Cost of Living in Ontonagon County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ontonagon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ontonagon County ranks #348 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 11%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ontonagon County, Michigan
Ontonagon offers rare housing affordability bargain
Ontonagon County's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio ranks among the nation's most affordable housing markets, well below the typical U.S. threshold of 30%. At just $571 per month for median rent, Ontonagon delivers exceptional value—though median incomes of $51,844 remain 31% lower than the national average.
Michigan's most affordable rental market
Ontonagon's 13.2% rent-to-income ratio significantly undercuts Michigan's state average of 16.3%, making it one of the state's best deals for renters. The county's median rent of $571 is the lowest among these eight northern Michigan counties.
Ontonagon beats all surrounding counties on rent
At $571 monthly, Ontonagon's median rent is sharply lower than Presque Isle ($625), Oscoda ($675), Osceola ($764), and Ogemaw ($828). Combined with a 13.2% rent burden, Ontonagon offers the strongest rental affordability in the region.
Rent and ownership both remarkably affordable
Monthly gross rent of $571 and median owner costs of $570 each consume just 13% of household income, leaving substantial room in family budgets. This near-parity between rent and ownership costs gives households genuine choice without financial strain.
Ontonagon: affordability meets small-town charm
Remote workers or retirees relocating to Michigan's Upper Peninsula should seriously consider Ontonagon—housing costs are the region's lowest, though job opportunities may be limited. Compare local employment prospects against this rare affordability advantage before deciding.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ontonagon County
Affordability Verdict
Ontonagon County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $571/month representing approximately 13.2% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 27.0%.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Ontonagon County pay $571/month on average, compared to $570/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 0%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $22,840/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $24,429/year. With a median household income of $51,844, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Ontonagon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Ontonagon County sits 9% less expensive than Presque Isle County ($625/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ontonagon County
Rent Burden
13.2%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,210
per month
Owner Cost Burden
13.2%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ontonagon County
Median home value is $101,000. Estimated monthly cost: $806 vs. your max of $1,210.
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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