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
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.
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
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.