Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rapid City, MI
Considering Rapid City, MI for your next move? This charming small town of about 1,100 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents near $920. Enjoy peaceful, safe neighborhoods—violent crime rates are low at 125 per 100K—and short average commutes of 24 minutes. The area boasts beautiful northern Michigan scenery, good healthcare access, and friendly, close-knit community vibes, making it ideal for those seeking a quiet, affordable lifestyle.
Demographics - Rapid City, MI
Demographics - Rapid City, MI
Rapid City, MI is a close-knit community of about 1,100 residents, with a median age of 46 and a balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White at over 92%, and around 4.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density gives the area a spacious, small-town feel.
Population:
1,100
Density:
125 per sq mi
Median Age:
46.2
Gender Ratio:
99 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
92.5%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
6.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Rapid City, MI?
Living in Rapid City is affordable, with a median home value of $185,000 and average rent at $920 per month. The overall cost of living index is below the national average, making daily expenses like groceries and utilities manageable for most families. State income tax is a flat 4.25%, adding to the area's financial accessibility.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$920
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,210
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$400
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
91.0
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
83.0
Utilities:
97.0
Transportation:
96.0
Health Care:
91.5
Miscellaneous:
94.0
Crime
Is Rapid City, MI a safe place to live?
Rapid City offers a safe environment, with a violent crime rate of just 125 per 100,000 residents and a low chance of experiencing property crime. Most residents can feel secure in their neighborhoods, making it a great choice for families and those seeking peace of mind. The town's overall crime index remains well below urban averages.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
125
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,050
Crime Index:
1,175
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 800
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 95
Weather
What is the weather like in Rapid City, MI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging 15–30°F and pleasant summers ranging from 58–82°F. Rapid City receives about 33.5 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine 54% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
30°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
62°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
38°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
The median household income in Rapid City is around $57,200, with a poverty rate of 12.4%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute time is about 24 minutes, reflecting a convenient, laid-back lifestyle. Public transportation use is minimal, underscoring the community's rural character.
Median Income:
$31,500
Household Income:
$57,200
Family Income:
$66,500
Per Capita Income:
$28,500
Income Male:
$38,000
Income Female:
$30,500
Poverty Rate:
12.4%
Non English Speakers:
4.5%
Rent:
$920
Unemployment Rate:
4.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
23.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.5%
Education
How are the schools in Rapid City, MI?
Rapid City offers quality education through its local elementary school, which maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio of 15.5. While there are no private schools in town, higher education is accessible at Northwestern Michigan College, located just 28 miles away in Traverse City. This ensures families have solid educational opportunities from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Rapid City Elementary School
Street:
5258 River St
Phone:
231-331-6121
Students:
210
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Colleges
Name:
Northwestern Michigan College
City:
Traverse City
State:
MI
Distance:
28 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Rapid City residents have access to quality healthcare, with 92.5% of the population insured and nearly two doctors per 1,000 people. The nearby Munson Healthcare Kalkaska Memorial Health Center provides comprehensive services, including emergency care. This ensures that medical needs are met close to home.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Munson Healthcare Kalkaska Memorial Health Center
Address:
419 S Coral St, Kalkaska, MI 49646
Phone:
(231) 258-7500
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.5%
Health Care Index:
77.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Rapid City, MI?
The housing market in Rapid City is stable and affordable, with a median home price of $185,000 and strong owner-occupancy at nearly 79%. Rental options are available, with average two-bedroom rents at $920 and a low foreclosure rate of 0.4%. Home values have appreciated modestly in the past year, reflecting steady demand.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$920
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
6.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.3%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State Office located in nearby Kalkaska, offering essential DMV services such as driver's licensing and vehicle registration. The office is accessible and provides support both in person and through the state’s official website. This makes handling vehicle and licensing needs convenient for locals.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State Office
Address:
701 S Elm St, Kalkaska, MI 49646
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.