Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$74,834$6,236 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Benzie County, MI
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Benzie County, MI
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Benzie County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.
| Unit Size | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | 30% Rule Min. Income | % of Median Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $904 | $10,848 | $36,160 | 14.5% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $937 | $11,244 | $37,480 | 15% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,224 | $14,688 | $48,960 | 19.6% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,586 | $19,032 | $63,440 | 25.4% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,720 | $20,640 | $68,800 | 27.6% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Benzie County, MI
Based on the local median household income of $74,834/year ($6,236/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:
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.
Related Regional & Financial Profiles
Compare earnings and living costs across Michigan with official federal datasets:
Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Benzie County, MI
What is the median household income in Benzie County, MI?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Benzie County, MI is $74,834 per year (approximately $6,236 per month).
What is the average rent in Benzie County, MI?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Benzie County, MI are $904 for a studio, $937 for 1 bedroom, $1,224 for 2 bedrooms, $1,586 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,720 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Benzie County, MI compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Benzie County, MI is 93.4 (6.6% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Benzie County, MI?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,224/month) in Benzie County, MI requires a minimum gross household income of $48,960 per year ($4,080 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Benzie County, MI?
For a typical household earning the median income of $74,834/year ($6,236/month) in Benzie County, MI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,118/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,871/month to discretionary spending, and $1,247/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Benzie 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.