Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Chippewa County, Michigan
Chippewa County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,042 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $797 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $20.04 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,042
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 23% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $797
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 29% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $20.04
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $41,680 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 6% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Chippewa County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Luce County, the typical rent is $675: 15% less than in Chippewa County ($797).
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 Chippewa 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)
| Size | Fair rent per month | Hourly wage | Income needed per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $726 | $13.96 | $29,040 |
| 1 bedroom | $863 | $16.60 | $34,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,042 | $20.04 | $41,680 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,242 | $23.88 | $49,680 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,369 | $26.33 | $54,760 |
HUD area: Chippewa 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 19 ZIP codes in Chippewa County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 49715 to $1,200 in 49793. 3 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,042).
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)
| 49710 | Chippewa County, MI | $730 | $850 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,370 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49715 | Chippewa County, MI | $710 | $840 | $1,010 | $1,210 | $1,340 |
| 49724 | Chippewa County, MI | $720 | $850 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,360 |
| 49725 | Chippewa County, MI | $720 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,370 |
| 49726 | Chippewa County, MI | $720 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,370 |
| 49728 | Chippewa County, MI | $720 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,370 |
| 49736 | Chippewa County, MI | $750 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,400 |
| 49748 | Chippewa County, MI | $720 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,370 |
| 49748 | Luce County, MI | $720 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,370 |
| 49752 | Chippewa County, MI | $730 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,370 |
| 49768 | Chippewa County, MI | $720 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,370 |
| 49774 | Chippewa County, MI | $730 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,370 |
| 49774 | Mackinac County, MI | $730 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,370 |
| 49780 | Chippewa County, MI | $750 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,240 | $1,420 |
| 49780 | Mackinac County, MI | $750 | $840 | $1,030 | $1,240 | $1,420 |
| 49783 | Chippewa County, MI | $720 | $860 | $1,040 | $1,240 | $1,370 |
| 49784 | Chippewa County, MI | $750 | $890 | $1,070 | $1,270 | $1,410 |
| 49788 | Chippewa County, MI | $750 | $890 | $1,070 | $1,270 | $1,410 |
| 49793 | Chippewa County, MI | $880 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,640 |
- 49710 · Chippewa County, MI $1,030$1,230
- 49715 · Chippewa County, MI $1,010$1,210
- 49724 · Chippewa County, MI $1,030$1,230
- 49725 · Chippewa County, MI $1,040$1,240
- 49726 · Chippewa County, MI $1,040$1,240
- 49728 · Chippewa County, MI $1,040$1,240
- 49736 · Chippewa County, MI $1,030$1,230
- 49748 · Chippewa County, MI $1,040$1,240
- 49748 · Luce County, MI $1,040$1,240
- 49752 · Chippewa County, MI $1,040$1,240
- 49768 · Chippewa County, MI $1,040$1,240
- 49774 · Chippewa County, MI $1,030$1,230
- 49774 · Mackinac County, MI $1,030$1,230
- 49780 · Chippewa County, MI $1,030$1,240
- 49780 · Mackinac County, MI $1,030$1,240
- 49783 · Chippewa County, MI $1,040$1,240
- 49784 · Chippewa County, MI $1,070$1,270
- 49788 · Chippewa County, MI $1,070$1,270
- 49793 · Chippewa County, MI $1,200$1,450
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 Chippewa County, 47% 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.
47%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,516 households rent in Chippewa County
- Spend half or more of their income 20%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Chippewa 47%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Chippewa County
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Chippewa 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
- 4
- public housing
- 2
855 homes in all; 760 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Sault Ste Marie Scattered Public housing 1105 E 8th Ave, Sault S Marie 49783 143 homes, 142 low-income · Run by Sault Ste Marie Housing Commission · Average payment: $506 a month · Homes at several sites · (906) 635-5841
- James/Riverview Terrace Public housing 300 E Water St, Sault S Marie 49783 120 low-income homes · Run by Sault Ste Marie Housing Commission · Average payment: $399 a month · Homes at several sites · (906) 635-5841
- Bridge Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 604 E 4th Ave, Sault Sainte Marie 49783 100 low-income homes · 1 bd: 30 · 2 bd: 55 · 3 bd: 15 · In service since 2017 · For older adults, families
- Bridge Village HUD-assisted 591 Myrtle, Sault Ste Marie 49783 100 low-income homes · For families · (906) 632-4655
- Edge of the Woods HUD-assisted 301 W 24th Ave, Sault Sainte Marie 49783 80 low-income homes · For older adults · (906) 632-0296
- Woodcreek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1708 Meridian St, Sault Sainte Marie 49783 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Wood Creek Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1606 Meridian St, Sault Sainte Marie 49783 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- Avery Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 510 Ashmun St, Sault Sainte Marie 49783 57 homes, 29 low-income · 1 bd: 39 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 1999
- West Bridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 633 W Portage Ave, Sault Sainte Marie 49783 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 2004 · For people with disabilities
- Drummond Island Apartments HUD-assisted 33142 S Socia Subdivision Dr, Drummond Island 49726 24 low-income homes · For families · (906) 493-5928
- Park Place City Center Tax credit (LIHTC) 416 Ashmun St, Sault Sainte Marie 49783 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 2011
- Drummond Island Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 33142 S Socia Sub Rd, Drummond Island 49726 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2002
- Osborn Commons HUD-assisted 146 Ridge St, Sault Sainte Marie 49783 75 homes, 10 low-income · (614) 396-3200
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 Chippewa County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 1 agency serves in Chippewa 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
-
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 | $18,150 | $30,250 | $48,350 |
| 2 people | $21,640 | $34,550 | $55,250 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $38,850 | $62,150 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $43,150 | $69,050 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $46,650 | $74,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $50,100 | $80,100 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $53,550 | $85,650 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $57,000 | $91,150 |
Area median income: $86,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Chippewa County, MI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $653 – $799
- 1 bedroom $777 – $949
- 2 bedrooms $938 – $1,146
- 3 bedrooms $1,118 – $1,366
- 4 bedrooms $1,232 – $1,506
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
- Sault Ste Marie Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 50 vouchers · 262 public housing units (906) 635-5841 Sault Ste Marie Housing Commission: candy@saulthousing.com
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 Chippewa County
This is the nearest HUD-approved agency. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
H.o.m.e. of Mackinac County
396 N State St, Saint Ignace · 33 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 Chippewa 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
$2,084
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,042
- Security deposit
- $1,042
- Total
- $2,084
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 Chippewa County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $726; 1 bedroom: $863; 2 bedrooms: $1,042; 3 bedrooms: $1,242; 4 bedrooms: $1,369. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Chippewa County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,042) without spending more than 30% of income takes $20.04 an hour full time, or $41,680 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Chippewa County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $43,150 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 Chippewa 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 $938 and $1,146 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Chippewa County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 49715 to $1,200 in 49793. 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 Chippewa County?
HUD lists 13 properties with homes for low-income households in Chippewa 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 Chippewa County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Chippewa County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).