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Cost of Living in Lake County, MI

Population 12,563 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$875
Median home value$133,900
Median household income$50,805

The median rent in Lake County, MI is $875/month, 22% lower than the Michigan median and 38% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $133,900, 60% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $50,805 a year, 30% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 20.7%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $35,000/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 2.6×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $677/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Lake County vs. Michigan vs. U.S.

Lake CountyMichiganU.S.
Median rent$875$1,129$1,413
Median home value$133,900$231,600$332,700
Median household income$50,805$72,875$80,734
Homeownership rate82.0%73.2%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher12.7%32.4%35.7%
Poverty rate20.5%13.2%12.5%
Unemployment rate7.4%5.7%5.2%
Work from home9.9%13.5%15.1%
Median age50.540.238.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Lake County, MI?

The median gross rent in Lake County, MI is $875 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Lake County, MI?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $35,000 a year in gross income.

Is Lake County, MI expensive to live in?

Rent there is 38% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 2.6 times the median household income.

Other counties in Michigan

Wayne County, MIRent $1,132 · Income $60,539Oakland County, MIRent $1,376 · Income $97,760Macomb County, MIRent $1,211 · Income $77,837Kent County, MIRent $1,243 · Income $82,631Genesee County, MIRent $989 · Income $62,281Washtenaw County, MIRent $1,463 · Income $89,180

Counties with a similar cost of living

Vance County, NCRent $883 · Income $50,465Cherokee County, SCRent $869 · Income $50,288Jefferson County, ARRent $888 · Income $51,096Pontotoc County, MSRent $864 · Income $51,484Chambers County, ALRent $871 · Income $49,656Edgecombe County, NCRent $858 · Income $51,265

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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