Founded: 1831 (incorporated, 1850)
Head Official: City Manager Kurt Kimball (since 1987)
City Population
1980: 181,843
1990: 189,126
2000: 197,800
2003 estimate: 195,601
Percent change, 1990–2000: 4.3%
U.S. rank in 1980: 75th
U.S. rank in 1990: 83rd
U.S. rank in 2000: 107th (State rank: 2nd)
Metropolitan Area Population
1980: 602,000
1990: 937,891
2000: 1,088,514
Percent change, 1990–2000: 16.1%
U.S. rank in 1980: 56th
U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported
U.S. rank in 2000: 48th
Area: 45 square miles (2000)
Elevation: Ranges from 785 to 1,075 feet above sea level
Average Annual Temperature: 47.4° F
Average Annual Precipitation: 37.13 inches of rain, 71.9 inches of snow
Major Economic Sectors: Manufacturing, services, retail trade
Unemployment Rate: 6.6% (March 2005)
Per Capita Income: $17,661 (1999)
2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 11,292
Major Colleges and Universities: Grand Valley State University
Daily Newspaper: The Grand Rapids Press