Michigan
Big Rapids is a small city in Michigan with a population of 7,847. Residents earn $40,197 per year, which is 47% below the national average.
Based on current data, Big Rapids receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Big Rapids offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Big Rapids is $40,197, 47% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.5%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 18.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Big Rapids is $134,200, 52% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $815 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.3x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
28.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Big Rapids has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 20°F in January while summers reach 69°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 37.9 inches, including 61.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 97.0% |
| 24% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 3.0% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $40,197 |
| 47% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $20,904 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $869 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,778 |
| Unemployment | 3.5% |
| 3% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 18.5% |
| 49% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 696 |
| County GDP | $1,626M |
| Restaurants | 78 |
| Healthcare | 102 |
| Retail | 151 |
| Manufacturing | 32 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.37% |
| Commute Time | 15.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |
| Census Median | $134,200 |
| 52% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $209,292 |
| Median List Price | $217,000 |
| Median List Price | $217,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.2% |
| Price Drops | 13.3% |
| Inventory | 15 |
| Census Median Rent | $815 |
| 30% below US avg | |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,100 |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 40.3% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.37% |
| Obesity | 41.1% |
| 28% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 12.3% |
| Heart Disease | 7.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.1% |
| Asthma | 12.6% |
| COPD | 10.5% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.5% |
| Depression | 31.4% |
| Mental Distress | 21.3% |
| Physical Distress | 16.4% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.8% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Premature Death | 8,230/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Annual Average | 45.1°F |
| 16% below US avg | |
| January Average | 20°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 69°F (21°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 37.9 inches |
| 0% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 61.3 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 924 ft (282 m) |
| Area | 4.5 sq mi (11.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,763/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.6997°N, 85.4813°W |
| County FIPS | 26107 |
Winner: Republican by 30 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 28.3% |
| 16% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 92.8% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,763/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.5 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 4 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 5 |
| Public Libraries | 6 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 102 |
| Restaurants | 78 |
| Retail Stores | 151 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Avg Commute | 15.1 min |
| Work from Home | 7.1% |