Living in Big Rapids, Michigan
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Big Rapids · Census data 2020–2024
Big Rapids has 8,477 residents with a median age of 22.9. The median household income is $43,858 (40% lower than the Michigan median), the median home value is $156,400, the median rent is $929/month.
Big Rapids at a glance
- Population
- 8,477
- Median age
- 22.9State: 40.2
- Median household income
- $43,858State: $72,875
- Median home value
- $156,400State: $231,600
- Median rent
- $929/moState: $1,129
- Homeowners
- 41.5%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 26.9%
- Average commute
- 15 min
Is Big Rapids a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 32% lower than the state median; an average commute of 15 minutes; unemployment of 4.3%.
Cons: Median household income 40% lower than the Michigan median; a poverty rate of 34.1%.
The weather is best in June to September.
Cost of living in Big Rapids
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Big Rapids the median home value is $156,400, 53% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $929 per month, which is 32.4% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,252 a month in housing costs.
Big Rapids median household income
The median household income in Big Rapids is $43,858 and the income per person is $23,446. 34.1% of residents live below the poverty line (Michigan: 13.2%).
Housing in Big Rapids: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 3,610
- Owner-occupied
- 41.5%
- Renter-occupied
- 58.5%
- Vacant
- 13.2%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1965
- Average household size
- 2.06
Big Rapids demographics
- Population
- 8,477
- Median age
- 22.9
- Under 18
- 12.3%
- 65 and older
- 9.7%
- Households
- 3,133
- Foreign-born
- 0.9%
- Veterans
- 2.6%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Big Rapids ›
Education in Big Rapids
26.9% of adults 25 and older in Big Rapids have a bachelor's degree or higher (Michigan: 32.4%), and 7.9% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Big Rapids
- Unemployment rate
- 4.3%State: 5.7%
- Average commute
- 15 minState: 24 min
- Work from home
- 9%
- Drive alone
- 67.7%
- Public transit
- 0.5%
- Walk to work
- 12.8%
- Homes with broadband
- 82.3%
Big Rapids vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Rapids | 8,477 | $43,858 | $156,400 | $929 |
| Paris | 202 | $68,281 | $155,600 | — |
| Stanwood | 162 | $54,632 | $156,600 | $1,063 |
| Hersey | 360 | $60,500 | $157,500 | $950 |
| Canadian Lakes | 2,991 | $78,833 | $270,000 | $789 |
| Reed City | 2,517 | $52,304 | $115,000 | $714 |
| Mecosta | 464 | $73,516 | $96,200 | $784 |
| Morley | 624 | $41,750 | $122,500 | $725 |
| Barryton | 394 | $52,875 | $95,900 | $788 |
More for people moving to Big Rapids
Big Rapids ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Big Rapids: FAQ
What is the median household income in Big Rapids, MI?
The median household income in Big Rapids is $43,858, 40% lower than the Michigan median of $72,875 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Big Rapids?
The median home value in Big Rapids is $156,400, compared with $231,600 in Michigan.
How much is rent in Big Rapids?
The median gross rent in Big Rapids is $929 per month, about 32.4% of household income.
Is Big Rapids, MI a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 32% lower than the state median; an average commute of 15 minutes; unemployment of 4.3%. Minuses: median household income 40% lower than the Michigan median; a poverty rate of 34.1%.
What is the median age in Big Rapids?
The median age in Big Rapids is 22.9 years (Michigan: 40.2).
How long is the commute in Big Rapids?
The average commute to work in Big Rapids is 15 minutes; 9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Big Rapids?
The unemployment rate in Big Rapids is 4.3% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Big Rapids?
26.9% of adults in Big Rapids have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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