Cost of Living in Roscommon County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Roscommon County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Roscommon County ranks #1,861 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 41%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Roscommon County, Michigan
Roscommon rents stretch income uncomfortably tight
Roscommon County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio, the region's highest, still beats the national affordability threshold but leaves less cushion than most other counties here. Median income of $54,106 runs 28% below the national average, making housing affordability relatively strained.
Most expensive rental burden in this eight-county cluster
Roscommon's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio exceeds Michigan's state average of 16.3%, making it the least affordable county in this northern Michigan grouping. Median rent of $789 ranks fifth among these eight counties, but income pressure is highest here.
Roscommon's renters most income-stressed locally
Though Roscommon's $789 median rent falls between Osceola ($764) and Ogemaw ($828), its lower median income of $54,106 creates the region's highest rent burden. Renters here have less financial flexibility than neighbors in comparable-priced counties.
Renters squeezed more than homeowners
Monthly gross rent of $789 consumes 17.5% of household income—substantially higher than the 14% burden for owner-occupied homes costing $634 monthly. This disparity makes homeownership significantly more attractive financially in Roscommon.
Roscommon offers less financial breathing room
Job seekers considering Roscommon should carefully compare expected salary against the $54,106 median income; renters face the region's tightest budget pressure. If you're relocating, prioritize finding stable employment at or above the county median to ensure housing affordability.
Cost of Living Advisory: Roscommon County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Roscommon County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $789/month in gross rent, with 31.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Roscommon County is $789/month, while owner costs run $634/month. Owning saves approximately $155/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $31,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $27,171/year. With a median household income of $54,106, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 31.0% of renter households in Roscommon County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Roscommon County sits 6% less expensive than Ionia County ($840/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Roscommon County
Rent Burden
17.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,262
per month
Owner Cost Burden
14.1%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Roscommon County
Median home value is $148,000. Estimated monthly cost: $1,182 vs. your max of $1,262.
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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