Grand Rapids, MI vs University City, MO
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
University City
78.3
#186 nationally
University City leads in median household income ($71,888 vs $54,789). Grand Rapids leads in cost of living index (91 vs 108). University City leads in walk score (58 vs 52).
Metric-by-Metric Breakdown
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | University City, MO |
|---|---|---|
| WhereAtHome Score | 73.4 (#738) | 78.3 (#186) |
| Population | 201,013 | 34,096 |
| Typical Home Value (ZHVI) | $311,699 | $272,576 |
| Median Household Income | $54,789 | $71,888 |
| Average Commute | 21.2 min | 20.4 min |
| Walk Score | 52 | 58 |
| Crime Level | Moderate | 8.2 |
| School Rating | 6.8 | N/A |
| Cost of Living Index | 91 | 108 |
| Political lean County 2024 presidential margin — context only, not scored | D+5.4 | D+23.4 |
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
University City, MO
Small Missouri city with local appeal
Median Home
$272,576
Population
34,096
Crime
Moderate
Walk Score
58
Midwest
View University City, MO →
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