Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in Sanilac County, Michigan
Sanilac County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,014 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $807 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,014
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 25% less than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $807
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 29% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $19.50
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $40,560 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 45%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 11% less than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in Sanilac County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
-
12% of households in Sanilac 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 Sanilac 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 Sanilac County was $1,403 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 | $723 | $13.90 | $28,920 |
| 1 bedroom | $775 | $14.90 | $31,000 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,014 | $19.50 | $40,560 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,290 | $24.81 | $51,600 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,333 | $25.63 | $53,320 |
HUD area: Sanilac County, MI. 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 24 ZIP codes in Sanilac County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 48426 to $1,170 in 48465. 17 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,014).
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)
| 48401 | Sanilac County, MI | $810 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,450 | $1,500 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48410 | Sanilac County, MI | $790 | $870 | $1,110 | $1,420 | $1,470 |
| 48416 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $760 | $820 | $1,060 | $1,330 | $1,400 |
| 48416 | Sanilac County, MI | $760 | $820 | $1,060 | $1,330 | $1,400 |
| 48419 | Sanilac County, MI | $760 | $810 | $1,060 | $1,350 | $1,390 |
| 48422 | Sanilac County, MI | $770 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,420 |
| 48426 | Sanilac County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 48426 | Tuscola County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 48427 | Sanilac County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 48434 | Sanilac County, MI | $800 | $870 | $1,130 | $1,440 | $1,490 |
| 48450 | Sanilac County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 48453 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $770 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,430 |
| 48453 | Sanilac County, MI | $770 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,430 |
| 48453 | Tuscola County, MI | $770 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,430 |
| 48454 | Sanilac County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 48456 | Huron County, MI | $760 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,360 | $1,400 |
| 48456 | Sanilac County, MI | $760 | $830 | $1,070 | $1,360 | $1,400 |
| 48465 | Sanilac County, MI | $830 | $890 | $1,170 | $1,490 | $1,540 |
| 48466 | Sanilac County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 48469 | Sanilac County, MI | $770 | $830 | $1,080 | $1,370 | $1,420 |
| 48471 | Sanilac County, MI | $720 | $780 | $1,010 | $1,300 | $1,340 |
| 48472 | Sanilac County, MI | $810 | $870 | $1,140 | $1,450 | $1,500 |
| 48475 | Huron County, MI | $760 | $880 | $1,070 | $1,370 | $1,410 |
| 48475 | Sanilac County, MI | $760 | $880 | $1,070 | $1,370 | $1,410 |
- 48401 · Sanilac County, MI $1,140$1,450
- 48410 · Sanilac County, MI $1,110$1,420
- 48416 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,060$1,330
- 48416 · Sanilac County, MI $1,060$1,330
- 48419 · Sanilac County, MI $1,060$1,350
- 48422 · Sanilac County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48426 · Sanilac County, MI $1,010$1,300
- 48426 · Tuscola County, MI $1,010$1,300
- 48427 · Sanilac County, MI $1,010$1,300
- 48434 · Sanilac County, MI $1,130$1,440
- 48450 · Sanilac County, MI $1,010$1,300
- 48453 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48453 · Sanilac County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48453 · Tuscola County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48454 · Sanilac County, MI $1,010$1,300
- 48456 · Huron County, MI $1,070$1,360
- 48456 · Sanilac County, MI $1,070$1,360
- 48465 · Sanilac County, MI $1,170$1,490
- 48466 · Sanilac County, MI $1,010$1,300
- 48469 · Sanilac County, MI $1,080$1,370
- 48471 · Sanilac County, MI $1,010$1,300
- 48472 · Sanilac County, MI $1,140$1,450
- 48475 · Huron County, MI $1,070$1,370
- 48475 · Sanilac County, MI $1,070$1,370
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 Sanilac County, 45% 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.
45%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
3,051 households rent in Sanilac County
- Spend half or more of their income 19%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 26%
- Spend less than 30% 55%
Compared with the state and the country
- Sanilac 45%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in Sanilac County
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Sanilac County: tax-credit apartments (LIHTC) and HUD-assisted buildings. They run from the most low-income homes to the fewest.
- with tax credits (LIHTC)
- 7
- HUD-assisted
- 6
357 homes in all; 295 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- East Side Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 239 Roberts St, Sandusky 48471 51 low-income homes · In service since 2014 · For older adults · (810) 648-4230
- Brookfield II Apts HUD-assisted 201 E Marion St, Sandusky 48471 48 low-income homes · For older adults · (810) 648-4102
- Fairway II Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2865 Wilson St, Marlette 48453 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · 2 bd: 24 · In service since 1997
- Croswell Country Manor HUD-assisted 240 Mills St, Croswell 48422 32 homes, 31 low-income · For older adults · (810) 679-2210
- Autumn Gold Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 4411 Autumn Gold St, Brown City 48416 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 10 · 2 bd: 14 · In service since 2004 · For families
- Croswell Manor HUD-assisted 10 Pack St, Croswell 48422 24 low-income homes · For families · (810) 679-2235
- Meadow Ridge Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6221 Euclid St, Marlette 48453 24 homes, 23 low-income · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1991
- Kilpatrick Apts HUD-assisted 4100 1st St, Brown City 48416 16 low-income homes · For families
- Cedar Trace Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6671 Saint Marys St, Brown City 48416 16 homes, 15 low-income · 1 bd: 16 · In service since 1993
- East Village Apartments HUD-assisted 245 Margaret St, Sandusky 48471 16 homes, 15 low-income · For people with disabilities · (810) 385-4463
- Sunrise Village Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 155 Margaret St, Sandusky 48471 34 homes
- Rivercrest Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 125 W Harrington Rd, Croswell 48422 24 homes
One property has two programs at the same address and appears 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 Sanilac 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 Sanilac 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
-
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: $77,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Sanilac County, MI. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $651 – $795
- 1 bedroom $698 – $853
- 2 bedrooms $913 – $1,115
- 3 bedrooms $1,161 – $1,419
- 4 bedrooms $1,200 – $1,466
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 Sanilac 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 Sanilac County
These are the nearest HUD-approved agencies. They counsel for free or at low cost.
-
Blue Water Community Action Agency
3403 Lapeer Rd, Port Huron · 34 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 2 more
-
Msue- Macomb County (clinton Township)
21885 Dunham Rd., Suite 12, Clinton TWP · 59 miles away
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Mortgage delinquency workshops
- and 3 more
-
Metro Community Development, Inc.
1174 Robert T Longway Blvd, Flint · 60 miles away
- Budget and financial counseling
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 3 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in Sanilac 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
$2,028
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,014
- Security deposit
- $1,014
- Total
- $2,028
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 Sanilac County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $723; 1 bedroom: $775; 2 bedrooms: $1,014; 3 bedrooms: $1,290; 4 bedrooms: $1,333. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in Sanilac County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,014) without spending more than 30% of income takes $19.50 an hour full time, or $40,560 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in Sanilac 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 Sanilac 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 $913 and $1,115 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in Sanilac County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,010 in 48426 to $1,170 in 48465. 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 Sanilac County?
HUD lists 12 properties with homes for low-income households in Sanilac 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 Sanilac County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In Sanilac County, 45% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).