Grand Rapids metropolitan area
The Grand Rapids metropolitan area is a triangular shaped Metro Triplex, in West Michigan, which fans out westward from the primary hub city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the other two metro hubs of Muskegon and Holland. The metropolitan area had an estimated population of 1,059,113 in 2017. The region, noted in particular for its western edge abutting the Lake Michigan shoreline and its beaches, is a popular tourist and vacation destination during the summer. Noted popular metro area beach towns include Grand Haven, Holland, Muskegon, and Saugatuck. The metropolitan area is home to many attractions . Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is located in the outskirts of Grand Rapids. Michigan's Adventure theme park is just north of Muskegon, and the Grand Rapids Art Museum and the DeVos Place Convention Center are both in downtown Grand Rapids. The Grand River flows through the metropolitan area and is noted for its fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Definitions. The Grand Rapids-Kentwood Metropolitan Statistical Area, as defined by the United States Census Bureau, is an area consisting of four counties in western Michigan, anchored by the cities of Grand Rapids and Wyoming. The MSA had a population of 988,938  at the 2010 census. It comprises four counties which include the central county of Kent, and the outlying counties of Ionia, Montcalm, and Ottawa. The Grand Rapids – Kentwood – Muskegon Combined Statistical Area is the 2nd largest CSA in the U.S. state of Michigan (behind Metro Detroit). The CSA had a population of 1,320,064 at the 2010 census. The primary cultural and financial centers of the region are Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Holland. It includes the four counties in the Grand Rapids-Kentwood MSA plus one metropolitan area, adding the Muskegon, MI MSA of Muskegon County, and two micropolitan areas of  Holland of Allegan County, and Big Rapids of Mecosta County for a total of seven counties. The Grand Rapids metropolitan area is part of the Great Lakes Megalopolis containing an estimated 54 million people. Demographics. 2010 Census. As of the census of 2010, there were 774,160 people, 290,340 households, and 197,867 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 83.1% White, 8.1% African American, 0.5% Native American, 1.9% Asian, 0.03% Pacific Islander, 3.8% from other races, and 2.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 8.4% of the population. 2000 Census . As of the census of 2000, there were 740,482 people, 272,130 households, and 188,192 families residing within the MSA. The racial makeup of the MSA was 85.71% White, 7.40% African American, 0.53% Native American, 1.51% Asian, 0.05% Pacific Islander, 2.82% from other races, and 1.99% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 6.02% of the population. The median income for a household in the MSA was $43,251, and the median income for a family was $49,715. Males had a median income of $37,853 versus $25,483 for females. The per capita income  for the MSA was $19,173. Education. The area also has campuses for Baker College, Ferris State University, Davenport University, Western Michigan University, and University of Phoenix, and the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.