City Report · MI

Madison Heights

Pop. 28,419·49th most expensive in Michigan·Rental market data updated monthly for Madison Heights, MI
Median rent (all units)
$1,496/mo
Year-over-Year
-4.8%
Month-over-Month
-4.7%
vs US Median
-$469
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Madison Heights · $1,496
More affordable than 76% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
67/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$1,496/mo
Expected by trend
$1,632/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Madison Heights's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$990
1 BR
$1,080
2 BR
$1,370
3 BR
$1,680
4 BR+
$1,820
Research median
$1,370/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
$17,952/yr
At $1,496/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are down 4.8% year-over-year. Push hard on price, concessions, and lease terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (-4.8% YoY, -4.7% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Madison Heights, MI is majority owner-occupied, 33.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
28,419
Median income
$69,503
Median age
39
Renters
35.2%
Age distribution
14.8%
29.2%
24.4%
12.9%
18.8%
Under 1814.8%
18–3429.2%
35–5424.4%
55–6412.9%
65+18.8%
Gender
50.2%
49.8%
Male50.2%
Female49.8%
Race & ethnicity
78.9%
White78.9%
Black7.8%
Hispanic2.2%
Asian6.5%
Other4.6%
Education (25+)
26.8%
29.8%
33.9%
No HS diploma9.6%
HS diploma26.8%
Some college29.8%
Bachelor's+33.9%
Housing tenure
64.8%
35.2%
Owner64.8%
Renter35.2%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Madison Heights, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,230 → $1,496
up 21.6%
Income
$58,537 → $69,503
up 18.7%
Population
28,719 → 28,419
down 1.0%
Renter share
38.3% → 35.2%
-3.1 pts
Bachelor's+
30.1% → 33.9%
+3.8 pts
Median age
41 → 39
-2.0 yrs

Rent in Madison Heights, MI has increased 21.6% since 2021, going from about $1,230 per month to roughly $1,496 today. Median household income grew from $58,537 to $69,503 between 2021 and 2024, a 18.7% shift. Headcount in the area went from 28,719 to 28,419 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.0% change. About 35.2% of households rent today, against 38.3% in 2021. Educational attainment has shifted as well, with the share of adults holding a bachelor's degree or higher climbed from 30.1% to 33.9%. Taken together, the five-year picture in Madison Heights, MI reflects how housing costs and the people paying them have evolved through a stretch that included a pandemic, a hot rental market, and a recent cooling phase.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Madison Heights on your salary?

At $1,496/mo, how Madison Heights rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Madison Heights rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Madison Heights

About renting in Madison Heights, MI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Madison Heights is $1,496/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $990/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,370/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,080/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,680/mo.

At 26% of local median household income ($69,503/yr), Madison Heights ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 4.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Madison Heights an affordable city for renters?

Madison Heights is considered affordable for renters. At $1,496/mo, rent takes approximately 26% of the local median household income ($69,503/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Madison Heights falls comfortably within that range.

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

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $60,000/year (~$29/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,496/mo in Madison Heights. The local median household income is $69,503/yr, meaning the typical Madison Heights household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Madison Heights?

Rent in Madison Heights has decreased 4.8% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

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

Madison Heights is middle-of-the-pack for Michigan for rent, ranking #49 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,496/mo.

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

Warren is nearby and more affordable at $1,337/mo, which is $159 less than Madison Heights.

What percentage of Madison Heights residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 35.2% of Madison Heights households are renters, while 64.8% are owner-occupied. Madison Heights leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Madison Heights rent compare to the national average?

Madison Heights's median rent of $1,496/mo is $469 (24%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #49 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
26%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,496/mo, rent takes ~26% of Madison Heights's median household income ($69,503/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

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

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Madison Heights, MI

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