Cost of Living in Bad Axe, MI
Population 3,010 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Bad Axe's median household income of $47,535 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (16% here).
Bad Axe lies roughly 85 miles north of the nearest major metro, Sterling Heights — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 59% lower than Sterling Heights' $261,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Bad Axe
The median home value in Bad Axe is $106,700 — 65% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $731/month, 44% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $47,535/year is 36% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.4%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. Overall, Bad Axe has a cost of living index of 43 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 57% less expensive.
Bad Axe has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bad Axe, MI?
Bad Axe has a cost index of 43 (100 = national average). It is 57% below the national average.
What is average rent in Bad Axe, MI?
The median gross rent in Bad Axe is $731 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Bad Axe?
The median home value in Bad Axe is $106,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Bad Axe?
The median household income in Bad Axe is $47,535 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Bad Axe, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Bad Axe is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Bad Axe, MI affordable?
Yes, Bad Axe is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 43 — about 57% below the US national average of 100.
Bad Axe at a Glance
- Population
- 3,010
- Median Income
- $47,535
- Home Value
- $106,700
- Median Rent
- $731/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.4%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
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Michigan Rankings
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