Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Hillsdale County, Michigan
Hillsdale County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,022 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $832 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.65 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,022
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 25% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $832
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 26% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $19.65
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,880 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 41%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 19% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Hillsdale County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Hillsdale County has the lowest typical rent in its area: $832, less than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is St. Joseph County ($849).
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 Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale County was $1,167 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 | $712 | $13.69 | $28,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $781 | $15.02 | $31,240 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,022 | $19.65 | $40,880 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,274 | $24.50 | $50,960 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,343 | $25.83 | $53,720 |
HUD area: Hillsdale 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 21 ZIP codes in Hillsdale County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 49227 to $1,230 in 49288. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,022).
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)
| 49227 | Branch County, MI | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,340 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49227 | Hillsdale County, MI | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,340 |
| 49232 | Hillsdale County, MI | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,300 | $1,370 |
| 49242 | Hillsdale County, MI | $710 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,260 | $1,340 |
| 49249 | Hillsdale County, MI | $780 | $860 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 49249 | Jackson, MI | $780 | $860 | $1,110 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 49250 | Hillsdale County, MI | $760 | $860 | $1,050 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 49250 | Jackson, MI | $760 | $860 | $1,050 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 49252 | Battle Creek, MI | $760 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 49252 | Branch County, MI | $760 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 49252 | Hillsdale County, MI | $760 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 49252 | Jackson, MI | $760 | $880 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,470 |
| 49258 | Hillsdale County, MI | $720 | $800 | $1,040 | $1,300 | $1,370 |
| 49262 | Hillsdale County, MI | $810 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,460 | $1,540 |
| 49266 | Hillsdale County, MI | $790 | $860 | $1,130 | $1,410 | $1,490 |
| 49271 | Hillsdale County, MI | $770 | $850 | $1,110 | $1,380 | $1,460 |
| 49274 | Branch County, MI | $720 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,350 |
| 49274 | Hillsdale County, MI | $720 | $790 | $1,010 | $1,280 | $1,350 |
| 49282 | Hillsdale County, MI | $800 | $880 | $1,140 | $1,430 | $1,500 |
| 49288 | Hillsdale County, MI | $860 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,530 | $1,620 |
| 49288 | Lenawee County, MI | $860 | $940 | $1,230 | $1,530 | $1,620 |
- 49227 · Branch County, MI $1,010$1,260
- 49227 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,010$1,260
- 49232 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,040$1,300
- 49242 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,010$1,260
- 49249 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,110$1,390
- 49249 · Jackson, MI $1,110$1,390
- 49250 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,050$1,390
- 49250 · Jackson, MI $1,050$1,390
- 49252 · Battle Creek, MI $1,060$1,390
- 49252 · Branch County, MI $1,060$1,390
- 49252 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,060$1,390
- 49252 · Jackson, MI $1,060$1,390
- 49258 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,040$1,300
- 49262 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,170$1,460
- 49266 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,130$1,410
- 49271 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,110$1,380
- 49274 · Branch County, MI $1,010$1,280
- 49274 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,010$1,280
- 49282 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,140$1,430
- 49288 · Hillsdale County, MI $1,230$1,530
- 49288 · Lenawee County, MI $1,230$1,530
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 Hillsdale County, 41% 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.
41%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,213 households rent in Hillsdale County
- Spend half or more of their income 22%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 19%
- Spend less than 30% 59%
Compared with the state and the country
- Hillsdale 41%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Hillsdale County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Hillsdale 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)
- 11
- HUD-assisted
- 5
- public housing
- 1
1,081 homes in all; 835 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Beacon Hill HUD-assisted 401 Heathcliff Dr, Hillsdale 49242 198 low-income homes · For families · (517) 437-2177
- Hillsdale Gardens Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 33 Graceland Dr, Hillsdale 49242 87 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Hillsdale Garden Apartments HUD-assisted 125 Barr St, Hillsdale 49242 88 homes, 80 low-income · For families · (517) 437-7501
- Hilltop Apts Public housing 45 N West St, Hillsdale 49242 60 low-income homes · Run by Hillsdale Housing Commission · Average payment: $429 a month · (517) 439-1210
- Greenwood Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Village Green Blvd, Hillsdale 49242 48 low-income homes · 2 bd: 32 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2001
- Greenwood Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 300 Village Green Blvd, Hillsdale 49242 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Heritage Lane Residences Tax credit (LIHTC) 117 West St, Jonesville 49250 44 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 2016 · For people with disabilities, families
- Center City Downtown Hillsdale Tax credit (LIHTC) 8 S Manning St, Hillsdale 49242 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 17 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Friendship Village HUD-assisted 710 Riverside Dr, Litchfield 49252 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (517) 542-2210
- Friendship Village Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 710 Riverside Dr, Litchfield 49252 40 homes, 39 low-income · 1 bd: 40 · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Parkwood Apartments HUD-assisted 419 Parkwood Dr, Jonesville 49250 36 low-income homes · For families · (517) 849-2950
- Meadowlands Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 375 Warner St, Reading 49274 36 homes, 35 low-income · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Litchfield Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 204 Southfield St, Litchfield 49252 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 1991
- Waldron Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 310 S Main St, Waldron 49288 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Walnut Junction Tax credit (LIHTC) 502 Drake St, Jonesville 49250 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1996
- Riverside Apartments HUD-assisted 710 Riverside Dr, Litchfield 49252 48 homes, 9 low-income · For families · (517) 542-2210
- Hillsdale / Beacon Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 201 Heathcliff Dr, Hillsdale 49242 196 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 Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale 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 | $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: $81,300. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Hillsdale County, MI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $641 – $783
- 1 bedroom $703 – $859
- 2 bedrooms $920 – $1,124
- 3 bedrooms $1,147 – $1,401
- 4 bedrooms $1,209 – $1,477
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
- Hillsdale Housing Commission Public housing · 60 public housing units (517) 439-1210 Hillsdale Housing Commission: amy@hillsdalehousing.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 Hillsdale County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Hillsdale County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Action Agency - Hillsdale Branch
55 Barnard St, Hillsdale · Spanish
- Budget and financial counseling
- Homelessness services
- and 4 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Hillsdale 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
$2,044
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,022
- Security deposit
- $1,022
- Total
- $2,044
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 Hillsdale County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $712; 1 bedroom: $781; 2 bedrooms: $1,022; 3 bedrooms: $1,274; 4 bedrooms: $1,343. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Hillsdale County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,022) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.65 an hour full time, or $40,880 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale 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 $920 and $1,124 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Hillsdale County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 49227 to $1,230 in 49288. 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 Hillsdale County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Hillsdale 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 Hillsdale County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Hillsdale County, 41% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).