Can A Firefighter Afford Rent in Ferndale, MI?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 34.8% of gross income.
Ferndale rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Michigan state estimate).
About rent and a firefighter salary
Firefighter base pay plus typical overtime sits modestly above the US median household income, but local rent levels determine whether that translates into affordability or rent burden. At the national-average firefighter base salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,570 a month in rent. The per-city pages compare local rent against local firefighter-pay estimates so renters can see where rent stays in range.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Michigan cities have lower median rent than Ferndale, which improves the affordability math on a firefighter salary:
Compare with full rent data for Ferndale
View full rent data for Ferndale, MI →Frequently asked questions
Can a firefighter afford rent in Ferndale, MI?
Median rent in Ferndale is $1,747 a month. A typical firefighter in Michigan earns about $60,298 a year, which makes that rent 34.8% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a firefighter afford in Ferndale?
Using the 30% rule, a firefighter salary in Michigan (~$60,298/yr) supports up to $1,507 a month in rent. Ferndale's current median rent is $1,747/mo, which is $240/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a firefighter work to cover rent in Ferndale?
At an hourly equivalent of about $29 an hour, a firefighter in Michigan works roughly 60.3 hours a month to cover Ferndale's median rent of $1,747.
Where is rent cheaper than Ferndale for a firefighter?
Nearby Michigan cities with lower median rent include Dearborn ($1,746/mo), Chesterfield ($1,746/mo), Novi ($1,745/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a firefighter salary.