Cost of Living in Shiawassee County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Shiawassee County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Shiawassee County ranks #2,309 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Shiawassee County, Michigan
Shiawassee aligns with national affordability norms
Shiawassee County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% matches the national trend perfectly, while its median household income of $64,464 narrows the gap with the U.S. median to $10,291. At $876 monthly rent—only $3 above Michigan's state average—Shiawassee delivers balanced housing costs.
Right at Michigan's affordability baseline
Shiawassee County's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio precisely matches Michigan's state average, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's housing market. Its $876 median rent runs just $3 above the state's $873 median, confirming Shiawassee's alignment with statewide norms.
Mid-range costs among regional peers
Shiawassee's $876 rent ranks in the middle of the comparison region—higher than Sanilac ($814) and Tuscola ($796) but lower than St. Clair ($999). Its 16.3% ratio ties with the state average but trails the affordability of Schoolcraft (13.6%) and Sanilac (16.5%).
Balanced burden across renters and owners
Shiawassee renters spend 16.3% of a $64,464 income on $876 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 17.6% to a $947 monthly mortgage. The ownership cost runs slightly higher than the rental burden, reflecting the area's median home value of $164,600.
Shiawassee offers middle-ground housing stability
Relocating to Shiawassee means your housing costs will align with Michigan's average affordability profile, with no surprises in either direction. If you seek a county that mirrors statewide housing norms, Shiawassee delivers predictability and balanced market conditions.
Cost of Living Advisory: Shiawassee County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Shiawassee County is affordable. The median rent is $876/month against a median household income of $64,464, putting rent at 16.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Shiawassee County pay $876/month on average, compared to $947/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 7%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $40,586/year. With a median household income of $64,464, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Shiawassee County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Crawford County where rent averages $825/month, Shiawassee County is approximately 6% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Shiawassee County
Rent Burden
16.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,504
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.6%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Shiawassee County
Median home value is $164,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,314 vs. your max of $1,504.
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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