Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Midland County, Michigan
Midland County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,205 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,016 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $23.17 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,205
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 11% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $1,016
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 10% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $23.17
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $48,200 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 1% more than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Midland County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Midland County has the highest typical rent in its area: $1,016, more than any of its 6 neighboring counties; next is Saginaw County ($947).
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 Midland 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 Midland County was $1,382 a month in September 2026: 6.3% 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 | $920 | $17.69 | $36,800 |
| 1 bedroom | $936 | $18.00 | $37,440 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,205 | $23.17 | $48,200 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,498 | $28.81 | $59,920 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,790 | $34.42 | $71,600 |
HUD area: Midland, 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 10 ZIP codes in Midland County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 48618 to $1,550 in 48628. 5 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,205).
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)
| 48618 | Gladwin County, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48618 | Isabella County, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 48618 | Midland, MI | $820 | $840 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,520 |
| 48620 | Midland, MI | $1,000 | $1,030 | $1,340 | $1,740 | $2,020 |
| 48628 | Gladwin County, MI | $1,170 | $1,200 | $1,550 | $1,940 | $2,310 |
| 48628 | Midland, MI | $1,170 | $1,200 | $1,550 | $1,940 | $2,310 |
| 48640 | Midland, MI | $880 | $890 | $1,150 | $1,430 | $1,710 |
| 48642 | Bay City, MI | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,700 | $2,020 |
| 48642 | Midland, MI | $1,040 | $1,060 | $1,360 | $1,700 | $2,020 |
| 48657 | Midland, MI | $880 | $890 | $1,150 | $1,430 | $1,710 |
- 48618 · Gladwin County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48618 · Isabella County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48618 · Midland, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48620 · Midland, MI $1,340$1,740
- 48628 · Gladwin County, MI $1,550$1,940
- 48628 · Midland, MI $1,550$1,940
- 48640 · Midland, MI $1,150$1,430
- 48642 · Bay City, MI $1,360$1,700
- 48642 · Midland, MI $1,360$1,700
- 48657 · Midland, MI $1,150$1,430
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 Midland County, 51% 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.
51%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
7,671 households rent in Midland County
- Spend half or more of their income 28%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Midland 51%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Midland County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Midland County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 4
1,039 homes in all; 919 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Greenhill HUD-assisted 1010 Eastlawn Dr, Midland 48642 214 low-income homes · For families · (989) 832-3786
- Charter Square HUD-assisted 6102 Jefferson Ave, Midland 48640 152 low-income homes · For older adults · (989) 832-3173
- Village at Joseph's Run Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Village W, Midland 48642 128 low-income homes · 2 bd: 64 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Bracken Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 5301 Dublin Ave, Midland 48640 104 homes, 103 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 56 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1995
- Cleveland Manor II HUD-assisted 2200 Cleveland Ave, Midland 48640 91 low-income homes · For older adults · (989) 631-6480
- Northwind Forest Apts HUD-assisted 5220 Hedgewood Dr, Midland 48640 181 homes, 73 low-income · For families · (989) 631-2901
- Parkside Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 516 N 4th St, Coleman 48618 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Carson Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 800-900 Block of Carson Street, Traverse City 48686 36 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2016
- Lee Street Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 4605 Quincy Dr, Midland 48642 14 low-income homes · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2006 · For families
- Adam's Acres Tax credit (LIHTC) 4612 Quincy Dr, Midland 48642 12 low-income homes · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Chippewassee Court Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3010 Isabella St, Midland 48640 11 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Coleman Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 313 Hamilton St, Coleman 48618 11 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Coleman Apts Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 303 Hamilton St, Coleman 48618 11 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Granite Club Acres Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 700 Gerald Ct, Midland 48642 11 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2002
- Grove Street Commons Phase I Tax credit (LIHTC) 708 E Grove St, Midland 48640 6 low-income homes · 2 bd: 5 · 3 bd: 1 · In service since 1999
- Grove Street Commons Phase II Tax credit (LIHTC) 707 E Indian St, Midland 48640 6 low-income homes · 2 bd: 1 · 3 bd: 5 · In service since 1999
- Chippewassee Court II Tax credit (LIHTC) 3100 Isabella St, Midland 48640 11 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 Midland County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. A public housing agency runs it. HUD lists none with an office in Midland County; the state's agencies can help you. 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 | $22,550 | $37,550 | $60,050 |
| 2 people | $25,750 | $42,900 | $68,600 |
| 3 people | $28,950 | $48,250 | $77,200 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $53,600 | $85,750 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $57,900 | $92,650 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $62,200 | $99,500 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $66,500 | $106,350 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $70,800 | $113,200 |
Area median income: $107,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Midland, MI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $828 – $1,012
- 1 bedroom $842 – $1,030
- 2 bedrooms $1,085 – $1,326
- 3 bedrooms $1,348 – $1,648
- 4 bedrooms $1,611 – $1,969
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
HUD lists no housing agency with an office in Midland County. You can apply at another agency in your state: you do not have to live where you apply. Source: HUD
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 Midland County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Michigan State University Extension - Clare C
225 W. Main St, Harrison · 33 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
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Genesee County Habitat for Humanity
101 Burton St, Flint · 55 miles away
- Fair housing pre-purchase workshops
- Pre-purchase counseling
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Midland 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
$2,410
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,205
- Security deposit
- $1,205
- Total
- $2,410
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 Midland County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $920; 1 bedroom: $936; 2 bedrooms: $1,205; 3 bedrooms: $1,498; 4 bedrooms: $1,790. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Midland County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,205) without spending more than 30% of income takes $23.17 an hour full time, or $48,200 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Midland County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $53,600 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 Midland 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 $1,085 and $1,326 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Midland County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,080 in 48618 to $1,550 in 48628. 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 Midland County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Midland 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 Midland County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Midland County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).