Anishinaabe peoples are indigenous to the Grand Rapids metropolitan area.

[5] Grandville was geographically an important place during the logging years in Michigan's history due to its location at the "river-bend" of the Grand River.

It was important to have people there to make sure the logs did not jam up as the river turned north-west toward Grand Haven.

[7] In 1987, color measurement and manufacturer X-Rite established its headquarters in the city a year after it went public, soon becoming one of the fastest growing businesses in Michigan.

In 1990, developers explored the building of a new mall near the intersection of 44th Street and Ivanrest and eventually met with the city for approval.

[9] In 1999, construction was completed on RiverTown Crossings, a mall with just over 1.25 million square feet of retail space.

However, by 2007, the beginning of the Great Recession, X-Rite had moved its headquarters nearby to Kentwood.

[12] In 2016, a 1 million+ square foot, 400 unit apartment development called the Grand Castle was constructed.

[12] In 2017, after arriving in Grand Rapids, then United States Vice President Mike Pence and his wife Karen made a visit for the annual Fourth of July ceremony and parade.

Pence walked the traditional parade route of Wilson Avenue, from 44th Street to Chicago Drive.

24.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

In 2019, Tim Steenstra, retired Director of Grandville Christian Schools, joined his son, Andy, a sales manager, on the council.

Former Senator Carl Levin's constituent liaison Paul Troost, teacher Justin Noordhoek, and registered nurse Josh Meringa form the remainder of the council.