Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Monroe County, Michigan
Monroe County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,304 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,059 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $25.08 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,304
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 4% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $1,059
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 6% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $25.08
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $52,160 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 51%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- About the same as in Michigan
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 Monroe 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 Monroe County was $1,277 a month in September 2026: 4.3% 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 | $908 | $17.46 | $36,320 |
| 1 bedroom | $997 | $19.17 | $39,880 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,304 | $25.08 | $52,160 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,595 | $30.67 | $63,800 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,153 | $41.40 | $86,120 |
HUD area: Monroe, 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 21 ZIP codes in Monroe County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,200 in 48133 to $1,660 in 48179. 13 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,304).
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)
| 48117 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $930 | $1,020 | $1,330 | $1,630 | $2,200 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48117 | Monroe, MI | $930 | $1,020 | $1,330 | $1,630 | $2,200 |
| 48131 | Monroe, MI | $1,020 | $1,120 | $1,460 | $1,790 | $2,410 |
| 48133 | Monroe, MI | $830 | $910 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,940 |
| 48140 | Monroe, MI | $920 | $1,010 | $1,330 | $1,620 | $2,190 |
| 48144 | Monroe, MI | $940 | $1,030 | $1,350 | $1,650 | $2,230 |
| 48145 | Monroe, MI | $910 | $1,000 | $1,310 | $1,600 | $2,160 |
| 48157 | Monroe, MI | $830 | $910 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,940 |
| 48159 | Monroe, MI | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,520 | $2,050 |
| 48160 | Ann Arbor, MI | $1,230 | $1,250 | $1,530 | $1,850 | $2,190 |
| 48160 | Lenawee County, MI | $1,230 | $1,250 | $1,530 | $1,850 | $2,190 |
| 48160 | Monroe, MI | $1,230 | $1,250 | $1,530 | $1,850 | $2,190 |
| 48161 | Monroe, MI | $850 | $930 | $1,220 | $1,490 | $2,010 |
| 48162 | Monroe, MI | $830 | $910 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,940 |
| 48166 | Monroe, MI | $1,000 | $1,100 | $1,440 | $1,760 | $2,380 |
| 48177 | Monroe, MI | $1,090 | $1,200 | $1,570 | $1,920 | $2,590 |
| 48179 | Monroe, MI | $1,160 | $1,270 | $1,660 | $2,030 | $2,740 |
| 48182 | Monroe, MI | $1,090 | $1,200 | $1,570 | $1,920 | $2,590 |
| 49267 | Lenawee County, MI | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,540 | $1,970 |
| 49267 | Monroe, MI | $860 | $950 | $1,240 | $1,540 | $1,970 |
| 49270 | Monroe, MI | $880 | $960 | $1,260 | $1,540 | $2,080 |
- 48117 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,330$1,630
- 48117 · Monroe, MI $1,330$1,630
- 48131 · Monroe, MI $1,460$1,790
- 48133 · Monroe, MI $1,200$1,450
- 48140 · Monroe, MI $1,330$1,620
- 48144 · Monroe, MI $1,350$1,650
- 48145 · Monroe, MI $1,310$1,600
- 48157 · Monroe, MI $1,200$1,450
- 48159 · Monroe, MI $1,240$1,520
- 48160 · Ann Arbor, MI $1,530$1,850
- 48160 · Lenawee County, MI $1,530$1,850
- 48160 · Monroe, MI $1,530$1,850
- 48161 · Monroe, MI $1,220$1,490
- 48162 · Monroe, MI $1,200$1,450
- 48166 · Monroe, MI $1,440$1,760
- 48177 · Monroe, MI $1,570$1,920
- 48179 · Monroe, MI $1,660$2,030
- 48182 · Monroe, MI $1,570$1,920
- 49267 · Lenawee County, MI $1,240$1,540
- 49267 · Monroe, MI $1,240$1,540
- 49270 · Monroe, MI $1,260$1,540
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 Monroe 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.
11,527 households rent in Monroe County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 27%
- Spend less than 30% 49%
Compared with the state and the country
- Monroe 51%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Monroe County
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Monroe 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
- 5
- public housing
- 5
2,048 homes in all; 1,885 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Woodcraft Square HUD-assisted 800 W 7th St, Monroe 48161 208 low-income homes · For older adults · (734) 242-8780
- Mable H Kehres Tower HUD-assisted 15275 S Dixie Hwy, Monroe 48161 200 low-income homes · For older adults · (734) 241-6222
- Charring Square Tax credit (LIHTC) 6123 Greenwycke Ln, Monroe 48161 200 homes, 199 low-income · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 86 · 3 bd: 58 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Village Pines of Monroe Tax credit (LIHTC) 1600 Park Ct, Monroe 48162 190 homes, 189 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 134 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 2016
- The Landings at Cedar Creek Tax credit (LIHTC) 2135 Daylily Dr, Monroe 48162 150 low-income homes · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 78 · In service since 2002 · For families
- River Park/Greenwood Public housing 20 N Roessler St, Monroe 48162 148 homes, 147 low-income · Run by Monroe Housing Commission · Average payment: $353 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (734) 242-5880
- River Park/Greenwood Public housing 936A Greenwood Ave, Monroe 48162 115 low-income homes · Run by Monroe Housing Commission · Average payment: $363 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (734) 242-5880
- Norman Towers Tax credit (LIHTC) 810 W Elm Ave, Monroe 48162 109 homes, 105 low-income · Studio: 10 · 1 bd: 85 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Lotus Manor Public housing 10887 Ellen St, Luna Pier 48157 103 homes, 101 low-income · Run by Luna Pier Housing Commission · Average payment: $375 a month · Average wait: 24 months · (734) 848-2355
- Ivor J Lindsay Senior Housing Public housing 8745 Lewis Ave, Temperance 48182 97 low-income homes · Run by Bedford Township Housing Commission · Average payment: $429 a month · Average wait: 27 months · (734) 847-3950
- Luther Haus Tax credit (LIHTC) 800 Smith Rd, Temperance 48182 91 homes, 90 low-income · 1 bd: 79 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 1996
- Rawson Place Public housing 501 Rawson St, Dundee 48131 75 low-income homes · Run by Dundee Housing Commission · Average payment: $443 a month · Average wait: 26 months · (734) 529-2828
- Creekside Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 1236 S Monroe St, Monroe 48161 77 homes, 58 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 45 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- Village Pines of Monroe HUD-assisted 1604 Princess Ct, Monroe 48162 190 homes, 57 low-income · For families · (734) 243-5570
- Carleton Co-Op Apartments HUD-assisted 188 Center St, Carleton 48117 47 homes, 46 low-income · For older adults · (734) 654-0150
- Mccalla Greene Tax credit (LIHTC) 409 Canfield St, Milan 48160 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 2011 · For families
- Elm House HUD-assisted 852 W Elm Ave, Monroe 48162 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (734) 242-2177
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 Monroe County
The Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) pays part of your rent on a home you choose. Your public housing agency runs it. 4 agencies serve in Monroe 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 | $20,000 | $33,350 | $53,350 |
| 2 people | $22,850 | $38,100 | $60,950 |
| 3 people | $27,320 | $42,850 | $68,550 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $47,600 | $76,150 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $51,450 | $82,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $55,250 | $88,350 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $59,050 | $94,450 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $62,850 | $100,550 |
Area median income: $95,200. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Monroe, MI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $817 – $999
- 1 bedroom $897 – $1,097
- 2 bedrooms $1,174 – $1,434
- 3 bedrooms $1,436 – $1,755
- 4 bedrooms $1,938 – $2,368
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
- Monroe Housing Commission Public housing · 262 public housing units (734) 242-5880 Monroe Housing Commission: jmartin@monroehousing.org
- Luna Pier Housing Commission Public housing · 101 public housing units (734) 848-2355 Luna Pier Housing Commission: jennjacobs@lunapierhousing.org
- Bedford Township Housing Commission Public housing · 97 public housing units (734) 847-3950 Bedford Township Housing Commission: kruppel@ivorjlindsay.org
- Dundee Housing Commission Public housing · 75 public housing units (734) 529-2828 Dundee Housing Commission: dundeehousingcommisson@yahoo.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 Monroe County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in Monroe County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Monroe County Opportunity Program
1140 S Telegraph Rd, Monroe
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 5 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Monroe 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
$2,608
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,304
- Security deposit
- $1,304
- Total
- $2,608
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 Monroe County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $908; 1 bedroom: $997; 2 bedrooms: $1,304; 3 bedrooms: $1,595; 4 bedrooms: $2,153. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Monroe County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,304) without spending more than 30% of income takes $25.08 an hour full time, or $52,160 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Monroe County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $47,600 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 Monroe 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 $1,174 and $1,434 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Monroe County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,200 in 48133 to $1,660 in 48179. 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 Monroe County?
HUD lists 17 properties with homes for low-income households in Monroe 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 Monroe County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Monroe County, 51% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).