A survey on healthcare released by the Community Research Institute has found that the number of residents in the Greater Grand Rapids area without healthcare is increasing. From 1995-1999, 7.2% of Kent County's population was uninsured and the number has grown to 10.5% from 2000-2004. While healthcare, medical research, and life sciences have been touted as a way to revive Grand Rapids' economy, 17% of residents living in the same zip code as Grand Rapids' "Medical Mile" are uninsured.

The survey also shows that many Kent County residents are not taking the measures recommended to prevent disease. In the past year, 35% of respondents had not had a physical examination, 26% had not had a dental exam, 48% had not had an eye examination, and 58% had not had a flu shot. 26% of respondents stated that they had not filled a prescription, did not follow-up on doctor recommended care, or did not obtain dental care due to financial difficulties.