Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Charlevoix County, Michigan
Charlevoix County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,119 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $949 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $21.52 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,119
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 18% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $949
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 16% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $21.52
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $44,760 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Charlevoix County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Among the neighboring counties, Schoolcraft County has the lowest typical rent ($705), 26% below the $949 in Charlevoix County.
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 Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix County was $1,925 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 | $798 | $15.35 | $31,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $855 | $16.44 | $34,200 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,119 | $21.52 | $44,760 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,549 | $29.79 | $61,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,619 | $31.13 | $64,760 |
HUD area: Charlevoix 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 10 ZIP codes in Charlevoix County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 49713 to $1,190 in 49720. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,119).
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)
| 49712 | Antrim County, MI | $810 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,650 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49712 | Charlevoix County, MI | $810 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,580 | $1,650 |
| 49713 | Antrim County, MI | $760 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,530 |
| 49713 | Charlevoix County, MI | $760 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,530 |
| 49713 | Emmet County, MI | $760 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,460 | $1,530 |
| 49720 | Antrim County, MI | $850 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,640 | $1,720 |
| 49720 | Charlevoix County, MI | $850 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,640 | $1,720 |
| 49720 | Emmet County, MI | $850 | $910 | $1,190 | $1,640 | $1,720 |
| 49782 | Charlevoix County, MI | $760 | $820 | $1,070 | $1,480 | $1,550 |
| 49796 | Charlevoix County, MI | $840 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,540 | $1,640 |
- 49712 · Antrim County, MI $1,140$1,580
- 49712 · Charlevoix County, MI $1,140$1,580
- 49713 · Antrim County, MI $1,070$1,460
- 49713 · Charlevoix County, MI $1,070$1,460
- 49713 · Emmet County, MI $1,070$1,460
- 49720 · Antrim County, MI $1,190$1,640
- 49720 · Charlevoix County, MI $1,190$1,640
- 49720 · Emmet County, MI $1,190$1,640
- 49782 · Charlevoix County, MI $1,070$1,480
- 49796 · Charlevoix County, MI $1,170$1,540
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 Charlevoix County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
2,025 households rent in Charlevoix County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Charlevoix 49%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Charlevoix County
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Charlevoix 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)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 1
- public housing
- 3
416 homes in all; 403 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Litzenburger/Conkle Annex Public housing 829 S Park St, Boyne City 49712 80 homes, 79 low-income · Run by Boyne City Housing Commission · Average payment: $508 a month · Average wait: 9 months · Homes at several sites · (231) 582-6203
- Pine River Place Public housing 210 W Garfield Ave, Charlevoix 49720 62 low-income homes · Run by Charlevoix Housing Commission · Average payment: $412 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (231) 547-5451
- Pine Cove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 May St, Charlevoix 49720 54 homes, 53 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 3 · 4 bd: 3 · In service since 2001
- Applewood Village & Highland Terrace A Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Erie St, East Jordan 49727 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Pine Cove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1001 May St, Charlevoix 49720 40 homes, 30 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2002
- Deer Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 315 E Division St, Boyne City 49712 30 low-income homes · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2001
- Lakeview Manor Public housing 451 Water St, East Jordan 49727 28 low-income homes · Run by East Jordan Housing Commission · Average payment: $495 a month · Average wait: 3 months · Homes at several sites · (231) 536-2051
- Lake Harbor Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 637 Petoskey Ave, Charlevoix 49720 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2016
- Lake View Apts (boyne City) Tax credit (LIHTC) 660 W Court St, Boyne City 49712 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2007 · For people with disabilities, families
- May Street Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1007 May St, Charlevoix 49720 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Meredith Manor HUD-assisted 109 McKenzie St, East Jordan 49727 10 low-income homes · For older adults · (517) 272-2900
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 Charlevoix County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 3 agencies serve in Charlevoix 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)
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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)
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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 | $20,450 | $34,100 | $54,550 |
| 2 people | $23,400 | $39,000 | $62,350 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $43,850 | $70,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $48,700 | $77,900 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $52,600 | $84,150 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $56,500 | $90,400 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $60,400 | $96,600 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $64,300 | $102,850 |
Area median income: $97,400. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Charlevoix County, MI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $718 – $878
- 1 bedroom $770 – $941
- 2 bedrooms $1,007 – $1,231
- 3 bedrooms $1,394 – $1,704
- 4 bedrooms $1,457 – $1,781
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
- Boyne City Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 63 vouchers · 79 public housing units (231) 582-6203 Boyne City Housing Commission: bethany@boynecityhc.com
- Charlevoix Housing Commission Public housing · 62 public housing units (231) 547-5451 Charlevoix Housing Commission: annessah@mphcstaff.org
- East Jordan Housing Commission Public housing · 28 public housing units (231) 536-2051 East Jordan Housing Commission: ExecutiveDirector@EastJordanHousing.info
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 Charlevoix County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Northern Homes Community Development Corporation
900 Emmet St, Petoskey · 33 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 5 more
-
Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, Inc.
2240 Mitchell Park Dr. Suite A, Petoskey · 34 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in American Sign Language (ASL).
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
-
H.o.m.e. of Mackinac County
396 N State St, Saint Ignace · 43 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Charlevoix 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
$2,238
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,119
- Security deposit
- $1,119
- Total
- $2,238
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 Charlevoix County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $798; 1 bedroom: $855; 2 bedrooms: $1,119; 3 bedrooms: $1,549; 4 bedrooms: $1,619. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Charlevoix County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,119) without spending more than 30% of income takes $21.52 an hour full time, or $44,760 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Charlevoix County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $48,700 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 Charlevoix 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 $1,007 and $1,231 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Charlevoix County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,070 in 49713 to $1,190 in 49720. 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 Charlevoix County?
HUD lists 11 properties with homes for low-income households in Charlevoix 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 Charlevoix County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Charlevoix County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).