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Cost of Living in St. Joseph County, MI

Population 60,969 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$849
Median home value$178,300
Median household income$66,425

The median rent in St. Joseph County, MI is $849/month, 25% lower than the Michigan median and 40% lower than the U.S. median. The median home value is $178,300, 46% lower than the national median. Households earn a median of $66,425 a year, 9% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 15.3%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $33,960/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 2.7×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $902/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

St. Joseph County vs. Michigan vs. U.S.

St. Joseph CountyMichiganU.S.
Median rent$849$1,129$1,413
Median home value$178,300$231,600$332,700
Median household income$66,425$72,875$80,734
Homeownership rate76.1%73.2%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher16.9%32.4%35.7%
Poverty rate11.4%13.2%12.5%
Unemployment rate5.9%5.7%5.2%
Work from home7.2%13.5%15.1%
Median age39.940.238.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in St. Joseph County, MI?

The median gross rent in St. Joseph County, MI is $849 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in St. Joseph County, MI?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $33,960 a year in gross income.

Is St. Joseph County, MI expensive to live in?

Rent there is 40% lower than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 2.7 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

Lawrence County, INRent $845 · Income $66,468Davison County, SDRent $847 · Income $66,208Sabine County, TXRent $844 · Income $66,585Clinton County, IARent $850 · Income $66,981Seneca County, OHRent $856 · Income $66,025Orange County, INRent $855 · Income $65,873

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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