Grand Rapids, MN
Population 11,186 · Minnesota
About Grand Rapids, MN
Grand Rapids is a mid-sized city located in Minnesota with a population of 11,186 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $56,542 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 44.5 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 Grand Rapids features a median home value of $200,600, which is 18% 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 $999, 14% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,138 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (2,815 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (1,926 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 5.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.6%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Grand Rapids have an average one-way commute time of 15.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
30.0% 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 1.0% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.9% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Grand Rapids, MN
Compared to national averages, Grand Rapids has a median household income of $56,542 (25% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $200,600, which is 18% below the national median. Monthly rent at $999 is 14% below the US average of $1,163. Within Minnesota, Grand Rapids's income is 24% below the state average of $74,221, and home values are 2% below the state median of $204,472.
Why Live in Grand Rapids, MN?
Grand Rapids offers affordable housing with a median home value of $200,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $999/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,542) that falls below the national average. However, Grand Rapids’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Grand Rapids has a population of 11,186 with a median age of 44.5 years. Compare Grand Rapids with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Minnesota.
Similar Cities Near Grand Rapids
Cities in Minnesota with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Branch | 11,182 | $90,383 | $290,600 | Compare |
| Victoria | 10,972 | $192,821 | $572,800 | Compare |
| Mendota Heights | 11,644 | $132,935 | $504,100 | Compare |
| Little Canada | 10,546 | $71,370 | $302,600 | Compare |
| East Bethel | 11,995 | $114,583 | $343,200 | Compare |
| Fairmont | 10,348 | $59,228 | $168,800 | Compare |
| St. Peter | 12,085 | $65,042 | $238,700 | Compare |
| Big Lake | 12,115 | $113,333 | $291,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Minnesota
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, MN?
The population of Grand Rapids, MN is 11,186 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Minnesota.
What is the median household income in Grand Rapids?
The median household income in Grand Rapids, MN is $56,542 per year, which is 25% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Grand Rapids?
The median home value in Grand Rapids, MN is $200,600, which is 18% 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, MN is $999, which is 14% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids, MN is 5.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Grand Rapids, MN a good place to live?
Grand Rapids offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,186 and a median age of 44.5, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Grand Rapids, MN?
30.0% of residents in Grand 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 Grand Rapids?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Grand Rapids, MN: median home value is $200,600 (18% below national), median rent is $999/month, and median household income is $56,542. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.5x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Grand Rapids?
The poverty rate in Grand Rapids, MN is 17.6%, 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, MN?
Grand Rapids's population is 1.0% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 1.1% two or more races. 0.9% of residents are foreign-born.