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City Report · MI

Detroit

Pop. 638,530·66th most expensive in Michigan·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,345/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.1%
Month-over-Month
+0.5%
vs US Median
-$606
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Detroit · $1,345
More affordable than 85% of US cities · National median $1,951/mo
Rent Reality Score
64/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 7% below what Detroit's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,345/mo
Expected by trend
$1,443/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Detroit's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$895
1 BR
$987
2 BR
$1,252
3 BR
$1,539
4 BR+
$1,659
Research median
$1,252/mo

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

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: June 22, 2026

Annual cost
$16,140/yr
At $1,345/mo median
Market timing
Rents rising
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Demographics

Who lives here

Detroit, MI is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
638,530
Median income
$39,938
Median age
35.2
Renters
49.7%
Age distribution
24.8%
24.8%
23.6%
15.1%
Under 1824.8%
18–3424.8%
35–5423.6%
55–6411.6%
65+15.1%
Gender
47.4%
52.6%
Male47.4%
Female52.6%
Race & ethnicity
75.3%
White11.6%
Black75.3%
Hispanic8.3%
Asian1.7%
Other3%
Education (25+)
16.7%
32.6%
32.6%
18.1%
No HS diploma16.7%
HS diploma32.6%
Some college32.6%
Bachelor's+18.1%
Housing tenure
50.3%
49.7%
Owner50.3%
Renter49.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Detroit, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,011 → $1,345
up 33.0%
Income
$34,762 → $39,938
up 14.9%
Population
645,658 → 638,530
down 1.1%
Renter share
51.7% → 49.7%
-2.0 pts
Bachelor's+
16.2% → 18.1%
+1.9 pts

The median rent in Detroit, MI stood at $1,011 in 2021 and currently runs about $1,345, reflecting a 33.0% increase over the period. Census figures show median household income at $39,938 today, compared with $34,762 five years earlier. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 1.1% since 2021, moving from about 645,658 residents to roughly 638,530. Renters now make up 49.7% of households, compared with 51.7% five years ago. The combined trend lines point to a market that has changed measurably from where it stood in early 2021.

Community

Discussions about Detroit

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

Can you afford rent in Detroit on your salary?

At $1,345/mo, how Detroit rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Detroit rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Detroit

About renting in Detroit, MI

Last updated: June 22, 2026

The median rent in Detroit is $1,345/mo as of June 2026. A studio apartment averages $895/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,252/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $987/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,539/mo.

At 40% of local median household income ($39,938/yr), Detroit ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.1% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Detroit an affordable city for renters?

Detroit is considered moderate for renters. At $1,345/mo, rent takes approximately 40% of the local median household income ($39,938/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Detroit slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Detroit?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $54,000/year (~$26/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,345/mo in Detroit. The local median household income is $39,938/yr, meaning the typical Detroit household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Detroit?

Rent in Detroit has increased 4.1% over the past year as of June 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Detroit neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Detroit are 48209 ($1,004/mo), 48204 ($1,109/mo), and 48223 ($1,136/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Detroit is $1,345/mo.

How does Detroit rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Detroit is one of the more affordable cities in Michigan for rent, ranking #66 out of 94 tracked cities at $1,345/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Detroit?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Detroit ($1,345/mo): River Rouge ($1,000/mo), Warren ($1,335/mo).

What percentage of Detroit residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 49.7% of Detroit households are renters, while 50.3% are owner-occupied. Detroit leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Detroit rent compare to the national average?

Detroit's median rent of $1,345/mo is $606 (31%) below the US national median of $1,951/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #66 out of 94 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
40%
MODERATE

At $1,345/mo, rent takes ~40% of Detroit's median household income ($39,938/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Detroit 40%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Detroit affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Detroit, MI

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