PeopleGroups Initiative

The Grand Rapids-Wyoming MSA is a four country metropolitan area located in western Michigan about thirty miles off the shore of Lake Michigan.

Although the area saw a downturn in the population during the early 21st century, it has recently begun to grow once again, with a steady population increase over the last seven to eight years. With the city of Grand Rapids itself seeing new migrants and immigrants settle within its borders, and with steadily expanding suburbs, the city is estimated to continue its recent growth on into the relatively distant future,

Total Population: 1,038,583

(An increase of 5.02 % in the past 5 years.)

Census Data

Foreign Born - 47,099
Language Spoken at Home - 70,029

Quick Facts

The Grand Rapids MSA is also the second largest in the state of Michigan.

The largest foreign-born ethnic group in Grand Rapids is Latino comprising approximately 45% of the immigrant population, and the Latino population has seen steady growth over the last two decades.

Approximately 32% of high school students in Grand Rapids are first or second generation Hispanics.

Profile

Historically, Grand Rapids has never had a significant immigrant population. However, recently the area has slowly seen a rise in the foreign-born population.

The largest and fastest growing people group are the Latinos. Over the past two decades, the greater Grand Rapids area has seen a decent amount of Hispanic families settle in and around the city, especially from the countries of Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Guatemala.

In the past, the Asian population in the area has been almost nonexistent, but as of the last ten years, more and more Asians are moving to the Grand Rapids area. There has been a significant influx of Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants to both the city and the surrounding suburbs.

View Enlarged Map of Metro Area