RANK #149 / 996 · POP 657,321 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +2.4%
Kent County, Michigan, is anchored by Grand Rapids, a city known historically as "Furniture City" due to its past as a major furniture production hub. Located in West Michigan, the county offers a blend of urban amenities and rural landscapes. Commuting within Kent County is facilitated by The Rapid bus service, which connects Grand Rapids with surrounding communities like East Grand Rapids, Kentwood, and Wyoming. The community offers a diverse environment with a mix of neighborhoods, from affluent areas like East Grand Rapids to more urban settings in Wyoming. Over 5,000 acres of parks and natural areas, including Millennium Park, provide extensive outdoor recreation opportunities with miles of trails for hiking and biking.
Life in Kent County offers a range of experiences, with highly rated public schools, including districts like Forest Hills Public Schools and East Grand Rapids Public Schools. The county's economy is diverse, with a history in manufacturing and a growing presence in sectors like advanced manufacturing, health sciences, and technology, including artificial intelligence. Recent economic developments indicate continued investment in industrial and logistics operations, alongside efforts to address housing needs through strategic corridor development. While some residents face financial challenges, the region is working to attract and retain young professionals, contributing to a dynamic environment.
Below national median
Below-average climate & terrain
Below national median (13x)
Housing looks undervalued at 3.4x — home prices are low relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
Microsoft Data Center Campus (Gaines Township)
Microsoft
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Microsoft Data Center Campus (Lowell Township)
Microsoft
|
$1,000M | Proposed |
|
Switch Pyramid Data Center Expansion
Switch
|
$500M | Planned |
|
Amazon Fulfillment Center (GRR1)
Amazon
|
$150M | Operating |
|
Corridor Strategy Residential Infill
Housing Next
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Kent County has a Boom Town Index score of 85/100, ranking #149 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.5% and a median household income of $76,247, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Kent County is $242,200 with median rent at $1,111/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3148, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: +0.4% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.5%. Home values changed +4.3% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 3.1% of Kent County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.