Median Income
$56,542
25% lower than US avg
Home Value
$200,600
29% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
178/100K
53% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.0%
11% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$999
14% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.3%
13% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.0%
17% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.8%
3% higher than US avg
How Grand Rapids Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,186
Median Age44.5 yrs
Density500/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans8.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,542
Per Capita$31,552
Unemployment3.0%
Poverty12.8%
County GDP$2,579M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$200,600
Rent$999
Ownership59.4%
Zillow$270,025
Housing Units4,962
Rent Burden34.3%
Crime
F
Violent178/100K
Property1,518/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault142/100K
Burglary98/100K
Health
Obesity36.3%
Uninsured7.9%
Smoking16.9%
Depression26.4%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain27.7 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,298 ft (396 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.0%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+12.7%
School Score5.88
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute15 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations7
Libraries6
Is Grand Rapids a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grand Rapids receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Grand Rapids offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Grand Rapids is $56,542, 25% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 12.8% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $200,600, 29% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $999 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.5x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Grand Rapids is below the national average at 178 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,518 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
30.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Grand Rapids has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 27.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Grand Rapids has a population of 11,186 with a density of 500 people per square mile, spread across 22.4 square miles. The median age is 44.5 years, 14% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55% female and 45% male. The city is predominantly White (90.2%), with 5% Hispanic, 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 8.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.5yrs
Median Age
14% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grand Rapids vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.9%
93% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grand Rapids vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grand Rapids is $56,542, which is 25% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,552 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,040, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.8% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 1,352 business establishments, including 107 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Grand Rapids vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $56,542 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,552 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,040 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,727 |
| Gini Index | 0.432 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.0% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.8% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,352 |
| County GDP | $2,579M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 107 |
| Healthcare | 170 |
| Retail | 178 |
| Manufacturing | 36 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,534 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.26% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 70.1% |
| Public Transit | 3.8% |
| Work from Home | 7.7% |
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $200,600, 29% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,025, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.3% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $999 (14% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 59.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 4,962 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1978. The average annual property tax is $4,534 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 34.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $200,600 |
| 29% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $270,025 |
| Median List Price | $219,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $219,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $124 |
| Homes Sold | 4 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.3% |
| Price Drops | 9.1% |
| Inventory | 22 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $999 |
| 14% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 34.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 59.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 59.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 40.6% |
| Housing Units | 4,962 |
| Median Year Built | 1978 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,534 |
| 30% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.26% |
In Grand Rapids, 36.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 23.7% are physically inactive. 26.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:980. The dentist ratio is 1:1,256. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS - 2026-05-26)
PM2.5
4.7
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
8.0
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
0.8
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
136.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Grand Rapids vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.3% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 5.9% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.7% |
| Depression | 26.4% |
| Mental Distress | 17.6% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 29.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.3% |
| Uninsured | 7.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:980 |
| Dentists | 1:1,256 |
| Mental Health | 1:289 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.1% |
| Dental Visits | 62.4% |
| Premature Death | 9,838/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 65.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 170 |
Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 178 per 100,000 residents, 53% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 142.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 35.5. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,518 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,367, burglary at 98, vehicle theft at 53 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Grand Rapids receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Grand Rapids vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 177.5/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 35.5/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 142.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,517.7/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| Burglary | 97.6/100K |
| Theft | 1,366.8/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 53.3/100K |
| Arson | 26.6/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 360 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grand Rapids has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 8°F in January while summers reach 67°F in July. The area gets 276 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 27.7 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 1,298 feet.
Temperature
8°F Jan (-14°C)
67°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 39.6°F |
| 27% below US avg |
| January Average | 8°F (-14°C) |
| July Average | 67°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,298 ft (396 m) |
| Area | 22.4 sq mi (58.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 500/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.2385°N, 93.5326°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Itasca County County |
| Nearest Airport | Range Regional (HIB) 34 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
27.7"
27% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 76.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 63.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
85 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 113 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
73 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 26, 1996 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF2 |
47 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 1977 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1977 |
EF2 |
20 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 1973 |
EF2 |
99 km |
0 |
| Sep 6, 1959 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 2024 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF1 |
22 km |
0 |
| Aug 14, 2020 |
EF1 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jul 17, 2019 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2017 |
EF1 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BOY RIVER (3,546 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
51 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
68 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
75 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
50 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
48 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
44 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
46 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
50 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
49 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
79 km |
| 2004 |
SOUTH MAIN ROAD |
1,384 |
80 km |
| 2006 |
WUI RX BURN UNIT 15 |
1,380 |
78 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,352 |
72 km |
| 1997 |
UNNAMED |
1,306 |
48 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
1,249 |
48 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,226 |
51 km |
| 2000 |
S MAIN RO |
1,181 |
80 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,096 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
8°F (-14°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.6 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| May |
53°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
67°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (19°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
56°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
44°F (7°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| December |
12°F (-11°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Grand Rapids has a seasonal temperature swing of 60°F / from 8°F in January to 67°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Grand Rapids. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $948 |
| Toddler | $893 |
| Preschool | $821 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $765 |
| Toddler | $650 |
| Preschool | $664 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Grand Rapids
What is the population of Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids has a population of 11,186 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 500 people per square mile, spread across 22.4 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 55% female and 45% male.
Is Grand Rapids expensive to live in?
Grand Rapids has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $56,542, 25% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $200,600 (29% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $999 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grand Rapids safe?
Grand Rapids is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 178 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,518 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Grand Rapids receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 8°F in January, while summers reach an average of 67°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 27.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,040. There are 1,352 business establishments in the area, including 107 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 7.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grand Rapids?
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $200,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $270,025. For renters, the median monthly rent is $999. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 59.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,534.
How are the schools in Grand Rapids?
Schools in Grand Rapids score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.0% of adults in Grand Rapids hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 12.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grand Rapids?
The obesity rate in Grand Rapids is 36.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 23.7% are physically inactive. 26.4% of residents report depression. 7.9% lack health insurance. 65.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:980.
What is transportation like in Grand Rapids?
The average commute in Grand Rapids is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 70.1% of workers drive alone to work, 3.8% use public transit, and 7.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grand Rapids?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Rapids is 90.2% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 8.1% of the population are military veterans. 21.6% of residents have a disability. 94.3% have health insurance coverage.