Rapid City, MI
Population 1,315 · Michigan
About Rapid City, MI
Rapid City is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,315 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,438 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.6 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rapid City features a median home value of $212,500, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Rapid City in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $987, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 892 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (525 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (83 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rapid City shows an unemployment rate of 8.0%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 13.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Rapid City have an average one-way commute time of 24.8 minutes.
Education & Demographics
13.0% of Rapid City residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 0.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rapid City, MI
Compared to national averages, Rapid City has a median household income of $65,438 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $212,500, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $987 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Rapid City's income is 1% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 16% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Rapid City, MI?
Rapid City offers affordable housing with a median home value of $212,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $987/month, and short commute times averaging just 24.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,438) that falls below the national average. However, Rapid City’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rapid City has a population of 1,315 with a median age of 51.6 years. Compare Rapid City with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Rapid City
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakewood Club | 1,315 | $67,277 | $144,900 | Compare |
| Three Oaks | 1,322 | $60,500 | $185,100 | Compare |
| Hemlock | 1,323 | $92,031 | $170,500 | Compare |
| New Buffalo | 1,306 | $64,524 | $342,700 | Compare |
| Reese | 1,303 | $83,125 | $174,600 | Compare |
| Ovid | 1,331 | $49,094 | $92,000 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 1,333 | $63,095 | $110,600 | Compare |
| White Cloud | 1,297 | $55,417 | $150,600 | 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 Rapid City With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rapid City
What is the population of Rapid City, MI?
The population of Rapid City, MI is 1,315 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 Rapid City?
The median household income in Rapid City, MI is $65,438 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rapid City?
The median home value in Rapid City, MI is $212,500, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rapid City?
The median monthly rent in Rapid City, MI is $987, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rapid City?
The unemployment rate in Rapid City, MI is 8.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Rapid City, MI a good place to live?
Rapid City offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,315 and a median age of 51.6, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Rapid City, MI?
13.0% of residents in Rapid City 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 Rapid City?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rapid City, MI: median home value is $212,500 (13% below national), median rent is $987/month, and median household income is $65,438. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rapid City?
The poverty rate in Rapid City, MI is 13.8%, 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 Rapid City, MI?
Rapid City's population is 0.8% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.5% of residents are foreign-born.