Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Grand Traverse County, Michigan
Grand Traverse County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,436 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,288 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $27.62 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,436
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 6% more than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $1,288
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 14% more than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $27.62
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $57,440 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 50%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Grand Traverse County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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At $1,288, Grand Traverse County ranks 3rd among the 83 counties in Michigan for the highest typical rent.
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Grand Traverse County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,288, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Leelanau County ($1,228).
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 Grand Traverse 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 Grand Traverse County was $1,845 a month in September 2026: 4.9% 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 | $1,181 | $22.71 | $47,240 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,188 | $22.85 | $47,520 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,436 | $27.62 | $57,440 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,883 | $36.21 | $75,320 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,928 | $37.08 | $77,120 |
HUD area: Grand Traverse County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. 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 11 ZIP codes in Grand Traverse County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,230 in 49649 to $1,600 in 49685. 6 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,436).
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)
| 49620 | Grand Traverse County, MI | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,320 | $1,670 | $1,900 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49620 | Wexford County, MI | $1,030 | $1,040 | $1,320 | $1,670 | $1,900 |
| 49637 | Grand Traverse County, MI | $1,180 | $1,190 | $1,440 | $1,890 | $1,930 |
| 49649 | Grand Traverse County, MI | $1,030 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,580 | $1,630 |
| 49649 | Wexford County, MI | $1,030 | $1,030 | $1,230 | $1,580 | $1,630 |
| 49685 | Grand Traverse County, MI | $1,320 | $1,320 | $1,600 | $2,100 | $2,150 |
| 49686 | Grand Traverse County, MI | $1,180 | $1,180 | $1,430 | $1,880 | $1,920 |
| 49690 | Antrim County, MI | $1,210 | $1,220 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,000 |
| 49690 | Grand Traverse County, MI | $1,210 | $1,220 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,000 |
| 49690 | Kalkaska County, MI | $1,210 | $1,220 | $1,480 | $1,940 | $2,000 |
| 49696 | Grand Traverse County, MI | $1,210 | $1,220 | $1,470 | $1,930 | $1,970 |
- 49620 · Grand Traverse County, MI $1,320$1,670
- 49620 · Wexford County, MI $1,320$1,670
- 49637 · Grand Traverse County, MI $1,440$1,890
- 49649 · Grand Traverse County, MI $1,230$1,580
- 49649 · Wexford County, MI $1,230$1,580
- 49685 · Grand Traverse County, MI $1,600$2,100
- 49686 · Grand Traverse County, MI $1,430$1,880
- 49690 · Antrim County, MI $1,480$1,940
- 49690 · Grand Traverse County, MI $1,480$1,940
- 49690 · Kalkaska County, MI $1,480$1,940
- 49696 · Grand Traverse County, MI $1,470$1,930
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 Grand Traverse County, 50% 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.
50%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
9,197 households rent in Grand Traverse County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 50%
Compared with the state and the country
- Grand Traverse 50%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Grand Traverse County
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Grand Traverse County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 17
- HUD-assisted
- 5
1,411 homes in all; 908 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Village Glen Apts (traverse City) Tax credit (LIHTC) 2937 Glen Dr, Traverse City 49686 120 homes, 119 low-income · 2 bd: 82 · 3 bd: 38 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Woda Boardman Lake Tax credit (LIHTC) 2790 Boardman Lake Dr, Traverse City 49684 112 low-income homes · 1 bd: 46 · 2 bd: 50 · 3 bd: 12 · 4 bd: 4 · In service since 2015 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Bay Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Bay Hill Dr, Traverse City 49684 150 homes, 90 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 2015 · For families
- Brookside Commons Tax credit (LIHTC) North Long Lake Road, Traverse City 49685 72 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 20 · In service since 2015 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Aspen Hills Tax credit (LIHTC) 1291 Oak Terrace Drive, Garfield Twp 49684 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 60 · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2019 · For families
- Aspen Hills HUD-assisted 1291 Oak Terrace Dr, Traverse City 49686 70 low-income homes · For older adults · (231) 947-5704
- Tradewinds Terrace HUD-assisted 891 Fitzhugh Dr, Traverse City 49684 122 homes, 52 low-income · For families · (231) 946-2050
- The Village at Bay Ridge Tax credit (LIHTC) 3848 Silver Lake Rd, Traverse City 49684 120 homes, 51 low-income · 1 bd: 75 · 2 bd: 45 · In service since 2000
- Bay Hill I Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 Bay Hill Dr, Traverse City 49684 150 homes, 45 low-income · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 100 · 3 bd: 22 · In service since 1998
- 630 Lofts Tax credit (LIHTC) 630 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City 49684 39 low-income homes · Studio: 3 · 1 bd: 21 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2011
- Bay Hill II Tax credit (LIHTC) 600 Bay Hill Dr, Traverse City 49684 72 homes, 36 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
- Fife Lake & Kingsley Arms Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 10800 Vans Ln, Fife Lake 49633 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 19 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Bayside Village HUD-assisted 6223 Center Rd, Traverse City 49686 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (231) 947-8050
- TC Commons II Tax credit (LIHTC) 1015 Red Dr, Traverse City 49684 29 low-income homes · 1 bd: 15 · 2 bd: 11 · 3 bd: 3 · In service since 2012
- Keystone Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2943 Keystone Rd N, Traverse City 49686 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Woodmere Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 927 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City 49686 11 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2006 · For people with disabilities
- Grand Traverse Community Living Apartments HUD-assisted 920 Grant St, Traverse City 49686 10 homes, 9 low-income · For people with disabilities · (231) 932-9030
- Grand Traverse Area CLC HUD-assisted 935 Barlow St, Traverse City 49686 9 homes, 8 low-income · For people with disabilities · (231) 932-9030
- Bay Front Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 872 E Front St, Traverse City 49686 7 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities
- Oak Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1675 Maylane, Traverse City 49686 94 homes
- Oak Terrace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1240 Oak Terrace Dr, Traverse City 49686 48 homes
- Village View Tax credit (LIHTC) 2805 Beech Tree Ln, Traverse City 49686 18 homes · In service since 2010 · For families
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 Grand Traverse 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 Grand Traverse 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 | $23,950 | $39,900 | $63,800 |
| 2 people | $27,350 | $45,600 | $72,900 |
| 3 people | $30,750 | $51,300 | $82,000 |
| 4 people | $34,150 | $56,950 | $91,100 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,550 | $98,400 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $66,100 | $105,700 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,650 | $113,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $75,200 | $120,300 |
Area median income: $113,900. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Grand Traverse County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $1,063 – $1,299
- 1 bedroom $1,069 – $1,307
- 2 bedrooms $1,292 – $1,580
- 3 bedrooms $1,695 – $2,071
- 4 bedrooms $1,735 – $2,121
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
- Traverse City Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 327 vouchers · 21 public housing units (231) 282-9152 Traverse City Housing Commission: kfulmer@tchousing.org
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 Grand Traverse County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Grand Traverse County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency, Inc
3963 3 Mile Rd N, Traverse City
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 9 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Grand Traverse 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
$2,872
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,436
- Security deposit
- $1,436
- Total
- $2,872
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 Grand Traverse County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,181; 1 bedroom: $1,188; 2 bedrooms: $1,436; 3 bedrooms: $1,883; 4 bedrooms: $1,928. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Grand Traverse County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,436) without spending more than 30% of income takes $27.62 an hour full time, or $57,440 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Grand Traverse County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,950 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 Grand Traverse 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 $1,292 and $1,580 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Grand Traverse County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,230 in 49649 to $1,600 in 49685. 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 Grand Traverse County?
HUD lists 22 properties with homes for low-income households in Grand Traverse County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. 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 Grand Traverse County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Grand Traverse County, 50% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).