Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Muskegon County, Michigan
Muskegon County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,285 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,028 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $24.71 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,285
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 6% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $1,028
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 9% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $24.71
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $51,400 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 53%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 4% more than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Muskegon County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
Nearby, in Oceana County, the typical rent is $759: 26% less than in Muskegon County ($1,028).
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 Muskegon 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 Muskegon County was $1,288 a month in September 2026: 5.1% 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 | $937 | $18.02 | $37,480 |
| 1 bedroom | $982 | $18.88 | $39,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,285 | $24.71 | $51,400 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,534 | $29.50 | $61,360 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,689 | $32.48 | $67,560 |
HUD area: Muskegon-Norton Shores, 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 25 ZIP codes in Muskegon County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 49425 to $1,490 in 49445. 16 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,285).
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)
| 49303 | Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,980 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49303 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,980 |
| 49303 | Newaygo County, MI | $1,110 | $1,160 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $1,980 |
| 49318 | Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,460 | $1,790 | $2,040 |
| 49318 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,460 | $1,790 | $2,040 |
| 49318 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,460 | $1,790 | $2,040 |
| 49415 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,060 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49415 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $1,060 | $1,200 | $1,450 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49425 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $780 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,480 |
| 49425 | Newaygo County, MI | $780 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,480 |
| 49425 | Oceana County, MI | $780 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,480 |
| 49437 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $780 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,480 |
| 49437 | Oceana County, MI | $780 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,480 |
| 49440 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $780 | $850 | $1,120 | $1,350 | $1,480 |
| 49441 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $1,010 | $1,060 | $1,390 | $1,660 | $1,830 |
| 49442 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $870 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,430 | $1,580 |
| 49443 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $930 | $980 | $1,280 | $1,530 | $1,690 |
| 49444 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $950 | $990 | $1,300 | $1,550 | $1,710 |
| 49445 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $1,090 | $1,140 | $1,490 | $1,780 | $1,960 |
| 49451 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49451 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49451 | Newaygo County, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49457 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $1,030 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,680 | $1,850 |
| 49457 | Newaygo County, MI | $1,030 | $1,080 | $1,410 | $1,680 | $1,850 |
| 49461 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $870 | $920 | $1,200 | $1,430 | $1,580 |
- 49303 · Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49303 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49303 · Newaygo County, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49318 · Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI $1,460$1,790
- 49318 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,460$1,790
- 49318 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,460$1,790
- 49415 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,450$1,740
- 49415 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,450$1,740
- 49425 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,120$1,350
- 49425 · Newaygo County, MI $1,120$1,350
- 49425 · Oceana County, MI $1,120$1,350
- 49437 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,120$1,350
- 49437 · Oceana County, MI $1,120$1,350
- 49440 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,120$1,350
- 49441 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,390$1,660
- 49442 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,200$1,430
- 49443 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,280$1,530
- 49444 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,300$1,550
- 49445 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,490$1,780
- 49451 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49451 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49451 · Newaygo County, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49457 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,410$1,680
- 49457 · Newaygo County, MI $1,410$1,680
- 49461 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,200$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 Muskegon County, 53% 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.
53%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
14,861 households rent in Muskegon County
- Spend half or more of their income 30%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 23%
- Spend less than 30% 47%
Compared with the state and the country
- Muskegon 53%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Muskegon County
HUD lists 39 properties with homes for low-income households in Muskegon 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)
- 22
- HUD-assisted
- 16
- public housing
- 3
2,844 homes in all; 2,399 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bayview Tower Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 864 Spring St, Muskegon 49442 201 low-income homes · 1 bd: 180 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2013 · For older adults · (231) 726-6984
- East Park Manor Public housing 563 Howell Ave, Muskegon Heights 49444 200 low-income homes · Run by Muskegon Heights Housing Commission · Average payment: $317 a month · Average wait: 3 months · (231) 733-2033
- Hickory Village Apartments HUD-assisted 1890 Carriage Rd, Muskegon 49442 180 low-income homes · For older adults · (231) 773-2811
- Columbia Court Public housing 65 E Columbia Ave, Muskegon Heights 49444 141 homes, 140 low-income · Run by Muskegon Heights Housing Commission · Average payment: $293 a month · Average wait: 2 months · (231) 733-2033
- Quail Meadows Tax credit (LIHTC) 725 Meadow Ln, Muskegon 49442 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 2 · 2 bd: 82 · 3 bd: 36 · In service since 2010 · For families
- Quail Meadows Apartments HUD-assisted 700 S Sheridan Dr, Muskegon 49442 120 low-income homes · For families · (231) 777-3013
- Wells Villa Tax credit (LIHTC) 2800 Woodcliffe Dr, Muskegon Heights 49444 104 homes, 103 low-income · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 45 · 3 bd: 31 · 4 bd: 8 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Nelson Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 350 Houston Ave, Muskegon 49441 101 homes, 100 low-income · 1 bd: 90 · 2 bd: 11 · In service since 1998
- Park Woods Apts HUD-assisted 924 Shonat St, Muskegon 49442 100 low-income homes · For older adults · (231) 773-3234
- Royale Glen Townhomes Tax credit (LIHTC) 1086 Royale Glen Dr, Muskegon 49441 80 low-income homes · 2 bd: 40 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 1994
- Barclay Senior Village HUD-assisted 1931 Barclay St, Muskegon 49441 70 low-income homes · For older adults · (231) 755-2803
- Berkshire Muskegon Senior Housing Tax credit (LIHTC) 275 W Clay Ave, Muskegon 49440 84 homes, 68 low-income · 1 bd: 58 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2018 · For older adults
- Blue Lakes Residences, LP HUD-assisted 7190 Progress Rd, Twin Lake 49457 70 homes, 68 low-income · For families · (231) 893-1164
- Park Terrace (MUSKEGON) Tax credit (LIHTC) 2180 Vandinther Dr, Muskegon 49441 151 homes, 64 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 103 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Carriage House HUD-assisted 1891 Carriage Rd, Muskegon 49442 124 homes, 59 low-income · For families · (231) 773-2811
- Roosevelt Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) 525 W Summit Ave, Muskegon Heights 49444 52 low-income homes · 1 bd: 26 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2017
- Village at Park Terrace Tax credit (LIHTC) 1350 W Hackley Ave, Muskegon 49441 122 homes, 51 low-income · 1 bd: 74 · 2 bd: 48 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- M A Houston Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 3020 Peck St, Muskegon Heights 49444 51 low-income homes · 1 bd: 41 · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 1999
- West Shore Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 1201 E Colby St, Whitehall 49461 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 12 · In service since 2005 · For families
- Whitehall Apts II Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1123 E Colby St, Whitehall 49461 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 28 · 2 bd: 16 · 3 bd: 4 · In service since 1998 · For families · (231) 894-8236
- Woodside Haven HUD-assisted 347 Shonat St, Muskegon 49442 46 homes, 45 low-income · For older adults · (231) 767-8029
- Christian Manor HUD-assisted 1480 McLaughlin Ave, Muskegon 49442 42 low-income homes · For older adults · (231) 777-3788
- Senior Housing Association of White Lake HUD-assisted 225 Hall St, Whitehall 49461 40 low-income homes · For older adults · (231) 894-9464
- The Village at Jackson Hill Tax credit (LIHTC) 685 Sumner Ave, Muskegon 49442 40 low-income homes · 1 bd: 14 · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Cogic Village - Muskegon Tax credit (LIHTC) 756 Emerald St, Muskegon 49442 36 low-income homes · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 12 · In service since 2000
- Harbour Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) 8673 Ferry St, Montague 49437 34 low-income homes · 1 bd: 20 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2002 · For families
- Creekside Apts (RAVENNA) Tax credit (LIHTC) 3804 S Ravenna Rd, Ravenna 49451 31 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 1999
- Trinity Village I Tax credit (LIHTC) 2224 Valley St, Norton Shores 49444 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1993
- Trinity Village II Tax credit (LIHTC) 2250 Valley St, Norton Shores 49444 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 6 · 2 bd: 18 · 3 bd: 6 · In service since 1994
- Art Works Muskegon Tax credit (LIHTC) 1204 8th St, Muskegon 49440 26 low-income homes · 2 bd: 26 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities
- Shawl II HUD-assisted 8363 Cook St, Montague 49437 25 low-income homes · For older adults · (231) 894-9464
- Renaissance Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 552 W Clay Ave, Muskegon 49440 24 homes, 23 low-income · In service since 2008 · For older adults
- Whispering Timbers HUD-assisted 1589 Hoyt St, Muskegon 49442 18 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (616) 301-8000
- Pioneer Arbour HUD-assisted 2300 Barclay St, Muskegon 49441 16 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (231) 220-2328
- Pioneer House-Ucpa HUD-assisted 1390 Brusse Ave, Muskegon 49442 13 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (231) 773-5355
- Ten21 Apartments HUD-assisted 1021 Jefferson St, Muskegon 49440 62 homes, 11 low-income · (989) 400-4267
- Countryside Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 3199 S Slocum Rd, Ravenna 49451 11 low-income homes · 1 bd: 5 · 2 bd: 6 · In service since 2003 · For older adults
- Hartford Terrace Public housing 1317 Terrace St, Muskegon 49442 6 low-income homes · Run by Muskegon Housing Commission · (231) 722-2647
- Reserve at Norton Shores Tax credit (LIHTC) 1438 Capstan Dr, Norton Shores 49444 147 homes
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 Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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: $77,500. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI MSA. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $843 – $1,031
- 1 bedroom $884 – $1,080
- 2 bedrooms $1,157 – $1,414
- 3 bedrooms $1,381 – $1,687
- 4 bedrooms $1,520 – $1,858
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
- Muskegon Heights Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 124 vouchers · 340 public housing units (231) 733-2033 Muskegon Heights Housing Commission: doglesby@muskegonhhc.org
- Muskegon Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 367 vouchers · 6 public housing units (231) 722-2647 Muskegon Housing Commission: gerald.minott@muskegonhousing.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 Muskegon County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Truenorth Community Services
6308 S Warner Ave, Fremont · 24 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 8 more
-
Telamon Corporation - Paw Paw Branch
3501 Sehler St, Conklin · 35 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
-
Community Action House
739 Paw Paw Dr, Holland · 47 miles away · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Muskegon 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
$2,570
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,285
- Security deposit
- $1,285
- Total
- $2,570
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 Muskegon County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $937; 1 bedroom: $982; 2 bedrooms: $1,285; 3 bedrooms: $1,534; 4 bedrooms: $1,689. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Muskegon County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,285) without spending more than 30% of income takes $24.71 an hour full time, or $51,400 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Muskegon 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 Muskegon 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 $1,157 and $1,414 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Muskegon County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,120 in 49425 to $1,490 in 49445. 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 Muskegon County?
HUD lists 39 properties with homes for low-income households in Muskegon 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 Muskegon County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Muskegon County, 53% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).