Michigan · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Baraga County, MI

The median household in Baraga County, MI earns $55,327 a year ($4,611/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $973/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $38,920 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.8% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$55,327$4,611 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$973HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)96.2-3.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate23¢per kWh · EIA Residential MI
Census Population8,191Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Baraga County, MI

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$973Monthly market rent
Share of gross income21.1%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$38,920To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,383At 30% of $55,327
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Baraga County, MI

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Baraga County, MI. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Baraga County, MI
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$689$8,268$27,56014.9%
1-Bedroom Apartment$742$8,904$29,68016.1%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$973$11,676$38,92021.1%
3-Bedroom Home$1,167$14,004$46,68025.3%
4-Bedroom Home$1,299$15,588$51,96028.2%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Baraga County, MI →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Baraga County, MI

Based on the local median household income of $55,327/year ($4,611/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,305/moRent ($973 2-BR), utilities (~$207/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,383/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 96.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$922/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in Michigan

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and Michigan state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$55,327
$20,000$115,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$55,327
Net 80%
Fed 8%
MI 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$44,535After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,711Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,713Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.5%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,459 / yr
Michigan state income tax$2,101 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,233 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across Michigan with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Baraga County, MI

What is the median household income in Baraga County, MI?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Baraga County, MI is $55,327 per year (approximately $4,611 per month).

What is the average rent in Baraga County, MI?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Baraga County, MI are $689 for a studio, $742 for 1 bedroom, $973 for 2 bedrooms, $1,167 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,299 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Baraga County, MI compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Baraga County, MI is 96.2 (3.8% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Baraga County, MI?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($973/month) in Baraga County, MI requires a minimum gross household income of $38,920 per year ($3,243 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Baraga County, MI?

For a typical household earning the median income of $55,327/year ($4,611/month) in Baraga County, MI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,305/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,383/month to discretionary spending, and $922/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Baraga County, MI?

Residential electricity rates in Michigan average 23¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $207 per month.