Cost of Living in Ingham County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ingham County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ingham County ranks #2,698 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 14%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ingham County, Michigan
Ingham's rent burden exceeds national norms
At 19.7%, Ingham County's rent-to-income ratio runs nearly 4 percentage points above the national average, meaning renters here dedicate a larger share of earnings to housing. The median rent of $1,058 per month sits 21% higher than Michigan's state average of $873, even though Ingham's median household income of $64,354 trails the national median of $74,755 by 14%.
Ingham ranks among Michigan's least affordable
Ingham County's 19.7% rent-to-income ratio places it in the upper tier of housing cost burden across Michigan's 83 counties, where the state average sits at 16.3%. This gap suggests Ingham residents face tighter affordability constraints than most of their state peers.
Costlier than nearby Ionia and Jackson
Ingham's $1,058 median rent significantly outpaces neighboring Ionia County ($840) and Jackson County ($958), making it the highest-rent county in this immediate region. While Ingham's median home value of $187,500 falls below Kalamazoo's $227,500 but above most peers, its elevated rent burden reflects tight rental supply relative to demand.
Rent consumes more of Ingham incomes
With $1,058 in median monthly rent against a $64,354 annual income, Ingham renters spend roughly $12,696 yearly on housing—or 19.7% of gross income. Owner-occupants pay $1,161 monthly, and with a median home value of $187,500, Ingham offers modest homeownership opportunities but remains a high-burden county for both renters and buyers.
Considering Ingham? Compare the full picture
If affordability is your priority, nearby Ionia County delivers comparable job markets with significantly lower rents ($840 vs. $1,058) and a rent-to-income ratio of just 13.7%. However, Ingham's urban amenities and median income of $64,354 may justify the premium for those who value community resources and access to services.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ingham County
Affordability Verdict
Ingham County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $1,058/month representing approximately 19.7% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ingham County pay $1,058/month on average, compared to $1,161/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 9%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $42,320/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $49,757/year. With a median household income of $64,354, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Ingham County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to St. Clair County where rent averages $999/month, Ingham County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ingham County
Rent Burden
19.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,502
per month
Owner Cost Burden
21.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ingham County
Median home value is $187,500. Estimated monthly cost: $1,497 vs. your max of $1,502.
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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