Grand Rapids

The City in Brief

Founded: 1831 (incorporated, 1850)

Head Official: City Manager Kurt Kimball (since 1987)

City Population

1980: 181,843

1990: 189,126

2000: 197,800

2003 estimate: 195,601

Percent change, 1990–2000: 4.3%

U.S. rank in 1980: 75th

U.S. rank in 1990: 83rd

U.S. rank in 2000: 107th (State rank: 2nd)

Metropolitan Area Population

1980: 602,000

1990: 937,891

2000: 1,088,514

Percent change, 1990–2000: 16.1%

U.S. rank in 1980: 56th

U.S. rank in 1990: Not reported

U.S. rank in 2000: 48th

Area: 45 square miles (2000)

Elevation: Ranges from 785 to 1,075 feet above sea level

Average Annual Temperature: 47.4° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 37.13 inches of rain, 71.9 inches of snow

Major Economic Sectors: Manufacturing, services, retail trade

Unemployment Rate: 6.6% (March 2005)

Per Capita Income: $17,661 (1999)

2002 FBI Crime Index Total: 11,292

Major Colleges and Universities: Grand Valley State University

Daily Newspaper: The Grand Rapids Press