City Report · MI

Dearborn Heights

Pop. 61,771·54th most expensive in Michigan·Dearborn Heights rents have dropped 5.3%, currently a renter's market
Median rent (all units)
$1,459/mo
Year-over-Year
-5.3%
Month-over-Month
+0.4%
vs US Median
-$506
Stable (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Dearborn Heights rents
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Dearborn Heights · $1,459
More affordable than 78% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
66/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 8% below what Dearborn Heights's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,459/mo
Expected by trend
$1,586/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Dearborn Heights's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,065
1 BR
$1,175
2 BR
$1,485
3 BR
$1,820
4 BR+
$1,970
Research median
$1,485/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$17,508/yr
At $1,459/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 5.3% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-5.3% YoY, +0.4% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Dearborn Heights, MI is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 23.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
61,771
Median income
$60,391
Median age
35.8
Renters
29.5%
Age distribution
25.2%
23.9%
21.9%
13.2%
15.8%
Under 1825.2%
18–3423.9%
35–5421.9%
55–6413.2%
65+15.8%
Gender
49.4%
50.6%
Male49.4%
Female50.6%
Race & ethnicity
80.7%
White80.7%
Black10.1%
Hispanic5.5%
Asian1%
Other2.7%
Education (25+)
30.5%
34.6%
23.8%
No HS diploma11%
HS diploma30.5%
Some college34.6%
Bachelor's+23.8%
Housing tenure
70.5%
29.5%
Owner70.5%
Renter29.5%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Dearborn Heights, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,230 → $1,459
up 18.6%
Income
$55,190 → $60,391
up 9.4%
Population
62,334 → 61,771
down 0.9%
Renter share
29.3% → 29.5%
+0.2 pts
Bachelor's+
25.5% → 23.8%
-1.7 pts

Across the past five years, the going rent in Dearborn Heights, MI has shifted from $1,230 to $1,459, up 18.6% since 2022. Census figures show median household income at $60,391 today, compared with $55,190 five years earlier. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2022.

Community

Discussions about Dearborn Heights

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

View Dearborn Heights rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Dearborn Heights on your salary?

At $1,459/mo, how Dearborn Heights rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Dearborn Heights rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Dearborn Heights

About renting in Dearborn Heights, MI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Dearborn Heights is $1,459/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,065/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,485/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,175/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,820/mo.

At 29% of local median household income ($60,391/yr), Dearborn Heights ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 5.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Dearborn Heights an affordable city for renters?

Dearborn Heights is considered affordable for renters. At $1,459/mo, rent takes approximately 29% of the local median household income ($60,391/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Dearborn Heights falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Dearborn Heights?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $58,000/year (~$28/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,459/mo in Dearborn Heights. The local median household income is $60,391/yr, meaning the typical Dearborn Heights household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Dearborn Heights?

Rent in Dearborn Heights has decreased 5.3% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Dearborn Heights neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Dearborn Heights are 48127 ($1,359/mo), and 48125 ($1,585/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Dearborn Heights is $1,459/mo.

How does Dearborn Heights rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Dearborn Heights is middle-of-the-pack for Michigan for rent, ranking #54 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,459/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Dearborn Heights?

Inkster is nearby and more affordable at $1,293/mo, which is $166 less than Dearborn Heights.

What percentage of Dearborn Heights residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 29.5% of Dearborn Heights households are renters, while 70.5% are owner-occupied. Dearborn Heights leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Dearborn Heights rent compare to the national average?

Dearborn Heights's median rent of $1,459/mo is $506 (26%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #54 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
29%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,459/mo, rent takes ~29% of Dearborn Heights's median household income ($60,391/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Dearborn Heights 29%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Dearborn Heights affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Dearborn Heights
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Dearborn Heights, MI

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Dearborn Heights.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.