Grand Rapids, MI vs Lansing, IL
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
Lansing
78.3
#185 nationally
Grand Rapids leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 31.1 min). Lansing leads in median household income ($68,766 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in walk score (52 vs 48).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Lansing, IL |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 78.3 (#185) |
| Population | 201,013 | 27,713 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $201,273 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $68,766 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 31.1 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 48 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 10.7 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 95 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+42.0 |
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+
78.3 Score
Lansing, IL
Small Illinois city with local appeal
Median Home
$201,273
Population
27,713
Crime
Moderate-High
Walk Score
48
Midwest
View Lansing, IL →
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