Ferndale, MI vs Grand Rapids, MI
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.
Ferndale
82.8
#19 nationally
Grand Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Ferndale leads in median household income ($86,120 vs $54,789). Ferndale leads in walk score (67 vs 52). Grand Rapids leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 26.1 min).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Ferndale, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 82.8 (#19) | 73.4 (#738) |
| Population | 19,083 | 201,013 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $254,401 | $311,699 |
| Median Household Income | $86,120 | $54,789 |
| Average Commute | 26.1 min | 21.2 min |
| Walk Score | 67 | 52 |
| Crime Level | 5.6 | Moderate |
| School Rating | N/A | 6.8 |
| Cost of Living Index | 99 | 91 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+10.6 | D+5.4 |
B-
82.8 Score
Ferndale, MI
Small Michigan city with local appeal
Median Home
$254,401
Population
19,083
Crime
Moderate-Low
Walk Score
67
Midwest
View Ferndale, MI →
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 →
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