Median Income
$60,665
19% lower than US avg
Home Value
$242,400
14% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
251/100K
34% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
35.9%
7% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$961
17% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.6%
5% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.0%
35% lower than US avg
How Grand Haven Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population10,966
Median Age46.4 yrs
Density1,917/mi²
Male / Female44% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans6.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$60,665
Per Capita$39,963
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty8.0%
County GDP$21,044M
Commute19 min
Housing
A
Home Value$242,400
Rent$961
Ownership68.2%
Zillow$389,453
Housing Units5,907
Rent Burden29.8%
Crime
F
Violent251/100K
Property1,551/100K
Murder9.0/100K
Assault117/100K
Burglary126/100K
Health
Obesity33.6%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking12.8%
Depression28.3%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation604 ft (184 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+35.9%
High School+96.3%
Graduate+11.9%
School Score6.42
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute19 min
Broadband84.5%
EV Stations4
Libraries10
Is Grand Haven a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grand Haven receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Grand Haven offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grand Haven is $60,665, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 8.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grand Haven is $242,400, 14% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $961 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Grand Haven is below the national average at 251 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,551 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 35.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 96.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Grand Haven experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Grand Haven has a population of 10,966 with a density of 1,917 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age is 46.4 years, 19% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.9% female and 44.1% male. The city is predominantly White (89.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 6.6% of the population are veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.4yrs
Median Age
19% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grand Haven vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grand Haven vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grand Haven is $60,665, which is 19% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,963. The average weekly wage is $1,150, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 6,888 business establishments, including 465 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 10.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Grand Haven vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $60,665 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,963 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,150 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $89,969 |
| Gini Index | 0.419 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.0% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 6,888 |
| County GDP | $21,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 465 |
| Healthcare | 621 |
| Retail | 779 |
| Manufacturing | 606 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,878 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.84% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.4% |
The median home value in Grand Haven is $242,400, 14% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $389,453, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 99% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $961 (17% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,907 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $6,878 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $242,400 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $389,453 |
| Median List Price | $340,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $340,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $298 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 99.0% |
| Price Drops | 19.4% |
| Inventory | 36 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $961 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,409 |
| Rent Burden | 29.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.8% |
| Housing Units | 5,907 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,878 |
| 97% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.84% |
In Grand Haven, 33.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.3% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 29.6% have high blood pressure. 12.8% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 19.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511. The dentist ratio is 1:1,626. 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-25)
PM2.5
12.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
12.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
5.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.1
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
249.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Grand Haven vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.6% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.6% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.7% |
| Depression | 28.3% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 29.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.4% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,511 |
| Dentists | 1:1,626 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 79.8% |
| Dental Visits | 71.9% |
| Premature Death | 5,206/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 621 |
Grand Haven has a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 residents, 34% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 116.5 per 100,000, robbery at 26.9, rape at 98.6. The murder rate is 9.0 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,551 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,390, burglary at 126, vehicle theft at 36 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 21 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Grand Haven receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grand Haven vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 251.0/100K |
| 34% below US avg |
| Murder | 9.0/100K |
| 42% above US avg |
| Rape | 98.6/100K |
| Robbery | 26.9/100K |
| Assault | 116.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,550.9/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| Burglary | 125.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,389.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 35.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
| Traffic Accidents | 279 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grand Haven experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 604 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-4°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.3°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 604 ft (184 m) |
| Area | 7.4 sq mi (19.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,917/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.0550°N, 86.2193°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Ottawa County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gerald R Ford International (GRR) 37 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.90"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0441 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.8 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 82.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 99.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
112 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
135 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
182 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 31 fatalities, 675 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF5 |
45 km |
17 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
25 km |
5 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
93 km |
5 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2009 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2001 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1994 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF2 |
77 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1989 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 29, 1986 |
EF2 |
100 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1986 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1986 |
EF2 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jul 21, 1983 |
EF2 |
43 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ALLEGAN6 (1,077 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
ALLEGAN6 |
1,077 |
55 km |
| 2018 |
SER 438 / WHITE RIVER |
814 |
50 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
793 |
50 km |
| 1994 |
COUNTY LINE |
735 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
BALDWIN FUELS UNITS 1/2/6AB |
619 |
95 km |
| 2024 |
WHELAN LAKE BLOCK 1 PARTIAL 1 RX |
512 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
44°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Grand Haven has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 26°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.0 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Grand Haven. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $712 |
| Toddler | $712 |
| Preschool | $573 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $835 |
| Toddler | $835 |
| Preschool | $780 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Haven
What is the population of Grand Haven?
Grand Haven has a population of 10,966 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,917 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.9% female and 44.1% male.
Is Grand Haven expensive to live in?
Grand Haven has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $60,665, 19% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $242,400 (14% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $961 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grand Haven safe?
Grand Haven is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 251 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,551 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Grand Haven receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grand Haven?
Grand Haven has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Grand Haven?
The job market in Grand Haven is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,150. There are 6,888 business establishments in the area, including 465 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 10.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grand Haven?
The median home value in Grand Haven is $242,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $389,453. For renters, the median monthly rent is $961. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 68.2%. The average annual property tax is $6,878.
How are the schools in Grand Haven?
Schools in Grand Haven score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 35.9% of adults in Grand Haven hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 96.3% have completed high school. 11.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grand Haven?
The obesity rate in Grand Haven is 33.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.8% of adults are smokers. 19.7% are physically inactive. 28.3% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,511.
What is transportation like in Grand Haven?
The average commute in Grand Haven is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grand Haven?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Haven is 89.8% White, 0.7% Black or African American. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 6.6% of the population are military veterans. 18.0% of residents have a disability. 96.4% have health insurance coverage.