City Report · MI

Clarkston

·35th most expensive in Michigan·Rental market data updated monthly for Clarkston, MI
Median rent (all units)
$1,656/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.9%
Month-over-Month
-0.5%
vs US Median
-$306
Stable (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Clarkston · $1,656
More affordable than 65% of US cities · National median $1,962/mo
Rent Reality Score
57/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 4% below what Clarkston's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,656/mo
Expected by trend
$1,719/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Clarkston's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,150
1 BR
$1,270
2 BR
$1,600
3 BR
$1,960
4 BR+
$2,120
Fair Market Rent (HUD)
$1,600/mo

These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,656 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
$19,872/yr
At $1,656/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Balanced Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are roughly steady, with neither renters nor landlords holding a strong edge right now.
Based on rent-price momentum (+1.9% YoY, -0.5% MoM), not inventory.
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2023 vs 2026

How Clarkston, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,545 → $1,656
up 7.2%

Rent in Clarkston, MI has increased 7.2% since 2023, going from about $1,545 per month to roughly $1,656 today. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Clarkston, MI reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Clarkston on your salary?

At $1,656/mo, how Clarkston rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Clarkston rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Clarkston

About renting in Clarkston, MI

Last updated: August 17, 2026

The median rent in Clarkston is $1,656/mo as of August 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,150/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,600/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,270/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,960/mo.

At 28% of estimated US median household income ($72,000/yr), Clarkston ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.9% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Clarkston an affordable city for renters?

Clarkston is considered affordable for renters. At $1,656/mo, rent takes approximately 28% of the US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Clarkston falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Clarkston?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $66,000/year (~$32/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,656/mo in Clarkston.

Is rent going up or down in Clarkston?

Rent in Clarkston has increased 1.9% over the past year as of August 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Clarkston rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Clarkston is middle-of-the-pack for Michigan for rent, ranking #35 out of 96 tracked cities at $1,656/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Clarkston?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Clarkston ($1,656/mo): Waterford ($1,182/mo), Pontiac ($1,297/mo).

How does Clarkston rent compare to the national average?

Clarkston's median rent of $1,656/mo is $306 (16%) below the US national median of $1,962/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #35 out of 96 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
28%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,656/mo, rent takes ~28% of US median household income ($72,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Clarkston 28%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Clarkston affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Clarkston
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Clarkston, MI

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