Rental Benchmark Overview
2-Bedroom Benchmark Rent
$1,184$14,208 per year · HUD Fiscal Year 2026Fair market rent & 30% rule in Berrien County, MI
Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.
Fair Market Rent Schedule & Wage Requirements: Berrien County, MI
Calculations assume standard housing affordability guidelines where shelter costs consume no more than 30% of gross income, based on full-time employment of 2,080 annual working hours.
| Bedroom Type | Monthly Rent | Annual Rent | Min. Annual Income | Hourly Wage (40h/wk) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Efficiency | $816 | $9,792 | $32,640 | $15.69/hr |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | $902 | $10,824 | $36,080 | $17.35/hr |
| 2-Bedroom ApartmentStandard Benchmark | $1,184 | $14,208 | $47,360 | $22.77/hr |
| 3-Bedroom Home | $1,556 | $18,672 | $62,240 | $29.92/hr |
| 4-Bedroom Home | $1,568 | $18,816 | $62,720 | $30.15/hr |
See comprehensive cost of living profile for Berrien County, MI →
Explore Related Regional Profiles
Connect housing costs with earnings, taxes, and price levels across Michigan:
Frequently Asked Questions About Rent in Berrien County, MI
What is the Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom in Berrien County, MI?
For Fiscal Year 2026, the official HUD Fair Market Rent for a 2-bedroom home in Berrien County, MI is $1,184 per month ($14,208 per year).
What hourly wage is needed to afford rent in Berrien County, MI?
To comfortably afford a 2-bedroom apartment at $1,184/month without exceeding 30% of income on rent, a full-time worker (40 hours/week, 52 weeks/year) must earn at least $22.77 per hour ($47,360/year).
What are the HUD Fair Market Rents by bedroom count in Berrien County, MI?
Official 2026 HUD rents in Berrien County, MI are: Studio: $816/mo, 1-Bedroom: $902/mo, 2-Bedroom: $1,184/mo, 3-Bedroom: $1,556/mo, and 4-Bedroom: $1,568/mo.
How do HUD Fair Market Rents compare to local incomes in Berrien County, MI?
At the local Census ACS median household income of $65,425/year ($5,452/month), the benchmark 2-bedroom Fair Market Rent represents 21.7% of monthly income.
How is the 30% housing affordability standard calculated in Berrien County, MI?
The federal 30% rule states that housing costs should not exceed 30% of gross household income. For a 2-bedroom rent of $1,184/month, the required minimum annual gross income is calculated as ($1,184 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $47,360 per year.