Cost of Living in Baraga County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Baraga County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Baraga County ranks #1,008 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 32%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Baraga County, Michigan
Baraga delivers exceptional rental affordability
Baraga County renters spend just 12.1% of income on housing—the lowest ratio in this entire eight-county sample and well below both the 30% affordability threshold and Michigan's 16.3% average. With median rent at $557 monthly on a median household income of $55,117, Baraga stands out as a genuine affordability outlier.
Michigan's bargain rental market leader
Baraga County boasts the lowest rent-to-income ratio in Michigan's eight-county sample at 12.1%, powered by the state's lowest median rent of just $557. While incomes remain modest at $55,117, the exceptionally low rents create unmatched housing relief.
Rock-bottom rents define Upper Peninsula gem
Baraga's $557 monthly rent undercuts every other county in this sample—Alpena ($660), Alger ($712), and all others—making it the clear affordability champion of Michigan's far north. Despite incomes of $55,117, renters here claim the most housing relief on the peninsula.
Housing barely dents household budget
Renters pay just $557 monthly while homeowners spend $721 on mortgages and insurance, with homes valued at $124,400 and median income at $55,117. Rental housing consumes only 12% of income—extraordinary by modern standards—while ownership climbs to roughly 16%, still highly affordable.
Upper Peninsula's ultimate affordability destination
Baraga County is Michigan's affordability champion: the lowest rents in the state and homes under $125,000 leave renters and buyers with substantial monthly discretionary income. Remote workers and retirees seeking maximum housing relief should make Baraga a priority in their search.
Cost of Living Advisory: Baraga County
Affordability Verdict
Baraga County offers affordable rental housing at a median of $557/month — about 12.1% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Baraga County is $557/month, while owner costs run $721/month. Renting saves approximately $164/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $22,280/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $30,900/year. With a median household income of $55,117, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 20.0% of renter households in Baraga County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Baraga County sits 11% less expensive than Presque Isle County ($625/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Baraga County
Rent Burden
12.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,286
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.7%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Baraga County
Median home value is $124,400. Estimated monthly cost: $993 vs. your max of $1,286.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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