[7] Ionia is between Michigan's capital, Lansing, and its second largest city, Grand Rapids.

This climatic region is typified by large seasonal temperature differences, with warm to hot (and often humid) summers and cold (sometimes severely cold) winters.

This region is also prone to dense and heavy fog, along with flooding (sometimes very damaging) due to the Grand River that flows through the city, during the spring.

[8] As of the census[10] of 2010, there were 11,394 people, 2,428 households, and 1,520 families living in the city.

There were 2,775 housing units at an average density of 518.7 per square mile (200.3/km2).

30.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

5,230 of Ionia's 11,394 residents (45.9%) are institutionalized in the state's various correctional facilities in the city.

[3] As of the census[3] of 2000, there were 10,569 people, 2,421 households, and 1,534 families living in the city.

30.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.