Grand Rapids, MI
Population 197,768 · Michigan
About Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids is a major city located in Michigan with a population of 197,768 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,526 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.1 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 Grand Rapids features a median home value of $225,500, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Grand Rapids in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,191, 2% above the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 85,145 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (43,670 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (36,274 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Grand Rapids shows an unemployment rate of 5.0%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 18.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grand Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 19.4 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
40.1% of Grand 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 9.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, and 4.3% Asian residents, with 11.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Grand Rapids Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Grand Rapids, MI
Compared to national averages, Grand Rapids has a median household income of $65,526 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $225,500, which is 8% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,191 is 2% above the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Grand Rapids's income is 1% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 23% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Grand Rapids, MI?
Grand Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $225,500, below the US average of $244,900, and a well-educated community where 40.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 19.4 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,526) that falls below the national average. However, as a major city, Grand Rapids provides access to a wide range of amenities and services.
Grand Rapids has a population of 197,768 with a median age of 32.1 years. Compare Grand Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Grand Rapids
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warren | 138,128 | $63,741 | $181,900 | Compare |
| Sterling Heights | 133,473 | $78,429 | $260,700 | Compare |
| Ann Arbor | 121,179 | $81,089 | $435,100 | Compare |
| Lansing | 112,546 | $52,170 | $119,400 | Compare |
| Dearborn | 107,846 | $65,192 | $205,900 | Compare |
| Livonia | 94,058 | $96,317 | $265,300 | Compare |
| Troy | 87,307 | $119,299 | $396,800 | Compare |
| Westland | 84,155 | $62,216 | $176,500 | 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 Grand Rapids With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Rapids
What is the population of Grand Rapids, MI?
The population of Grand Rapids, MI is 197,768 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a major city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Grand Rapids?
The median household income in Grand Rapids, MI is $65,526 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grand Rapids?
The median home value in Grand Rapids, MI is $225,500, which is 8% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Grand Rapids?
The median monthly rent in Grand Rapids, MI is $1,191, which is 2% above the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids, MI is 5.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grand Rapids, MI a good place to live?
Grand Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 197,768 and a median age of 32.1, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Grand Rapids, MI?
40.1% of residents in Grand Rapids aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grand Rapids, MI: median home value is $225,500 (8% below national), median rent is $1,191/month, and median household income is $65,526. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Grand Rapids?
The poverty rate in Grand Rapids, MI is 18.6%, 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 Grand Rapids, MI?
Grand Rapids's population is 9.9% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 1.5% Black or African American, 4.3% Asian, and 17.4% two or more races. 11.3% of residents are foreign-born.