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ZIP Code · MI

ZIP 49503

Pop. 39,489·Kent County·67th most expensive ZIP in Michigan
Median rent (all units)
$1,539/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.4%
Month-over-Month
+1.3%
vs US Median
-$426
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 49503 · $1,539
More affordable than 71% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,300
1 BR
$1,340
2 BR
$1,610
3 BR
$2,080
4 BR+
$2,300
Research median
$1,610/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$18,468/yr
At $1,539/mo median
Location
StateMI
CountyKent County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (1.4% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.4% YoY, +1.3% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 49503 (Grand Rapids, MI) is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 44.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
39,489
Median income
$64,661
Median age
31.1
Renters
63.8%
Age distribution
17.3%
41.1%
22.9%
Under 1817.3%
18–3441.1%
35–5422.9%
55–648.6%
65+10.1%
Gender
50.9%
49.1%
Male50.9%
Female49.1%
Race & ethnicity
61%
13.4%
19.9%
White61%
Black13.4%
Hispanic19.9%
Asian2.8%
Other3%
Education (25+)
20.1%
24.3%
44.8%
No HS diploma10.8%
HS diploma20.1%
Some college24.3%
Bachelor's+44.8%
Housing tenure
36.2%
63.8%
Owner36.2%
Renter63.8%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 49503 in Grand Rapids, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,178 → $1,539
up 30.6%
Income
$52,441 → $64,661
up 23.3%
Population
37,005 → 39,489
up 6.7%
Renter share
60.9% → 63.8%
+2.9 pts
Bachelor's+
45.1% → 44.8%
-0.3 pts
Median age
30.4 → 31.1
+0.7 yrs

Five years ago, renters in ZIP 49503 in Grand Rapids, MI paid around $1,178 a month. That figure now sits near $1,539, up 30.6% from the 2021 baseline. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 49503 in Grand Rapids, MI now reports about $64,661, up from $52,441 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show ZIP 49503 in Grand Rapids, MI adding about 2,484 residents over the five-year window, up 6.7% on net. The renter share has risen from 60.9% to 63.8%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 49503 in Grand Rapids, MI reflects that arc in its own way.

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Local insights

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About renting in ZIP 49503

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 49503 covers Grand Rapids, MI. The median rent here is $1,539/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,340/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,610/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($64,661/yr), ZIP 49503 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 49503?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 49503 (Grand Rapids, MI) is $1,539. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 49503 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 49503's median rent of $1,539/mo is $426 (22%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 49503 compare to other ZIPs in Michigan?

ZIP 49503 falls in the middle range for Michigan, ranking #67 out of 165 ZIPs at $1,539/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 49503?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $62,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,539/mo in ZIP 49503. The local median household income is $64,661/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 49503?

Rent in ZIP 49503 has increased 1.4% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 49503 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 49503 is considered affordable for renters. At $1,539/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($64,661/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 49503 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 49503 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 63.8% of ZIP 49503 households are renters, while 36.2% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, ZIP 49503 has a strong rental market.

How does ZIP 49503 compare to the rest of Grand Rapids?

ZIP 49503 is more affordable than Grand Rapids overall. At $1,539/mo, it's $88 below the Grand Rapids citywide median of $1,627/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 49503 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 49503 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,539/mo, rent takes ~29% of ZIP 49503's median household income ($64,661/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 49503 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 49503 (Grand Rapids, MI)

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