Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Big Rapids is a moderately-sized city located in the state of Michigan. The city has a population of 10,768 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 87% of Big Rapids residents are White, 7% Black and 2% Asian. The median age of all Big Rapids residents is 23, which is well below the national average. This is a good indication that this city could be ideal for a younger demographic. Big Rapids is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 21%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Big Rapids offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 14 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Living in Big Rapids can be a positive experience for anyone moving to the town. Having said that, in the state of Michigan, there are many incredible places to live, so choose wisely! When searching for a new neighborhood, several factors play a vital role in determining its suitability. Safety should be a top priority, ensuring a secure environment with low crime rates. Proximity to your workplace or school helps minimize commuting time and allows for a better work-life balance. Availability of essential amenities such as parks, coffee shops, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities contributes to convenience and well-being. Access to reliable public transportation options facilitates easy commuting and connectivity. Additionally, considering the sense of community and the overall atmosphere that resonates with your lifestyle and preferences fosters a harmonious living experience. To help you find the best places to live in and around Big Rapids, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like amenities, crime, commute, education, housing and more.
Big Rapids, MI receives 71 out of 100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #246 in Michigan and #6,043 in the USA. Based on the grades for each individual category, Big Rapids has been rewarded with high marks for housing (A-). On a less positive note, Big Rapids does not have favorable grades for the following: amenities (F), crime (F) and employment (F). If we take a look at the data, we can find out why.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Big Rapids market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Big Rapids is real estate affordability. The median home price for Big Rapids homes is $182,707, which is 22.5% lower than the Michigan average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Big Rapids, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 4.3, which is 34.4% higher than the Michigan average.
| Statistic | Big Rapids | Michigan | National |
| Average one way commute | 14min | 24min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.1% | 82.5% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.3% | 8.8% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.8% | 1.4% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 13.2% | 2.2% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.5% | 3.7% | 4.6% |
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