Big Rapids, MI

Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

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    2024 Population
    41,242
    US Senator
    Gary Peters
    Democratic Party
    US Senator
    Elissa Slotkin
    Democratic Party
    2024 Median Age
    40
    1.48% 1-year decrease
    2024 Poverty Rate
    19.9%
    3.62% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $60,951
    5.5% 1-year growth
    2024 Median Property Value
    $178,900
    5.3% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    17,918
    4.63% 1-year growth

    About

    None of the households in Big Rapids, MI reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    98.9% of the residents in Big Rapids, MI are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in Big Rapids, MI are Ferris State University (2,982 degrees awarded in 2024).

    In 2024, the median property value in Big Rapids, MI was $178,900, and the homeownership rate was 76.9%.

    Most people in Big Rapids, MI drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 23.7 minutes. The average car ownership in Big Rapids, MI was 2 cars per household.

    Big Rapids, MI borders Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI and Mount Pleasant, MI.

    Population & Diversity

    Big Rapids, MI is home to a population of 41.2k people, from which 98.9% are citizens. As of 2024, 2.03% of Big Rapids, MI residents were born outside of the country (837 people).

    In 2024, there were 30.2 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (37k people) in Big Rapids, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.23k Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 882 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Citizenship

    98.9%
    2024 Citizenship
    99.4%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 98.9% of Big Rapids, MI residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Big Rapids, MI was 99.4%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Big Rapids, MI compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Big Rapids, MI
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      37k ± 149
    2. Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
      1.23k ± 172
    3. Black or African American (Non-Hispanic)
      882 ± 129
    2.95%
    Hispanic Population
    1.22k people

    In 2024, there were 30.2 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (37k people) in Big Rapids, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.23k Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) and 882 Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    2.95% of the people in Big Rapids, MI are hispanic (1.22k people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Big Rapids, MI as a share of the total population.

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    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the MSA level, so we are showing data for Michigan.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Mexico
      83,098 ± 7,048 people
    2. India
      80,532 ± 6,939 people
    3. Iraq
      55,181 ± 5,751 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Michigan was Mexico, the natal country of 83,098 Michigan residents, followed by India with 80,532 and Iraq with 55,181.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    2.03%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    837 people
    1.68%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    676 people

    As of 2024, 2.03% of Big Rapids, MI residents (837 people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Big Rapids, MI was 1.68%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Big Rapids, MI compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      856 ± 135
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      621 ± 190
    3. Gulf War (1990s)
      243 ± 71

    Big Rapids, MI has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 1.38 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Big Rapids, MI.

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    Health

    92.2% of the population of Big Rapids, MI has health coverage, with 40% on employee plans, 19.8% on Medicaid, 15.4% on Medicare, 15.8% on non-group plans, and 1.19% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Michigan see 1,276 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,276 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1246 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 281 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 50.2% were men and 49.8% were women.

    Patient to Clinician Ratios

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.
    1,276 to 1
    Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Michigan

    Primary care physicians in Michigan see an average of 1,276 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,276 patients).

    The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Michigan in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

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    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 21.5% under 18 years, 23.4% between 18 and 34 years, 34.9% between 35 and 64 years, and 20.2% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 50.2% were men and 49.8% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    7.83%
    Uninsured
    40%
    Employer Coverage
    19.8%
    Medicaid
    15.4%
    Medicare
    15.8%
    Non-Group
    1.19%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Big Rapids, MI grew by 0.889% from 7.76% to 7.83%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Big Rapids, MI changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Economy

    The economy of Big Rapids, MI employs 17.9k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Big Rapids, MI were Manufacturing (2,689 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,537 people), and Educational Services (2,243 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($70,673), Wholesale Trade ($68,750), and Mining, Quarrying, & Oil & Gas Extraction ($58,438).

    Occupations

    17.9k
    2024 Value
    ± 773
    4.63%
    1 Year growth
    ± 5.93%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Big Rapids, MI grew at a rate of 4.63%, from 17.1k employees to 17.9k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Big Rapids, MI, are Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,853 people), Production Occupations (1,806 people), and Management Occupations (1,764 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Big Rapids, MI.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Michigan (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Employment by Industries

    17.9k
    2024 Value
    ± 773
    4.63%
    1 Year growth
    ± 5.93%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Big Rapids, MI grew at a rate of 4.63%, from 17.1k employees to 17.9k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Big Rapids, MI, are Manufacturing (2,689 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,537 people), and Educational Services (2,243 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Big Rapids, MI, though some of these residents may live in Big Rapids, MI and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $41,755
    Median earning men ± $1,757
    $31,106
    Median earning women ± $2,378

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Wholesale Trade ($77,634), Public Administration ($61,484), and Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($59,740).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Wholesale Trade ($65,917), Public Administration ($45,795), and Construction ($43,750).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.
    Y-Axis
    2.16%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 4.37M people employed in Michigan. This represents a 2.16% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 23.6%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Michigan.

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    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 60
      Other Services (except Public Administration)
    2. 54
      Retail Trade
    3. 50
      Retail Trade

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $117k
      Manufacturing
    2. $72.5k
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    3. $63.4k
      Retail Trade

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Michigan went to Donald J. Trump with 49.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (48.3%), followed by Jill Stein (0.788%).

    Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin are the senators currently representing the state of Michigan. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Michigan is currently represented by 13 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    US Senators from Michigan

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.
    Gary Peters
    Senator from Michigan2
    Assumed office on January 3, 2015
    Elissa Slotkin
    Senator from Michigan1
    Assumed office on January 3, 2025

    Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin are the senators currently representing Michigan.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in Michigan over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in Big Rapids, MI awarded 2,982 degrees. The student population of Big Rapids, MI in 2024 is skewed towards women, with 4,407 male students and 5,552 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in Big Rapids, MI are White (2,365 and 79.9%), Black or African American (173 and 5.85%), Hispanic or Latino (166 and 5.61%), and Two or More Races (113 and 3.82%).

    The largest universities in Big Rapids, MI by number of degrees awarded are Ferris State University (2,982 and 100%).

    The most popular majors in Big Rapids, MI are Criminal Justice - Police Science (207 and 6.94%), General Business Administration & Management (206 and 6.91%), and Social Work (107 and 3.59%).

    The median tuition cost for a public four year colleges is $14,582 for in-state students and $14,582 for out-of-state students.

    Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

    University
    Measure

    In 2024 in Big Rapids, MI, the percentage of applicants admitted was 91.4%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 14.7%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 9,959 (44.3% men and 55.7% women).

    The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    Universities

    In 2024 there were 9,959 students enrolled in Big Rapids, MI, 44.3% men and 55.7% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 7,256 records, of which 55.3% were women and 44.7% men.

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    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. 143 degrees awarded
    2. 140 degrees awarded
    3. 93 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Big Rapids, MI was General Business Administration & Management with 143 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Big Rapids, MI according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    2,982 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Ferris State University with 2,982 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    University

    In 2024, 1,429 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Big Rapids, MI, which is 0.92 times less than the 1,553 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 2,365 degrees mean that there were 13.7 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Black or African American, with 173 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Average Net Price by Sector

    Universities

    Public, 4-year or above ($14,582) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Public, 4-year or above ($196) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Public, 4-year or above ($862) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Big Rapids, MI was $178,900 in 2024, which is 0.538 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $169,900 to $178,900, a 5.3% increase. The homeownership rate in Big Rapids, MI is 76.9%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Big Rapids, MI have an average commute time of 23.7 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Big Rapids, MI is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    Property

    $178,900
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$7,731
    $12,851
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$583

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Big Rapids, MI the largest share of households pay taxes in the $800 - $1,499 range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Big Rapids, MI compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    76.9%
    Homeownership
    2024
    63.6%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 76.9% of the housing units in Big Rapids, MI were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 75.9%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Big Rapids, MI compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $60,951
    Median Household Income
    ± $2,088
    16.7k
    Number of Households
    ± 693

    In 2024, the median household income of the 16.7k households in Big Rapids, MI grew to $60,951 from the previous year's value of $57,774.

    The following chart displays the households in Big Rapids, MI distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Big Rapids, MI is from Michigan.
    0.46
    2024 Wage GINI in Michigan
    0.462
    2023 Wage GINI in Michigan

    In 2024, the income inequality in Michigan was 0.46 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.474% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Michigan was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Michigan in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in Michigan across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (76.2%)
    2. Worked At Home (8.67%)
    3. Carpooled (8.58%)

    In 2024, 76.2% of workers in Big Rapids, MI drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (8.67%) and those who carpooled to work (8.58%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    23.7 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Big Rapids, MI have a shorter commute time (23.7 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 2.15% of the workforce in Big Rapids, MI have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Big Rapids, MI compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Big Rapids, MI distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Big Rapids, MI have 2 cars.

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    Poverty & Diversity

    19.9% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Big Rapids, MI (7.75k out of 39k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 18 - 24, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Females 35 - 44.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Big Rapids, MI is White, followed by Two Or More and Black.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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