Michigan · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Iron County, MI

The median household in Iron County, MI earns $55,940 a year ($4,662/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $1,068/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $42,720 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 3.8% below the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$55,940$4,662 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$1,068HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)96.2-3.8% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate23¢per kWh · EIA Residential MI
Census Population11,667Official resident count

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

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

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$1,068Monthly market rent
Share of gross income22.9%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$42,720To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$1,399At 30% of $55,940
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Iron County, MI

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Iron 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 Iron County, MI
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$756$9,072$30,24016.2%
1-Bedroom Apartment$814$9,768$32,56017.5%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$1,068$12,816$42,72022.9%
3-Bedroom Home$1,281$15,372$51,24027.5%
4-Bedroom Home$1,414$16,968$56,56030.3%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Iron County, MI →

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

Based on the local median household income of $55,940/year ($4,662/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$2,331/moRent ($1,068 2-BR), utilities (~$207/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$1,399/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 96.2 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$932/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.

$55,940
$20,000$115,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$55,940
Net 80%
Fed 8%
MI 4%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$45,001After all taxes
Monthly deposit$3,750Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$1,731Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate19.6%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$4,533 / yr
Michigan state income tax$2,127 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$4,279 / yr

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Iron County, MI

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

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Iron County, MI is $55,940 per year (approximately $4,662 per month).

What is the average rent in Iron County, MI?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Iron County, MI are $756 for a studio, $814 for 1 bedroom, $1,068 for 2 bedrooms, $1,281 for 3 bedrooms, and $1,414 for 4 bedrooms.

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

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Iron 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 Iron County, MI?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($1,068/month) in Iron County, MI requires a minimum gross household income of $42,720 per year ($3,560 per month).

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

For a typical household earning the median income of $55,940/year ($4,662/month) in Iron County, MI, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $2,331/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $1,399/month to discretionary spending, and $932/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Iron 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.