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City Report · MI

Kentwood

Pop. 54,296·39th most expensive in Michigan·Rental market data updated monthly for Kentwood, MI
Median rent (all units)
$1,620/mo
Year-over-Year
+0.3%
Month-over-Month
+1.4%
vs US Median
-$345
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Kentwood · $1,620
More affordable than 68% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Kentwood's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,620/mo
Expected by trend
$1,706/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Kentwood's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,140
1 BR
$1,185
2 BR
$1,413
3 BR
$1,840
4 BR+
$2,013
Research median
$1,413/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
$19,440/yr
At $1,620/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (0.3% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+0.3% YoY, +1.4% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Kentwood, MI is majority owner-occupied, 36.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
54,296
Median income
$74,373
Median age
35.1
Renters
38.7%
Age distribution
23.3%
26.5%
25.1%
14.7%
Under 1823.3%
18–3426.5%
35–5425.1%
55–6410.4%
65+14.7%
Gender
48.8%
51.2%
Male48.8%
Female51.2%
Race & ethnicity
53.8%
22.5%
White53.8%
Black22.5%
Hispanic10.3%
Asian10%
Other3.5%
Education (25+)
24.7%
28%
36.7%
No HS diploma10.6%
HS diploma24.7%
Some college28%
Bachelor's+36.7%
Housing tenure
61.3%
38.7%
Owner61.3%
Renter38.7%

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

2023 vs 2026

How Kentwood, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,338 → $1,620
up 21.1%
Income
$60,505 → $74,373
up 22.9%
Population
53,884 → 54,296
up 0.8%
Renter share
41.5% → 38.7%
-2.8 pts
Bachelor's+
35.6% → 36.7%
+1.1 pts
Median age
34.6 → 35.1
+0.5 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Kentwood, MI has shifted from $1,338 to $1,620, up 21.1% since 2023. On the earnings side, the typical household in Kentwood, MI now reports about $74,373, up from $60,505 in 2021. The renter share has eased from 41.5% to 38.7%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2023 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Kentwood, MI reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Kentwood on your salary?

At $1,620/mo, how Kentwood rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Kentwood rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Kentwood

About renting in Kentwood, MI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Kentwood is $1,620/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,140/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,413/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,185/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,840/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($74,373/yr), Kentwood ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 0.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Kentwood an affordable city for renters?

Kentwood is considered affordable for renters. At $1,620/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($74,373/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Kentwood falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Kentwood?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $65,000/year (~$31/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,620/mo in Kentwood. The local median household income is $74,373/yr, meaning the typical Kentwood household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Kentwood?

Rent in Kentwood has been relatively stable over the past year, with a 0.3% change year over year as of July 2026.

Which Kentwood neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Kentwood are 49548 ($1,449/mo), 49512 ($1,638/mo), and 49508 ($1,780/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Kentwood is $1,620/mo.

How does Kentwood rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Kentwood is middle-of-the-pack for Michigan for rent, ranking #39 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,620/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Kentwood?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Kentwood ($1,620/mo): Northview ($1,340/mo), Walker ($1,531/mo), Wyoming ($1,607/mo).

What percentage of Kentwood residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 38.7% of Kentwood households are renters, while 61.3% are owner-occupied. Kentwood leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Kentwood rent compare to the national average?

Kentwood's median rent of $1,620/mo is $345 (18%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #39 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,620/mo, rent takes ~26% of Kentwood's median household income ($74,373/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Kentwood 26%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Kentwood affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Kentwood, MI

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