Renting · Section 8
Data from November 2026
Renting in St. Clair County, Michigan
St. Clair County has a HUD fair market rent of $1,459 a month for 2 bedrooms (Fiscal year 2027). Renter households here pay a typical rent of $1,029 a month (Average 2020–2024). Paying the fair market rent without going over 30% of income takes $28.06 an hour, full time.
Four numbers to start with
- Fair market rent, 2 bedrooms
- $1,459
- a month, HUD, Fiscal year 2027
- 7% more than in Michigan
- Typical rent
- $1,029
- a month, Census, Average 2020–2024
- 9% less than in Michigan
- Wage needed
- $28.06
- an hour, 2 bedrooms
- Or $58,360 a year, to spend no more than 30% of income on rent.
- Rent-burdened households
- 55%
- spend 30% or more of income on rent
- 10% more than in Michigan
Only here
Renting in St. Clair County: what sets it apart
What this place has that others do not, from public data, most unusual first.
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St. Clair County has the 5th largest share of rent-burdened renters of the 83 counties in Michigan (55%).
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Nearby, in Sanilac County, the typical rent is $807: 22% less than in St. Clair County ($1,029).
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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair County was $1,082 a month in September 2026: 4.9% 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 | $1,047 | $20.13 | $41,880 |
| 1 bedroom | $1,167 | $22.44 | $46,680 |
| 2 bedrooms | $1,459 | $28.06 | $58,360 |
| 3 bedrooms | $1,777 | $34.17 | $71,080 |
| 4 bedrooms | $1,929 | $37.10 | $77,160 |
HUD area: Detroit-Warren-Livonia, 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 23 ZIP codes in St. Clair County (Fiscal year 2027). Type yours to see it.
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 48014 to $1,520 in 48023. 2 ZIP codes are above the county's fair market rent ($1,459).
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)
| 48001 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $850 | $950 | $1,190 | $1,450 | $1,570 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 48002 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $940 | $1,040 | $1,300 | $1,600 | $1,720 |
| 48006 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $980 | $1,100 | $1,370 | $1,670 | $1,810 |
| 48014 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $730 | $820 | $1,020 | $1,240 | $1,350 |
| 48022 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $850 | $940 | $1,180 | $1,440 | $1,560 |
| 48023 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $1,090 | $1,220 | $1,520 | $1,850 | $2,010 |
| 48027 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $730 | $810 | $1,030 | $1,280 | $1,380 |
| 48028 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $850 | $950 | $1,190 | $1,450 | $1,570 |
| 48032 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $830 | $920 | $1,160 | $1,420 | $1,530 |
| 48032 | Sanilac County, MI | $830 | $920 | $1,160 | $1,420 | $1,530 |
| 48039 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $800 | $900 | $1,120 | $1,360 | $1,480 |
| 48040 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $860 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,460 | $1,590 |
| 48041 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $790 | $880 | $1,100 | $1,340 | $1,450 |
| 48049 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $950 | $1,060 | $1,320 | $1,610 | $1,740 |
| 48054 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $1,000 | $1,120 | $1,400 | $1,700 | $1,850 |
| 48059 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $860 | $960 | $1,200 | $1,460 | $1,590 |
| 48060 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $880 | $980 | $1,230 | $1,500 | $1,630 |
| 48063 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $1,060 | $1,180 | $1,480 | $1,800 | $1,960 |
| 48064 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $730 | $820 | $1,020 | $1,240 | $1,350 |
| 48074 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $1,010 | $1,130 | $1,410 | $1,720 | $1,860 |
| 48079 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $1,010 | $1,130 | $1,410 | $1,720 | $1,860 |
| 48097 | Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI | $750 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
| 48097 | Sanilac County, MI | $750 | $830 | $1,050 | $1,280 | $1,390 |
- 48001 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,190$1,450
- 48002 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,300$1,600
- 48006 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,370$1,670
- 48014 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,020$1,240
- 48022 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,180$1,440
- 48023 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,520$1,850
- 48027 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,030$1,280
- 48028 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,190$1,450
- 48032 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,160$1,420
- 48032 · Sanilac County, MI $1,160$1,420
- 48039 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,120$1,360
- 48040 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,200$1,460
- 48041 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,100$1,340
- 48049 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,320$1,610
- 48054 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,400$1,700
- 48059 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,200$1,460
- 48060 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,230$1,500
- 48063 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,480$1,800
- 48064 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,020$1,240
- 48074 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,410$1,720
- 48079 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,410$1,720
- 48097 · Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI $1,050$1,280
- 48097 · Sanilac County, MI $1,050$1,280
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 St. Clair County, 55% 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.
55%
of renter households spend 30% or more of their income on rent.
13,034 households rent in St. Clair County
- Spend half or more of their income 25%
- Spend 30% or more, but less than half 30%
- Spend less than 30% 45%
Compared with the state and the country
- St. Clair 55%
- Michigan 50%
- United States 51%
Low-income apartments
Low-income apartments in St. Clair County
HUD lists 31 properties with homes for low-income households in St. Clair 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)
- 13
- HUD-assisted
- 13
- public housing
- 7
2,130 homes in all; 1,982 of them low-income, according to HUD.
- North Port HUD-assisted 2629 Krafft Rd, Port Huron 48060 250 low-income homes · For older adults · (810) 987-1606
- Desmond-Peru Villag Public housing 705 Pine St, Port Huron 48060 206 homes, 205 low-income · Run by Port Huron Housing Commission · Average payment: $384 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (810) 984-3173
- Vicksburg Halls Public housing 1100 New York Ave, Marysville 48040 132 low-income homes · Run by Marysville Housing Commission · Average payment: $453 a month · Average wait: 4 months · (810) 364-4020
- Dorchester Court Tax credit (LIHTC) 2436 Dorchester, Port Huron 48060 131 low-income homes · 1 bd: 49 · 2 bd: 66 · 3 bd: 16 · In service since 2003 · For people with disabilities, families
- Village Manor Apartments Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 3145 Electric Ave, Port Huron 48060 123 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 86 · 3 bd: 25 · In service since 2015 · For families · (810) 985-9584
- Brookstone Place I Tax credit (LIHTC) 3993 Sterling Dr, Port Huron 48060 120 low-income homes · 1 bd: 16 · 2 bd: 72 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1999
- Gratiot-Huron Villages Public housing 3029 26th St, Port Huron 48060 118 low-income homes · Run by Port Huron Housing Commission · Average payment: $387 a month · Average wait: 13 months · (810) 984-3173
- Grandview Tower Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) · HUD-assisted 1016 7th St, Port Huron 48060 111 low-income homes · 1 bd: 111 · In service since 2011 · For older adults · (810) 989-6190
- Pineview Estates Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 2900 Golden Crest Ct, Port Huron 48060 100 homes, 99 low-income · 2 bd: 68 · 3 bd: 32 · In service since 1999
- Dulhut Village Public housing 2902 22nd St, Port Huron 48060 90 low-income homes · Run by Port Huron Housing Commission · Average payment: $419 a month · Average wait: 14 months · (810) 984-3173
- ST Clair Landings Tax credit (LIHTC) 3345 Military St, Port Huron 48060 89 low-income homes · 1 bd: 56 · 2 bd: 33 · In service since 1999
- Rolling Brook Apts (ALGONAC) Tax credit (LIHTC) 1500 Fruit St, Clay 48001 74 low-income homes · 1 bd: 74 · In service since 2011 · For older adults
- Algonquin Place Public housing 1205 Saint Clair River Dr, Algonac 48001 70 low-income homes · Run by Algonac Housing Commission · Average payment: $422 a month · Average wait: 11 months · (810) 794-9369
- Palmer Park Manor Public housing 400 S 3rd St, St Clair 48079 62 low-income homes · Run by Saint Clair Housing Commission · Average payment: $376 a month · Average wait: 6 months · (810) 329-9141
- The Village of Lake Huron Woods Tax credit (LIHTC) 5221 Lakeshore Rd, Fort Gratiot 48059 116 homes, 50 low-income · 1 bd: 58 · 2 bd: 58 · In service since 2004 · For older adults
- Bree Manor Tax credit (LIHTC) 500 Bree Rd, East China 48054 48 low-income homes · 1 bd: 48 · In service since 1994
- Mariner Cove Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6550 King Rd, Marine City 48039 32 low-income homes · 1 bd: 12 · 2 bd: 20 · In service since 1993
- Springhill III HUD-assisted 654 Georgia Ave, Marysville 48040 32 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (248) 928-0111
- Landmark Group Homes HUD-assisted 471 Maple St, Algonac 48001 24 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (810) 388-1200
- Mariner Cove Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 6550 King Rd, Marine City 48039 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 22 · 2 bd: 2 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Matteson Street Senior Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 130 S Matteson St, Capac 48014 24 low-income homes · 1 bd: 24 · In service since 1993 · For older adults
- Homefront Group Homes HUD-assisted 2115 Hancock St, Port Huron 48060 24 homes, 12 low-income · For people with disabilities · (810) 385-4463
- Chippewa Court Apartments HUD-assisted 2876 Henry St, Port Huron 48060 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (810) 956-5132
- Continental Court HUD-assisted 3540 Parkway Dr, Port Huron 48060 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (810) 385-4463
- Johnstone Apartments HUD-assisted 802 Johnstone St, Port Huron 48060 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (810) 385-4463
- Mariners Court Apartments HUD-assisted 2620 E Rick Dr, Port Huron 48060 12 homes, 11 low-income · For people with disabilities · (810) 385-4463
- Independence Square Apartments HUD-assisted 2727 10th Ave, Port Huron 48060 8 low-income homes · For people with disabilities · (810) 385-4463
- Lake Huron Woods Phase 2 Apartments Public housing 3000 Leona Ave, Fort Gratiot 48059 45 homes, 5 low-income · Run by Port Huron Housing Commission · (810) 984-3173
- Independence Square Apt II HUD-assisted 2727 10th Ave, Port Huron 48060 6 homes, 5 low-income · For people with disabilities · (810) 385-4463
- Yale Apts Tax credit (LIHTC) 375 North St, Yale 48097 23 homes
- 18th Avenue Group Home HUD-assisted 2700 18th Ave, Port Huron 48060
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 St. Clair 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 St. Clair County. 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 | $22,050 | $36,700 | $58,700 |
| 2 people | $25,200 | $41,950 | $67,100 |
| 3 people | $28,350 | $47,200 | $75,500 |
| 4 people | $33,000 | $52,400 | $83,850 |
| 5 people | $38,680 | $56,600 | $90,600 |
| 6 people | $44,360 | $60,800 | $97,300 |
| 7 people | $50,040 | $65,000 | $104,000 |
| 8 people | $55,720 | $69,200 | $110,700 |
Area median income: $104,800. HUD income limits by family size, Fiscal year 2026. Area: Detroit-Warren-Livonia, MI HUD Metro FMR Area. Source: HUD, Fiscal year 2026
Possible payment standard
- Studio $942 – $1,152
- 1 bedroom $1,050 – $1,284
- 2 bedrooms $1,313 – $1,605
- 3 bedrooms $1,599 – $1,955
- 4 bedrooms $1,736 – $2,122
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
- Port Huron Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 666 vouchers · 458 public housing units (810) 984-3173 Port Huron Housing Commission: jdewey@phhousing.org
- Marysville Housing Commission Public housing · 132 public housing units (810) 364-4020 Marysville Housing Commission: jdewey@phhousing.org
- Algonac Housing Commission Public housing · 70 public housing units (810) 794-9369 Algonac Housing Commission: jdewey@phhousing.org
- Saint Clair Housing Commission Public housing and Section 8 vouchers · 62 public housing units (810) 329-9141 Saint Clair Housing Commission: jdewey@phhousing.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 St. Clair County
This HUD-approved agency has an office in St. Clair County. They counsel for free or at low cost.
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Blue Water Community Action Agency
3403 Lapeer Rd, Port Huron
- Mortgage delinquency and default
- Budget and credit workshops
- and 2 more
Tool
How much cash do you need to move in?
It starts with the 2-bedroom fair market rent in St. Clair 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
$2,918
What you need before you get the keys.
What adds up
- First month
- $1,459
- Security deposit
- $1,459
- Total
- $2,918
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 St. Clair County?
According to HUD (Fiscal year 2027): Studio: $1,047; 1 bedroom: $1,167; 2 bedrooms: $1,459; 3 bedrooms: $1,777; 4 bedrooms: $1,929. It covers rent plus basic utilities, except the phone.
How much do you need to earn to rent in St. Clair County?
Paying the 2-bedroom fair market rent ($1,459) without spending more than 30% of income takes $28.06 an hour full time, or $58,360 a year.
Who qualifies for Section 8 in St. Clair County?
Generally, families with very low income: no more than 50% of the area median income. For 4 people, HUD's limit here is $52,400 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 St. Clair 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 $1,313 and $1,605 a month. Your agency publishes its figure.
Does the fair market rent change by ZIP code in St. Clair County?
For 2 bedrooms they run from $1,020 in 48014 to $1,520 in 48023. 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 St. Clair County?
HUD lists 31 properties with homes for low-income households in St. Clair 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 St. Clair County?
HUD counts rent as a burden when it reaches 30% of income or more. In St. Clair County, 55% of renter households are in that position; in Michigan, 50%, and nationwide, 51% (Average 2020–2024, Census).