Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Branch County, Michigan
Branch County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,093 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $959 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.02 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,093
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 20% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $959
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 15% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $21.02
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $43,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 43%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Branch County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
12% of households in Branch County have no internet at home, against 7% in Michigan.
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau (Average 2020–2024).
Fair market rent
What HUD sets for each size
Every year HUD (the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) publishes a Fair Market Rent (FMR) for each home size in Branch County. It is used to work out how much a Section 8 voucher covers. The table shows what you need to earn to pay it without spending more than 30% of income.
The fair market rent covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone. HUD generally sets it at the 40th percentile: 4 in 10 standard-quality homes rented recently cost less. 24 CFR §888.113(a)
According to Zillow (ZORI), the typical asking rent in Branch County was $1,262 a month in September 2026. It is an index of market listings, not a HUD limit. Zillow data
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $964 | $18.54 | $38,560 |
| 1 bedroom | $984 | $18.92 | $39,360 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,093 | $21.02 | $43,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,479 | $28.44 | $59,160 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,503 | $28.90 | $60,120 |
HUD area: Branch County, MI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2027
By ZIP code
The fair market rent for your ZIP code
HUD also publishes fair market rents by ZIP code (Small Area FMRs) for 9 ZIP codes in Branch County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 49089 to $1,140 in 49255. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,093).
Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses. 24 CFR §982.503(a)(1)
| 49028 | Branch County, MI | $930 | $950 | $1,050 | $1,420 | $1,440 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49036 | Branch County, MI | $980 | $1,000 | $1,110 | $1,500 | $1,530 |
| 49082 | Branch County, MI | $910 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,410 | $1,430 |
| 49082 | Hillsdale County, MI | $910 | $930 | $1,040 | $1,410 | $1,430 |
| 49089 | Branch County, MI | $890 | $910 | $1,010 | $1,380 | $1,400 |
| 49094 | Battle Creek, MI | $860 | $900 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,410 |
| 49094 | Branch County, MI | $860 | $900 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,410 |
| 49255 | Branch County, MI | $920 | $960 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,540 |
| 49255 | Hillsdale County, MI | $920 | $960 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,540 |
- 49028 · Branch County, MI $1,050$1,420
- 49036 · Branch County, MI $1,110$1,500
- 49082 · Branch County, MI $1,040$1,410
- 49082 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,040$1,410
- 49089 · Branch County, MI $1,010$1,380
- 49094 · Battle Creek, MI $1,060$1,360
- 49094 · Branch County, MI $1,060$1,360
- 49255 · Branch County, MI $1,140$1,490
- 49255 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,140$1,490
Source: Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) Fiscal year 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents (HUD) (external site)
Rent burden
How many households spend too much
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Branch County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).
Paying too much rent leaves little for food, transportation and savings. If that is you, the agencies below can guide you for free.
43%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,775 households rent in Branch County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 24%
- Spend less than 30% 57%
Compared with the state and the country
- Branch 43%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Branch County
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Branch County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 10
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 1
797 homes in all; 559 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Whispering Pines Apts Phase I (coldwater) Tax credit (LIHTC) 40 Whispering Pnes, Coldwater 49036 112 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2002
- Englewood Apartments HUD-assisted 60 S Clay St, Coldwater 49036 192 homes, 96 low-income · For families
- Fairview Manor Public housing 312 S Ruggles St, Bronson 49028 51 homes, 50 low-income · Run by Bronson Housing Commission · Average payment: $419 a month · Average wait: 20 months · (517) 369-6265
- Old Mill Race Tax credit (LIHTC) 519 W Chicago St, Coldwater 49036 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Prairie Glen Tax credit (LIHTC) 80 Glenn Ave, Quincy 49082 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 32 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Whispering Pines Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 60 Sauk River Dr, Coldwater 49036 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities, families
- Coldwater Crossings Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 30 W Park Ave, Coldwater 49036 38 low-income homes · In service since 2008 · For older adults · (517) 279-7367
- Canterbury Gardens HUD-assisted 18 Hyde Park Dr, Coldwater 49036 100 homes, 30 low-income · For families · (517) 278-4553
- Bronson Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 435 Wayne St, Bronson 49028 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- Bronson Fieldcrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 151 Wayne St, Bronson 49028 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 1998
- Horizon Apartments HUD-assisted 70 W State St, Coldwater 49036 18 homes, 17 low-income · For people with disabilities · (517) 278-2660
- Meadow View Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 60 Farm Ln, Coldwater 49036 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1994 · For older adults
- The Lofts at Milnes Plaza HUD-assisted 20 N Hanchett St, Coldwater 49036 52 homes, 8 low-income · (517) 317-8840
- Laura's Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 222 N Michigan Ave, Coldwater 49036 6 low-income homes · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2000
- Tibbitts Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) Northshore DR, Coldwater 49036 24 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears once. Search HUD's map
Source: HUD, retrieved November 6, 2026. LIHTC database, updated May 14, 2025; Assisted multifamily properties, updated October 23, 2026; Public housing developments, updated October 23, 2026.
Section 8
The Section 8 voucher in Branch County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 2 agencies serve in Branch County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
-
You apply at the public housing agency. If you qualify, your name usually goes on a waiting list. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or noncitizens with eligible status as HUD defines it. Source: HUD
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Generally, your family must have very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income, by family size (the middle column of the table). Source: 24 CFR §5.603, §982.201(b)
-
Each year, at least 75% of the families an agency admits from its list must have extremely low income (the 30% column). Source: 24 CFR §982.201(b)(2)
-
If the rent is below the payment standard, the family generally pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. If it is above, the family pays more. Source: 24 CFR §982.1(a)(3)
-
When you move in, if the rent is above the payment standard, your share cannot go over 40% of your adjusted monthly income. Source: 24 CFR §982.508
-
Each agency sets a payment standard for each size. Without asking HUD, it can go from 90% to 110% of the fair market rent. Source: 24 CFR §982.503(b), (c)
| People | Extremely low (30%) | Very low (50%) | Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $17,600 | $29,300 | $46,850 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $33,450 | $53,550 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $37,650 | $60,250 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $41,800 | $66,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $45,150 | $72,300 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $48,500 | $77,650 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $51,850 | $83,000 |
| 8 people | $55,200 | $55,200 | $88,350 |
Area median income: $81,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Branch County, MI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $868 – $1,060
- 1 bedroom $886 – $1,082
- 2 bedrooms $984 – $1,202
- 3 bedrooms $1,331 – $1,627
- 4 bedrooms $1,353 – $1,653
The range the rule allows: 90% to 110% of the county's fair market rent. Your agency publishes its own.
Housing agencies that serve this place
- Bronson Housing Commission Public housing · 50 public housing units (517) 369-6265 Bronson Housing Commission: hcwrozek@ingham.org
- Coldwater Housing Commission Public housing (517) 278-2660
Housing agencies in Michigan Source: HUD, Retrieved November 6, 2026
Your rights as a tenant in Michigan
What Michigan law says about deposits, notices and eviction, with the citation for each rule.
See your rights, rule by ruleCompare these rules with other states →
A summary of state law, not legal advice. Cities may have additional rules.
- How much can they charge for a deposit?
- Up to 1.5 months of rent
- MCL 554.602
- When must they return my deposit?
- 30 days
- MCL 554.609(1)
- If I fall behind on rent, what notice must I get?
- 7 days
- MCL 554.134(2)
- Only a court order can remove youMCL 600.2918(2)
- Protection from retaliationMCL 600.5720(1)
Help
Where to get help with rent in Branch County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Community Action Agency - Hillsdale Branch
55 Barnard St, Hillsdale · 23 miles away · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Homelessness services
- and 4 more
-
Neighborhoods Inc. of Battle Creek
47 North Washington Ave, Battle Creek · 29 miles away
- Budget and credit workshops
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- and 5 more
-
Community Action Agency
1214 Greenwood Ave, Jackson · 40 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Branch County. Change the rent, the deposit and the fees to yours: the numbers stay in your browser.
Count power on top of the rent: in Michigan, the average home bill was $119 a month in 2024 (EIA). See electricity and gas costs
Your move
We use the place's fair market rent and the state's deposit rule.
Adjust advanced details
Let's do the math
Cash to move in
$2,186
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,093
- Security deposit
- $1,093
- Total
- $2,186
When you'll have it
Enter what you can set aside each month to see how long it takes.
What helps
- Ask for a receipt for every payment and keep a copy of the lease.
- On move-in day, walk through the home and take dated photos.
- Never send money for a home you haven't seen or a lease you haven't read.
This is a planning estimate, not a price. What you are asked for depends on the landlord, your lease and your state's and city's rules. It is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fair market rent in Branch County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $964; 1 bedroom: $984; 2 bedrooms: $1,093; 3 bedrooms: $1,479; 4 bedrooms: $1,503. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Branch County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,093) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.02 an hour full time, or $43,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Branch County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $41,800 a year (Fiscal year 2026). The family usually pays 30% of its adjusted monthly income. You apply at the housing agency.
How much does Section 8 pay in Branch County?
The voucher pays up to your housing agency's payment standard, minus your share. The rule lets the agency set it between 90% and 110% of the fair market rent: for 2 bedrooms here, between $984 and $1,202 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Branch County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 49089 to $1,140 in 49255. Where HUD designates these areas, or where the housing agency chooses to use them, the voucher is figured on the ZIP code's rent instead of the county's. Ask your agency which one it uses.
How many low-income apartments are there in Branch County?
HUD lists 15 properties with homes for low-income households in Branch County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC), HUD-assisted buildings and public housing. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest. For tax-credit apartments and HUD-assisted buildings, you apply directly at the building's management office. They tell you whether units are open and how to apply; HUD does not have that information.
How many households spend too much on rent in Branch County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Branch County, 43% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).