City Report · MI

Westland

Pop. 83,633·74th most expensive in Michigan·One of the most affordable rental markets in the US
Median rent (all units)
$1,276/mo
Year-over-Year
-0.6%
Month-over-Month
+0.5%
vs US Median
-$689
Stable (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss Westland rents
Most AffordableMost Expensive
Westland · $1,276
More affordable than 89% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
63/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

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

Actual rent
$1,276/mo
Expected by trend
$1,361/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Westland's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$970
1 BR
$1,065
2 BR
$1,345
3 BR
$1,650
4 BR+
$1,780
Research median
$1,345/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$15,312/yr
At $1,276/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 (-0.6% YoY, +0.5% MoM), not inventory.
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Demographics

Who lives here

Westland, MI is majority owner-occupied, has a median income below the national average, 23% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
83,633
Median income
$62,076
Median age
38.1
Renters
38.7%
Age distribution
20.1%
25.2%
24.3%
13.2%
17.2%
Under 1820.1%
18–3425.2%
35–5424.3%
55–6413.2%
65+17.2%
Gender
47.6%
52.4%
Male47.6%
Female52.4%
Race & ethnicity
61.1%
23.7%
White61.1%
Black23.7%
Hispanic4.8%
Asian3.9%
Other6.6%
Education (25+)
32.2%
35.4%
23%
No HS diploma9.4%
HS diploma32.2%
Some college35.4%
Bachelor's+23%
Housing tenure
61.3%
38.7%
Owner61.3%
Renter38.7%

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

2021 vs 2026

How Westland, MI has changed in 5 years

Rent
$975 → $1,276
up 30.9%
Income
$55,640 → $62,076
up 11.6%
Population
84,961 → 83,633
down 1.6%
Renter share
40.3% → 38.7%
-1.6 pts
Bachelor's+
22.4% → 23%
+0.6 pts
Median age
38.6 → 38.1
-0.5 yrs

Since 2021, the typical rent in Westland, MI has increased from $975 to $1,276, a 30.9% change over five years. Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $55,640 in 2021 to $62,076 more recently. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. The population has contracted by 1.6% since 2021, moving from about 84,961 residents to roughly 83,633. Renters now make up 38.7% of households, compared with 40.3% five years ago. These shifts give renters and would-be renters a longer baseline for sizing up today's listings against the Westland, MI market of 2021.

Community

Discussions about Westland

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

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

Can you afford rent in Westland on your salary?

At $1,276/mo, how Westland rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Westland rent by bedroom count

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

Local insights

Tips for renters in Westland

About renting in Westland, MI

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Westland is $1,276/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $970/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,345/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,065/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,650/mo.

At 25% of local median household income ($62,076/yr), Westland ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 0.6% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Westland an affordable city for renters?

Westland is considered affordable for renters. At $1,276/mo, rent takes approximately 25% of the local median household income ($62,076/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Westland falls comfortably within that range.

How much income do you need to rent in Westland?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $51,000/year (~$25/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,276/mo in Westland. The local median household income is $62,076/yr, meaning the typical Westland household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Westland?

Rent in Westland has decreased 0.6% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

Which Westland neighborhoods have the lowest rent?

The most affordable ZIP codes in Westland are 48186 ($1,243/mo), and 48185 ($1,280/mo). Citywide, the median rent in Westland is $1,276/mo.

How does Westland rent compare to other cities in Michigan?

Westland is one of the more affordable cities in Michigan for rent, ranking #74 out of 95 tracked cities at $1,276/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Westland?

Romulus is nearby and more affordable at $1,195/mo, which is $81 less than Westland.

What percentage of Westland residents rent vs. own?

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

How does Westland rent compare to the national average?

Westland's median rent of $1,276/mo is $689 (35%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within Michigan, it ranks #74 out of 95 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
25%
AFFORDABLE

At $1,276/mo, rent takes ~25% of Westland's median household income ($62,076/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Westland 25%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
Run the Westland affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Westland
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Westland, MI

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for Westland.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.