Compare any U.S. Census place · Official 2024 ACS data · Guarded AI analysis

198,535 residents · 2024 ACS · source-led profile

Moving to Grand Rapids?

According to the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates, Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a total population estimate of 198,535 residents. Based on the same 2024 ACS data release, the city records a median household income of $69,108. For housing costs, the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates report a median gross rent of $1,266 per month alongside a median owner-occupied home value of $244,500. Additionally, derived one-way commutes sit at an estimated 21 minutes, while the uniform non-housing calculator baseline is modeled at $1,250 per month.

Advertisement
Short answer

Grand Rapids looks moderately positioned relative to its own citywide benchmarks, featuring a median household income of $69,108 against a median gross rent of $1,266 per month and a median home value of $244,500. However, these figures are citywide medians from the 2024 ACS and do not establish neighborhood safety, schools, weather, insurance, job quality, or live asking prices. Local costs and affordability can vary widely across different areas.

Grand Rapids at a glance

Household income$69,108
Median gross rent$1,266
Median home value$244,500
Derived commute21 min

What the default budget models

A one-person renting household begins with a modeled annual core-cost baseline of $30,192. It combines the ACS median gross-rent estimate with a uniform $1,250 monthly non-housing baseline. State income tax is excluded until a current official reference is approved; the calculator labels that limitation instead of guessing.

2024 ACS population estimate198,535
2024 ACS median household income$69,108
2024 ACS median gross rent$1,266
2024 ACS median owner-occupied home value$244,500
Derived one-way commute estimate21 minutes
State-tax treatmentExcluded — official reference pending
Rent-to-income reference22%
Salary & Affordability Benchmark

How much do you need to earn to live in Grand Rapids?

2024 ACS Median Income

$69,108/yr

30% Rule for RentRecommended
$50,640 / year

To afford Grand Rapids's median gross rent of $1,266/mo at or below 30% of gross earnings, a household needs approximately $24.35/hour (full-time).

28% Rule for HomeownershipMedian Home
$62,014 / year

Modeled against Grand Rapids's median home benchmark of $244,500 (estimated $1,447/mo ownership carrying cost at typical 7.1% baseline).

Slide to test your income against local rent, taxes, and essentials.
$69,108gross/year
Affordability Status:Comfortable
Rent is 22% of gross income (28% of net pay)

At this income, median rent is only 22% of gross pay, leaving strong room for savings and essentials.

Monthly Budget AllocationEstimated Net Take-Home: $4,483/mo
Tax 22%
Rent 22%
Essentials 22%
Savings 34%
Taxes: $1,267/mo Rent: $1,266/mo Essentials: $1,250/mo Discretionary Margin: $1,967/mo

The trade-off

Relative strength: A median home value of $244,500.. Watch closely: median rent is $1,266 per month..

Advertisement

Compare Grand Rapids

Frequently asked questions

What is the median household income in Grand Rapids?

Based on the 2024 ACS 5-year estimates, the median household income in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is $69,108. This figure represents citywide data and may not reflect specific neighborhoods.

What are typical housing costs in Grand Rapids?

The 2024 ACS 5-year estimates report a median gross rent of $1,266 per month and a median owner-occupied home value of $244,500. Note that ACS gross rent is not a live asking rent.

Source ledger

Every production input below is retained with its publisher and dataset. The ACS figures are five-year estimates, not live listings or guarantees.

Interpretation: The ACS 2024 five-year estimates generally summarize observations across 2020–2024. The commute number is a weighted midpoint estimate from table B08303. State income tax is not included in the modeled take-home result. Verify a current address, quote, commute, and tax situation before making a decision.

Advertisement