Big Rapids, Michigan Demographics & Population 2026
During the 2020–2024 ACS period, Big Rapids, Michigan had a total population of 8,477, the 118th largest city in Michigan, with a median household income of $43,858, which is 40% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 34.1%.
Data vintage: U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates · refreshed July 2026 · Methodology & source notes
Key Takeaways
- Household income is 40% below the state average, indicating significant economic challenges.
- More than 1 in 4 residents live below the poverty line (34.1%), well above the national average of 12.4%.
Big Rapids Quick Facts
How Big Rapids Changed
Change from the 2019–2023 ACS period to 2020–2024. These are rolling five-year estimates, not year-over-year measurements.
| Metric | 2019–2023 | 2020–2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,847 | 8,477 | +8.0% |
| Median household income | $40,197 | $43,858 | +9.1% |
| Median home value | $134,200 | $156,400 | +16.5% |
How Big Rapids Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Detailed income brackets
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 45 | National average: 61
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Big Rapids Rankings in Michigan
Explore Michigan Rankings
Other Cities in Mecosta County
Cities Similar to Big Rapids
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Houghton | 8,474 | $43,456 | $254,500 | 68.6% | 40.1% |
| Menominee | 8,326 | $49,432 | $104,400 | 18.7% | 16.4% |
| Beecher | 8,412 | $37,515 | $51,500 | 5.2% | 31.3% |
| Ecorse | 9,064 | $40,241 | $65,400 | 8.4% | 29.4% |
| Center Line | 8,463 | $54,703 | $156,600 | 16.7% | 16.8% |
Population Overview
Big Rapids is a small city located in Michigan, within Mecosta County. The total population is 8,477. It ranks as the 118th most populous out of 745 Census-designated places in Michigan.
Age Demographics
The median age in Big Rapids is 22.9 years. This is 43% lower than the state median of 40.2 years. Only 12.3% of residents are under 18, indicating fewer families with children.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Big Rapids is $43,858. This is 40% lower than the state median of $72,875. It is also 46% lower than the national median of $80,734. The poverty rate stands at 34.1%. This is 158% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.2%. With more than one in five residents living below the poverty line, economic hardship is a significant challenge for the community. The unemployment rate is 4.3%. This is 24% lower than the state rate of 5.7%. The median home value is $156,400. Housing costs are 32% lower than the state median of $231,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x. 41.5% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 43% lower than the state average of 73.2%.
Race & Ethnicity
Big Rapids has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 86.4% of all residents. Black or African American residents account for 5.9%. The Black or African American population (5.9%) is well below the state average of 13.1%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.8%) is well below the state average of 5.9%. The Asian population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 3.4%.
Education
26.9% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 17% lower than the state rate of 32.5%. Nationally, 35.7% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 94.3%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Big Rapids, Michigan is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 2020–2024 5-Year Estimates. The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually and pools five years of responses so that even small communities can be measured, though the margin of error widens as the population falls. Comparisons are made against Michigan state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 745 Census-designated places in Michigan. Read more about how these figures are produced on our methodology page, or visit data.census.gov for official data.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Big Rapids, Michigan?
Big Rapids, Michigan has a population of 8,477 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Big Rapids, MI?
The median household income in Big Rapids is $43,858, which is 46% lower than the national median of $80,734.
What is the poverty rate in Big Rapids, MI?
The poverty rate in Big Rapids is 34.1%. This means approximately 2,216 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Big Rapids, Michigan?
Big Rapids's population is 86.4% White, 5.9% Black, 2.8% Hispanic/Latino, and 1.2% Asian.
What is the median home value in Big Rapids, MI?
The median home value in Big Rapids is $156,400. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.6x.
How educated is Big Rapids, Michigan?
26.9% of adults (25+) in Big Rapids hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.