Median Income
$73,125
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$159,800
43% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
68/100K
82% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.4%
16% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$903
22% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Grand Rapids Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population985
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density1,119/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$73,125
Per Capita$33,223
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$10,692M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$159,800
Rent$903
Ownership70.6%
Zillow$242,125
Housing Units463
Rent Burden23.3%
Crime
F
Violent68/100K
Property500/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured6.3%
Smoking12.9%
Depression28.1%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation668 ft (204 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.4%
High School+97.4%
Graduate+8.8%
School Score6.35
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute26 min
Broadband93.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries12
Is Grand Rapids a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Grand Rapids receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $73,125, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $159,800, 43% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $903 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Grand Rapids is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 500 per 100,000, 74% below the national average.
Education
28.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Grand Rapids experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.2 inches, including 21.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Grand Rapids has a population of 985 with a density of 1,119 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (93.3%), with 2.7% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 5.7% of the population are veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Grand Rapids vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.7%
80% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Grand Rapids vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Grand Rapids is $73,125, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,223 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,088, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,473 business establishments, including 337 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 6.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Grand Rapids vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,125 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,223 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,088 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,132 |
| Gini Index | 0.459 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,473 |
| County GDP | $10,692M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 337 |
| Healthcare | 293 |
| Retail | 345 |
| Manufacturing | 171 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,555 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.10% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.0% |
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $159,800, 43% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,125, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $903 (22% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $873 for a one-bedroom to $1,092 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 463 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1946. The average annual property tax is $6,555 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $159,800 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $242,125 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $145 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 100.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $903 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $816 |
| 1 Bedroom | $873 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,092 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,388 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,550 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.4% |
| Housing Units | 463 |
| Median Year Built | 1946 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,555 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.10% |
In Grand Rapids, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 21.0% are physically inactive, below the national average. 28.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 6.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,472. The dentist ratio is 1:3,060. 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Grand Rapids vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.0% |
| Depression | 28.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 6.3% |
| 27% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,472 |
| Dentists | 1:3,060 |
| Mental Health | 1:448 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.4% |
| Dental Visits | 69.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,563/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 293 |
Grand Rapids has a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents, 82% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 500 per 100,000, 74% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 12 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 | 68.2/100K |
| 82% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 500.3/100K |
| 74% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 12 |
| Traffic Accidents | 25 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.6 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Grand Rapids experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 26°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 275 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 35.2 inches. The area receives 21.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 668 feet.
Temperature
26°F Jan (-3°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.8°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 26°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 668 ft (204 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,119/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.4011°N, 83.8664°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Wood County County |
| Nearest Airport | Detroit Metro Wayne County (DTW) 62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.2"
7% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
107 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
128 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
133 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
137 km |
| Feb 23, 2011 |
18 km NE of Leamington, Canada |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
120 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
76 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
86 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
47 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
36 km |
| May 14, 2017 |
18 km ENE of Leamington, Canada |
M2.6 |
146 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
90 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
37 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
84 km |
| Mar 8, 2010 |
7 km ENE of Grosse Ile, Michigan |
M2.5 |
107 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
39 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
85 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
105 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
413 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 75 fatalities, 1,207 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
32 km |
7 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
37 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
72 km |
13 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
49 km |
4 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
20 km |
17 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
9 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
41 km |
6 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1971 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1969 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
72 km |
4 |
| Aug 22, 1964 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.5 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
40°F (5°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.6 in |
|
Grand Rapids has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 26°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.1 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.7").
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) |
$232 ($139-$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186-$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93-$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742-$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70-$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139-$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23-$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46-$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371-$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93-$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56-$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46-$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139-$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712-$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371-$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104-$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464-$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640-$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856-$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742-$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186-$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928-$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28-$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70-$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14-$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23-$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46-$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78-$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32-$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32-$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78-$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71-$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56-$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74-$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37-$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28-$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46-$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70-$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114-$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28-$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42-$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28-$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14-$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557-$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464-$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186-$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23-$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371-$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640-$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46-$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28-$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19-$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139-$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93-$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $961 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $758 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $736 |
| Toddler | $714 |
| Preschool | $671 |
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 985 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 1,119 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Grand Rapids expensive to live in?
Grand Rapids is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $73,125, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $159,800 (43% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $903 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Grand Rapids safe?
Grand Rapids is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 68 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 500 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 four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 26°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.2 inches, with 21.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Grand Rapids?
The job market in Grand Rapids is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,088. There are 3,473 business establishments in the area, including 337 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 6.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Grand Rapids?
The median home value in Grand Rapids is $159,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $242,125. For renters, the median monthly rent is $903. Fair market rent is $873 for a 1-bedroom and $1,092 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.6%. The average annual property tax is $6,555.
How are the schools in Grand Rapids?
Schools in Grand Rapids score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.4% of adults in Grand Rapids hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.4% have completed high school. 8.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Grand Rapids?
The obesity rate in Grand Rapids is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 21.0% are physically inactive. 28.1% of residents report depression. 6.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 68.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,472.
What is transportation like in Grand Rapids?
The average commute in Grand Rapids is 26 minutes. 88.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Grand Rapids?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Rapids is 93.3% White, 2.7% Black or African American. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 5.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.8% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.