Big Rapids, MI
Population 7,847 · Michigan
About Big Rapids, MI
Big Rapids is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 7,847 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $40,197 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 23 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Big Rapids features a median home value of $134,200, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Big Rapids one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $815, 30% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,347 total housing units, 40% are owner-occupied (1,127 units) and 60% are renter-occupied (1,669 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Big Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 5.5%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 35.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Big Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 15.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
28.3% of Big Rapids residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 3.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 1.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Big Rapids, MI
Compared to national averages, Big Rapids has a median household income of $40,197 (47% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $134,200, which is 45% below the national median. Monthly rent at $815 is 30% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Big Rapids's income is 39% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 27% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Big Rapids, MI?
Big Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $134,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $815/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($40,197) that falls below the national average. However, Big Rapids’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Big Rapids has a population of 7,847 with a median age of 23 years. Compare Big Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Big Rapids
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Joseph | 7,805 | $77,765 | $271,100 | Compare |
| Grand Ledge | 7,797 | $66,515 | $189,300 | Compare |
| Three Rivers | 7,936 | $48,852 | $120,200 | Compare |
| St. Johns | 7,712 | $63,030 | $175,300 | Compare |
| Hudsonville | 7,711 | $88,606 | $260,500 | Compare |
| Grand Blanc | 7,995 | $67,284 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Hillsdale | 8,013 | $47,817 | $131,300 | Compare |
| Ludington | 7,664 | $44,471 | $192,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Big Rapids With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Big Rapids
What is the population of Big Rapids, MI?
The population of Big Rapids, MI is 7,847 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Big Rapids?
The median household income in Big Rapids, MI is $40,197 per year, which is 47% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Big Rapids?
The median home value in Big Rapids, MI is $134,200, which is 45% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Big Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Big Rapids, MI is $815, which is 30% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Big Rapids, MI is 5.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Big Rapids, MI a good place to live?
Big Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 7,847 and a median age of 23, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Big Rapids, MI?
28.3% of residents in Big Rapids aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Big Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Big Rapids, MI: median home value is $134,200 (45% below national), median rent is $815/month, and median household income is $40,197. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Big Rapids?
The poverty rate in Big Rapids, MI is 35.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Big Rapids, MI?
Big Rapids's population is 3.7% White, 2.4% Hispanic or Latino, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 6.1% two or more races. 1.1% of residents are foreign-born.