Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Montcalm County, Michigan
Montcalm County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,181 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $869 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $22.71 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,181
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 13% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $869
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 23% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $22.71
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $47,240 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 44%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 12% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Montcalm County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
14% of households in Montcalm County have no internet at home, against 7% in Michigan.
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 Montcalm 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 Montcalm County was $1,392 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 | $822 | $15.81 | $32,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,001 | $19.25 | $40,040 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,181 | $22.71 | $47,240 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,450 | $27.88 | $58,000 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,560 | $30.00 | $62,400 |
HUD area: Montcalm 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 31 ZIP codes in Montcalm County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 48811 to $1,640 in 48885. 19 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,181).
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)
| 48811 | Gratiot County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48811 | Montcalm County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48818 | Gratiot County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48818 | Montcalm County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48829 | Isabella County, MI | $790 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48829 | Mecosta County, MI | $790 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48829 | Montcalm County, MI | $790 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48834 | Ionia County, MI | $880 | $1,030 | $1,260 | $1,570 | $1,780 |
| 48834 | Montcalm County, MI | $880 | $1,030 | $1,260 | $1,570 | $1,780 |
| 48838 | Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,980 |
| 48838 | Ionia County, MI | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,980 |
| 48838 | Montcalm County, MI | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,980 |
| 48850 | Mecosta County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48850 | Montcalm County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48852 | Montcalm County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 48884 | Montcalm County, MI | $840 | $1,030 | $1,210 | $1,490 | $1,600 |
| 48885 | Montcalm County, MI | $1,140 | $1,390 | $1,640 | $2,010 | $2,170 |
| 48886 | Mecosta County, MI | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,490 | $1,830 | $1,970 |
| 48886 | Montcalm County, MI | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,490 | $1,830 | $1,970 |
| 48888 | Montcalm County, MI | $870 | $1,060 | $1,250 | $1,530 | $1,650 |
| 48891 | Gratiot County, MI | $830 | $1,010 | $1,190 | $1,460 | $1,570 |
| 48891 | Isabella County, MI | $830 | $1,010 | $1,190 | $1,460 | $1,570 |
| 48891 | Montcalm County, MI | $830 | $1,010 | $1,190 | $1,460 | $1,570 |
| 49322 | Montcalm County, MI | $1,040 | $1,260 | $1,490 | $1,830 | $1,970 |
| 49329 | Mecosta County, MI | $850 | $1,020 | $1,220 | $1,520 | $1,620 |
| 49329 | Montcalm County, MI | $850 | $1,020 | $1,220 | $1,520 | $1,620 |
| 49329 | Newaygo County, MI | $850 | $1,020 | $1,220 | $1,520 | $1,620 |
| 49339 | Montcalm County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 49339 | Newaygo County, MI | $750 | $920 | $1,090 | $1,330 | $1,440 |
| 49347 | Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,980 |
| 49347 | Montcalm County, MI | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,980 |
- 48811 · Gratiot County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48811 · Montcalm County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48818 · Gratiot County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48818 · Montcalm County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48829 · Isabella County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48829 · Mecosta County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48829 · Montcalm County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48834 · Ionia County, MI $1,260$1,570
- 48834 · Montcalm County, MI $1,260$1,570
- 48838 · Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI $1,380$1,790
- 48838 · Ionia County, MI $1,380$1,790
- 48838 · Montcalm County, MI $1,380$1,790
- 48850 · Mecosta County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48850 · Montcalm County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48852 · Montcalm County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 48884 · Montcalm County, MI $1,210$1,490
- 48885 · Montcalm County, MI $1,640$2,010
- 48886 · Mecosta County, MI $1,490$1,830
- 48886 · Montcalm County, MI $1,490$1,830
- 48888 · Montcalm County, MI $1,250$1,530
- 48891 · Gratiot County, MI $1,190$1,460
- 48891 · Isabella County, MI $1,190$1,460
- 48891 · Montcalm County, MI $1,190$1,460
- 49322 · Montcalm County, MI $1,490$1,830
- 49329 · Mecosta County, MI $1,220$1,520
- 49329 · Montcalm County, MI $1,220$1,520
- 49329 · Newaygo County, MI $1,220$1,520
- 49339 · Montcalm County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 49339 · Newaygo County, MI $1,090$1,330
- 49347 · Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49347 · Montcalm County, MI $1,380$1,790
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 Montcalm County, 44% 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.
44%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
4,131 households rent in Montcalm County
- Spend half or more of their income 23%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 21%
- Spend less than 30% 56%
Compared with the state and the country
- Montcalm 44%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Montcalm County
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Montcalm County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 18
- HUD-assisted
- 8
816 homes in all; 760 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Edmore Pines Tax credit (LIHTC) 679 W Pine St, Edmore 48829 62 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 46 · In service since 1996
- Friendship Hse E/Chase Ridge HUD-assisted 1210 Chase St, Greenville 48838 61 low-income homes · For older adults · (616) 754-7179
- Friendship House HUD-assisted 308 E Oak St, Greenville 48838 106 homes, 53 low-income · For families
- Rivers Edge HUD-assisted 718 N Hillcrest St, Greenville 48838 48 low-income homes · For families · (616) 754-6169
- Greenbriar Apartments HUD-assisted 1108 Wellington St, Greenville 48838 40 low-income homes · For families · (616) 754-7628
- Hidden Pines HUD-assisted 1115 S Cedar St, Greenville 48838 40 low-income homes · For families · (616) 754-9605
- Hidden Pines (greenville) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1124 S Cedar St, Greenville 48838 40 low-income homes · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2004
- Village Crossings Tax credit (LIHTC) 315 N 1st St, Edmore 48829 40 homes, 38 low-income · 1 bd: 8 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 14 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Scattered Sites HUD-assisted 308 E Oak St, Greenville 48838 35 low-income homes · For families · (616) 754-7179
- Cambridge Court Apts (greenville) Tax credit (LIHTC) 305B S Walnut St, Greenville 48838 32 homes, 31 low-income · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 20 · 3 bd: 2 · In service since 2001
- Pine Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 S Cedar St, Greenville 48838 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 2006 · For older adults
- Mainville Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 650 W Main St, Stanton 48888 26 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2000 · For families · (989) 831-5455
- Sunshine Canyon Tax credit (LIHTC) 636 W Main St, Stanton 48888 26 low-income homes · 2 bd: 8 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2004
- Carson City Senior Tax credit (LIHTC) 510 N 2nd St, Carson City 48811 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Cloverlane Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 208 Cloverlane St, Lakeview 48850 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2002
- Coloney Junction Tax credit (LIHTC) 312 Macomber St, Lakeview 48850 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1995
- Linden Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 320 W Linden St, Carson City 48811 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 1999
- Pine Meadows (EDMORE) Tax credit (LIHTC) 320 S Juniper St, Edmore 48829 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1992
- Sheridan Park Tax credit (LIHTC) 604 E Eisenhower St, Sheridan 48884 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 8 · In service since 1994
- Stanton Park Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 120 W 1st St, Stanton 48888 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 4 · In service since 1992
- Carson Place Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 420 E Grove St, Carson City 48811 22 low-income homes · 2 bd: 6 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For families · (989) 584-3741
- Tamarack Creek Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 710 W Edgerton St, Howard City 49329 20 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · In service since 1994
- Fairway Glen Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 715 Industrial Park Dr, Greenville 48838 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2003 · For families
- Fairway Glen II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 719 Industrial Park Dr, Greenville 48838 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 4 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 2005 · For families
2 properties have two programs at the same address and appear once. Search HUD's map
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 Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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: $80,600. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Montcalm County, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $740 – $904
- 1 bedroom $901 – $1,101
- 2 bedrooms $1,063 – $1,299
- 3 bedrooms $1,305 – $1,595
- 4 bedrooms $1,404 – $1,716
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
- Montcalm County Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 358 vouchers (231) 937-4241 Montcalm County Housing Commission: dwelch@montcamhousing.org
- Greenville Housing Commission Public housing (616) 754-7179 Greenville Housing Commission: lbrookman@greenvillehousing.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 Montcalm 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 · 26 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 3 more
-
Telamon Corporation - Holland Branch
3033 Orchard Vista Dr SE Ste 300, Grand Rapids · 34 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
-
GRAND RAPIDS URBAN LEAGUE DBA Urban League of West Michigan
745 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids · 36 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Homelessness services
- and 1 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Montcalm 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
$2,362
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,181
- Security deposit
- $1,181
- Total
- $2,362
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 Montcalm County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $822; 1 bedroom: $1,001; 2 bedrooms: $1,181; 3 bedrooms: $1,450; 4 bedrooms: $1,560. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Montcalm County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,181) without spending more than 30% of income takes $22.71 an hour full time, or $47,240 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Montcalm 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 Montcalm 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 $1,063 and $1,299 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Montcalm County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,090 in 48811 to $1,640 in 48885. 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 Montcalm County?
HUD lists 24 properties with homes for low-income households in Montcalm 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 Montcalm County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Montcalm County, 44% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).