RentData

Average Rent in Shiawassee County, MI Rents falling 15.8% YoY🔻 Cheapest in MI

HUD FY2021 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 68,061

Data review: HUD FY2021Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction
⚠️ Data notice: The most recent HUD data available for this area is FY2021. HUD may have reclassified this metro — figures may not reflect current market conditions.

Market Overview

Shiawassee County, MI has rental prices ranging from $574/month to $1,104/month in 2021, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $578/month — 59% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $64,464/year, spending $578/month on a 1-bedroom represents 11% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Shiawassee County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $762/month, Shiawassee County ranks #80 most expensive of the 80 cities tracked in Michigan — more affordable than 98% of all US cities in our data.

The Shiawassee County Rental Market

The Shiawassee County, MI area has a population of about 68,061 and 21% 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 Shiawassee County, MI have fallen by $143/month (15.8%) over the past year, from $905 to $762. This rate of decrease is significant and reflects softening demand or increased inventory in the local market.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Shiawassee County, MI without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $23,120. The local median household income of $64,464 exceeds that threshold by $41,344, making Shiawassee County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Shiawassee County, MI has an unemployment rate of 4.8%, 0.9 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 FY2021
Studio
$574
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$578
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$762
15.8% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,025
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,104
Affordable
🔔
Get Rent Alerts
Be notified when rents change in Shiawassee County

Is Shiawassee 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
$30,480/year
Local median income: $64,464
To buy a median home
/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $762/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
Lansing$870$905$1,127$1,465

Rent or Buy in Shiawassee County?

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

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Shiawassee County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$762/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏢 Rent

Renting appears to be the better financial choice for this scenario.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $762/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Shiawassee County

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

Moving Cost Estimator

Estimate your moving costs based on FMCSA public mover data

Select your origin state to see the estimate

Estimates based on FMCSA average mover rates. Get at least 3 binding quotes from licensed movers. Protect your move →

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore More

🏘️Neighborhoods in Shiawassee County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Shiawassee County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in MI

See how Shiawassee County ranks statewide

⚖️Compare Shiawassee County

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

📋MI Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections