Where rent has outpaced income in Michigan since 2019

Michigan cities ranked by rent growth minus household income growth from 2019 to 2024 (Zillow yearly average rent, Census 5-year income). Cities with 15,000+ residents.

Key findings

Westland ranks first, with rent up 39.2% against household income up 22.4% since 2019.
Across all 20 cities on this list, the median rent is $1,565/mo.

Data as of September 2026. Change in Zillow's yearly average rent from 2019 to 2024, minus the change in Census median household income over the same years. Updated monthly. Download this list (CSV)

Best value (RRS)Overheated (RRS)Most affordable Most expensive Rent falling Rent rising Best rent/income Most rent-burdened Record-high rent Seasonal swings Rent vs. income

20 cities

Rank	City	Gap (points)	Rent since 2019	Income since 2019	Median rent
01	WestlandMI Pop. 84KCompare →	+16.8	+39.2%	+22.4%	$1,301/mo
02	YpsilantiMI Pop. 20KCompare →	+15.8	+34.2%	+18.4%	$1,296/mo
03	DetroitMI Pop. 639KCompare →	+15.7	+44.9%	+29.3%	$1,328/mo
04	HollandMI Pop. 34KCompare →	+15.0	+48.1%	+33.1%	$1,618/mo
05	PontiacMI Pop. 62KCompare →	+13.7	+45.8%	+32.1%	$1,351/mo
06	WarrenMI Pop. 138KCompare →	+13.0	+42.0%	+29.0%	$1,369/mo
07	Sterling HeightsMI Pop. 134KCompare →	+12.3	+35.6%	+23.3%	$1,567/mo
08	SouthfieldMI Pop. 76KCompare →	+11.3	+33.6%	+22.4%	$1,539/mo
09	LansingMI Pop. 113KCompare →	+11.0	+41.5%	+30.5%	$1,197/mo
10	RosevilleMI Pop. 47KCompare →	+10.8	+41.3%	+30.5%	$1,265/mo
11	BirminghamMI Pop. 22KCompare →	+9.6	+34.6%	+25.0%	$2,682/mo
12	TroyMI Pop. 88KCompare →	+9.0	+26.8%	+17.8%	$1,854/mo
13	KalamazooMI Pop. 73KCompare →	+7.8	+33.0%	+25.1%	$1,216/mo
14	Farmington HillsMI Pop. 84KCompare →	+5.1	+31.0%	+25.9%	$1,478/mo
15	Ann ArborMI Pop. 122KCompare →	+4.6	+29.7%	+25.0%	$2,026/mo
16	FerndaleMI Pop. 19KCompare →	+2.1	+33.9%	+31.8%	$1,654/mo
17	Madison HeightsMI Pop. 28KCompare →	+1.8	+31.8%	+30.1%	$1,565/mo
18	Rochester HillsMI Pop. 77KCompare →	+1.7	+30.2%	+28.5%	$1,772/mo
19	Royal OakMI Pop. 58KCompare →	+1.4	+25.2%	+23.8%	$1,962/mo
20	Grand RapidsMI Pop. 199KCompare →	-0.7	+37.3%	+37.9%	$1,602/mo