RentData

Average Rent in Emmet County, MI↓ Rents falling 2.4% YoY🔺 11th priciest in MI

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 34,159

Data review: HUD FY2025Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Emmet County, MI has rental prices ranging from $808/month to $1,535/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $880/month — 37% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,724/year, spending $880/month on a 1-bedroom represents 14% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Emmet County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,154/month, Emmet County ranks #11 most expensive of the 80 cities tracked in Michigan — pricier than 79% of all US cities in our data.

The Emmet County Rental Market

The Emmet County, MI area has a population of about 34,159 and 23% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Emmet County, MI have fallen by $28/month (2.4%) over the past year, from $1,182 to $1,154. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Emmet County, MI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,200. The local median household income of $73,724 exceeds that threshold by $38,524, making Emmet County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Emmet County, MI has an unemployment rate of 4.1%, 0.2 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2025
Studio
$808
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$880
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,154
↓2.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,390
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,535
Affordable
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Is Emmet County, MI Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$46,160/year
Local median income: $73,724
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,154/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in MIlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Detroit$991$1,090$1,378$1,688—
Livingston County$968$1,216$1,411$1,972—
Ionia County$806$896$1,175$1,429—
Holland$953$1,197$1,363$1,750—
Grand Rapids$1,163$1,209$1,443$1,880—
Shiawassee County$714$719$943$1,264—

Rent or Buy in Emmet County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Emmet County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,154/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 1 year — worth it if you stay 1+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,154/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Emmet County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Emmet County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Emmet County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MI

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⚖️Compare Emmet County

Side-by-side rent & cost of living with any city

📋MI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections