Grand Rapids, MI vs Houston, TX
Side-by-side comparison of housing, income, commute, safety, and quality of life.
Score Snapshot
No universal winner
Scores summarize the published model. Use the objective metric differences below and your own priorities to choose.
Grand Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Houston
72.1
#926 nationally
Grand Rapids leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 28.5 min). Grand Rapids leads in school rating (6.8 vs 5.5). Grand Rapids leads in walk score (52 vs 48).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 72.1 (#926) |
| Population | 201,013 | 2,314,157 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $263,563 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $57,791 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 28.5 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 48 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | Moderate-High |
| School Rating | 6.8 | 5.5 |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 96 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+5.5 |
C
73.4 Score
Grand Rapids, MI
Beer City USA with West Michigan charm
Median Home
$311,699
Population
201,013
Crime
Moderate
Schools
B
Midwest
View Grand Rapids, MI →
C-
72.1 Score
Houston, TX
Space City with global energy
Median Home
$263,563
Population
2,314,157
Crime
Moderate-High
Schools
C
Southwest
View Houston, TX →
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