Grand Rapids, MI vs Royal Oak, 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.
Grand Rapids
73.4
#738 nationally
Royal Oak
79.7
#111 nationally
Royal Oak leads in median household income ($92,799 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in average commute (21.2 min vs 24.7 min). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 106).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Royal Oak, MI |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 79.7 (#111) |
| Population | 201,013 | 57,452 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $337,493 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $92,799 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 24.7 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 57 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 3.4 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 106 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+10.6 |
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+
79.7 Score
Royal Oak, MI
Michigan community balancing growth and livability
Median Home
$337,493
Population
57,452
Crime
Low
Walk Score
57
Midwest
View Royal Oak, MI →
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