Grand Haven 81 Exceptional
Grand Haven Livability #69 ranked city in Michigan#1,467 ranked city in the USARanks better than 94% of areas
Is This the Right Place for You? Local Insights Report
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Local Insights Report

Pros and Cons of Living in Grand Haven

PROS
  • Cost Of Living Cost Of Living

    The cost of living in this region is notably lower than the national average, encompassing everyday goods, housing, utilities, transportation and health care expenses.

  • Crime Crime

    The crime rate is far lower than the national average per 100,000 residents. As such, it should be considered a very safe place to live when compared to other areas.

  • Housing Housing

    High scores in the housing category are attributed to this area, possibly pointing to a favorable home affordability ratio, robust appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety Health & Safety

    Achieving a high health and safety score relies on factors including great air quality and convenient access to vital health facilities such as hospitals, doctors, clinics and police stations.

  • Schools Schools

    The schools category boasts a high score thanks to factors like excellent test scores, impressive graduation rates and the convenient placement of elementary and high schools in this area.

CONS
  • Commute Commute

    Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.

What's it like Living in Grand Haven?

Grand Haven, Michigan is a medium-sized city with a population of 11,229 inhabitants. The majority of Grand Haven residents report their race to be White; this is followed by Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Grand Haven offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 21 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.

Are you trying to ascertain if living in Grand Haven is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a great experience before relocating to any new city in Michigan, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. The best areas in Grand Haven and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, crime, cost of living, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Michigan and national averages.

Using data and statistics Grand Haven has received a livability score of 80 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 94th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Grand Haven is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Grand Haven has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Grand Haven scores well for crime (B+), cost of living (A+), education (A+) and housing (A+)

For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Grand Haven apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.

Being close to public transit, grocery stores, parks and other conveniences are all important when weighing your options for a new home in Grand Haven. Before you determine if any of these amenities are available in the area, you will also want to know if the real estate prices in Grand Haven are affordable. Median real estate prices in Grand Haven come in at $321,054, which is 36.2% higher than the Michigan average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Grand Haven, the home price to income ratio is 3.9, which is 21.9% higher than the Michigan average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Grand Haven

See all the best places to live around Grand Haven

How Do You Rate The Livability In Grand Haven?

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Compare Grand Haven, MI Livability

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      Grand Haven transportation information

      Statistic Grand Haven Michigan National
      Average one way commute21min24min26min
      Workers who drive to work78.9%82.5%76.4%
      Workers who carpool7.0%8.8%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit1.3%1.4%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle0.9%0.5%0.6%
      Workers who walk5.5%2.2%2.8%
      Working from home6.4%3.7%4.6%
      Source: The Grand Haven, MI data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) and include 2026 modeled data developed using proprietary methodologies.