Cost of Living in Wexford County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Wexford County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Wexford County ranks #2,770 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 12%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Wexford County, Michigan
Wexford offers affordable housing options
Wexford County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.7% aligns closely with national affordability standards and sits just above the national benchmark. With a median household income of $63,123 and median rent of $877, Wexford residents maintain more balanced housing-to-income ratios than many U.S. peers.
Wexford hits Michigan's affordability sweet spot
Wexford's 16.7% rent-to-income ratio nearly matches Michigan's 16.3% state average, making it one of the state's more affordable counties. The median rent of $877 aligns almost perfectly with the state median of $873, suggesting Wexford represents typical Michigan housing cost dynamics.
Wexford is Michigan's affordability leader
At $877 monthly rent and $885 in homeowner costs, Wexford is significantly cheaper than Washtenaw ($1,400 rent, 60% higher) and Wayne ($1,087 rent, 24% higher). This affordability advantage stems partly from lower median incomes, but housing remains more accessible relative to what residents earn.
How Wexford residents allocate housing costs
Renters spend $877 monthly and homeowners pay $885 on a median home value of $160,300, with both figures consuming approximately 16.7% of the $63,123 median household income. This allocation leaves Wexford households with more discretionary income than counterparts in Wayne or Washtenaw.
Wexford: Michigan's most accessible option
If affordability is your priority, Wexford County offers $877 rent and $160,300 median home values on a $63,123 median income—Michigan's tightest alignment of housing costs to earnings. Relocators trading big-city wages for small-town living will find Wexford substantially more accessible than Washtenaw or Wayne.
Cost of Living Advisory: Wexford County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Wexford County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $877/month in gross rent, with 29.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Wexford County is $877/month, while owner costs run $885/month. Renting saves approximately $8/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,080/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $37,929/year. With a median household income of $63,123, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Wexford County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Wexford County sits 6% less expensive than Charlevoix County ($929/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Wexford County
Rent Burden
16.7%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,473
per month
Owner Cost Burden
16.8%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Wexford County
Median home value is $160,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,280 vs. your max of $1,473.
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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