Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Grand Rapids, MI
Thinking about moving to Grand Rapids, MI? With nearly 200,000 residents and a median home price around $246,000, the city offers affordable living paired with a vibrant, youthful community. Commutes are quick—about 20 minutes on average—and the cost of living is well below the national average. Families will appreciate a range of educational options, while local healthcare access is strong. While crime rates are higher than national averages, Grand Rapids’ cultural scene, public parks, and four-season climate make it a dynamic place to call home.
Demographics - Grand Rapids, MI
Demographics - Grand Rapids, MI
Grand Rapids is home to nearly 199,000 residents, characterized by a young median age of 31.5 and a diverse population that includes significant Black, White, and Hispanic communities. The city has a balanced gender ratio and about 14% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting its multicultural appeal.
Population:
198,893
Density:
4,600 per sq mi
Median Age:
31.5
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
14.2%
Ethnic Composition
White:
61.6%
Black:
18.1%
Asian:
3.0%
Others:
17.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI?
With a cost of living index of 90.5, Grand Rapids is notably more affordable than many U.S. cities. The median home price sits at $246,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,280, making it accessible for both buyers and renters. Utilities and everyday expenses remain reasonable, contributing to the city’s budget-friendly lifestyle.
Median House Value:
$246,000
Gross Rent:
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$2,300
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,490
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$540
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
90.5
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
81.0
Utilities:
99.2
Transportation:
88.5
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Grand Rapids, MI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Grand Rapids are higher than the national average, with residents facing a 1 in 166 chance of being a victim of violent crime and a 1 in 41 chance for property crime. While these figures may be a consideration, many neighborhoods remain safe and active community efforts aim to address local safety.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
603
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,460
Crime Index:
3,063
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 166
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 41
Weather
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids, MI year-round?
Grand Rapids experiences all four seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers, averaging 37 inches of annual rainfall. The city enjoys about 46% sunny days, offering residents a balanced mix of seasonal activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
32°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
46%
Neighbors
The typical household in Grand Rapids earns around $56,500, with a poverty rate of 17.7% and an average commute of just 20 minutes. The community is well-educated, as nearly 87% have completed high school and over a third hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Median Income:
$34,100
Household Income:
$56,500
Family Income:
$70,300
Per Capita Income:
$30,600
Income Male:
$41,800
Income Female:
$32,900
Poverty Rate:
17.7%
Non English Speakers:
14.2%
Rent:
$1,280
Unemployment Rate:
4.2%
Public Transport Usage:
2.1%
Commute Time:
20.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
86.8%
Bachelors or More:
35.7%
Education
How are the schools in Grand Rapids, MI?
The city offers a variety of public and private school options, including top-rated institutions and access to higher education at Grand Valley State University's Pew Campus and Calvin University. With a range of educational opportunities and a focus on student success, Grand Rapids supports learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
City High Middle School
Street:
1720 Plainfield Ave NE
Phone:
616-819-2380
Students:
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio:
22:1
Name:
East Grand Rapids High School
Street:
2211 Lake Dr SE
Phone:
616-235-7555
Students:
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio:
18:1
Private Schools
Name:
Grand Rapids Christian High School
Street:
2300 Plymouth Ave SE
Phone:
616-574-5500
Students:
900
Colleges
Name:
Grand Valley State University – Pew Campus
City:
Grand Rapids
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
24,000
Name:
Calvin University
City:
Grand Rapids
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,200
Healthcare
Residents benefit from strong healthcare access, including major hospitals like Spectrum Health Butterworth and Mercy Health Saint Mary's. With 2.6 physicians per 1,000 people and over 92% health insurance coverage, Grand Rapids offers reliable medical care for families and individuals alike.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital
Address:
100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone:
(616) 391-1774
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Mercy Health Saint Mary's
Address:
200 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone:
(616) 685-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.1%
Health Care Index:
78.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Grand Rapids, MI?
Grand Rapids features a healthy housing market, with a median home price of $246,000 and a homeownership rate of nearly 55%. Home values have appreciated by over 7% in the past year, and rental options remain widely available with a vacancy rate of 5.8%.
Median Home Price:
$246,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate:
54.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
5.8%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
2.0%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Grand Rapids DMV services are managed by the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located downtown and accessible online or by phone. Residents can handle driver’s licensing, vehicle registration, and other state services efficiently through this office.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
State Office Bldg, 350 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
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.