Grand Rapids, MI, US
Beer City USA with craft breweries, ArtPrize, and affordable Lake Michigan living.
Overview
Grand Rapids is a city in MI with a population of 198,917. Beer City USA with craft breweries, ArtPrize, and affordable Lake Michigan living. Housing costs are close to the national average. The overall cost of living is below the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5a growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. The population skews young, with a median age of 32.1.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Below Average vs US Avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Grand Rapids vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.2%
- Sales Tax: 6.0%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 3.0%
- Population: 198,917
Climate
- Sunny Days: 158/year
- Summer High: 82°F
- Winter Low: 18°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5a
Housing
- Median Home: $240,000
- 1BR Rent: $1150/mo
Cost of Living
Grand Rapids's cost of living index is 94.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Grand Rapids | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 94.5 | 100 | -5.5% |
| Housing | 88.5 | 100 | -11.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $240,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1150/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,438/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $160 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Grand Rapids:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $125 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $79 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | N/A | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $55 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | Included in taxes | Municipal service (covered by property taxes) |
| Total Utilities | $309 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Grand Rapids scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Grand Rapids has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 38°F | 18°F | 2.5" |
| April | 67°F | 33°F | 2.8" |
| July | 82°F | 57°F | 1.5" |
| October | 62°F | 36°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Grand Rapids faces the following natural hazards:
Severe lake-effect snow and blizzards.
Tornado risk.
River flooding.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Upper Peninsula with avalanches.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.25%
- Sales Tax: 6%
- Property Tax: ~1.48% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.0%.
Crime & Safety
Crime rates in Grand Rapids per 100,000 residents:
Data source: FBI Uniform Crime Reporting
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Universities & Higher Education
Data source: Center for World University Rankings (CWUR) & World Universities Database
Demographics
The population of Grand Rapids is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI, US?
The cost of living index in Grand Rapids is 94.5, which is Lower the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Grand Rapids?
The median home price in Grand Rapids is $240,000. The housing index is 88.5.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Grand Rapids is approximately $1150/mo.
Does Grand Rapids, MI have income tax?
Grand Rapids is in MI, which has an income tax rate of 4.25%.
What is the climate like in Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids enjoys approximately 158 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 82°F, while winter lows can drop to around 18°F.
Relocation Guides
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.