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
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
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
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.
Commute
Access to public transportation in this particular area may be limited, which can result in longer-than-average commute times to reach workplaces.
Grand Rapids is a mid-sized city located in the state of Minnesota. The city has a population of 11,472 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Grand Rapids is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and American Indian and Alaskan. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Grand Rapids will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 16 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Grand Rapids could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Minnesota if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like amenities, cost of living, education, employment, housing, you can easily compare the best places to live in Grand Rapids and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Grand Rapids to Minnesota and the national average.
With a livability score of 77/100, Grand Rapids is ranked #2,478 in the United States and #102 in Minnesota. Pack your bags! This is a very high score in comparison to other US cities. Living in Grand Rapids could be a great choice! Grand Rapids also ranks in the top 10 percent of all cities, which is no small feat! For each of the livability categories, we see that Grand Rapids ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (B), education (B-) and housing (A+).
Crime rates play a pivotal role in the decision-making process for anyone considering a move, as they directly influence the overall sense of safety, security and quality of life in a given location. Grand Rapids shines in this regard, earning exemplary ratings for its exceptionally low violent crime rates, standing at 88 crimes per 100,000 residents. These rates are notably below the national average, underscoring the community's commitment to safety and contributing to an enhanced quality of life.
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 Rapids 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.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Grand Rapids is actually affordable. The median home price for Grand Rapids homes is $274,762, which is 19% lower than the Minnesota average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Grand Rapids, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 3.8, which is 2.7% higher than the Minnesota average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Grand Rapids | Minnesota | National |
| Average one way commute | 16min | 23min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 71.4% | 78.0% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.4% | 8.7% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.8% | 3.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.6% | 0.8% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 4.8% | 2.8% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 7.4% | 5.3% | 4.6% |
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