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City Report · MI

Muskegon

Pop. 37,226·81st most expensive in Michigan·Muskegon rents are up 6.3% over the past year
Median rent (all units)
$1,207/mo
Year-over-Year
+6.3%
Month-over-Month
+3.0%
vs US Median
-$758
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Muskegon · $1,207
More affordable than 92% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
47/100
Fairly priced
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are right about where Muskegon's 10-year trend predicts.

Actual rent
$1,207/mo
Expected by trend
$1,191/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Muskegon's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$750
1 BR
$820
2 BR
$1,080
3 BR
$1,320
4 BR+
$1,430
Research median
$1,080/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
$14,484/yr
At $1,207/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 6.3% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+6.3% YoY, +3.0% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Muskegon, MI is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 15.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
37,226
Median income
$44,735
Median age
36
Renters
46.9%
Age distribution
22.4%
26.4%
23.7%
12.7%
14.8%
Under 1822.4%
18–3426.4%
35–5423.7%
55–6412.7%
65+14.8%
Gender
50.5%
49.5%
Male50.5%
Female49.5%
Race & ethnicity
56.1%
29%
White56.1%
Black29%
Hispanic9.9%
Asian0.6%
Other4.4%
Education (25+)
12.5%
38.3%
33.8%
15.5%
No HS diploma12.5%
HS diploma38.3%
Some college33.8%
Bachelor's+15.5%
Housing tenure
53.1%
46.9%
Owner53.1%
Renter46.9%

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

2022 vs 2026

How Muskegon, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$919 → $1,207
up 31.3%
Income
$37,827 → $44,735
up 18.3%
Population
37,632 → 37,226
down 1.1%
Renter share
49.2% → 46.9%
-2.3 pts
Bachelor's+
14% → 15.5%
+1.5 pts
Median age
35.3 → 36
+0.7 yrs

Across the past five years, the going rent in Muskegon, MI has shifted from $919 to $1,207, up 31.3% since 2022. On the earnings side, the typical household in Muskegon, MI now reports about $44,735, up from $37,827 in 2021. Because rent grew faster than wages over the same span, the affordability picture has tightened relative to 2021. Census counts show Muskegon, MI losing about 406 residents over the five-year window, down 1.1% on net. The renter share has eased from 49.2% to 46.9%, with owner-occupied housing accounting for the remainder. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Muskegon, MI reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Muskegon on your salary?

At $1,207/mo, how Muskegon rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Muskegon rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Muskegon

About renting in Muskegon, MI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Muskegon is $1,207/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $750/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,080/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $820/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,320/mo.

At 32% of local median household income ($44,735/yr), Muskegon ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 6.3% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Muskegon an affordable city for renters?

Muskegon is considered moderate for renters. At $1,207/mo, rent takes approximately 32% of the local median household income ($44,735/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Muskegon slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Muskegon?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $48,000/year (~$23/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,207/mo in Muskegon. The local median household income is $44,735/yr, meaning the typical Muskegon household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Muskegon?

Rent in Muskegon has increased 6.3% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

How does Muskegon rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Muskegon is one of the more affordable cities in Michigan for rent, ranking #81 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,207/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Muskegon?

Muskegon Heights is nearby and more affordable at $1,125/mo, which is $82 less than Muskegon.

What percentage of Muskegon residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 46.9% of Muskegon households are renters, while 53.1% are owner-occupied. Muskegon leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does Muskegon rent compare to the national average?

Muskegon's median rent of $1,207/mo is $758 (39%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #81 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
32%
MODERATE

At $1,207/mo, rent takes ~32% of Muskegon's median household income ($44,735/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Muskegon 32%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Muskegon affordability calculator →
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Muskegon, MI

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