City Town Info

Big Rapids, MI


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Big Rapids, Michigan

Introduction to Big Rapids, Michigan

Big Rapids, Michigan, in Mecosta county, is 51 miles N of Grand Rapids, Michigan and 130 miles E of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The city has a population of 10,849.

Big Rapids History

Big Rapids is a city located within Big Rapids Township. The early history of the region is associated with the logging industry that flourished due to the presence of the rivers. The community got its name from the many river rapids in the region. The city experienced rapid growth and development in the post Civil War years. It was officially incorporated as a city in 1869.

Big Rapids and nearby Attractions

  • Settlers House
  • Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum
  • Tri-Cities Historical Museum
  • Mitchell Creek
  • Grand Haven State Park

Things To Do In Big Rapids

The city of Big Rapids is near the famous Settlers House, which was at one point the dwelling of the Irish Canadian immigrant Thomas Morrissey and his family. The house is now decorated with some very interesting 19th century artifacts. The Muskegon County Museum and the Great Lakes Naval Memorial & Museum are also close to this city. Mitchell Creek, a beautiful water body in the city of Big Rapids, is very popular among tourists and townspeople. One can also visit the P.J. Hoffmaster State Park, the Pioneer County Park or the Grand Haven State Park to spend a day with family and friends.

Big Rapids Transportation

Air transportation is available from the Gerald R. Ford International Airport.

Big Rapids Higher Education

Institutes offering higher educational opportunities to residents of Big Rapids include the Ferris State University, Central Michigan University, and Grand Rapids Community College.

High Points

Big Rapids strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Michigan):

CategoryTrophy
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)		Top 1%trophyBig Rapids Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)		Top 5%trophyBig Rapids Short Commute Times
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 7%Big Rapids Public Transportation Use
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)		Top 13%Big Rapids College Educated Adults
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)		Top 13%Big Rapids Racial Diversity

Comparative Profile of Big Rapids, MI

Comparing Big Rapids to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Michigan (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Male Share of the Population1010
Racial Diversity79
Children Under 5 Years Old22
Well-Paid Single Men21
Senior Citizens11
Female Share of the Population11
Age of the Population11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Average Household Size22
Portion of People Married11

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
College Educated Adults89
Median Family Income11
People in Middle Class or Better11
People Above Poverty11

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work1010
Short Commute Times1010
Public Transportation Use710
Working at Home66

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals1010
People Living Alone109
Affordability of Rents86
Seasonal and Vacation Housing76
Affordability of Property Taxes66
Housing Recently Built58

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Property Crime66
Low Violent Crime54

Detailed pages on related topics: Big Rapids colleges • Big Rapids travel.

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Additional Details

Big Rapids CollegesBig Rapids Colleges
Big Rapids colleges and trade schools.
Big Rapids Hotels & TravelBig Rapids Hotels & Travel
Big Rapids hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.

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