ZIP 48221
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Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
Rent in ZIP 48221 is at its highest level since Zillow's records here began in March 2022.
Rent in ZIP 48221 changed +11.8% over the year to September 2026. Across the 134 Michigan ZIP codes Zillow tracks, the typical change was +4.4%.
Rent has risen 6 months in a row, and rose in 11 of the last 12 months.
30% of the median household income ($57,878) is $1,447 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 2-bedroom ($1,380); a 3-bedroom is $1,690.
9th cheapest of 18 ZIP codes in Detroit.
ZIP 48204, 4 miles away, rents for 13% less ($1,128/mo), about $2,100 a year in savings.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for ZIP 48221. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
Who lives here
ZIP 48221 (Detroit, MI) is majority owner-occupied, has a large share of families with children, has a median income below the national average, 29.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How ZIP 48221 in Detroit, MI has changed in 5 years
Since 2022, the typical rent in ZIP 48221 in Detroit, MI has increased from $958 to $1,303, a 36.0% change over five years. On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 48221 in Detroit, MI now reports about $57,878, up from $46,209 in 2021. That spread, with rent up faster than earnings, points to a tougher affordability environment than five years ago. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and ZIP 48221 in Detroit, MI reflects that arc in its own way.
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Tips for renters in ZIP 48221
Last updated: October 17, 2026
ZIP code 48221 covers Detroit, MI. The median rent here is $1,303/mo as of October 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,100/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,380/mo.
At 27% of local median household income ($57,878/yr), ZIP 48221 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 11.8% over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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How does ZIP 48221 compare to other ZIPs in Michigan?
How does ZIP 48221 compare to the rest of Detroit?
At $1,303/mo, rent takes ~27% of ZIP 48221's median household income ($57,878/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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