In Big Rapids, a typical home is worth $156,400 and typical rent is $929 a month. Compared with all of Mecosta County, typical household income is 28% lower, the typical home value is 13% lower, and the share of households that own their home is 35 points lower.
Typical home value from Zillow, September 2021 to September 2026: from $172,901 to $221,104.
From Zillow (ZHVI), September 2026. The Census figures above are 5-year averages (2020–2024).
Big Rapids is in Mecosta County. The FHA loan limit ($541,287 for a one-unit home), the fair market rents and the help on this page are those of all of Mecosta County. See the county
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
1
41% of households in Big Rapids own their home, against 77% in Mecosta County.
2
Nearby, in Belding, the typical rent is $668: 28% less than in Big Rapids ($929).
3
The typical household income in Big Rapids is $43,858,28% less than in Mecosta County as a whole ($60,951).
4
According to Zillow, in the 12 months to September 2026 the typical home value in Big Rapids rose 6.8%; in Michigan, it rose 3.8%.
5
4% of households in Big Rapids have no internet at home (12% in Mecosta County).
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024); Zillow (September 2026 data). Zillow data
The homes here
Housing in Big Rapids
What homes there are in Big Rapids, what they cost, how that changed and how people live, from Census figures (2020–2024).
What homes there are
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Kind of home
Detached houseAttached houseBuilding of 2 to 4Apartments (5 or more)Mobile homeBoat, RV and otherUnreliable estimate
Big Rapids
Mecosta County
Michigan
United States
Kind of home: Big Rapids and its comparisons
Measure
Big Rapids
Mecosta County
Michigan
United States
Detached house
43%
73%
72%
61%
Attached house
Unreliable estimate
1%
5%
6%
Building of 2 to 4
23%
5%
5%
8%
Apartments (5 or more)
Unreliable estimate
7%
13%
19%
Mobile home
6%
15%
5%
6%
Boat, RV and other
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
0%
0%
No kind of home is the majority in Big Rapids; the largest group, detached houses, adds up to 43%, less than in Mecosta County (73%).
Year built
Before 19601960–19791980–19992000–20092010 or later
Big Rapids
Mecosta County
Michigan
United States
Year built: Big Rapids and its comparisons
Measure
Big Rapids
Mecosta County
Michigan
United States
Before 1960
45%
24%
36%
26%
1960–1979
25%
27%
26%
24%
1980–1999
12%
28%
22%
25%
2000–2009
8%
13%
10%
14%
2010 or later
10%
7%
6%
11%
There are fewer big homes in Big Rapids than in Mecosta County: 47% have 3 bedrooms or more, against 65%.
What it costs here
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
Value of owner-occupied homes
Unreliable estimate
Under $100K29%
$100K–$200K46%
$200K–$300K16%
$300K–$500KUnreliable
$500K–$750KUnreliable
$750K–$1MUnreliable
$1M or moreUnreliable
Value of owner-occupied homes: Big Rapids and its comparisons
Measure
Big Rapids
Under $100K
29%
$100K–$200K
46%
$200K–$300K
16%
$300K–$500K
Unreliable estimate
$500K–$750K
Unreliable estimate
$750K–$1M
Unreliable
$1M or more
Unreliable estimate
Monthly rent with utilities
Under the limitOver the limitUnreliable estimate
Under $50015%
$500–$99944%
$1,000–$1,49928%
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms: $1,063
$1,500–$1,999Unreliable
$2,000–$2,499Unreliable
$2,500–$2,999Unreliable
$3,000 or moreUnreliable
Monthly rent with utilities: Big Rapids and its comparisons
Measure
Big Rapids
Under $500
15%
$500–$999
44%
$1,000–$1,499
28%
$1,500–$1,999
Unreliable estimate
$2,000–$2,499
Unreliable estimate
$2,500–$2,999
Unreliable
$3,000 or more
Unreliable
HUD's 2-bedroom fair market rent (FMR) for Mecosta County is $1,063: about 62% of rents in Big Rapids are below it.
With a mortgage
$1,252 a month
Mecosta County: $1,293 a month
Without a mortgage
$443 a month
Mecosta County: $480 a month
Owners with a mortgage
68%
Mecosta County: 50%
The typical cost for an owner with a mortgage in Big Rapids is $1,252 a month, near the figure in Mecosta County ($1,293).
How it changed
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2015–2019 and 2020–2024
Change since 2015–2019
Typical home value
Big Rapids+67%
Mecosta County+47%
Michigan+50%
United States+53%
Typical rent
Big Rapids+39%
Mecosta County+31%
Michigan+30%
United States+33%
Typical household income
Big Rapids+67%
Mecosta County+35%
Michigan+28%
United States+29%
Change since 2015–2019: Big Rapids and its comparisons
Measure
Big Rapids
Mecosta County
Michigan
United States
Typical home value
+67%
+47%
+50%
+53%
Typical rent
+39%
+31%
+30%
+33%
Typical household income
+67%
+35%
+28%
+29%
Since 2015–2019, homes in Big Rapids gained value faster than in Mecosta County: 67% against 47%.
The typical rent in Big Rapids rose 39% over the same time; in Mecosta County, it rose 31%.
While home values in Big Rapids changed +67% and rent +39%, the typical household income rose 67%.
How people live
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year, 2020–2024
How people live: Big Rapids and its comparisons
Measure
Big Rapids
Mecosta County
Michigan
United States
Rental vacancy
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
5.1%
5.5%
Homeowner vacancy
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
0.8%
0.9%
More than one person per room
Unreliable estimate
2.0%
1.6%
3.4%
People per household
2.06
2.33
2.42
2.53
Drive alone
68%
76%
74%
69%
Carpool
7%
9%
8%
9%
Public transit
Unreliable estimate
Unreliable estimate
1%
3%
Walk or bike
14%
5%
2%
3%
Work from home
9%
9%
14%
15%
Other means
Unreliable estimate
1%
1%
2%
Typical commute
Unreliable estimate
10 to 19 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
20 to 29 minutes
On average, a household in Big Rapids has 2.06 people, fewer than in Mecosta County (2.33).
More people walk or bike to work in Big Rapids: 14%, against 5% in Mecosta County.
Do the math
What would you pay each month for a home in Big Rapids?
A typical home costs more than the typical income allows
We start with a typical home in Big Rapids, worth $156,400, an FHA loan with 3.5% down and the latest average rate (7.18%). That payment would take 38% of the typical household income in Big Rapids, which is $43,858 a year. For that payment to be 28% of income, a household would need to earn about $59,168 a year.
The calculator's FHA and conventional loan limits are those of all of Mecosta County.
Change the price, the down payment or the loan: the payment updates right away.
Your numbers
Local data
$
Starts at the typical home value in Big Rapids. Change it to the price you have in mind.
Your score changes which loans apply and FHA's minimum down payment. Your real rate also depends on your credit.
Down payment
%
That is $5,474 (3.5% of the price). The usual minimum for this loan is 3.5%.
This week's average ± a quarter or half point.
National average as of November 5, 2026 (Freddie Mac); your rate may be different.
Adjust advanced details⌄
Estimated monthly payment
Local data
$1,381
at 7.18% · 30 years
Loan amount
$153,567
Total interest
$220,947
Paid off in
November 2056
Includes $2,641 FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.
Does it fit the income?
Comfortable
up to $1,023 a month
Tight
$1,023 to $1,316 a month
Hard
more than $1,316 a month
Your payment · 38%
Compared with the typical household income in Big Rapids ($43,858 a year). Reference: HUD calls paying more than 30% of income for housing a cost burden.
Monthly payment breakdown
Principal & interest
$1,040
Property tax
$206
Home insurance
$65
FHA mortgage insurance (MIP)
$69
You need at least $5,474 for the down payment, plus closing costs.
This is an estimate to give you an idea, not a loan offer. Your real payment depends on your rate, your credit, and the insurance and taxes on the home you buy.
Total monthly payment $1,381; principal and interest $1,040.
The city and its county
Big Rapids and Mecosta County
Big Rapids is in Mecosta County, Michigan. The U.S. Census Bureau publishes its own numbers for the city: home values, rent, household income, how many households own their home and the property tax. They are American Community Survey estimates (average 2020–2024).
Big Rapids
Map of Mecosta County, Michigan, with Big Rapids marked. Around it, the neighboring counties.
Big Rapids
Mecosta County
Big Rapids's own numbers
Typical home value
$156,400
Typical monthly rent
$929
Typical yearly household income
$43,858
Households that own their home
41%
Effective property tax rate
1.58%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (average 2020–2024).
Numbers for all of Mecosta County
FHA limit, one-unit home
$541,287
Conventional limit, one unit
$832,750
HUD fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
$1,063
Price change over 5 years (FHFA)
+68%
Homes in a high flood-risk zone
1.1%
HUD, FHFA and FEMA don't publish these numbers by city.
Other numbers are not published by city, only for the whole county: FHA and conventional loan limits, HUD’s fair market rents, FHFA’s price index and FEMA’s flood data. On this page, those numbers always say they are for all of Mecosta County.
A typical home in Big Rapids is worth $156,400: 13% below the county and 32% below Michigan. With the typical household income in Big Rapids ($43,858 a year), a typical home costs 3.6 times what the household earns in a year.
Years of income to pay for a typical home
The typical home value divided by the typical household income for one year. The lower it is, the less buying weighs.
Big Rapids3.6 years
Mecosta2.9 years
Michigan3.2 years
United States4.1 years
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Average 2020–2024
How prices have changed in Mecosta County
According to FHFA’s house price index, home prices in Mecosta County rose 122% in the 10 years through 2025.
FHFA does not publish this index by city: these are the numbers for all of Mecosta County.
Yearly change in FHFA’s price index in Mecosta County, 2016 to 2025
2016: +6.6% +6.6% 2016
2017: +2.0% +2.0% 2017
2018: +8.1% +8.1% 2018
2019: +8.7% +8.7% 2019
2020: +3.5% +3.5% 2020
2021: +14.2% +14.2% 2021
2022: +18.5% +18.5% 2022
2023: +7.4% +7.4% 2023
2024: +11.2% +11.2% 2024
2025: +4.1% +4.1% 2025
Change in FHFA’s price index in Mecosta County, Michigan and the United States
Period
County
Michigan
U.S.
Last year (2025)
+4.1%
+4.7%
+2.9%
5 years (2020–2025)
+68%
+52%
+47%
10 years (2015–2025)
+122%
+97%
+85%
The index follows the price of the same homes over time (sales and appraisals with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans). It is not the average price of a home. FHFA considers its annual county indexes experimental. Source: FHFA, 2025 data
Big Rapids next to Mecosta County, Michigan and the U.S.
Three numbers side by side. “Typical” means the median: half are above it and half below.
Typical home value
Big Rapids$156,400
Mecosta$178,900
Michigan$231,600
United States$332,700
Typical monthly rent
Big Rapids$929
Mecosta$934
Michigan$1,129
United States$1,413
Typical yearly household income
Big Rapids$43,858
Mecosta$60,951
Michigan$72,875
United States$80,734
See the full table
Big Rapids next to Mecosta County and Michigan
Measure
Big Rapids
Mecosta County
Michigan
U.S.
Typical home value
$156,400 ▼13% below the county
$178,900
$231,600
$332,700
Typical monthly rent
$929
$934
$1,129
$1,413
Typical yearly household income
$43,858 ▼28% below the county
$60,951
$72,875
$80,734
Households that own their home
41% ▼35 points below the county
77%
73%
65%
Typical yearly property tax
$2,466 ▲39% above the county
$1,778
$2,904
$3,119
Effective property tax rate
1.58% ▲0.59 points above the county
0.99%
1.25%
0.94%
Renters with high rent for their income
54% ▲2 points above the county
52%
50%
51%
“Typical” means the median: half are above and half are below. ▲ and ▼ say whether the city is above or below Mecosta County. “High rent” is the Census measure: renter households that pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Big Rapids
For a typical $156,400 home in Big Rapids, at Freddie Mac's average rate (7.18% as of November 5, 2026) over 30 years. The monthly payment adds principal and interest, Big Rapids's typical property tax, an example home insurance and mortgage insurance when it applies.
FHA, 3.5% down$1,381a month
Least cash to close
Down payment
$5,474
Cash to close
$10,166
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
FHA MIP · $69
Conventional, 5% down$1,352a month
Down payment
$7,820
Cash to close
$12,512
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
PMI · $74
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI$1,119a month
Down payment
$31,280
Cash to close
$35,972
Rate
7.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
ITIN, 15% down (example)$1,263a month
Down payment
$23,460
Cash to close
$28,152
Rate
8.18%
Mortgage insurance
None
Four ways to pay for a typical home in Big Rapids
Loan
Monthly payment
Down payment
Loan amount
Rate
Mortgage insurance
Cash to close
Minimum score
FHA, 3.5% down Least cash to close
$1,381
$5,474
$153,567
7.18%
FHA MIP · $69
$10,166
580
Conventional, 5% down
$1,352
$7,820
$148,580
7.18%
PMI · $74
$12,512
620*
Conventional, 20% down, no PMI
$1,119
$31,280
$125,120
7.18%
None
$35,972
620*
ITIN, 15% down (example)
$1,263
$23,460
$132,940
8.18%
None
$28,152
Set by the lender
The option that asks for the least cash to close is FHA, 3.5% down.
Cash to close = down payment plus 3% of the price in closing costs (example).
Minimum score: FHA requires 580 or higher for the minimum down payment (HUD Handbook 4000.1). * Fannie Mae requires 620 when a loan is underwritten by hand; its automated system has no fixed minimum.
The ITIN row is an example with a rate 1 percentage point higher: ITIN loans follow no federal rule and each lender sets its own down payment and rate. Nothing in this table promises an approval.
Typical rent in Big Rapids is $929 a month: about the same as the county. In Big Rapids, 54% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income in rent.
HUD publishes a fair market rent for all of Mecosta County, by unit size. To pay the 2-bedroom one ($1,063 a month) without spending more than 30% of your income, you would need to earn $20.44 an hour working full time.
What you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income, working full time.
HUD fair market rent in Mecosta County (Fiscal year 2027)
Size
Fair rent a month
Hourly wage
Yearly income
Studio
$758
$14.58
$30,320
1 bedroom
$863
$16.60
$34,520
2 bedrooms
$1,063
$20.44
$42,520
3 bedrooms
$1,323
$25.44
$52,920
4 bedrooms
$1,644
$31.62
$65,760
Includes basic utilities. It isn't the lowest or highest rent: it's a reference point. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
Fair market rent by ZIP code in Big Rapids
HUD also publishes a fair market rent for each ZIP code (Small Area FMR, fiscal year 2027). Big Rapids is in ZIP code 49307.
For 2 bedrooms it is $1,080: $17 more than the fair market rent for Mecosta County ($1,063).
Fair market rent by ZIP code and size in Big Rapids, fiscal year 2027.
ZIP code
Studio
1 bd
2 bd
3 bd
4 bd
49307
$770
$870
$1,080
$1,350
$1,660
ZIP code2 bd3 bd
49307 $1,080$1,350
1 of these ZIP codes crosses the city line: HUD sets the rent by ZIP code, not by city. A ZIP code counts for Big Rapids when at least 50% of its land is inside the city or it covers at least 15% of the city (Census 2020 boundaries). Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD)Fiscal year 2027Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)Source: Census Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship fileData from 2020 dataCensus Bureau ZCTA-to-place relationship file (external site)
HUD lists 10 buildings with rents for lower incomes in Big Rapids. These are the largest.
Parkview Village609 Adams St, Big Rapids 49307156 low-income homes · Run by Big Rapids Housing Commission · Average payment: $399 a month · Average wait: 1 month(231) 796-8689
Evergreen Village1805 Milton Ave, Big Rapids 49307131 low-income homes · Run by Big Rapids Housing Commission · Average payment: $566 a month · Average wait: 220 months(231) 796-8689
Country Place Family & Senior Citizen815 Country Way, Big Rapids 4930768 homes, 67 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2011 · For older adults, families
Apple Ridge Apts1133 Fuller Ave, Big Rapids 4930748 low-income homes · For families(231) 796-2303
Ryan Creek Apts18966 16 Mile Rd, Big Rapids 4930748 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families
You do not have to do this alone. A HUD-approved housing counseling agency helps for free or at low cost: getting ready to buy, understanding your credit, or solving a problem with your rent.
We found no HUD-approved agencies with an office in Mecosta County. The nearest ones are below; many serve by phone or online.
No down payment, repair or rent-help program on our list is for Big Rapids or Mecosta County. The ones below are statewide in Michigan: they work in Big Rapids the same as in the rest of the state.
Michigan state agency loan of up to $10,000, with no interest and no monthly payments, for the down payment, closing costs and prepaid expenses; it goes with MSHDA's MI Home Loan mortgage and is repaid in certain cases, such as when you pay off the first mortgage, sell or refinance the home, or no longer live in it.Offered by Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
Michigan state authority certificate that lets you take 20% of the interest you pay each year on your mortgage off your federal taxes, for the life of the loan; you apply with an approved lender before you buy.Offered by Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA).
No legal help resource on our list is for Big Rapids or Mecosta County in particular.
If you have a problem with your landlord, an eviction notice or a scam, the Legal Services Corporation (LSC) search shows the free legal aid offices that serve your area.
Short answers with the numbers for Big Rapids and all of Mecosta County. If your case is different, a HUD-approved counseling agency can guide you for free or at low cost.
How much does a typical home cost in Big Rapids?
The typical home value in Big Rapids is $156,400, according to the U.S. Census Bureau (average 2020–2024). For comparison, in Mecosta County it is $178,900.
How much does it cost to rent in Big Rapids?
Typical rent in Big Rapids is $929 a month, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. HUD’s fair market rent for 2 bedrooms in Mecosta County is $1,063.
What is the FHA loan limit in Big Rapids?
Big Rapids uses the FHA limit for all of Mecosta County (2026): $541,287 for a one-unit home and $1,041,125 for a four-unit home.
How much property tax do owners pay in Big Rapids?
The typical homeowner in Big Rapids pays $2,466 a year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. That is 1.58% of the home’s value; in Mecosta County, the rate is 0.99%.
Where can I find free help to buy or rent in Big Rapids?
We found no HUD-approved counseling agencies with an office in Mecosta County; the nearest ones are on this page. They can help you get ready to buy, with your credit, or with rent.
