Grand Rapids
RANK #167 / 996 NAT · #19 / 36 MI · POP 657,321
1YR FORECAST: +3.5%
5YR OUTLOOK: +33%
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.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: CDC/NCHS vital statistics via County Health Rankings (2020–2022 avg). Rates per 100,000 population. Grade based on homicide rate relative to national average (~6.3). Learn more →
Source: EPA Air Quality System (2021–2023). Grade based on 3-year average median AQI. Learn about AQI →
| 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 ranks #167 out of 996 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 83/100, placing it in the top tier nationally. Median household income is $76,247 and the underlying growth metrics (housing, migration, income) hold up against peer counties.
Housing in Kent County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $242,200 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.31, with rents averaging $1,111/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Population and employment in Kent County are both close to flat — population +0.4% YoY and jobs +0.5%. Home values shifted +4.3% over the past 12 months. A steady-state county, neither expanding quickly nor shrinking.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 3.1% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Kent County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.