Cost of Living in Dickinson County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Dickinson County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Dickinson County ranks #760 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 24%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Dickinson County, Michigan
Dickinson Delivers Strong Rental Affordability
Dickinson County residents spend 14.4% of their household income on rent—tied with Clinton County for the lowest ratio among profiled Michigan counties and well below the national average. With a median household income of $61,882 and monthly rents of $744, Dickinson offers compelling affordability for renters across income levels.
Among Michigan's Most Affordable Counties
Dickinson County ranks second in Michigan rental affordability with a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio, beating the state average of 16.3% and offering rents 15% below Michigan's median of $873. This combination positions Dickinson as one of the state's strongest housing markets for renters.
Upper Peninsula's Sweetest Rental Deal
Dickinson County's $744 rent and 14.4% ratio beat or match most regional peers—only Delta ($698) offers lower absolute rent, but Dickinson's higher income-to-cost ratio and lower median home value ($130,300) create superior overall affordability. For renters valuing both low costs and ownership potential, Dickinson outperforms its neighbors.
Ownership Costs Nearly Mirror Renting
Dickinson County renters and homeowners pay nearly identical monthly costs—$744 for rent versus $750 for mortgages—creating genuine flexibility between housing pathways. The median home value of $130,300 makes ownership achievable for many households earning the county's $61,882 median income.
Dickinson Rivals Michigan's Best Affordability
Dickinson County joins Michigan's top-tier affordable counties with a 14.4% rent-to-income ratio and balanced rents and ownership costs around $750 monthly. If you're comparing Michigan relocations and value both rental and ownership affordability, Dickinson delivers competitive fundamentals without Delta's isolation or Clinton's premium pricing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Dickinson County
Affordability Verdict
Dickinson County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $744/month representing approximately 14.4% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Dickinson County pay $744/month on average, compared to $750/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 1%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $29,760/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,143/year. With a median household income of $61,882, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Dickinson County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Michigan, Dickinson County is less affordable than Tuscola County by roughly 7% ($744/mo vs $796/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Dickinson County
Rent Burden
14.4%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,444
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.5%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Dickinson County
Median home value is $130,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,040 vs. your max of $1,444.
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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