Median Income
$66,515
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$189,300
33% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
64/100K
83% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
36.0%
7% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$944
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.3%
8% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Grand Ledge Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population7,797
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density2,015/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans9.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,515
Per Capita$42,049
Unemployment3.3%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$7,448M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$189,300
Rent$944
Ownership67.7%
Zillow$291,009
Housing Units3,630
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent64/100K
Property1,170/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault13/100K
Burglary140/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured5.6%
Smoking12.6%
Depression29.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.3 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation837 ft (255 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+36.0%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+12.2%
School Score5.24
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 48%
Commute22 min
Broadband89.8%
EV Stations1
Libraries10
Is Grand Ledge a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grand Ledge receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Grand Ledge offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grand Ledge is $66,515, 11% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.3%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grand Ledge is $189,300, 33% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $944 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Grand Ledge is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,170 per 100,000, 40% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 36.0% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Grand Ledge experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches, including 50.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Grand Ledge has a population of 7,797 with a density of 2,015 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.2% female and 47.8% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 1.4% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 9.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grand Ledge vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.0%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grand Ledge vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grand Ledge is $66,515, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $42,049. The average weekly wage is $1,170, 18% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 2,107 business establishments, including 224 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 13.7% of workers work from home.
Income: Grand Ledge vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,515 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $42,049 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,170 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,805 |
| Gini Index | 0.399 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.3% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,107 |
| County GDP | $7,448M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 224 |
| Healthcare | 234 |
| Retail | 311 |
| Manufacturing | 104 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,244 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.77% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.3% |
| Work from Home | 13.7% |
The median home value in Grand Ledge is $189,300, 33% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,009, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98.4% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $944 (19% 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. 67.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,630 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1974. The average annual property tax is $5,244 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $189,300 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $291,009 |
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $299,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $142 |
| Homes Sold | 10 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.4% |
| Price Drops | 18.8% |
| Inventory | 16 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $944 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 32.3% |
| Housing Units | 3,630 |
| Median Year Built | 1974 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,244 |
| 50% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.77% |
In Grand Ledge, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 12.6% are current smokers. 19.2% report binge drinking. 20.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 29.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.6% experience frequent mental distress. 5.6% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,026. The dentist ratio is 1:1,434. 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grand Ledge vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 8.0% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.6% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.7% |
| Depression | 29.0% |
| Mental Distress | 18.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.5% |
| Uninsured | 5.6% |
| 35% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,026 |
| Dentists | 1:1,434 |
| Mental Health | 1:461 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Dental Visits | 70.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,898/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.0% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 234 |
Grand Ledge has a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, 83% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 12.7 per 100,000, robbery at 12.7, rape at 38.2. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,170 per 100,000, 40% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 954, burglary at 140, vehicle theft at 76 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 11 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Grand Ledge receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grand Ledge vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 63.6/100K |
| 83% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 38.2/100K |
| Robbery | 12.7/100K |
| Assault | 12.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,170.2/100K |
| 40% below US avg |
| Burglary | 139.9/100K |
| Theft | 954.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 76.3/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 11 |
| Traffic Accidents | 166 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grand Ledge experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 33.3 inches. The area receives 50.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 837 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 837 ft (255 m) |
| Area | 3.9 sq mi (10.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,015/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.7529°N, 84.7449°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Eaton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Capital Region International (LAN) 8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.3"
12% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.66"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 67.6 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 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 |
80 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
13 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
72 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
411 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 141 fatalities, 1,397 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
83 km |
116 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1977 |
EF4 |
42 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
20 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
13 km |
1 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
91 km |
3 |
| Mar 15, 2012 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1986 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
54 km |
1 |
| May 13, 1980 |
EF3 |
95 km |
5 |
| May 11, 1974 |
EF3 |
71 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
2.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.3 in |
|
Grand Ledge has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 24°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Grand Ledge. 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 | $674 |
| Toddler | $674 |
| Preschool | $627 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $799 |
| Toddler | $819 |
| Preschool | $819 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Ledge
What is the population of Grand Ledge?
Grand Ledge has a population of 7,797 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 2,015 people per square mile, spread across 3.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.2% female and 47.8% male.
Is Grand Ledge expensive to live in?
Grand Ledge 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 $66,515, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $189,300 (33% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $944 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grand Ledge safe?
Grand Ledge is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 64 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,170 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Grand Ledge receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grand Ledge?
Grand Ledge has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.3 inches, with 50.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Grand Ledge?
Grand Ledge has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,170. There are 2,107 business establishments in the area, including 224 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 13.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grand Ledge?
The median home value in Grand Ledge is $189,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $291,009. For renters, the median monthly rent is $944. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.7%. The average annual property tax is $5,244.
How are the schools in Grand Ledge?
Schools in Grand Ledge score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 36.0% of adults in Grand Ledge hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 12.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grand Ledge?
The obesity rate in Grand Ledge is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.6% of adults are smokers. 20.7% are physically inactive. 29.0% of residents report depression. 5.6% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 75.0% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,026.
What is transportation like in Grand Ledge?
The average commute in Grand Ledge is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 13.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grand Ledge?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Ledge is 92% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 9.0% of the population are military veterans. 17.3% of residents have a disability. 96.5% have health insurance coverage.