% | 0.8% | 0.4% | 0.3% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.3% | 13.9% | 11.2% | 13.3% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.6 | 13#325 of 1,312 | — | 11.6 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). Michigan is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30.5 | 17 | 2.7 |
| Feb | 33.8 | 17.8 | 2.1 |
| Mar | 44.1 | 24.4 | 2.6 |
| Apr | 57.2 | 34.7 | 4.1 |
| May | 69.3 | 45.8 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 78.5 | 56.3 | 4 |
| Jul | 82.4 | 60 | 3.3 |
| Aug | 80.7 | 58.1 | 3.1 |
| Sep | 73.6 | 50.6 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 60.8 | 40 | 3.7 |
| Nov | 46.9 | 30.5 | 3.3 |
| Dec | 35.5 | 23.2 | 2.8 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at E Grand Rapids.
| Measure | Grand Rapids | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 62.1°F | 48°F | 62.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.9°F | 69.3°F | 76.9°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 47.7°F | 26.3°F | 47.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.8 in | 39.6 in | 36.8 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at E Grand Rapids.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Grand Rapids?
Kent County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 42% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kent County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
| Measure | Grand Rapids | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 46 | 52#889 of 1,138 | 46 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4 | 9#840 of 1,138 | 4 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.16% | 0.09%#125 of 1,312 | 0.16% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Kent County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Kent County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Strong wind | 0.0029% | 61% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.01% | 55% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.065% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Grand Rapids compare with similar-size cities?
Grand Rapids is one of 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track and ranks #175 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 198,535.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #948 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 | 19 min |
| Augusta, GAPop. 201,528 | #1173 | 45.9 | $55,485 | $1,142/mo | 547 | 21.1 min |
| Sioux Falls, SDPop. 201,469 | #309 | 61.9 | $75,970 | $1,035/mo | 364 | 17 min |
| Oxnard, CAPop. 200,928 | #912 | 51.5 | $96,212 | $2,032/mo | 557 | 25.3 min |
| Overland Park, KSPop. 200,306 | #116 | 67.9 | $104,834 | $1,515/mo | 161 | 19.7 min |
| Sunrise Manor, NVPop. 200,218 | #1275 | 40.0 | $58,421 | $1,397/mo | no data | 28.3 min |
| Birmingham, ALPop. 198,173 | #1264 | 41.1 | $46,051 | $1,107/mo | 1,239 | 20.8 min |
| Peoria, AZPop. 196,906 | #489 | 58.2 | $95,815 | $1,843/mo | 253 | 28.2 min |
| Vancouver, WAPop. 195,300 | #737 | 54.3 | $81,338 | $1,702/mo | 556 | 23.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Grand Rapids compare with the rest of Michigan?
Grand Rapids ranks #15 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 5% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% above the typical Michigan home.
| City | Rank in MI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Troy, MIPop. 87,898 | #1 | 69.5 | $120,045 | $1,602/mo | 93 |
| Rochester Hills, MIPop. 77,089 | #2 | 68.7 | $120,694 | $1,644/mo | 62 |
| Royal Oak, MIPop. 57,950 | #3 | 68.6 | $101,109 | $1,381/mo | 153 |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #4 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 |
| Farmington Hills, MIPop. 83,515 | #5 | 65.8 | $104,836 | $1,551/mo | 144 |
| Ann Arbor, MIPop. 122,036 | #6 | 64.7 | $82,212 | $1,649/mo | 297 |
| Livonia, MIPop. 93,851 | #7 | 64.4 | $98,460 | $1,322/mo | 217 |
| St. Clair Shores, MIPop. 58,140 | #8 | 57.9 | $73,500 | $1,183/mo | 233 |
| Sterling Heights, MIPop. 133,573 | #9 | 56.9 | $79,909 | $1,292/mo | 220 |
| Wyoming, MIPop. 77,353 | #10 | 55.9 | $73,677 | $1,196/mo | 459 |
| Dearborn, MIPop. 107,423 | #11 | 54.8 | $65,324 | $1,327/mo | 249 |
| Westland, MIPop. 83,633 | #12 | 54.1 | $62,076 | $1,158/mo | 424 |
| Kentwood, MIPop. 54,296 | #13 | 53.8 | $74,373 | $1,260/mo | 583 |
| Southfield, MIPop. 76,236 | #14 | 51.2 | $68,166 | $1,340/mo | 585 |
| Grand Rapids, MIPop. 198,535 | #15 | 50.9 | $69,108 | $1,266/mo | 894 |
| Dearborn Heights, MIPop. 61,771 | #16 | 50.8 | $60,391 | $1,331/mo | 387 |
| Warren, MIPop. 137,928 | #17 | 49.4 | $64,016 | $1,225/mo | 497 |
| Taylor, MIPop. 62,081 | #18 | 45.3 | $61,081 | $1,101/mo | 749 |
| Lansing, MIPop. 113,023 | #19 | 45.0 | $54,382 | $993/mo | 1,337 |
| Battle Creek, MIPop. 52,374 | #20 | 42.3 | $55,693 | $957/mo | 1,055 |
| Kalamazoo, MIPop. 73,076 | #21 | 40.7 | $52,272 | $1,078/mo | 1,084 |
| Pontiac, MIPop. 62,104 | #22 | 38.1 | $44,329 | $1,063/mo | 820 |
| Flint, MIPop. 80,175 | #23 | 32.6 | $37,646 | $915/mo | 1,097 |
| Detroit, MIPop. 638,530 | #24 | 32.4 | $39,938 | $1,074/mo | 1,654 |
All 24 Michigan cities we track, by overall score. Michigan statewide: median income $72,389, violent crime 416.2 per 100,000.
How is Grand Rapids's score calculated?
Grand Rapids scores 50.9 out of 100, #948 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Michigan's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Grand Rapids. Similar-size median 52.9.
42.5 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Grand Rapids's police agency. Similar-size median 70.6.
33.3 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Grand Rapids. Similar-size median 53.8.
49.5 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Grand Rapids's public schools. Similar-size median 52.1.
54.8 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Grand Rapids's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.1.
74.7 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Grand Rapids. Similar-size median 51.2.
39.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Grand Rapids. Similar-size median 42.1.
45.6 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Grand Rapids. Similar-size median 50.1.
59.4 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Grand Rapids's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 56.1.
63.2 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 45.9.
64.2 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Grand Rapids's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 256 cities of 100,000 to 250,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Grand Rapids has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Grand Rapids
Is Grand Rapids, MI a good place to live?
Grand Rapids ranks #948 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #175 of 256 mid-size cities and #15 of 24 in Michigan. Against similar-size cities it stands out for short commutes (19 min, #33 of 256) and fast population growth (+0.9%, #48 of 241), and trails on high violent crime (894 per 100,000, #220 of 235) and high unemployment (5.3%, #194 of 241).
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids's cost of living index is 95.5, 5% below the US level of 100 and #459 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $1,266/mo against $1,641/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $307,094, 15% above the typical Michigan home ($266,292).
What is the crime rate in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids recorded 894 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 2.7 times the US rate of 328 and 2.1 times Michigan's 416. That ranks #1031 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #220 of 235 mid-size cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Grand Rapids Police Department. Property crime runs 2,334 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Grand Rapids?
The median household in Grand Rapids earns $69,108, 17% below the US figure of $83,163 and 5% below Michigan ($72,389). Unemployment is 5.3% (US 4.3%). 16.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.9% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Grand Rapids?
Median rent in Grand Rapids is $1,266/mo (Census), #501 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,580/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 22% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Grand Rapids?
The typical home value in Grand Rapids is $307,094, up 3.2% in a year, against $266,292 for Michigan and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $244,500.
How are the public schools in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids's 57 public schools graduate 83.1% of students in four years (Michigan 81%), with 16.9 students per teacher and $16,449 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Grand Rapids?
The average commute is 19 minutes, #261 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 24.3 minutes across Michigan. 2.9% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids averages 48°F over the year, 69.3°F in summer and 26.3°F in winter, with 39.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Grand Rapids walkable?
Grand Rapids scores 13 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #325 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Grand Rapids at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Kent County's biggest natural hazard losses in strong wind, tornado, and inland flooding, with expected yearly losses of 0.09% of building value, lower than 92% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Grand Rapids?
Kent County's air had a median air quality index of 52, and 42% of measured days were rated good; 9 days were unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from fine particles.
Who lives in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids has 198,535 residents. The median resident of Grand Rapids is 32.3 years old, against 36.7 in similar-size cities. 41.6% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #428 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 54% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Grand Rapids compare with the rest of Michigan?
Grand Rapids ranks #15 of the 24 Michigan cities we track, with a score of 50.9 against Michigan's statewide 42.7. Its households earn 5% below the Michigan median. Violent crime is 2.1 times the statewide rate. Homes are 15% above the typical Michigan home.
What cities are similar in size to Grand Rapids?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Grand Rapids's population of 198,535 are Augusta, GA (#1173 overall), Sioux Falls, SD (#309 overall), Oxnard, CA (#912 overall), Overland Park, KS (#116 overall), and Sunrise Manor, NV (#1275 overall). Grand Rapids is #948.