Cost of Living in Luce County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Luce County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Luce County ranks #1,602 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 49%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Luce County, Michigan
Luce County rents align with national standards
Luce County's 17.6% rent-to-income ratio exactly matches Kent County in this analysis and runs 2.1 percentage points above the national average, despite median household income of $54,338—$20,417 below the US norm. This Upper Peninsula county's tight affordability squeeze reflects constrained local earnings combined with modest rents.
Luce County's low incomes drive affordability challenge
At 17.6%, Luce County's rent-to-income ratio exceeds Michigan's statewide 16.3% average by 1.3 percentage points, with median rent of $799/month running only $74 below the state median. The real issue is the county's low median income of $54,338, which stretches housing costs to uncomfortable levels.
Luce County's modest rents mask income poverty
Luce County's $799 median rent sits between Keweenaw ($679, most affordable) and Lake County ($863), yet its median income of $54,338 rivals only Lake County ($49,680) among Upper Peninsula peers. Unlike Keweenaw, where low incomes pair with lower rents, Luce County's housing costs bite harder relative to earnings.
Homeownership offers modest relief but remains strained
Luce renters pay $799/month (17.6% of income), while homeowners spend $685/month (15.1% of income)—a meaningful difference that favors ownership. With median home values at $110,400, homeownership is theoretically accessible, yet low incomes make even entry-level purchases challenging.
Luce County demands independent income strategy
Luce County's combination of low rents and lower incomes suits only those with external income sources—remote work, retirement, or investment income—to offset limited local job markets. Prospective relocators relying on regional employment should consider this Upper Peninsula county carefully before committing.
Cost of Living Advisory: Luce County
Affordability Verdict
Luce County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $799/month representing approximately 17.6% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 31.0%.
Rent vs. Own
At $799/month rent versus $685/month in owner costs, owning is roughly $114/month cheaper — a 14% difference.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,960/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $29,357/year. With a median household income of $54,338, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Luce County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Dickinson County where rent averages $744/month, Luce County is approximately 7% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Luce County
Rent Burden
17.6%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,268
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Luce County
Median home value is $110,400. Estimated monthly cost: $881 vs. your max of $1,268.
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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