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City Report · MI

Fenton

Pop. 11,906·58th most expensive in Michigan·Rental market data updated monthly for Fenton, MI
Median rent (all units)
$1,444/mo
Year-over-Year
+1.2%
Month-over-Month
-0.7%
vs US Median
-$521
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Fenton · $1,444
More affordable than 79% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
56/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$1,444/mo
Expected by trend
$1,489/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Fenton's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$980
1 BR
$1,180
2 BR
$1,410
3 BR
$1,840
4 BR+
$2,090
Research median
$1,410/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: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$17,328/yr
At $1,444/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 (+1.2% YoY, -0.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Fenton, MI is majority owner-occupied, 39.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
11,906
Median income
$80,000
Median age
38.8
Renters
36.9%
Age distribution
21.2%
23.4%
28.4%
16.2%
Under 1821.2%
18–3423.4%
35–5428.4%
55–6410.8%
65+16.2%
Gender
43.6%
56.4%
Male43.6%
Female56.4%
Race & ethnicity
88.9%
White88.9%
Black2.2%
Hispanic2.3%
Asian3.4%
Other3.2%
Education (25+)
25.1%
33.5%
39.2%
No HS diploma2.2%
HS diploma25.1%
Some college33.5%
Bachelor's+39.2%
Housing tenure
63.1%
36.9%
Owner63.1%
Renter36.9%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Fenton, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,273 → $1,444
up 13.4%
Income
$70,745 → $80,000
up 13.1%
Population
11,949 → 11,906
down 0.4%
Renter share
38.6% → 36.9%
-1.7 pts
Bachelor's+
29.2% → 39.2%
+10.0 pts
Median age
38.2 → 38.8
+0.6 yrs

Compared with 2022, rent in Fenton, MI has increased by $171 per month, settling near $1,444 after starting the period at $1,273. Household income in the area moved from $70,745 to $80,000 across the same window, up 13.1% versus 2021. About 36.9% of households rent today, against 38.6% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 29.2% to 39.2%. Reading these numbers side by side helps frame whether current listings in Fenton, MI look reasonable against where the market sat half a decade ago.

Community

Discussions about Fenton

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

Can you afford rent in Fenton on your salary?

At $1,444/mo, how Fenton rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Fenton rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Fenton

About renting in Fenton, MI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Fenton is $1,444/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $980/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,410/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,180/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,840/mo.

At 22% of local median household income ($80,000/yr), Fenton ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 1.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Fenton an affordable city for renters?

Fenton is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,444/mo, rent takes approximately 22% of the local median household income ($80,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Fenton falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Fenton?

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 $1,444/mo in Fenton. The local median household income is $80,000/yr, meaning the typical Fenton household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Fenton?

Rent in Fenton has increased 1.2% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Fenton rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Fenton is middle-of-the-pack for Michigan for rent, ranking #58 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,444/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Fenton?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Fenton ($1,444/mo): Flint ($969/mo), Grand Blanc ($1,080/mo).

What percentage of Fenton residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 36.9% of Fenton households are renters, while 63.1% are owner-occupied. Fenton leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Fenton rent compare to the national average?

Fenton's median rent of $1,444/mo is $521 (27%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #58 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
22%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,444/mo, rent takes ~22% of Fenton's median household income ($80,000/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Fenton 22%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Fenton affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Fenton, MI

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