Grand Rapids, MI Census Data
The 2nd largest city in Michigan by population · 24 cities ranked
Grand Rapids is the 2nd largest city in Michigan by population and ranks 13th of 24 for median household income. With 197,768 residents, its poverty rate of 18.6% ranks among the higher rates in Michigan. This snapshot draws from the 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.
Updated: 2026-04-13 · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2023
Population
197,768
49.1% male · 50.9% female
Median Age
32.1
6.6 below the national average (38.7 yrs)
Median Household Income
$65,526
$13,012 below the national average ($78,538)
Bachelor's Degree or Higher
40.1%
5.1% above the national average (35.0%)
HS diploma or higher: 89.0%
Poverty Rate
18.6%
6.2% above the national average (12.4%)
Uninsured: 7.7%
Broadband Access
93.9%
4.2% above the national average (89.7%)
Median Home Value
$225,500
Median rent: $1,191 · 55% owner-occupied
Unemployment Rate
5.0%
Labor force participation: 65.2%
Per Capita Income
$39,108
Individual average income (not household)
Veteran Population
4.1%
Disability rate: 11.9%
How Grand Rapids Compares to Other Michigan Cities
Rankings among all 24 Michigan cities tracked in the 2023 ACS.
| Ranking | Position | Tier |
|---|---|---|
| Largest by Population | 2nd of 24 | Top 10% |
| Highest Median Income | 13th of 24 | Bottom half |
| Lowest Poverty Rate | 16th of 24 | Bottom half |
| Highest Bachelor's Attainment | 8th of 24 | Top half |
| Highest Home Value | 11th of 24 | Top half |
Demographics
Race & Ethnicity
Age Distribution
Commute to Work
Grand Rapids, MI Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Grand Rapids, MI?
The population of Grand Rapids, MI is 197,768 according to the 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates. The median age is 32.1 years.
What is the median household income in Grand Rapids?
The median household income in Grand Rapids, MI is $65,526, below the national average of $78,538. Per capita income is $39,108.
What is the poverty rate in Grand Rapids?
The poverty rate in Grand Rapids, MI is 18.6%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. About 7.7% of residents lack health insurance.
What percentage of Grand Rapids residents have a college degree?
40.1% of adults (25+) in Grand Rapids hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 89.0% have at least a high school diploma. The national average for bachelor's degree holders is 35.0%.
What is the median home value in Grand Rapids?
The median home value in Grand Rapids, MI is $225,500. Median rent is $1,191 per month, with 55% of housing units owner-occupied.
What is the racial makeup of Grand Rapids?
Grand Rapids's population is 61.0% White, 17.9% Black, 16.1% Hispanic or Latino, and 2.9% Asian (source: 2023 ACS).
How does Grand Rapids rank among Michigan cities?
Grand Rapids is the 2nd largest city in Michigan by population, the 13th highest for median household income, the 16th lowest for poverty rate, the 8th highest for bachelor's degree attainment among 24 ranked Michigan cities.
What is the unemployment rate in Grand Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Grand Rapids, MI is 5.0%, with a labor force participation rate of 65.2%. Per capita income is $39,108.