Michigan / County

Moving to Big Rapids, MI

Thinking of making a move to Big Rapids, MI? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Big Rapids, MI

Considering a move to Big Rapids, MI? This welcoming community of 10,700 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $920. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (48% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Big Rapids's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Big Rapids, MI

Big Rapids has a population of 10,700 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 25 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 79% White, 7% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
10,700
Density
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age
24.9
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
79.0%
Black
6.5%
Asian
3.0%
Others
11.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Big Rapids, MI?

The cost of living in Big Rapids is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.7. Median home values are around $185,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $920. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$185,000
Gross Rent
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges
$128
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,250
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$540
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
86.7
Grocery
92.0
Housing
72.5
Utilities
98.4
Transportation
94.1
Health Care
93.5
Miscellaneous
90.8

Crime

Is Big Rapids, MI a safe place to live?

Big Rapids is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 250 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 54. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Michigan.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
250
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,850
Crime Index
2,100
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 400
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 54

Weather

What is the weather like in Big Rapids, MI year-round?

Big Rapids experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 81°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 33 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 48% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
31°F

Summer

Min
58°F
Max
81°F

Spring

Min
37°F
Max
61°F

Fall

Min
40°F
Max
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches
32.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
48%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $52,500 and a low poverty rate of 21.8%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,500
Household Income
$52,500
Family Income
$64,000
Per Capita Income
$22,800
Income Male
$38,000
Income Female
$29,500
Poverty Rate
21.8%
Non English Speakers
7.0%
Rent
$920
Unemployment Rate
5.7%
Public Transport Usage
2.5%
Commute Time
17.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
22.4%

Education

How are the schools in Big Rapids, MI?

Big Rapids offers quality education options, with public schools like Big Rapids High School and Big Rapids Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Ferris State University and Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Big Rapids High School
Street
500 N State St
Phone
231-796-7651
Students
610
Student Teacher Ratio
17.0
Name
Big Rapids Middle School
Street
500 Linden St
Phone
231-796-7641
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5

Private Schools

Name
Crossroads Charter Academy
Street
215 N Fourth Ave
Phone
231-592-0181
Students
560

Colleges

Name
Ferris State University
City
Big Rapids
State
MI
Distance
0 miles
Students
11,000
Name
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
City
Grand Rapids
State
MI
Distance
55 miles
Students
1,500

Healthcare

Big Rapids residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Corewell Health Reed City Hospital and Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Corewell Health Reed City Hospital
Address
449 W Upton Ave, Reed City, MI 49677
Phone
(231) 832-3271
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital
Address
605 Oak St, Big Rapids, MI 49307
Phone
(231) 796-8691
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
92.1%
Health Care Index
68.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Big Rapids, MI?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $185,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.4%. Big Rapids offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$920
Owner Occupied Rate
54.6%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.8%

DMV Information

Residents of Big Rapids handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Lansing. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Michigan
Department
Michigan Secretary of State
Address
7064 Crowner Dr, Lansing, MI 48918
Phone
1-888-767-6424

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Big Rapids, MI

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Big Rapids, review the core fields on this page: population 10,700, median home value $185,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $920, commute time 17.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 48%.

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