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City Report · MI

Pontiac

Pop. 62,104·69th most expensive in Michigan·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,296/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.8%
Month-over-Month
-1.2%
vs US Median
-$669
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Pontiac · $1,296
More affordable than 88% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
62/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 6% below what Pontiac's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,296/mo
Expected by trend
$1,376/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Pontiac's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$895
1 BR
$980
2 BR
$1,240
3 BR
$1,515
4 BR+
$1,645
Research median
$1,240/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
$15,552/yr
At $1,296/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 (+3.8% YoY, -1.2% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Pontiac, MI is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
62,104
Median income
$44,329
Median age
36.5
Renters
53.4%
Age distribution
22.2%
25.5%
26.3%
12.8%
13.2%
Under 1822.2%
18–3425.5%
35–5426.3%
55–6412.8%
65+13.2%
Gender
49.7%
50.3%
Male49.7%
Female50.3%
Race & ethnicity
25.6%
42.9%
24.1%
White25.6%
Black42.9%
Hispanic24.1%
Asian4.3%
Other3.2%
Education (25+)
17.9%
36.7%
29.3%
16.1%
No HS diploma17.9%
HS diploma36.7%
Some college29.3%
Bachelor's+16.1%
Housing tenure
46.6%
53.4%
Owner46.6%
Renter53.4%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Pontiac, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$967 → $1,296
up 34.0%
Income
$36,214 → $44,329
up 22.4%
Population
61,498 → 62,104
up 1.0%
Renter share
57% → 53.4%
-3.6 pts
Bachelor's+
14.3% → 16.1%
+1.8 pts
Median age
33.2 → 36.5
+3.3 yrs

Compared with 2021, rent in Pontiac, MI has climbed by $329 per month, settling near $1,296 after starting the period at $967. On the earnings side, the typical household in Pontiac, MI now reports about $44,329, up from $36,214 in 2021. Rent outpaced income growth by roughly 11.6 percentage points, which means renters are spending a larger slice of each paycheck on housing than they did in 2021. Headcount in the area went from 61,498 to 62,104 between 2021 and 2024, a 1.0% change. About 53.4% of households rent today, against 57% in 2021. For context, the 2021 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Pontiac, MI reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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

Can you afford rent in Pontiac on your salary?

At $1,296/mo, how Pontiac rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Pontiac rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Pontiac

About renting in Pontiac, MI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Pontiac is $1,296/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $895/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,240/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $980/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,515/mo.

At 35% of local median household income ($44,329/yr), Pontiac ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.8% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Pontiac an affordable city for renters?

Pontiac is considered moderate for renters. At $1,296/mo, rent takes approximately 35% of the local median household income ($44,329/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Pontiac slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

How much income do you need to rent in Pontiac?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $52,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,296/mo in Pontiac. The local median household income is $44,329/yr, meaning the typical Pontiac household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Pontiac?

Rent in Pontiac has increased 3.8% over the past year as of July 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Which Pontiac neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Pontiac are 48340 ($1,270/mo), and 48342 ($1,342/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Pontiac is $1,296/mo.

How does Pontiac rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Pontiac is one of the more affordable cities in Michigan for rent, ranking #69 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,296/mo.

What percentage of Pontiac residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 53.4% of Pontiac households are renters, while 46.6% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Pontiac has a strong rental market.

How does Pontiac rent compare to the national average?

Pontiac's median rent of $1,296/mo is $669 (34%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #69 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
35%
MODERATE

At $1,296/mo, rent takes ~35% of Pontiac's median household income ($44,329/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Pontiac 35%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Pontiac affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Pontiac
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Pontiac, MI

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