Why Greater Grand Rapids
Demographics
Greater Grand Rapids is Home to a Growing Population
Located between Chicago and Detroit, West Michigan is a growing region of more than 1.6 million people. At its core is the city of Grand Rapids, the state’s second-largest city.
In 2025, data from the U.S. Census Bureau indicated that Greater Grand Rapids was leading the state of Michigan in population growth, with more than 32,000 residents since 2020. With an exceptional quality of life, successful companies and a highly diversified economy, the Greater Grand Rapids region attracts people from all over the country who want to live, work and play in this Midwestern hub for economic growth.
Source: U.S. Census PEP Estimates
Workforce and Population Overview
A high-level overview of the Grand Rapids MSA and West Michigan workforce and population data
*Grand Rapids-Kentwood Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Ionia counties
**West Michigan Region consists of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa counties.
Data Source: Emsi - Economy Overview Report
Race and Ethnicity (Grand Rapids-Kentwood MSA*)
**Grand Rapids-Kentwood Metropolitan Statistical Area consists of Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Ionia counties
* Data Source: Lightcast
Race and Ethnicity (West Michigan*)
*West Michigan Region consists of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa counties.
* Data Source: Lightcast
Age Distribution (Grand Rapids-Kentwood MSA*)
Total population for the Grand Rapids-Kentwood MSA in 2026 was 1,191,162 people.
*Grand Rapids-Kentwood Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) consists of Kent, Ottawa, Montcalm, and Ionia counties
** Source: Lightcast
Age Distribution (West Michigan*)
Total population for West Michigan in 2026 was 1,680,687 people.
*West Michigan Region consists of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa counties.
** Source: Lightcast