City Report · IN

Muncie

Pop. 64,751·57th most expensive in Indiana·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$985/mo
Year-over-Year
+2.9%
Month-over-Month
+1.2%
vs US Median
-$977
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Muncie · $985
More affordable than 98% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
55/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 3% below what Muncie's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$985/mo
Expected by trend
$1,013/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Muncie's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$735
1 BR
$800
2 BR
$978
3 BR
$1,283
4 BR+
$1,485
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$978/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $985 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.

Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: August 17, 2026

Annual cost
$11,820/yr
At $985/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (2.9% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+2.9% YoY, +1.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Muncie, IN is roughly split between renters and owners, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 26.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
64,751
Median income
$44,471
Median age
29.7
Renters
48%
Age distribution
15.8%
40.2%
19.3%
14.3%
Under 1815.8%
18–3440.2%
35–5419.3%
55–6410.4%
65+14.3%
Gender
47.1%
52.9%
Male47.1%
Female52.9%
Race & ethnicity
80%
White80%
Black8.3%
Hispanic4.4%
Asian2.3%
Other5.1%
Education (25+)
12.3%
32.7%
28.8%
26.1%
No HS diploma12.3%
HS diploma32.7%
Some college28.8%
Bachelor's+26.1%
Housing tenure
52%
48%
Owner52%
Renter48%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How Muncie, IN has changed in 5 years

Rent
$686 → $985
up 43.6%
Income
$36,661 → $44,471
up 21.3%
Population
65,571 → 64,751
down 1.3%
Renter share
50.8% → 48%
-2.8 pts
Bachelor's+
25.4% → 26.1%
+0.7 pts
Median age
28.6 → 29.7
+1.1 yrs

Compared with 2021, rent in Muncie, IN has climbed by $299 per month, settling near $985 after starting the period at $686. On the earnings side, the typical household in Muncie, IN now reports about $44,471, up from $36,661 in 2021. Rent outpaced income growth by roughly 22.3 percentage points, which means renters are spending a larger slice of each paycheck on housing than they did in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 65,571 to 64,751 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.3% change. About 48% of households rent today, against 50.8% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Muncie, IN reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Muncie rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Muncie on your salary?

At $985/mo, how Muncie rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Muncie rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Muncie. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Muncie

About renting in Muncie, IN

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Muncie is $985/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $735/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $978/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $800/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,283/mo.

At 27% of local median household income ($44,471/yr), Muncie ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 2.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Muncie an affordable city for renters?

Muncie is considered affordable for renters. At $985/mo, rent takes approximately 27% of the local median household income ($44,471/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Muncie falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Muncie?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $39,000/year (~$19/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $985/mo in Muncie. The local median household income is $44,471/yr, meaning the typical Muncie household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Muncie?

Rent in Muncie has increased 2.9% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Muncie neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Muncie are 47305 ($841/mo), 47302 ($953/mo), and 47303 ($983/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Muncie is $985/mo.

How does Muncie rent compare to other cities in Indiana?

Muncie is one of the more affordable cities in Indiana for rent, ranking #57 out of 62 tracked cities at $985/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Muncie?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Muncie ($985/mo): New Castle ($743/mo), Marion ($926/mo).

What percentage of Muncie residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 48% of Muncie households are renters, while 52% are owner-occupied. Muncie leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Muncie rent compare to the national average?

Muncie's median rent of $985/mo is $977 (50%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Indiana, it ranks #57 out of 62 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
27%
AFFORDABLE

At $985/mo, rent takes ~27% of Muncie's median household income ($44,471/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Muncie 27%Benchmark 30%
State income tax3.05%
Run the Muncie affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

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Schools nearby

Public schools near Muncie, IN

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