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Big Rapids, Michigan

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Current weather forecast for Big Rapids, MI

Population in 2022: 7,858 (98% urban, 2% rural).
Population change since 2000: -27.6%
 
Males: 4,133  (52.6%)
Females: 3,725  (47.4%)
Median resident age:

23.0 years
Michigan median age:

40.3 years

Zip codes: 49307.

Estimated median household income in 2022: $35,258 (it was $20,192 in 2000)
Big Rapids:

$35,258
MI:

$66,986

Estimated per capita income in 2022: $19,970 (it was $10,719 in 2000)

Big Rapids city income, earnings, and wages data

Estimated median house or condo value in 2022: $145,620 (it was $72,000 in 2000)
Big Rapids:

$145,620
MI:

$224,400

Mean prices in 2022: all housing units: $194,407; detached houses: $209,129; townhouses or other attached units: $438,866; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $122,717; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $472,964; mobile homes: $99,276; occupied boats, rvs, vans, etc.: $31,310

Median gross rent in 2022: $742.

March 2022 cost of living index in Big Rapids: 78.1 (low, U.S. average is 100)
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2022: 33.6%
(31.0% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 61.0% for Black residents, 35.4% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 83.5% for American Indian residents, 47.9% for two or more races residents)
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  • Races in Big Rapids, MI (2022)
    • 6,39881.0%White alone
    • 6237.9%Black alone
    • 3614.6%Hispanic
    • 1882.4%Two or more races
    • 1562.0%Asian alone
    • 1051.3%American Indian alone

Races in Big Rapids detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth



According to our research of Michigan and other state lists, there were 73 registered sex offenders living in Big Rapids, Michigan as of April 28, 2024.
The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Big Rapids is 144 to 1.


Crime rates in Big Rapids by year

Type

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021
Murders
(per 100,000)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)		0
(0.0)
Rapes
(per 100,000)		8
(78.5)		22
(207.5)		8
(75.5)		6
(56.1)		12
(111.8)		6
(56.9)		4
(38.3)		8
(77.0)		7
(67.1)		5
(48.2)		6
(57.8)		6
(57.9)		3
(28.8)
Robberies
(per 100,000)		6
(58.9)		1
(9.4)		7
(66.1)		0
(0.0)		1
(9.3)		2
(19.0)		0
(0.0)		3
(28.9)		1
(9.6)		1
(9.6)		0
(0.0)		1
(9.7)		0
(0.0)
Assaults
(per 100,000)		15
(147.1)		14
(132.1)		22
(207.7)		29
(271.0)		17
(158.4)		11
(104.4)		16
(153.2)		22
(211.8)		16
(153.3)		20
(192.9)		20
(192.5)		31
(299.4)		11
(105.7)
Burglaries
(per 100,000)		80
(784.8)		64
(603.7)		39
(368.2)		32
(299.0)		29
(270.1)		20
(189.8)		23
(220.2)		17
(163.6)		23
(220.4)		8
(77.2)		18
(173.3)		17
(164.2)		4
(38.4)
Thefts
(per 100,000)		273
(2,678)		255
(2,405)		218
(2,058)		219
(2,046)		170
(1,584)		139
(1,319)		150
(1,436)		134
(1,290)		119
(1,140)		77
(742.6)		114
(1,097)		75
(724.3)		8
(76.9)
Auto thefts
(per 100,000)		7
(68.7)		13
(122.6)		7
(66.1)		5
(46.7)		2
(18.6)		3
(28.5)		2
(19.1)		7
(67.4)		1
(9.6)		6
(57.9)		7
(67.4)		5
(48.3)		3
(28.8)
Arson
(per 100,000)		3
(29.4)		2
(18.9)		1
(9.4)		1
(9.3)		2
(18.6)		1
(9.5)		2
(19.1)		2
(19.3)		8
(76.7)		0
(0.0)		1
(9.6)		1
(9.7)		0
(0.0)
City-Data.com crime index277.4343.6235.2205.5207.6140.5135.7181.1149.0119.8146.1153.552.3

The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 246.1. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities.

Click on a table row to update graph
City-data.com crime index in Big Rapids, MI

Crime rate in Big Rapids detailed stats: murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, arson

Full-time law enforcement employees in 2021, including police officers: 18 (16 officers - 15 male; 1 female).
Officers per 1,000 residents here:

1.54
Michigan average:

1.86
Recent articles from our blog. Our writers, many of them Ph.D. graduates or candidates, create easy-to-read articles on a wide variety of topics.
Big Rapids, MI forum
Recent posts about Big Rapids, Michigan on our local forum with over 2,400,000 registered users. Big Rapids is mentioned 164 times on our forum:
Gretchen and MI  (2 replies)
Retiring in MI-looking more liberal!  (1 reply)
Where do you consider that "Northern Michigan" begins?  (63 replies)
Best Area for Cabin Within 2 Hours of Grand Rapids?  (14 replies)
Your favorite rural areas...  (17 replies)
Lake County Michigan  (13 replies)

Latest news from Big Rapids, MI collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: German (15.6%), American (9.1%), English (7.9%), Polish (5.6%), Dutch (5.3%), Irish (4.4%).

Current Local Time: EST time zone

Elevation: 282 feet

Land area: 4.25 square miles.

Population density: 1,851 people per square mile   (low).

Big Rapids, Michigan map

118 residents are foreign born

This city:

1.5%
Michigan:

6.9%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2022: $2,436 (1.6%)
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2022: $1,944 (2.2%)

Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Grand Rapids, MI (51.8 miles , pop. 197,800).

Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Milwaukee, WI (132.2 miles , pop. 596,974).

Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Chicago, IL (170.2 miles , pop. 2,896,016).

Nearest cities:

Stanwood, MI (2.9 miles ),
Hersey, MI (3.3 miles ),
Canadian Lakes, MI (3.5 miles ),
Reed City, MI (3.5 miles ),
Mecosta, MI (3.7 miles ),
Morley, MI (3.8 miles ),
Barryton, MI (4.1 miles ),
Evart, MI (4.2 miles )

Latitude: 43.70 N, Longitude: 85.48 W

Daytime population change due to commuting: +5,012 (+63.5%)
Workers who live and work in this city: 2,509 (64.1%)

Area code: 231

Distribution of median household income in Big Rapids, MI in 2022
Distribution of house value in Big Rapids, MI in 2022
Big Rapids satellite photo by USGS

Single-family new house construction building permits:

  • 2003: 6 buildings, average cost: $48,400
  • 2002: 5 buildings, average cost: $48,400
  • 2001: 14 buildings, average cost: $63,100
  • 2000: 6 buildings, average cost: $46,700
  • 1999: 3 buildings, average cost: $65,700
  • 1998: 7 buildings, average cost: $31,900
  • 1997: 2 buildings, average cost: $110,000
Number of permits per 10,000 Big Rapids, MI residents
Average permit cost in Big Rapids, MI
Unemployment in December 2023:
Here:

4.6%
Michigan:

3.5%
Historical population in Big Rapids, MI
Historical housing units in Big Rapids, MI
Most common industries in Big Rapids, MI (%)
Both Males Females
Most common industries in 2000
  • Educational services (30.3%)
  • Accommodation & food services (13.5%)
  • Health care (7.4%)
  • Department & other general merchandise stores (3.5%)
  • Food & beverage stores (3.2%)
  • Construction (3.2%)
  • Administrative & support & waste management services (3.2%)
Most common industries for males in 2000
  • Educational services (28.0%)
  • Accommodation & food services (10.9%)
  • Construction (5.6%)
  • Administrative & support & waste management services (4.0%)
  • Health care (3.6%)
  • Arts, entertainment, recreation (3.5%)
  • Pharmacies & drug stores (3.3%)
Most common industries for females in 2000
  • Educational services (32.8%)
  • Accommodation & food services (16.3%)
  • Health care (11.6%)
  • Social assistance (5.4%)
  • Department & other general merchandise stores (3.7%)
  • Food & beverage stores (3.1%)
  • Administrative & support & waste management services (2.3%)
Most common occupations in Big Rapids, MI (%)
Both Males Females
Most common occupations in 2000
  • Cashiers (4.8%)
  • Waiters and waitresses (4.6%)
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants (4.4%)
  • Postsecondary teachers (4.3%)
  • Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (4.1%)
  • Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (4.0%)
  • Retail sales workers, except cashiers (3.9%)
Most common occupations for males in 2000
  • Building and grounds cleaning and maintenance occupations (6.1%)
  • Postsecondary teachers (5.9%)
  • Retail sales workers, except cashiers (5.0%)
  • Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (4.4%)
  • Material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers (4.4%)
  • Electrical equipment mechanics and other installation, maintenance, and repair workers, including supervisors (4.3%)
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (3.8%)
Most common occupations for females in 2000
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants (8.9%)
  • Waiters and waitresses (8.0%)
  • Cashiers (7.2%)
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (6.2%)
  • Information and record clerks, except customer service representatives (4.7%)
  • Other teachers, instructors, education, training, and library occupations (3.8%)
  • Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (3.4%)

Average climate in Big Rapids, Michigan

Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Big Rapids, Michigan average temperatures Big Rapids, Michigan average precipitation Big Rapids, Michigan humidity Big Rapids, Michigan wind speed Big Rapids, Michigan snowfall Big Rapids, Michigan sunshine Big Rapids, Michigan clear and cloudy days

Big Rapids, Michigan environmental map by EPA

Map Legend

Tornado activity:

Big Rapids-area historical tornado activity is slightly below Michigan state average. It is 25% smaller than the overall U.S. average.

On 4/3/1956, a category F5 (max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) tornado 27.4 miles away from the Big Rapids city center killed 18 people and injured 340 people and caused between $50,000 and $500,000 in damages.

On 4/23/1968, a category F3 (max. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 0.1 miles away from the city center injured 11 people and caused between $500,000 and $5,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity:

Big Rapids-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Michigan state average. It is 42% smaller than the overall U.S. average.

On 5/2/2015 at 16:23:07, a magnitude 4.2 (4.2 MW, Depth: 2.8 mi, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 101.2 miles away from Big Rapids center
On 1/31/1986 at 16:46:43, a magnitude 5.0 (5.0 MB, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 263.3 miles away from the city center
On 9/25/1998 at 19:52:52, a magnitude 5.2 (4.8 MB, 4.3 MS, 5.2 LG, 4.5 MW, Depth: 3.1 mi) earthquake occurred 300.5 miles away from Big Rapids center
On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW) earthquake occurred 383.9 miles away from Big Rapids center
On 7/12/1986 at 08:19:37, a magnitude 4.5 (4.5 MB) earthquake occurred 226.0 miles away from Big Rapids center
On 6/10/1987 at 23:48:54, a magnitude 5.1 (4.9 MB, 4.4 MS, 4.6 MS, 5.1 LG) earthquake occurred 359.8 miles away from Big Rapids center
Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters:

The number of natural disasters in Mecosta County (11) is smaller than the US average (15).
Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 5
Emergencies Declared: 5

Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 5, Storms: 5, Tornadoes: 2, Winter Storms: 2, Blizzard: 1, Drought: 1, Hurricane: 1, Snowstorm: 1, Wind: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
Big Rapids topographic map

Hospitals and medical centers in Big Rapids:

  • SPECTRUM HEALTH BIG RAPIDS HOSPITAL (Government - Local, provides emergency services, 605 OAK STREET)
  • ALTERCARE OF BIG RAPIDS (805 WEST AVE)
  • METRON OF BIG RAPIDS (725 W FULLER)
  • FMC - BIG RAPIDS (14307 NORTHLAND DR)

Airports and heliports located in Big Rapids:

See details about Airports and heliports located in Big Rapids, MI

Amtrak station:

BIG RAPIDS (120 N. MICHIGAN AVE.) - Bus Station . Services: intercity bus service.

College/University in Big Rapids:

  • Ferris State University (Full-time enrollment: 11,238; Location: 1201 S State St; Public; Website: www.ferris.edu/; Offers Doctor's degree)

Other colleges/universities with over 2000 students near Big Rapids:

  • Central Michigan University (about 37 miles; Mount Pleasant, MI; Full-time enrollment: 22,758)
  • Mid Michigan Community College (about 41 miles; Harrison, MI; FT enrollment: 3,653)
  • Muskegon Community College (about 48 miles; Muskegon, MI; FT enrollment: 3,310)
  • Baker College of Muskegon (about 48 miles; Muskegon, MI; FT enrollment: 3,293)
  • Cornerstone University (about 51 miles; Grand Rapids, MI; FT enrollment: 2,573)
  • Grand Rapids Community College (about 52 miles; Grand Rapids, MI; FT enrollment: 11,296)
  • Calvin College (about 54 miles; Grand Rapids, MI; FT enrollment: 4,117)

Public high schools in Big Rapids:

Public elementary/middle schools in Big Rapids:

Private elementary/middle schools in Big Rapids:

  • ST PETERS LUTHERAN SCHOOL (Students: 121, Location: 408 W BELLEVUE ST, Grades: PK-8)
  • ST MARY SCHOOL (Students: 92, Location: 927 MARION AVE, Grades: KG-8)
See full list of schools located in Big Rapids

Library in Big Rapids:

  • BIG RAPIDS COMMUNITY LIBRARY (Operating income: $401,552; Location: 426 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE; 67,954 books; 3,555 audio materials; 3,561 video materials; 110 print serial subscriptions)

Points of interest:

Click to draw/clear city borders

Notable locations in Big Rapids: General Services Building (A), Heavy Equipment Technology (B), Ewigleben Sports Complex (C), Creative Arts Center (D), Southwest Heating Plant (E), Henderson Hall (F), Southwest Commons (G), Puterbaugh Hall (H), Bond Hall (I), Bishop Hall (J), Cramer Hall (K), West Commons (L), West Campus Apartments (M), Pharmacy Building (N), Victor F Spathelf Center (O), Travis Hall (P), Merrill Hall (Q), McNerney Hall (R), Knollcrest Commons (S), Brophy Hall (T). Display/hide their locations on the map

Churches in Big Rapids include: Saint Paul Catholic Campus Parish (A), Saint Andrew's Episcopal Church (B), Seventh-Day Adventist Church (C), Saint Mary's Catholic Church (D), Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ (E), Immanuel Lutheran Church (F), First United Methodist Church (G), First Baptist Church (H), Fellowship Christian Reformed Church (I). Display/hide their locations on the map

Creek: Mitchell Creek (A). Display/hide its location on the map

Parks in Big Rapids include: Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park (1), Northend Riverside Park (2), Hanchett Park (3), Swede Hill Park (4), Hemlock Park (5), Mitchell Creek Park (6), Linden Street Park (7), Vogel Field (8), River Street Park (9). Display/hide their locations on the map

Hotels: Best Western of Big Rapids (1705 South State Street), Country Inn-Stes Big Rapids (15344 Waldron Way).

Birthplace of: Kenny Lane - Boxer, Ben Hebard Fuller - Marine Corps Commandant, Chris Gore - Film critic, Cody Chupp - Ice hockey player, Jeff Willette - Animator.

Mecosta County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level less than 2 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Low Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Big Rapids and their reported violations in the past:

SHARON'S COUNTRY RESTAURANT (Population served: 25, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • One routine major monitoring violation
  • 4 regular monitoring violations
TRINITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH (Population served: 25, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • 2 routine major monitoring violations
  • One regular monitoring violation
ROGERS HEIGHTS CHRISTIAN CHURCH (Population served: 25, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • One routine major monitoring violation
  • One regular monitoring violation
NIHAL PETROLEUM LLC (Population served: 25, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • 2 routine major monitoring violations
  • 2 regular monitoring violations
M.O.I.S.D. - RESOURCE CENTER (Population served: 25, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • Follow-up Or Routine LCR Tap M/R - In JAN-01-2005, Contaminant: Lead and Copper Rule. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (JAN-14-2005), St Compliance achieved (MAR-22-2005)
  • 3 routine major monitoring violations
  • 22 regular monitoring violations
P.T. PLUS (Population served: 25, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • 5 routine major monitoring violations
  • 3 regular monitoring violations
MEDICAL ARTS BUILDING (Population served: 25, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • 2 routine major monitoring violations
  • 3 regular monitoring violations
TRINITY FELLOWSHIP CHURCH YOUTH / BUILDING (Population served: 25, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • 2 routine major monitoring violations

Drinking water stations with addresses in Big Rapids that have no violations reported:

  • BIG RAPIDS (Population served: 10,894, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)
  • ST PAULS CAMPUS PARISH (Population served: 400, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)
  • TRAILSIDE GAS & GROCERY (Population served: 25, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)
  • NORTHEND RIVERSIDE PARK (Population served: 25, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)
  • RUDI INC (Population served: 25, Primary Water Source Type: Groundwater)
Average household size:
This city:

2.2 people
Michigan:

2.5 people

Percentage of family households:
This city:

39.7%
Whole state:

66.0%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners:
This city:

7.7%
Whole state:

6.4%


Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households)
  • Lesbian couples: 0.2% of all households
  • Gay men: 0.1% of all households

People in group quarters in Big Rapids in 2010:

  • 3,059 people in college/university student housing
  • 75 people in local jails and other municipal confinement facilities
  • 65 people in nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities
  • 14 people in group homes intended for adults
  • 9 people in other noninstitutional facilities

People in group quarters in Big Rapids in 2000:

  • 3,064 people in college dormitories (includes college quarters off campus)
  • 114 people in nursing homes
  • 8 people in local jails and other confinement facilities (including police lockups)
  • 6 people in other noninstitutional group quarters

Banks with branches in Big Rapids (2011 data):

  • The Huntington National Bank: Big Rapids Branch, Big Rapids Branch, Big Rapids Branch, Big Rapids Branch. Info updated 2012/04/02: Bank assets: $54,183.4 mil, Deposits: $44,300.3 mil, headquarters in Columbus, OH, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 878 total offices, Holding Company: Huntington Bancshares Incorporated
  • Chemical Bank: Pleasantview Branch, Southland Branch, Central Branch. Info updated 2010/07/30: Bank assets: $5,331.9 mil, Deposits: $4,367.1 mil, headquarters in Midland, MI, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 146 total offices, Holding Company: Chemical Financial Corporation
  • Fifth Third Bank: Big Rapids Downtown Drive Up at 228 South Michigan Avenue, branch established on 1967/11/08; Big Rapids Main Office Branch at 101 North Michigan Avenue, branch established on 1901/01/01. Info updated 2009/10/05: Bank assets: $114,540.4 mil, Deposits: $89,689.1 mil, headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 1378 total offices, Holding Company: Fifth Third Bancorp
  • Lake-Osceola State Bank: Big Rapids Branch at 102 North Michigan Avenue, branch established on 2007/04/09; Perry Avenue Big Rapids Branch at 226 Perry Avenue, branch established on 2010/08/30. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $169.4 mil, Deposits: $141.7 mil, headquarters in Baldwin, MI, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 8 total offices
  • Isabella Bank: Big Rapids Branch at 21440 Perry St, branch established on 2004/12/01. Info updated 2008/04/07: Bank assets: $1,284.4 mil, Deposits: $960.9 mil, headquarters in Mount Pleasant, MI, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 26 total offices, Holding Company: Isabella Bank Corporation
  • Independent Bank: Big Rapids Branch at 404 Perry Street, branch established on 1890/01/01. Info updated 2010/10/20: Bank assets: $2,304.7 mil, Deposits: $2,092.2 mil, headquarters in Ionia, MI, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 107 total offices, Holding Company: Independent Bank Corporation
  • Flagstar Bank, FSB: Big Rapids Banking Center at 21400 Perry Street, branch established on 2002/04/11. Info updated 2011/07/21: Bank assets: $13,623.5 mil, Deposits: $7,802.8 mil, headquarters in Troy, MI, negative income in the last year, Mortgage Lending Specialization, 135 total offices

For population 15 years and over in Big Rapids:

Marital status in Big Rapids, MI
  • Never married: 66.2%
  • Now married: 18.9%
  • Separated: 0.5%
  • Widowed: 3.9%
  • Divorced: 10.4%

For population 25 years and over in Big Rapids:

  • High school or higher: 95.2%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 29.7%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 13.0%
  • Unemployed: 24.5%
  • Mean travel time to work (commute): 12.3 minutes
Educational Attainment in 2022
School Enrollment by Level of School in 2022
Education Gini index (Inequality in education)
Here:

10.2
Michigan average:

11.0

Travel time (in minutes) to work in 2022
Means of transportation to work in 2022 - Big Rapids
Presidential Elections Results

Graphs represent county-level data. Detailed 2008 Election Results

Religion statistics for Big Rapids, MI (based on Mecosta County data)

Religions Adherents in 2010
Religions Adherents - Change between 2000 and 2010
ReligionAdherentsCongregations
Evangelical Protestant5,42039
Catholic4,7964
Mainline Protestant2,43212
Other4504
None29,700-
Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics:

Number of grocery stores: 9
Mecosta County:

2.16 / 10,000 pop.
Michigan:

2.34 / 10,000 pop.
Number of supercenters and club stores: 2
Mecosta County:

0.48 / 10,000 pop.
State:

0.18 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (no gas): 9
Mecosta County:

2.16 / 10,000 pop.
State:

1.52 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (with gas): 18
Mecosta County:

4.31 / 10,000 pop.
Michigan:

2.99 / 10,000 pop.
Number of full-service restaurants: 32
Mecosta County:

7.67 / 10,000 pop.
Michigan:

6.80 / 10,000 pop.
Adult diabetes rate:
Mecosta County:

8.6%
State:

9.7%
Adult obesity rate:
Here:

29.2%
Michigan:

29.7%
Low-income preschool obesity rate:
Mecosta County:

9.6%
Michigan:

13.4%

Health and Nutrition:

Healthy diet rate:
This city:

49.1%
Michigan:

50.3%

Average overall health of teeth and gums:
This city:

50.4%
Michigan:

47.9%

Average BMI:
This city:

27.4
Michigan:

28.7

People feeling badly about themselves:
Here:

19.1%
Michigan:

20.6%

People not drinking alcohol at all:
This city:

11.9%
Michigan:

10.4%

Average hours sleeping at night:
Here:

6.9
State:

6.8

Overweight people:
Big Rapids:

27.1%
Michigan:

34.1%

General health condition:
Big Rapids:

61.2%
Michigan:

57.0%

Average condition of hearing:
Big Rapids:

82.6%
Michigan:

79.6%

More about Health and Nutrition of Big Rapids, MI Residents
Local government employment and payroll (March 2022)
Function Full-time employees Monthly full-time payroll Average yearly full-time wage Part-time employees Monthly part-time payroll
Police Protection - Officers 16$83,751$62,8130$0
Streets and Highways 15$58,156$46,5250$0
Housing and Community Development (Local) 13$64,885$59,8940$0
Financial Administration 11$55,995$61,0851$770
Firefighters 10$50,189$60,2270$0
Other Government Administration 10$52,217$62,6601$213
Water Supply 7$28,031$48,0530$0
Sewerage 7$28,682$49,1691$1,497
Other and Unallocable 4$15,017$45,0510$0
Police - Other 3$17,227$68,9084$4,037
Local Libraries 2$8,859$53,1546$6,895
Transit 2$8,614$51,68413$23,719
Judicial and Legal 1$6,402$76,8240$0
Parks and Recreation 1$3,815$45,78010$2,518
Airports 0$0 4$12,010
Totals for Government 102$481,840$56,68740$51,659

Big Rapids government finances - Expenditure in 2021 (per resident):

  • Construction - Housing and Community Development: $807,000 ($102.70)
  • Current Operations - Sewerage: $3,352,000 ($426.57)
    Regular Highways: $2,634,000 ($335.20)
    Police Protection: $2,385,000 ($303.51)
    Housing and Community Development: $2,100,000 ($267.24)
    General - Other: $2,018,000 ($256.81)
    Parks and Recreation: $1,294,000 ($164.67)
    Local Fire Protection: $1,016,000 ($129.29)
    Solid Waste Management: $994,000 ($126.50)
    Financial Administration: $608,000 ($77.37)
    Transit Utilities: $576,000 ($73.30)
    Central Staff Services: $513,000 ($65.28)
    Judicial and Legal Services: $225,000 ($28.63)
    Libraries: $220,000 ($28.00)
    General Public Buildings: $132,000 ($16.80)
  • General - Interest on Debt: $156,000 ($19.85)
  • Intergovernmental to Local - Other - Housing and Community Development: $111,000 ($14.13)
  • Other Capital Outlay - Transit Utilities: $936,000 ($119.11)
    Water Utilities: $350,000 ($44.54)
    Sewerage: $273,000 ($34.74)
    Parks and Recreation: $134,000 ($17.05)
    General - Other: $42,000 ($5.34)
    Housing and Community Development: $31,000 ($3.95)
    Police Protection: $14,000 ($1.78)
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $6,289,000 ($800.33)
  • Water Utilities - Interest on Debt: $247,000 ($31.43)

Big Rapids government finances - Revenue in 2021 (per resident):

  • Charges - Sewerage: $2,926,000 ($372.36)
    Housing and Community Development: $1,546,000 ($196.74)
    Solid Waste Management: $1,113,000 ($141.64)
    Other: $786,000 ($100.03)
  • Federal Intergovernmental - Housing and Community Development: $1,325,000 ($168.62)
    Other: $1,097,000 ($139.60)
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $190,000 ($24.18)
  • Miscellaneous - Fines and Forfeits: $133,000 ($16.93)
    General Revenue - Other: $108,000 ($13.74)
    Interest Earnings: $87,000 ($11.07)
    Special Assessments: $9,000 ($1.15)
    Donations From Private Sources: $7,000 ($0.89)
    Sale of Property: $2,000 ($0.25)
  • Revenue - Water Utilities: $2,856,000 ($363.45)
    Transit Utilities: $173,000 ($22.02)
  • State Intergovernmental - General Local Government Support: $1,633,000 ($207.81)
    Other: $1,521,000 ($193.56)
    Highways: $1,430,000 ($181.98)
  • Tax - Property: $3,778,000 ($480.78)
    Individual Income: $2,242,000 ($285.31)
    Occupation and Business License - Other: $204,000 ($25.96)
    Other Selective Sales: $1,000 ($0.13)

Big Rapids government finances - Debt in 2021 (per resident):

  • Long Term Debt - Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $10,071,000 ($1281.62)
    Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $8,266,000 ($1051.92)
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $2,286,000 ($290.91)
    Issue, Unspecified Public Purpose: $481,000 ($61.21)

Big Rapids government finances - Cash and Securities in 2021 (per resident):

  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $11,835,000 ($1506.11)
  • Sinking Funds - Cash and Securities: $28,000 ($3.56)
Businesses in Big Rapids, MI
NameCountNameCount
AT&T1MasterBrand Cabinets1
Advance Auto Parts1Maurices1
Applebee's1McDonald's1
Arby's1Meijer1
AutoZone1Menards1
Buffalo Wild Wings1Nike3
Burger King1Payless1
Chevrolet1Pizza Hut1
Dairy Queen1Qdoba Mexican Grill1
Domino's Pizza1Quality1
Fashion Bug1Quiznos1
FedEx2RadioShack1
GNC1Rite Aid1
GameStop1Ruby Tuesday1
Goodwill2Sears1
H&R Block1Sprint Nextel1
Haworth2Staples1
Holiday Inn1Starbucks1
JCPenney1Subway1
Jimmy John's1Super 81
Jones New York1Taco Bell1
KFC1U-Haul3
Kmart1UPS5
La-Z-Boy1Vans2
Lane Furniture1Walgreens1
Little Caesars Pizza1Walmart1
Long John Silver's1Wendy's1
Lowe's1

Strongest AM radio stations in Big Rapids:

  • WBRN (1460 AM; 5 kW; BIG RAPIDS, MI; Owner: RH COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)
  • WLDR (1210 AM; daytime; 50 kW; KINGSLEY, MI; Owner: FORT BEND BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • WTCM (580 AM; 35 kW; TRAVERSE CITY, MI; Owner: WTCM RADIO, INC.)
  • WOAP (1080 AM; 50 kW; OWOSSO, MI)
  • WOOD (1300 AM; 20 kW; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)
  • WTMJ (620 AM; 50 kW; MILWAUKEE, WI; Owner: JOURNAL BROADCAST CORPORATION)
  • WKJF (1370 AM; 5 kW; CADILLAC, MI; Owner: WKJF RADIO, INC.)
  • WMJH (810 AM; daytime; 4 kW; ROCKFORD, MI)
  • WJR (760 AM; 50 kW; DETROIT, MI; Owner: ABC, INC.)
  • WWJ (950 AM; 50 kW; DETROIT, MI; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)
  • WFDF (910 AM; 50 kW; FLINT, MI; Owner: ABC, INC.)
  • WSCR (670 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: INFINITY BROADCASTING OPERATIONS, INC.)
  • WGN (720 AM; 50 kW; CHICAGO, IL; Owner: WGN CONTINENTAL BROADCASTING CO.)

Strongest FM radio stations in Big Rapids:

  • WBRN-FM (100.9 FM; BIG RAPIDS, MI; Owner: RH COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)
  • WYBR (102.3 FM; BIG RAPIDS, MI; Owner: MENTOR PARTNERS, INC.)
  • WDEE-FM (97.3 FM; REED CITY, MI; Owner: STEVEN V. BEILFUSS)
  • WCXT (105.3 FM; HART, MI; Owner: WATERS BROADCASTING CORPORATION)
  • W201CF (88.1 FM; BALDWIN, MI; Owner: CALVARY CHAPEL OF TWIN FALLS, INC.)
  • WIAA (88.7 FM; INTERLOCHEN, MI; Owner: INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS)
  • WBLV (90.3 FM; TWIN LAKE, MI; Owner: BLUE LAKE FINE ARTS CAMP, INC.)
  • WSHN-FM (100.1 FM; HOLTON, MI; Owner: NOORDYK BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • WSCG-FM (106.3 FM; LAKEVIEW, MI; Owner: STAFFORD BROADCASTING, L.L.C.)
  • W206BF (89.1 FM; ROGERS HEIGHTS, MI; Owner: GREAT LAKES BROADCAST ACADEMY, INC.)
  • W220CW (91.9 FM; ROGERS HEIGHTS, MI; Owner: GREAT LAKES COMMUNITY BROADCASTING, INC.)

TV broadcast stations around Big Rapids:

  • W58CU (Channel 58; BIG RAPIDS, MI; Owner: TRIBUNE TELEVISION HOLDINGS, INC.)
  • WWTV (Channel 9; CADILLAC, MI; Owner: HERITAGE B/CING COMPANY OF MICHIGAN)
  • WCMU-TV (Channel 14; MOUNT PLEASANT, MI; Owner: CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY)
  • WZZM-TV (Channel 13; GRAND RAPIDS, MI; Owner: COMBINED COMMUNICATIONS CORP. OF OKLAHOMA, INC.)
  • WPBN-TV (Channel 7; TRAVERSE CITY, MI; Owner: WPBN/WTOM LICENSE SUBSIDIARY, INC.)
  • WFQX-TV (Channel 33; CADILLAC, MI; Owner: ROCKFLEET BROADCASTING II, LLC)
Fatal accident count
See more detailed statistics of Big Rapids fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2021 here
  • National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics
  • 34Number of bridges
  • 285ft / 87.0mTotal length
  • 198,748Total average daily traffic
  • 15,937Total average daily truck traffic
New bridges in Big Rapids, MI - historical statistics
  • New bridges - historical statistics
  • 11920-1929
  • 11940-1949
  • 11960-1969
  • 11970-1979
  • 271980-1989
  • 31990-1999
See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Big Rapids, MI
FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers: 1 (See the full list of FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers in Big Rapids)
FCC Registered Antenna Towers: 220 (See the full list of FCC Registered Antenna Towers)
FCC Registered Commercial Land Mobile Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Commercial Land Mobile Towers in Big Rapids, MI)
FCC Registered Private Land Mobile Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Private Land Mobile Towers)
FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers: 27 (See the full list of FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers)
FCC Registered Microwave Towers: 21 (See the full list of FCC Registered Microwave Towers in this town)
FCC Registered Paging Towers: 5 (See the full list of FCC Registered Paging Towers)
FCC Registered Maritime Coast & Aviation Ground Towers: 2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Maritime Coast & Aviation Ground Towers)
FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses: 106 (See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Big Rapids)

FAA Registered Aircraft: 17 (See the full list of FAA Registered Aircraft in Big Rapids)

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents

    Fire incident distribution by year Based on the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fire incidents per year is 62. The highest number of fire incidents - 94 took place in 2003, and the least - 19 in 2007. The data has a declining trend.
    Fire incident types in Big Rapids, MI When looking into fire subcategories, the most incidents belonged to: Structure Fires (42.8%), and Outside Fires (37.7%).

    • Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Big Rapids, MI
    • 45242.8%Structure Fires
    • 39837.7%Outside Fires
    • 16515.6%Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires
    • 424.0%Other
See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Big Rapids, MI

Fire-safe hotels and motels in Big Rapids, Michigan:

  • Holiday Inn Hotel & Conference Center, 1005 Perry St, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307 , Phone: (231) 796-4400, Fax: (231) 796-1156
  • Country Inn & Suites, 15344 Waldron Way, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307 , Phone: (231) 527-9000, Fax: (231) 527-9030
  • Quality Inn & Suites, 1705 S State St, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307 , Phone: (231) 592-5150, Fax: (231) 592-5157
  • Hampton Inn by Hilton Big Rapids, 15320 Waldron Way, Big rapids, Michigan 49307 , Phone: (800) 426-7866, Fax: (231) 527-7444
All 4 fire-safe hotels and motels in Big Rapids, Michigan
Most common first names in Big Rapids, MI among deceased individuals
NameCountLived (average)
John8076.8 years
William7779.0 years
Robert6870.2 years
Mary6182.1 years
James6169.9 years
George5478.9 years
Charles5077.2 years
Dorothy4981.2 years
Ruth4783.0 years
Margaret4180.9 years
Most common last names in Big Rapids, MI among deceased individuals
Last nameCountLived (average)
Johnson3278.4 years
Smith2174.6 years
Miller2081.5 years
Nelson1881.7 years
Brown1680.9 years
Anderson1681.4 years
Vanalstine1675.5 years
Mursch1574.5 years
Tetzlaff1372.9 years
Hall1276.5 years
Houses and condos Apartments
Most commonly used house heating fuel in houses and condos in Big Rapids, MI
  • 88.6%Utility gas
  • 7.0%Electricity
  • 2.9%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 1.5%Other fuel
Most commonly used house heating fuel in apartments in Big Rapids, MI
  • 59.7%Utility gas
  • 32.1%Electricity
  • 4.8%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 2.9%Other fuel
  • 0.5%No fuel used


Big Rapids compared to Michigan state average:

  • Median household income below state average.
  • Median house value below state average.
  • Unemployed percentage above state average.
  • Black race population percentage below state average.
  • Hispanic race population percentage below state average.
  • Median age significantly below state average.
  • Foreign-born population percentage significantly below state average.
  • Renting percentage significantly above state average.
  • Length of stay since moving in significantly below state average.
  • Number of college students significantly above state average.

Big Rapids on our top lists:

  • #28 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the least people living the same house as 1 year ago (population 5,000+))"
  • #44 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in industries: educational services (population 5,000+)"
  • #45 on the list of "Top 101 cities where the highest percentage of males (15+ years) which never married (with at least 1,000 males in this group)"
  • #49 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: retail trade (population 5,000+)"
  • #51 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in occupations: fire fighting and prevention workers including supervisors (population 5,000+)"
  • #52 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the lowest percentage of family households, population 10,000+"
  • #52 on the list of "Top 100 cities with highest percentage of college students (pop. 5,000+)"
  • #54 on the list of "Top 100 cities with youngest residents (pop. 5,000+)"
  • #56 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the lowest cost per building permit(population 5,000+)"
  • #78 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the most residents born in Other Western Asia (population 500+)"
  • #84 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: education, training, and library occupations (population 5,000+)"
  • #87 on the list of "Top 101 cities with the largest percentage of people in college dormitories (includes college quarters off campus) (population 1,000+)"
  • #87 on the list of "Top 101 cities where the highest percentage of females (15+ years) which never married (with at least 1,000 females in this group)"
  • #99 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of males in occupations: healthcare support occupations (population 5,000+)"
There are 20 pilots and 7 other airmen in this city.
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Top Patent Applicants
Top Patent Applicants
  • Peter Strom (11)
  • Shawn Andrus (2)
  • Keith J. Harper (1)
  • Bradley D. Looy (1)
  • Daniel A. Taylor (1)
  • Jeremy Jackson (1)
  • Cory Erickson (1)
  • Timothy J. Jones (1)
  • William A. Larson (1)
  • Minji Sohn (1)

Total of 24 patent applications in 2008-2024.

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