Key Economic Benchmarks
Median Household Income
$81,647$6,804 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-YearFair market rent & 30% rule in Grand Traverse County, MI
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Grand Traverse County, MI
Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Grand Traverse 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 | $1,136 | $13,632 | $45,440 | 16.7% |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $1,143 | $13,716 | $45,720 | 16.8% |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark | $1,357 | $16,284 | $54,280 | 19.9% |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,747 | $20,964 | $69,880 | 25.7% |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,797 | $21,564 | $71,880 | 26.4% |
See dedicated rental breakdown for Grand Traverse County, MI →
50/30/20 Living Budget in Grand Traverse County, MI
Based on the local median household income of $81,647/year ($6,804/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 Grand Traverse County, MI
What is the median household income in Grand Traverse County, MI?
According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Grand Traverse County, MI is $81,647 per year (approximately $6,804 per month).
What is the average rent in Grand Traverse County, MI?
According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Grand Traverse County, MI are $1,136 for a studio, $1,143 for 1 bedroom, $1,357 for 2 bedrooms, $1,747 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,797 for 4 bedrooms.
How does the cost of living in Grand Traverse County, MI compare to the national average?
Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Grand Traverse 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 Grand Traverse County, MI?
Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,357/month) in Grand Traverse County, MI requires a minimum gross household income of $54,280 per year ($4,523 per month).
What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Grand Traverse County, MI?
For a typical household earning the median income of $81,647/year ($6,804/month) in Grand Traverse County, MI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $3,402/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $2,041/month to discretionary spending, and $1,361/month to savings and debt repayment.
What are typical electricity and utility costs in Grand Traverse 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.