Big Rapids, MI, United States

Capital City

Population is in decline for good reason - Big Rapids has shed over 46% of its residents since the 1980s. The city now counts just 7,727 people, down from a peak of 10,601 in 2010. With over half the population comprised of college students at Ferris State University, the area faces a persistent bureaucracy headache and an ever-changing demographic. The brutal continental climate, with frigid winters and sweltering summers, is another drawback. Big Rapids may work for those seeking an affordable college town lifestyle, but it's hardly an idyllic destination for families or retirees.