Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$65,425$5,452 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Berrien County, MI
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Berrien County, MI
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Niles, MI MSA. 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 | $816 | $9,792 | $32,640 | 15% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $902 | $10,824 | $36,080 | 16.5% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,184 | $14,208 | $47,360 | 21.7% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,556 | $18,672 | $62,240 | 28.5% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,568 | $18,816 | $62,720 | 28.8% |
50/30/20 Living Budget in Berrien County, MI
Based on the local median household income of $65,425/year ($5,452/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 Berrien County, MI
What is the median household income in Berrien County, MI?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Berrien County, MI is $65,425 per year (approximately $5,452 per month).
What is the average rent in Berrien County, MI?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Berrien County, MI are $816 for a studio, $902 for 1 bedroom, $1,184 for 2 bedrooms, $1,556 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,568 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Berrien County, MI compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Berrien County, MI is 92.4 (7.6% lower than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).
How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Berrien County, MI?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,184/month) in Berrien County, MI requires a minimum gross household income of $47,360 per year ($3,947 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Berrien County, MI?
For a typical household earning the median income of $65,425/year ($5,452/month) in Berrien County, MI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,726/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,636/month to discretionary spending, and $1,090/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Berrien 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.