RentData

Average Rent in Montcalm County, MI Rents rising 6.2% YoY

HUD FY2025 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 67,174

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

Market Overview

Montcalm County, MI has rental prices ranging from $740/month to $1,403/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $883/month — 37% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,892/year, spending $883/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Montcalm County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,058/month, Montcalm County ranks #21 most expensive of the 80 cities tracked in Michigan — pricier than 72% of all US cities in our data.

The Montcalm County Rental Market

The Montcalm County, MI area has a population of about 67,174 and 18% 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 Montcalm County, MI have risen by $62/month (6.2%) over the past year, from $996 to $1,058. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Montcalm County, MI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,320. The local median household income of $64,892 exceeds that threshold by $29,572, making Montcalm County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Montcalm County, MI has an unemployment rate of 4.7%, 0.8 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
$740
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$883
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,058
6.2% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,297
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,403
Affordable
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Is Montcalm 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
$42,320/year
Local median income: $64,892
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,058/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 Montcalm County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Montcalm County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,058/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,058/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Montcalm 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 Montcalm County

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💵Rent Affordability in Montcalm County

Salary needed to afford rent here

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📋MI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections