RentData

Average Rent in Manistee County, MI Rents falling 3.9% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 25,247

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

Market Overview

Manistee County, MI has rental prices ranging from $745/month to $1,305/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $750/month — 46% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $60,879/year, spending $750/month on a 1-bedroom represents 15% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Manistee County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $984/month, Manistee County ranks #30 most expensive of the 80 cities tracked in Michigan — pricier than 62% of all US cities in our data.

The Manistee County Rental Market

The Manistee County, MI area has a population of about 25,247 and 14% 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 Manistee County, MI have fallen by $40/month (3.9%) over the past year, from $1,024 to $984. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Manistee County, MI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $30,000. The local median household income of $60,879 exceeds that threshold by $30,879, making Manistee County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Manistee County, MI has an unemployment rate of 5.2%, 1.3 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
$745
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$750
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$984
3.9% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,237
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,305
Affordable
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Is Manistee 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
$39,360/year
Local median income: $60,879
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $984/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 Manistee County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Manistee County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$984/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 5 years — worth it if you stay 5+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $984/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Manistee 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 Manistee County

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💵Rent Affordability in Manistee County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋MI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections