Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Clinton County, Michigan
Clinton County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,323 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,092 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.44 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,323
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 3% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $1,092
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 3% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $25.44
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $52,920 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 14% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Clinton County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Gratiot County, the typical rent is $834: 24% less than in Clinton County ($1,092).
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At $88,210, Clinton County ranks 6th among the 83 counties in Michigan for the highest typical household income.
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 Clinton 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 Clinton County was $1,607 a month in September 2026: 4.2% more than 12 months ago. 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 | $1,036 | $19.92 | $41,440 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,054 | $20.27 | $42,160 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,323 | $25.44 | $52,920 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,685 | $32.40 | $67,400 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,739 | $33.44 | $69,560 |
HUD area: Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA. 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 16 ZIP codes in Clinton County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 48831 to $1,710 in 48822. 4 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,323).
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)
| 48808 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,190 | $1,210 | $1,520 | $1,940 | $2,000 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48820 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,080 | $1,100 | $1,380 | $1,760 | $1,810 |
| 48822 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,340 | $1,360 | $1,710 | $2,180 | $2,250 |
| 48831 | Gratiot County, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48831 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48831 | Saginaw, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48831 | Shiawassee County, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48835 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48853 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $920 | $930 | $1,170 | $1,490 | $1,540 |
| 48866 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48866 | Shiawassee County, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48879 | Gratiot County, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48879 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48894 | Ionia County, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,740 |
| 48894 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,740 |
| 48906 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $1,060 | $1,080 | $1,350 | $1,720 | $1,770 |
- 48808 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,520$1,940
- 48820 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,380$1,760
- 48822 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,710$2,180
- 48831 · Gratiot County, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48831 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48831 · Saginaw, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48831 · Shiawassee County, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48835 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48853 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,170$1,490
- 48866 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48866 · Shiawassee County, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48879 · Gratiot County, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48879 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48894 · Ionia County, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48894 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48906 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,350$1,720
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 Clinton County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
5,634 households rent in Clinton County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Clinton 44%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Clinton County
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Clinton 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
- 2
- public housing
- 1
701 homes in all; 402 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Dewitt Four Seasons Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1268 W Clark Rd, Dewitt 48820 144 homes, 128 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 60 · In service since 2001
- Suntree HUD-assisted 1100 Sunview Dr, Saint Johns 48879 121 homes, 120 low-income · For families · (989) 224-8919
- Avalon Place Apartments & Townhomes HUD-assisted 13180 Schavey Rd, Dewitt 48820 178 homes, 36 low-income · For families · (517) 277-7000
- Countryside Manor Public housing 14381 Webster Rd, Bath 48808 30 low-income homes · Run by Bath Charter Township Housing Commission · Average payment: $515 a month · (517) 641-6244
- Knollview Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 514 W High St, Ovid 48866 28 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2001
- Castle ST. Johns Tax credit (LIHTC) 110 E Higham St, Saint Johns 48879 30 homes, 24 low-income · 2 bd: 30 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Elsie Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 202 N Park Ave, Elsie 48831 16 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Carriage Towne Place Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) 204 E Williams St, Ovid 48866 12 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Sandstone Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 403 N Ovid St, Elsie 48831 8 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1999
- Hawks Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 15300 Red Tail Dr, Bath 48808 134 homes
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 Clinton 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 Clinton County. Here is what the rules say:
The rules, with their source
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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)
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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
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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 | $21,600 | $35,950 | $57,500 |
| 2 people | $24,650 | $41,050 | $65,700 |
| 3 people | $27,750 | $46,200 | $73,900 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $51,300 | $82,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $55,450 | $88,700 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $59,550 | $95,250 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $63,650 | $101,850 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $67,750 | $108,400 |
Area median income: $102,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Lansing-East Lansing, MI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $932 – $1,140
- 1 bedroom $949 – $1,159
- 2 bedrooms $1,191 – $1,455
- 3 bedrooms $1,517 – $1,854
- 4 bedrooms $1,565 – $1,913
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
- Bath Charter Township Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 28 vouchers · 30 public housing units (517) 641-6244 Bath Charter Township Housing Commission: cindybcthc@gmail.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 Clinton County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
618 S Creyts Rd Ste B, Lansing · 16 miles away · Spanish
Also serves in Arabic, American Sign Language (ASL), Cambodian, Cantonese, and 19 more languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 11 more
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Michigan State University Extension Services
446 W Circle Dr, East Lansing · 16 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 4 more
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Capital Area Housing Partnership
1900 S Cedar St Ste C3, Lansing · 17 miles away
Also serves in other languages.
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 8 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Clinton 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
$2,646
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,323
- Security deposit
- $1,323
- Total
- $2,646
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 Clinton County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,036; 1 bedroom: $1,054; 2 bedrooms: $1,323; 3 bedrooms: $1,685; 4 bedrooms: $1,739. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Clinton County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,323) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.44 an hour full time, or $52,920 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Clinton County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $51,300 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 Clinton 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 $1,191 and $1,455 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Clinton County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,150 in 48831 to $1,710 in 48822. 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 Clinton County?
HUD lists 10 properties with homes for low-income households in Clinton 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 Clinton County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Clinton County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).