Big Rapids, Michigan

Big Rapids, Michigan
Aerial photograph of Big Rapids in 2009
Nickname: 
"B.R."
Location of Big Rapids, Michigan
Big Rapids
Big Rapids
Coordinates: 43°41′56″N 85°28′52″W / 43.69889°N 85.48111°W / 43.69889; -85.48111
Country United States
State Michigan
CountyMecosta
Incorporated1869
Government
  MayorFred Guenther
Area
  Total
4.56 sq mi (11.82 km2)
  Land4.45 sq mi (11.51 km2)
  Water0.12 sq mi (0.30 km2)
Elevation
925 ft (282 m)
Population
 (2020)
  Total
7,727
  Density1,738.36/sq mi (671.13/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
  Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP code
49307
Area code231
FIPS code26-08300
GNIS feature ID1619197
Websitecityofbr.org

Big Rapids is a city and the seat of government of Mecosta County, Michigan, United States. The population was 7,727 at the 2020 census, down from 10,601 in 2010. The city is surrounded by Big Rapids Charter Township but they are completely separate jurisdictions. Big Rapids is home of the main campus of Ferris State University, a four-year public university.