Cost of Living in Hillsdale County, Michigan

$801/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$170,500

Median Home Value

8% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$801/mo

8% below state average

Median Home Value

$170,500

40% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

27.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Hillsdale County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Hillsdale County$801/mo

Michigan Average$873/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$801/mo

Median Gross Rent

$170,500

Median Home Value

$850/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

27.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Hillsdale County, Michigan

Below-average affordability burden

Hillsdale County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% sits comfortably below the national average, meaning renters here retain more of their earnings than typical Americans. With a median household income of $60,869 and median rent of $801, the county achieves solid housing affordability despite incomes trailing the national median of $74,755.

Slightly better than Michigan average

Hillsdale ranks marginally below Michigan's state rent-to-income average of 16.3%, offering modest affordability gains over most of the state. At $801 per month, median rent undercuts the state average of $873 by $72, providing meaningful monthly relief.

Affordable middle tier in the region

Hillsdale's $801 rent positions it between Gratiot ($808) and Genesee ($936), offering competitive affordability for south-central Michigan. The median household income of $60,869 also clusters close to Gratiot ($61,128) and Genesee ($60,673), reflecting similar economic profiles.

15.8% of earnings toward rent

Renters spend $801 monthly while homeowners face $850 in costs, both reasonable portions of the $60,869 median household income. Hillsdale demonstrates that modest-income counties can achieve acceptable affordability through restrained housing costs.

Solid choice for Midwest affordability

Hillsdale County offers balanced housing costs and community stability for working families throughout south-central Michigan. Compared to pricier Grand Traverse, Hillsdale delivers meaningful savings; compared to cheaper Gladwin, it offers more robust job and income opportunities.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Hillsdale County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

15.8%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,420

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.8%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Hillsdale County

Median home value is $170,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,361 vs. your max of $1,420.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.8%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Hillsdale County, Michigan?

Hillsdale County, Michigan has a median monthly rent of $801/mo and a median home value of $170,500. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 27.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Hillsdale County?

The median gross rent in Hillsdale County is $801/mo. This is 8% below state average for Michigan.

Is Hillsdale County affordable?

Hillsdale County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 27.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Hillsdale County's rent compare to the state average?

Hillsdale County's median rent of $801/mo is 8% below state average of $873/mo for Michigan.

What is the median home value in Hillsdale County?

The median home value in Hillsdale County, Michigan is $170,500. This is 40% below the national median home value of $281,900.