Michigan / County

Moving to Grand Rapids, MI

Thinking of making a move to Grand 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 Grand Rapids, MI

Considering a move to Grand Rapids, MI? This welcoming community of 201,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $275,000 and average rents near $1,250. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (52% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Grand Rapids's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Grand Rapids, MI

Grand Rapids has a population of 201,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 33 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 57% White, 17% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 17% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
201,000
Density
4,400 per sq mi
Median Age
32.8
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
16.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
57.0%
Black
17.0%
Asian
3.5%
Others
22.5%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Grand Rapids is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 93.8. Median home values are around $275,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,250. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$275,000
Gross Rent
$1,250
Monthly Electricity Charges
$140
Auto Insurance
$2,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$640
State Taxes
Low: 4.25%| High: 4.25%
Cost Of Living Index
93.8
Grocery
96.5
Housing
87.2
Utilities
101.4
Transportation
94.1
Health Care
96.8
Miscellaneous
95.0

Crime

Is Grand Rapids, MI a safe place to live?

Grand Rapids is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 820 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 33. 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
820
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,050
Crime Index
3,870
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 122
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 33

Weather

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

Grand Rapids experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 19°F. The area receives about 38 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 52% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
19°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
41°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
43°F
Max
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
52%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $68,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.0%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 31% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 5% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,500
Household Income
$68,500
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$32,500
Income Male
$46,500
Income Female
$38,500
Poverty Rate
18.0%
Non English Speakers
13.8%
Rent
$1,250
Unemployment Rate
4.8%
Public Transport Usage
4.8%
Commute Time
21.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.5%
Bachelors or More
31.0%

Education

How are the schools in Grand Rapids, MI?

Grand Rapids offers quality education options, with public schools like Grand Rapids Public Schools Innovation Central High School and City High Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Grand Rapids Community College, Grand Valley State University Downtown Campus, and Aquinas College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Grand Rapids Public Schools Innovation Central High School
Street
421 Fountain St NE
Phone
616-819-2550
Students
1,100
Student Teacher Ratio
16.0
Name
City High Middle School
Street
1720 Plainfield Ave NE
Phone
616-819-3200
Students
850
Student Teacher Ratio
18.1

Private Schools

Name
Catholic Central High School
Street
319 Sheldon Blvd SE
Phone
616-233-5800
Students
950
Name
West Catholic High School
Street
1801 Bristol Ave NW
Phone
616-233-5900
Students
700

Colleges

Name
Grand Rapids Community College
City
Grand Rapids
State
MI
Distance
0 miles
Students
14,000
Name
Grand Valley State University Downtown Campus
City
Grand Rapids
State
MI
Distance
1 mile
Students
4,000
Name
Aquinas College
City
Grand Rapids
State
MI
Distance
4 miles
Students
1,500

Healthcare

Grand Rapids residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital, and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.4 per 1,000 people and 94.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital
Address
100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone
(616) 391-1774
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Trinity Health Grand Rapids Hospital
Address
200 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone
(616) 685-5000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Helen DeVos Children's Hospital
Address
100 Michigan St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone
(616) 391-9000
Type
Children’s Hospital
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.4
Health Insurance Coverage
94.0%
Health Care Index
75.8

Housing Market

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

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $275,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 51%. The market has seen a 4.6% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Grand Rapids offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$275,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,250
Owner Occupied Rate
50.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.6%
New Construction Rate
2.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Grand Rapids handle vehicle services through the Michigan Department 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 Department of State
Address
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 Grand 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 Grand Rapids, review the core fields on this page: population 201,000, median home value $275,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,250, commute time 21.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 52%.

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