Affordable & Income-Based Housing in Grand Rapids

Affordability in Grand Rapids

The median monthly rent in Grand Rapids is $1,266 and the median household income is $69,108 per year, according to the Census ACS 5-Year estimate (2024). About 46% of Grand Rapids households rent their homes, reflecting a sizable renter population that may benefit from the city's income-based and HUD-assisted housing options.

Safety

According to the Grand Rapids Police Department's FBI Crime Data Explorer reporting, Grand Rapids had a violent crime rate of 910 per 100,000 residents in 2024. Keep in mind that crime rates are not directly comparable across cities due to differences in reporting practices and jurisdiction definitions.

For flood risk, 1 of the 31 HUD-assisted properties in Grand Rapids is located in a high-risk flood zone, based on available flood map data.

Getting Around Grand Rapids

The assisted properties in Grand Rapids score an average of 89 (Very Walkable), 39 (Some Transit), and a Bike Score of 61 out of 100, according to Walk Score. These scores reflect the walkability, public transit access, and bikeability around the assisted housing locations specifically.

Schools

Grand Rapids is served by 135 schools across 29 districts, including 61 elementary, 19 middle, and 51 high schools, plus 4 other programs, according to NCES Common Core of Data. Ratings vary by school and district, so renters should check the assigned schools for a specific address.

Cost of Renting in Grand Rapids

The median household income in Grand Rapids is $69,108 per year, according to Census ACS 5-Year data. The median rent across all rental units in the city is $1,266 per month, according to the same source.

Income-based and HUD-assisted housing can make a significant difference for renters whose costs would otherwise strain that income. Lease Lantern tracks 31 affordable properties with 2,727 units in Grand Rapids, spanning HUD-assisted, Section 8, and LIHTC programs.

• Median household income: $69,108/year (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Median market rent: $1,266/month (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Share of households that rent: 46% (Census ACS 5-Year)
• Affordable properties tracked: 31 buildings, 2,727 units

Environmental Exposure

Flood risk is low across the affordable housing inventory in Grand Rapids. All 31 properties were mapped for flood exposure, and only 1 falls within a high-risk flood zone.