Grand Rapids, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
198,535
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$69,108/yr
5.5% year-over-year change
Housing units
84,894
-0.3% year-over-year change

Grand Rapids population

How many people live in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is home to 198,535 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49% of Grand Rapids locals are male, and 51% are female.

Total population
198,535
0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49%
97,295
Female
51%
101,240
Value Percent YoY change
Male 97,295 49% 0.1%
Female 101,240 51% 0.6%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Grand Rapids is 32, with the population distributed as follows: about 17.6% are children under 15, then 16.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 33.5% of the population, while another 19.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
32.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
17.6%
15 to 24
16.8%
25 to 44
33.5%
45 to 64
19.2%
Over 65
12.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 34,839 17.6% -1.2%
15 to 24 33,342 16.8% 0.4%
25 to 44 66,567 33.5% 1.9%
45 to 64 38,203 19.2% -0.8%
Over 65 25,584 12.9% 0.6%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Grand Rapids, 87.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.9% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 7.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 60.2% of locals are Caucasian, 18% are African American and 2.8% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 14.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
87.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.9%
Non-citizens
7.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 174,401 87.8% 0.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9,816 4.9% 2.7%
Non-citizens 14,318 7.2% -3.5%
Racial breakdown
White
60.2%
Black or African American
18%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.7%
Asian
2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
14.1%
Other
4.1%
Value Percent
White 119,422 60.2%
Black or African American 35,788 18%
American Indian and Alaska Native 1,400 0.7%
Asian 5,618 2.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 23 0%
Two or more races 28,065 14.1%
Other 8,219 4.1%

Households in Grand Rapids

A peek inside Grand Rapids households

Grand Rapids has 80,222 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.7% are families, while the remaining 47.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
80,222
0.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
37,918
Family households
42,304
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 37,918 47.3% 1.3%
Family households 42,304 52.7% -0.5%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Grand Rapids

The housing landscape of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids's housing consists of 84,894 units, with 56.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 5.3% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
84,894
-0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 47,689 56.2%
1 unit, attached 4,524 5.3%
2 units 8,331 9.8%
3 or 4 units 5,359 6.3%
5 to 9 units 3,822 4.5%
10 to 19 units 2,867 3.4%
20 to 49 units 3,731 4.4%
50 or more units 8,212 9.7%
Mobile home 338 0.4%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 21 0%
Homes built since 2020
487
52.7% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Grand Rapids

In Grand Rapids, the median construction year is 1953. About 37.5% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5.2% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 5.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 31,837 37.5% 0.5%
Built between 1940 and 1949 7,400 8.7% -4.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 11,247 13.2% -1.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 7,424 8.8% 3.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6,329 7.5% 4.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 5,933 7% 1.5%
Built between 1990 and 1999 5,352 6.3% -4.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 4,398 5.2% -2.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 4,487 5.3% -4.6%
Built in 2020 or later 487 0.6% 52.7%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Grand Rapids occupancy rates

Out of the 80,222 occupied housing units in Grand Rapids, 54% are owner-occupied, while 46% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 5.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
80,222
0.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
36,871
Owner occupied
43,351
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 36,871 46% 1.6%
Owner occupied 43,351 54% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
5.5%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Grand Rapids housing costs

Housing costs in Grand Rapids come to a median of $1,188 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $1,266.

Median housing costs per month
$1,188/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Grand Rapids
$1,266/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids education at a glance

About 29% of the population in Grand Rapids went to high school, while 21.8% pursued college studies. Another 6.7% earned an associate degree and 25.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 12.2% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 7,201 4.6% -5.9%
High school diploma 45,485 29% -0.2%
College diploma 34,117 21.8% -3.3%
Associate degree 10,521 6.7% 4.4%
Bachelor's degree 40,392 25.8% 4.5%
Graduate degree 19,091 12.2% 5.3%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Grand Rapids

How much people earn in Grand Rapids

The average annual household income in Grand Rapids was $86,109 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $69,108, reflecting a +5.5% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Grand Rapids
$86,109/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Grand Rapids
$69,108/year
5.5% year-over-year change

Grand Rapids income by age

In Grand Rapids, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $83,351. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $71,514 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $53,792, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $44,934 in earnings. Overall, 83% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $53,792 7.0%
25 - 44 $83,351 6.7%
45 - 64 $71,514 2.2%
Over 65 $44,934 3.2%
Above poverty level
156,970
Below poverty level
32,203
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 156,970 83% 2.4%
Below poverty level 32,203 17% -8.3%

Average renter income in Grand Rapids

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Grand Rapids, their median household income was $42,861 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 35.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$42,861
Rent-to-income ratio
35.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Grand Rapids

Workforce and job types in Grand Rapids

The job market in Grand Rapids is powered by 105,983 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 78.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 21.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.6% run their own businesses, 69.3% are employed by private companies, and 8% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
105,983
1.8% year-over-year change
White collar
83,088
Blue collar
22,895
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 83,088 78.4% 3.4%
Blue collar 22,895 21.6% -3.7%
Employer type
Self employees
6.6%
Private companies
69.3%
Governmental workers
8%
Not for profit companies
16.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 6,956 6.6% 0.4%
Private companies 73,468 69.3% 0.8%
Governmental workers 8,523 8% 4.3%
Not for profit companies 17,036 16.1% 5.6%
Unemployment rate
5.2%
5.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids stands at 5.2%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Grand Rapids

How people get around in Grand Rapids

In Grand Rapids, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 76.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 4.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 80,199 76.8% 0.0%
Taxicab 225 0.2% 120.6%
Bus or trolleybus 3,100 3% -2.3%
Motorcycle 24 0% 26.3%
Bicycle 830 0.8% -14.6%
Walk 4,420 4.2% 1.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Grand Rapids by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49503 39,489 17,960 $64,661 $80,953
49504 40,036 17,350 $70,119 $85,282
49505 32,426 13,710 $74,906 $86,314
49506 34,673 12,532 $118,131 $156,100
49507 38,487 13,147 $61,461 $79,864
49508 42,720 15,674 $70,120 $89,029
49525 30,887 12,329 $94,037 $126,626
49546 34,721 13,088 $99,343 $143,139

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FAQs about Grand Rapids demographics 

What is the total population of Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids has a total population of 198,535 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Grand Rapids?

The gender ratio in Grand Rapids is as follows:
  • 49% males (97,295 residents)
  • 51% females (101,240 residents)

What is the median age in Grand Rapids?

The median age in Grand Rapids is 32.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Grand Rapids?

The age distribution in Grand Rapids is as follows:
  • Under 15: 17.6% (34,839 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 16.8% (33,342 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 33.5% (66,567 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 19.2% (38,203 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.9% (25,584 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Rapids?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Grand Rapids is as follows:
  • White: 60.2% (119,422 residents)
  • Black or African American: 18% (35,788 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.7% (1,400 residents)
  • Asian: 2.8% (5,618 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (23 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 14.1% (28,065 residents)
  • Other: 4.1% (8,219 residents)

What percentage of the population in Grand Rapids are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 87.8% of the population in Grand Rapids.

How many housing units are there in Grand Rapids?

There are 84,894 housing units in Grand Rapids, reflecting a -0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Grand Rapids and what is the average household size?

Grand Rapids has a total of 80,222 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Grand Rapids?

Grand Rapids has a median household income of $69,108, representing a +5.5% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Grand Rapids?

The employment rate is 94.8% in Grand Rapids, with a workforce of 105,983 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 78.4% (83,088 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 21.6% (22,895 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.6% (6,956 residents)
  • Private companies: 69.3% (73,468 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8% (8,523 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 16.1% (17,036 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025