Grand Rapids, Minnesota real estate
Is Grand Rapids a practical place to buy or sell a home? Yes — it is the county seat of Itasca County, the county’s largest city, and a base for nearby lake living, including Pokegama Lake.
Grand Rapids is the county seat of Itasca County and sits alongside the Mississippi River in the southern part of the county (Itasca County 2025 Community Health Assessment). Buyers often use it as a year-round home base, with access to services in town and to lakes a short drive away. Sellers here are typically offering either an in-town residence or a property that also appeals to people comparing lake options nearby.
| What it is | County seat and largest city in Itasca County; official county offices are listed at 123 NE 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744. |
|---|---|
| 2020 Census population | 11,126, as compiled from the 2020 Census by the Minnesota Department of Revenue. |
| July 1, 2024 estimate | 11,244, from the U.S. Census Bureau Vintage 2024 subcounty estimates (the April 1, 2020 estimates base in that file is 11,089, which can differ from the original published 2020 count because the Bureau revises geographic bases). |
| County context | Itasca County covers 2,665 square miles, has 21 cities, and includes more than 1,400 lakes (Itasca County 2025 CHA/CHIP). The county’s July 1, 2024 population estimate is 45,442 (Census Bureau Vintage 2024). |
| Nearby lake | Pokegama Lake lies near Grand Rapids. DNR LakeFinder lists 6,721.3 acres, a 112-foot maximum depth, and 57.15 miles of shoreline. |
| Public schools (confirm boundaries) | Grand Rapids Area Schools (Independent School District 318) is based in Grand Rapids. Always confirm which address is in which district. |
Buying and selling here
If you want walkable access to town services, start in Grand Rapids proper and adjoining La Prairie. If you want shoreline, compare Pokegama Lake and other waters on the Area Lakes page. Jillian can help you look at both in the same search.
Grand Rapids homes sold for a median $244,830 over the three months ending October 2026, down 4.0% from a year earlier, after a median 51 days on the market. Source: Redfin, Grand Rapids housing market. Zillow’s typical home value (ZHVI) for Grand Rapids was $280,069 as of September 30, 2026, which is an estimated typical value, not a median sale price. Source: Zillow.
Frequently asked questions
Is Grand Rapids the county seat of Itasca County?
Yes. Itasca County’s official materials identify Grand Rapids as the county seat, on the Mississippi River in the southern part of the county.
How many people live in Grand Rapids?
The 2020 Census count compiled by the Minnesota Department of Revenue is 11,126. The U.S. Census Bureau’s July 1, 2024 estimate is 11,244.
Is there a lake near town?
Yes. Pokegama Lake is near Grand Rapids. See the Pokegama Lake page for official DNR size, depth, shoreline, and public-access figures.
Who should I contact about a specific home?
Jillian Bilden, Realtor® with Pemberton Real Estate, 515 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744. Email jillian.bilden@teampemberton.com or call (218) 671-3084.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2024 subcounty population estimates for Minnesota (sub-est2024_27.csv)
- Minnesota Department of Revenue, 2020 Census city population compilation (PDF)
- Itasca County 2025 Community Health Assessment (CHA/CHIP)
- Itasca County official website
- Minnesota DNR LakeFinder, Pokegama Lake
- Grand Rapids Area Schools (ISD 318)
