Rapid River, MI
Population 230 · Michigan
About Rapid River, MI
Rapid River is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 230 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $39,375 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Rapid River features a median home value of $105,600, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Rapid River one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 109 total housing units, 83% are owner-occupied (84 units) and 17% are renter-occupied (17 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Rapid River shows an unemployment rate of 3.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.6%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Rapid River have an average one-way commute time of 28 minutes.
Education & Demographics
11.2% of Rapid River 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 0.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Rapid River, MI
Compared to national averages, Rapid River has a median household income of $39,375 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $105,600, which is 57% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Rapid River's income is 40% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 42% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Rapid River, MI?
Rapid River offers affordable housing with a median home value of $105,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.2%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.6%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($39,375) that falls below the national average. However, Rapid River’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Rapid River has a population of 230 with a median age of 41.4 years. Compare Rapid River with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Rapid River
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beulah | 229 | $46,250 | $410,000 | Compare |
| Burlington | 231 | $52,639 | $83,800 | Compare |
| De Tour Village | 231 | $41,250 | $213,000 | Compare |
| Fountain | 229 | $47,500 | $100,000 | Compare |
| Copper City | 226 | $48,750 | $85,600 | Compare |
| Wolverine | 226 | $48,250 | $123,600 | Compare |
| Lake Ann | 235 | $87,500 | $329,400 | Compare |
| Elm Hall | 224 | $19,688 | $79,000 | 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 River With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Rapid River
What is the population of Rapid River, MI?
The population of Rapid River, MI is 230 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Rapid River?
The median household income in Rapid River, MI is $39,375 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Rapid River?
The median home value in Rapid River, MI is $105,600, which is 57% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Rapid River?
The median monthly rent in Rapid River, MI is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Rapid River?
The unemployment rate in Rapid River, MI is 3.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Rapid River, MI a good place to live?
Rapid River offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 230 and a median age of 41.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Rapid River, MI?
11.2% of residents in Rapid River 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 River?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Rapid River, MI: median home value is $105,600 (57% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $39,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Rapid River?
The poverty rate in Rapid River, MI is 9.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Rapid River, MI?
Rapid River's population is 0.0% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.