Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Gratiot County, Michigan
Gratiot County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,018 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $834 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.58 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,018
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 25% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $834
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 26% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $19.58
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,720 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 47%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 7% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Gratiot County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Gratiot County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $834, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Montcalm County ($869).
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 Gratiot 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 | $778 | $14.96 | $31,120 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,018 | $19.58 | $40,720 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,344 | $25.85 | $53,760 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,454 | $27.96 | $58,160 |
HUD area: Gratiot 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 25 ZIP codes in Gratiot County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 48847 to $1,200 in 48871. 22 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,018).
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)
| 48615 | Gratiot County, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48615 | Midland, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 48662 | Gratiot County, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 48662 | Midland, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 48801 | Gratiot County, MI | $790 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,350 | $1,460 |
| 48801 | Isabella County, MI | $790 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,350 | $1,460 |
| 48806 | Gratiot County, MI | $800 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,480 | $1,600 |
| 48807 | Gratiot County, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48807 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48807 | Saginaw, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,150 | $1,470 | $1,520 |
| 48832 | Gratiot County, MI | $750 | $800 | $1,020 | $1,340 | $1,440 |
| 48847 | Gratiot County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,460 |
| 48856 | Gratiot County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,460 |
| 48862 | Gratiot County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,350 | $1,460 |
| 48871 | Gratiot County, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,580 | $1,710 |
| 48871 | Lansing-East Lansing, MI | $880 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,580 | $1,710 |
| 48874 | Gratiot County, MI | $800 | $860 | $1,120 | $1,480 | $1,600 |
| 48877 | Gratiot County, MI | $790 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48877 | Isabella County, MI | $790 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48877 | Montcalm County, MI | $790 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48880 | Gratiot County, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 48880 | Isabella County, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 48880 | Midland, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 48889 | Gratiot County, MI | $850 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,570 | $1,700 |
| 48889 | Montcalm County, MI | $850 | $920 | $1,190 | $1,570 | $1,700 |
- 48615 · Gratiot County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48615 · Midland, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48662 · Gratiot County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48662 · Midland, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48801 · Gratiot County, MI $1,020$1,350
- 48801 · Isabella County, MI $1,020$1,350
- 48806 · Gratiot County, MI $1,120$1,480
- 48807 · Gratiot County, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48807 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48807 · Saginaw, MI $1,150$1,470
- 48832 · Gratiot County, MI $1,020$1,340
- 48847 · Gratiot County, MI $1,010$1,350
- 48856 · Gratiot County, MI $1,010$1,350
- 48862 · Gratiot County, MI $1,010$1,350
- 48871 · Gratiot County, MI $1,200$1,580
- 48871 · Lansing-East Lansing, MI $1,200$1,580
- 48874 · Gratiot County, MI $1,120$1,480
- 48877 · Gratiot County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48877 · Isabella County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48877 · Montcalm County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48880 · Gratiot County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48880 · Isabella County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48880 · Midland, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48889 · Gratiot County, MI $1,190$1,570
- 48889 · Montcalm County, MI $1,190$1,570
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 Gratiot 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.
3,124 households rent in Gratiot County
- Spend half or more of their income 21%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 53%
Compared with the state and the country
- Gratiot 47%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Gratiot County
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Gratiot 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
- 4
- public housing
- 2
694 homes in all; 637 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Pine Villa HUD-assisted 425 E Warwick Dr, Alma 48801 111 low-income homes · For older adults · (989) 463-5666
- Heather CT/Hampton PK Public housing 400 E Warwick Dr, Alma 48801 94 low-income homes · Run by Alma Housing Commission · Average payment: $572 a month · Average wait: 104 months · (989) 463-4200
- Oak Ridge Public housing 309 Oakridge Dr, Saint Louis 48880 80 low-income homes · Run by Saint Louis Housing Commission · Average payment: $373 a month · (989) 681-5100
- Countryside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1330 Charles Ave, Alma 48801 48 homes, 47 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2000
- Pine Winds II HUD-assisted 1050 Bridge Ave, Alma 48801 40 low-income homes · For families · (989) 463-2586
- Countryside Three Tax credit (LIHTC) 1346 Charles Ave, Alma 48801 48 homes, 37 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003
- Pinestead Place HUD-assisted 224 Pine St, Breckenridge 48615 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (989) 842-5805
- Countryside Four Tax credit (LIHTC) 1430 Charles Ave, Alma 48801 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Tartan Terrace HUD-assisted 423 Gratiot Ave, Alma 48801 30 low-income homes · For older adults · (989) 463-4200
- Ithaca Parks I Tax credit (LIHTC) 520 S Saint Johns St, Ithaca 48847 28 low-income homes · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 1995
- Greenland Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 129 Michigan Ave, Saint Louis 48880 27 homes, 26 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- River View Place Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 401 N Mill St, Saint Louis 48880 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 7 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2017
- Scottish Pines Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 1575 Pine Ave, Alma 48801 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1995 · For older adults
- Union Square Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 425 N Union St, Ithaca 48847 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Pine River Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 509 S Pine River St, Ithaca 48847 10 low-income homes · 1 bd: 4 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Cambridge Woods Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 205 Hidden Oaks Dr, Saint Louis 48880 44 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 Gratiot 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 Gratiot 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 | $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: $80,100. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Gratiot County, MI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $653 – $799
- 1 bedroom $700 – $856
- 2 bedrooms $916 – $1,120
- 3 bedrooms $1,210 – $1,478
- 4 bedrooms $1,309 – $1,599
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
- Saint Louis Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 159 vouchers · 80 public housing units (989) 681-5100 Saint Louis Housing Commission: slhckerry@ispmgt.com
- Alma Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 67 vouchers · 94 public housing units (989) 463-4200 Alma Housing Commission: eric@almahousing.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 Gratiot County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Michigan State University Extension - Ionia
50 E Sprague Rd, Ionia · 34 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
Habitat for Humanity of Michigan
618 S Creyts Rd Ste B, Lansing · 39 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
-
Michigan State University Extension Services
446 W Circle Dr, East Lansing · 39 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Gratiot 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
$2,036
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,018
- Security deposit
- $1,018
- Total
- $2,036
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 Gratiot County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $726; 1 bedroom: $778; 2 bedrooms: $1,018; 3 bedrooms: $1,344; 4 bedrooms: $1,454. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Gratiot County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,018) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.58 an hour full time, or $40,720 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Gratiot 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 Gratiot 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 $916 and $1,120 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Gratiot County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 48847 to $1,200 in 48871. 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 Gratiot County?
HUD lists 16 properties with homes for low-income households in Gratiot 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 Gratiot County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Gratiot County, 47% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).