Cost of Living in St. Joseph County, Michigan

$825/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$167,600

Median Home Value

5% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$825/mo

5% below state average

Median Home Value

$167,600

41% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

24.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How St. Joseph County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

St. Joseph County$825/mo

Michigan Average$873/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$825/mo

Median Gross Rent

$167,600

Median Home Value

$875/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

24.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in St. Joseph County, Michigan

St. Joseph delivers solid national affordability

St. Joseph County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% sits comfortably below the national average, and its median household income of $64,707 comes within $10,048 of the U.S. median. At $825 monthly rent, the county offers favorable housing access compared to national patterns.

Above Michigan's affordability baseline

St. Joseph County ranks better than Michigan's state average on housing affordability, with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio well below the state's 16.3% and rents matching the state's $873 median closely. The county delivers stronger affordability than Saginaw and St. Clair without sacrificing community resources.

Competitive rents with strong income balance

St. Joseph's $825 rent ranks among the lowest in the region, beating Shiawassee ($876) and St. Clair ($999) while matching Sanilac closely ($814). Its 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beats all but Schoolcraft (13.6%), reflecting solid affordability for a more developed county.

Renters and owners share reasonable burdens

St. Joseph renters spend 15.3% of a $64,707 income on $825 monthly rent, while homeowners allocate 16.2% to $875 monthly mortgages on homes valued at $167,600. Both ratios suggest manageable housing costs with meaningful budget flexibility.

St. Joseph balances affordability and community

Relocating to St. Joseph County puts you in a sweet spot: a 15.3% rent ratio beats most peers, rents stay under $825, and median income of $64,707 provides stability. If you seek affordability without sacrificing developed infrastructure, St. Joseph delivers strong value.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in St. Joseph County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

15.3%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,510

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.2%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in St. Joseph County

Median home value is $167,600. Estimated monthly cost: $1,338 vs. your max of $1,510.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio15.3%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in St. Joseph County, Michigan?

St. Joseph County, Michigan has a median monthly rent of $825/mo and a median home value of $167,600. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 24.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in St. Joseph County?

The median gross rent in St. Joseph County is $825/mo. This is 5% below state average for Michigan.

Is St. Joseph County affordable?

St. Joseph County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 24.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does St. Joseph County's rent compare to the state average?

St. Joseph County's median rent of $825/mo is 5% below state average of $873/mo for Michigan.

What is the median home value in St. Joseph County?

The median home value in St. Joseph County, Michigan is $167,600. This is 41% below the national median home value of $281,900.