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ZIP Code · MI

ZIP 49686

Pop. 25,492·Grand Traverse County·16th most expensive ZIP in Michigan
Median rent (all units)
$2,013/mo
Year-over-Year
+3.2%
Month-over-Month
+4.6%
vs US Median
+$48
Rising (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 49686 · $2,013
More expensive than 61% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
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Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,150
1 BR
$1,150
2 BR
$1,370
3 BR
$1,760
4 BR+
$1,810
Research median
$1,370/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
$24,156/yr
At $2,013/mo median
Location
StateMI
CountyGrand Traverse County
Rent Market Meter
Strong Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are up 3.2% year-over-year. Expect competition, and move quickly to lock in terms.
Based on rent-price momentum (+3.2% YoY, +4.6% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 49686 (Traverse City, MI) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, 46.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
25,492
Median income
$71,609
Median age
47.5
Renters
27.5%
Age distribution
15.4%
20.6%
22.5%
14.9%
26.6%
Under 1815.4%
18–3420.6%
35–5422.5%
55–6414.9%
65+26.6%
Gender
49.9%
50.1%
Male49.9%
Female50.1%
Race & ethnicity
90.2%
White90.2%
Black0.6%
Hispanic4.5%
Asian0.7%
Other3.9%
Education (25+)
18.9%
30.8%
46.3%
No HS diploma4%
HS diploma18.9%
Some college30.8%
Bachelor's+46.3%
Housing tenure
72.5%
27.5%
Owner72.5%
Renter27.5%

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

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 49686 in Traverse City, MI has changed in 5 years

Income
$64,334 → $71,609
up 11.3%
Population
24,714 → 25,492
up 3.1%
Renter share
27.8% → 27.5%
-0.3 pts
Bachelor's+
45.6% → 46.3%
+0.7 pts
Median age
46.6 → 47.5
+0.9 yrs

On the earnings side, the typical household in ZIP 49686 in Traverse City, MI now reports about $71,609, up from $64,334 in 2021. Census counts show ZIP 49686 in Traverse City, MI adding about 778 residents over the five-year window, up 3.1% on net.

Community

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Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 49686

About renting in ZIP 49686

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 49686 covers Traverse City, MI. The median rent here is $2,013/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,150/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,370/mo.

At 34% of local median household income ($71,609/yr), ZIP 49686 ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 3.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 49686?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 49686 (Traverse City, MI) is $2,013. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 49686 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 49686's median rent of $2,013/mo is $48 (2%) above the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 49686 compare to other ZIPs in Michigan?

ZIP 49686 is one of the pricier ZIP codes in Michigan, ranking #16 out of 165 ZIPs tracked at $2,013/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 49686?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $81,000/year (~$39/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $2,013/mo in ZIP 49686. The local median household income is $71,609/yr, meaning the typical household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 49686?

Rent in ZIP 49686 has increased 3.2% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 49686 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 49686 is considered moderate for renters. At $2,013/mo, rent takes approximately 34% of the local median household income ($71,609/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 49686 slightly exceeds that threshold, so budgeting carefully matters here.

What percentage of ZIP 49686 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 27.5% of ZIP 49686 households are renters, while 72.5% are owner-occupied. ZIP 49686 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 49686 compare to the rest of Traverse City?

ZIP 49686 is pricier than Traverse City as a whole. At $2,013/mo, it's $8 above the Traverse City citywide median of $2,005/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 49686 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 49686 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
34%
MODERATE

At $2,013/mo, rent takes ~34% of ZIP 49686's median household income ($71,609/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 49686 34%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.25%
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Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 49686 (Traverse City, MI)

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