Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Ottawa County, Michigan
Ottawa County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,546 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,211 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $29.73 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,546
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 14% more than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $1,211
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 7% more than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $29.73
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $61,840 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 49%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 2% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Ottawa County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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Among the neighboring counties, Oceana County has the lowest typical rent ($759), 37% below the $1,211 in Ottawa County.
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Ottawa County has the 4th highest typical household income of the 83 counties in Michigan ($90,502).
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Ottawa County has the 7th highest typical rent of the 83 counties in Michigan ($1,211).
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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa County was $1,713 a month in September 2026: 3.3% 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 | $1,077 | $20.71 | $43,080 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,357 | $26.10 | $54,280 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,546 | $29.73 | $61,840 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,947 | $37.44 | $77,880 |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,306 | $44.35 | $92,240 |
HUD area: Holland-Grand Haven, 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 26 ZIP codes in Ottawa County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,370 in 49404 to $1,700 in 49401. 10 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,546).
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)
| 49401 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,180 | $1,490 | $1,700 | $2,140 | $2,540 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49403 | Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $2,040 |
| 49403 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $2,040 |
| 49403 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $2,040 |
| 49404 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49404 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49409 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,110 | $1,380 | $1,590 | $1,990 | $2,350 |
| 49417 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,030 | $1,300 | $1,480 | $1,860 | $2,210 |
| 49424 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,070 | $1,340 | $1,530 | $1,930 | $2,280 |
| 49426 | Allegan County, MI | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,660 | $2,090 | $2,480 |
| 49426 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,660 | $2,090 | $2,480 |
| 49428 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,130 | $1,420 | $1,620 | $2,040 | $2,420 |
| 49430 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49434 | Allegan County, MI | $1,090 | $1,310 | $1,530 | $1,920 | $2,270 |
| 49434 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,090 | $1,310 | $1,530 | $1,920 | $2,270 |
| 49435 | Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $2,040 |
| 49435 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,110 | $1,200 | $1,380 | $1,790 | $2,040 |
| 49448 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49448 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49456 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,110 | $1,380 | $1,590 | $1,990 | $2,350 |
| 49456 | Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI | $1,110 | $1,380 | $1,590 | $1,990 | $2,350 |
| 49460 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,160 | $1,460 | $1,660 | $2,090 | $2,480 |
| 49464 | Allegan County, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49464 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $950 | $1,200 | $1,370 | $1,740 | $2,040 |
| 49534 | Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,600 | $2,070 | $2,380 |
| 49534 | Holland-Grand Haven, MI | $1,240 | $1,360 | $1,600 | $2,070 | $2,380 |
- 49401 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,700$2,140
- 49403 · Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49403 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49403 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49404 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49404 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49409 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,590$1,990
- 49417 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,480$1,860
- 49424 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,530$1,930
- 49426 · Allegan County, MI $1,660$2,090
- 49426 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,660$2,090
- 49428 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,620$2,040
- 49430 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49434 · Allegan County, MI $1,530$1,920
- 49434 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,530$1,920
- 49435 · Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49435 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,380$1,790
- 49448 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49448 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49456 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,590$1,990
- 49456 · Muskegon-Norton Shores, MI $1,590$1,990
- 49460 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,660$2,090
- 49464 · Allegan County, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49464 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,370$1,740
- 49534 · Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI $1,600$2,070
- 49534 · Holland-Grand Haven, MI $1,600$2,070
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 Ottawa County, 49% 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.
49%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
23,074 households rent in Ottawa County
- Spend half or more of their income 24%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 25%
- Spend less than 30% 51%
Compared with the state and the country
- Ottawa 49%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Ottawa County
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Ottawa County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 19
- HUD-assisted
- 9
1,865 homes in all; 1,582 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- Bay Pointe Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 791 E 16th St, Holland 49423 156 low-income homes · 1 bd: 65 · 2 bd: 91 · In service since 2008 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness · (616) 396-2400
- Falcon Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 12049 Falcon Ln, Holland 49424 144 low-income homes · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 40 · In service since 2015 · For older adults, people with disabilities, families, people experiencing homelessness
- Cascade Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 13646 Cascade Dr, Holland 49424 128 low-income homes · 2 bd: 76 · 3 bd: 52 · In service since 2000
- Greenbriar Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 121 S Waverly Rd, Holland 49423 126 low-income homes · 1 bd: 72 · 2 bd: 36 · 3 bd: 18 · In service since 2010 · For older adults, families · (616) 392-1784
- Pinewood Place/Pinewood Apartments HUD-assisted 1500 S Ferry St, Grand Haven 49417 124 low-income homes · For families
- Traditions of Holland Tax credit (LIHTC) 13828 N Traditions Way, Holland 49424 120 homes, 119 low-income · 1 bd: 23 · 2 bd: 33 · 3 bd: 64 · In service since 1996
- Wildwood Creek Manor HUD-assisted 431 Diekema Ave, Holland 49423 76 homes, 75 low-income · For older adults · (616) 396-8185
- Waverly Meadows I Tax credit (LIHTC) 755 E 16th St, Holland 49423 70 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 21 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Evergreen Village HUD-assisted 217 Dewitt Ln, Spring Lake 49456 60 homes, 59 low-income · For older adults · (616) 842-3820
- Stonebridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 11265 Washington Ave, Allendale 49401 52 homes, 51 low-income · 1 bd: 13 · 2 bd: 39 · In service since 2005 · For older adults
- The Depot Tax credit (LIHTC) 301 Ottawa St, Coopersville 49404 51 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 36 · 2 bd: 15 · In service since 2000
- Riverbend HUD-assisted 7664 Riverbend Dr, Jenison 49428 46 low-income homes · For older adults · (616) 457-1920
- Haven Huis HUD-assisted 100 Madison Ct, Zeeland 49464 46 homes, 45 low-income · For older adults · (616) 772-9562
- Ottawa County Supportive Housing Project Tax credit (LIHTC) 309 N Despelder St, Grand Haven 49417 45 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 19 · 3 bd: 10 · In service since 2008 · For families
- Setter's Pointe II Tax credit (LIHTC) 514 Setters Run, Coopersville 49404 48 homes, 43 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · 3 bd: 24 · In service since 2005 · For people with disabilities, families
- Setters Pointe Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 109 West St, Coopersville 49404 48 homes, 42 low-income · 2 bd: 25 · 3 bd: 23 · In service since 2002
- Village at Appledorn II, the Tax credit (LIHTC) 420 Ida Red Pkwy, Holland 49423 93 homes, 41 low-income · 1 bd: 25 · 2 bd: 68 · In service since 2014 · For older adults
- The Villages at the Pines Tax credit (LIHTC) 1450 S Ferry St, Grand Haven 49417 88 homes, 40 low-income · 1 bd: 42 · 2 bd: 46 · In service since 2012 · For older adults
- River Village HUD-assisted 162 River St, Coopersville 49404 44 homes, 40 low-income · For older adults · (616) 837-9354
- Lloyds Bayou Tax credit (LIHTC) 17046 Lloyds Bayou Dr, Spring Lake 49456 112 homes, 33 low-income · 1 bd: 84 · 2 bd: 28 · In service since 1996
- Mcintosh Manor HUD-assisted 777 Butternut Dr, Holland 49424 32 low-income homes · For older adults · (616) 399-7224
- Midtown Village Tax credit (LIHTC) 372 S River Ave, Holland 49423 30 low-income homes · 1 bd: 3 · 2 bd: 27 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Mill Point Place Tax credit (LIHTC) 400 Liberty St, Spring Lake 49456 24 homes, 19 low-income · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 2017 · For older adults
- Waverly Meadows II Tax credit (LIHTC) 755 E 16th St, Holland 49423 48 homes, 14 low-income · 1 bd: 32 · 2 bd: 16 · In service since 2010 · For older adults
- Lloyds Bayou II Tax credit (LIHTC) 17041 Lloyds Bayou Dr, Spring Lake 49456 10 low-income homes · 2 bd: 10 · In service since 2001
- Village at Appledorn, the Tax credit (LIHTC) 630 Hastings Ave, Holland 49423 44 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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa 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 | $23,900 | $39,800 | $63,700 |
| 2 people | $27,300 | $45,500 | $72,800 |
| 3 people | $30,700 | $51,200 | $81,900 |
| 4 people | $34,100 | $56,850 | $90,950 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $61,400 | $98,250 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $65,950 | $105,550 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $70,500 | $112,800 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $75,050 | $120,100 |
Area median income: $113,700. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Holland-Grand Haven, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $969 – $1,185
- 1 bedroom $1,221 – $1,493
- 2 bedrooms $1,391 – $1,701
- 3 bedrooms $1,752 – $2,142
- 4 bedrooms $2,075 – $2,537
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 Ottawa 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 Ottawa County
These HUD-approved agencies have offices in Ottawa County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Community Action House
739 Paw Paw Dr, Holland · Spanish
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 6 more
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Telamon Corporation - Paw Paw Branch
3501 Sehler St, Conklin
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and financial counseling
- and 7 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Ottawa 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
$3,092
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,546
- Security deposit
- $1,546
- Total
- $3,092
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 Ottawa County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,077; 1 bedroom: $1,357; 2 bedrooms: $1,546; 3 bedrooms: $1,947; 4 bedrooms: $2,306. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Ottawa County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,546) without spending more than 30% of income takes $29.73 an hour full time, or $61,840 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Ottawa County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $56,850 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 Ottawa 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 $1,391 and $1,701 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Ottawa County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,370 in 49404 to $1,700 in 49401. 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 Ottawa County?
HUD lists 26 properties with homes for low-income households in Ottawa 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 Ottawa County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Ottawa County, 49% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).