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 198,893 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $246,000 and average rents near $1,280. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (46% 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 198,893 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 32 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 62% White, 18% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

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?

The cost of living in Grand Rapids is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.5. Median home values are around $246,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,280. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

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?

Grand Rapids is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 603 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 41. 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
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 four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 82°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 46% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
82°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
64°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches
37.3 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
46%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $56,500 and a low poverty rate of 17.7%. Over 87% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 36% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

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?

Grand Rapids offers quality education options, with public schools like City High Middle School and East Grand Rapids High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Grand Valley State University – Pew Campus and Calvin University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

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

Grand Rapids residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital and Mercy Health Saint Mary's nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.6 per 1,000 people and 92.1% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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

Healthcare Access

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?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $246,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 55%. The market has seen a 7.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.8%. Grand Rapids offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

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

Residents of Grand Rapids handle vehicle services through the Michigan Secretary of State, conveniently located in Grand Rapids. 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
State Office Bldg, 350 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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 198,893, median home value $246,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,280, commute time 20.1 minutes, and sunny days percentage 46%.

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