Cost of Living in Keweenaw County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Keweenaw County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Keweenaw County ranks #41 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 1%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Keweenaw County, Michigan
Keweenaw County housing costs prove deceptively low
Keweenaw County's 15.1% rent-to-income ratio beats the national average despite a median household income of just $53,893—well below the US median of $74,755. This affordability advantage stems from exceptionally low rents ($679/month), making housing one of Michigan's cheapest markets even as resident incomes lag nationally.
Keweenaw ranks among Michigan's most affordable
At 15.1%, Keweenaw County's rent-to-income ratio sits comfortably below Michigan's 16.3% statewide average, and its median rent of just $679/month undercuts the state median by $194. This Upper Peninsula county offers genuine affordability—a rarity in Michigan's current housing market.
Keweenaw's isolation keeps rents remarkably cheap
Keweenaw's $679 median rent ranks among Michigan's lowest, running $120 less than neighboring Luce County ($799) and $184 cheaper than Lapeer County ($959). The remote Copper Country location trades accessibility for exceptional housing affordability.
Both rents and ownership costs stay minimal
Renters in Keweenaw pay just $679/month (15.1% of median income), while homeowners spend $686/month (15.3% of income)—among Michigan's lowest costs for either pathway. Median home values hover at $181,400, reflecting the county's modest real estate market.
Keweenaw County: affordability meets remote appeal
If housing costs drive your relocation decision, Keweenaw County delivers genuine value with rent-to-income ratios and absolute costs that rival any Michigan county. The trade-off is geographic isolation in the remote Upper Peninsula—ideal for those prioritizing affordability and natural beauty over urban amenities and job density.
Cost of Living Advisory: Keweenaw County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Keweenaw County is affordable. The median rent is $679/month against a median household income of $53,893, putting rent at 15.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Keweenaw County is $679/month, while owner costs run $686/month. Renting saves approximately $7/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $27,160/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,400/year. With a median household income of $53,893, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 23.0% of renter households in Keweenaw County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within Michigan, Keweenaw County is more affordable than Presque Isle County by roughly 9% ($679/mo vs $625/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Keweenaw County
Rent Burden
15.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,258
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.3%
of gross income
The median home in Keweenaw County may be a stretch
Median home value is $181,400. Estimated monthly cost: $1,448 vs. your max of $1,258.
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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