Cost of Living in Crawford County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Crawford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Crawford County ranks #1,651 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 47%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Crawford County, Michigan
Crawford's Housing Costs Mirror National Patterns
Crawford County residents spend 16.9% of household income on rent, just slightly above the national average, with monthly rents of $825 that reflect a modest cost of living. The median household income of $58,614 falls below the national average of $74,755, yet housing costs remain reasonably proportioned to local earning capacity.
Slightly Above Average for Michigan Renters
Crawford County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Michigan's state average of 16.3% by just 0.6 percentage points, placing it near the middle of the state's affordability spectrum. Rents of $825 are lower than Michigan's median of $873, offering modest savings on the state baseline.
Balanced Middle Ground in Upper Peninsula
Crawford County's $825 monthly rent sits between Chippewa ($793) and the higher-cost Lower Peninsula counties, with a 16.9% rent-to-income ratio placing it between Chippewa (15.7%) and Clare (17.9%). This positioning makes Crawford a reasonable compromise for those seeking moderate costs in rural Michigan.
Renting and Buying Costs Align Closely
Crawford County renters pay $825 monthly while homeowners pay $763—one of the few counties where ownership is notably cheaper than renting by nearly $62 per month. With a median home value of $149,900 and median income of $58,614, both pathways consume 16-17% of household income, making the choice about lifestyle rather than pure affordability.
Crawford Offers Balanced Options
Crawford County works well for relocators seeking moderate housing costs without extreme affordability constraints or premium pricing. Whether you rent or buy, Crawford keeps housing costs in a comfortable 16-17% of income range—making it a practical choice for middle-income households.
Cost of Living Advisory: Crawford County
Affordability Verdict
Crawford County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $825/month representing approximately 16.9% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 28.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Crawford County is $825/month, while owner costs run $763/month. Owning saves approximately $62/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $33,000/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,700/year. With a median household income of $58,614, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Crawford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Shiawassee County where rent averages $876/month, Crawford County is approximately 6% less expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Crawford County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,368
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Crawford County
Median home value is $149,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,197 vs. your max of $1,368.
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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