Cost of Living in Belding, MI

Population 5,949 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

51
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Belding a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $153,000. At 6.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Belding sits roughly 25 miles east of Grand Rapids — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 50
Rent 53

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Belding

The median home value in Belding is $152,700 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $693/month, 47% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,895/year is 25% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.9%, 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, Belding has a cost of living index of 51 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$152,700
50% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$259,481
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$693/mo
47% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.4x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.5%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$707
1 BR
$780
2 BR
$962
3 BR
$1,290
4 BR
$1,444
Owner-occupied 67.7%
Renter-occupied 32.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$693
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,307/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
30.0 min
11% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
87.2%
Carpooled
7.8%
Public transit
1.6%
Walked
2.3%
Work from home
1.1%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax (flat) 4.3%
Total Sales Tax 6.0%
State rate 6.0%
Avg local rate 0.0%
Property Tax 1.5%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$55,895
25% below avg
Per Capita Income
$25,270
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
44% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.8%
Labor Force Participation
61.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 10.9%
Graduate degree 4.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.2
Male median age 36.2
Female median age 38

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97%
4-Year Graduation Rate
18:1
Student-teacher ratio
4
Public schools
1,746
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Belding, MI?

Belding has a cost index of 51 (100 = national average). It is 49% below the national average.

What is average rent in Belding, MI?

The median gross rent in Belding is $693 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Belding?

The median home value in Belding is $152,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Belding?

The median household income in Belding is $55,895 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Belding, MI?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Belding is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.

Is Belding, MI affordable?

Yes, Belding is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 51 — about 49% below the US national average of 100.

Belding at a Glance

Population
5,949
Median Income
$55,895
Home Value
$152,700
Median Rent
$693/mo
Unemployment
6.9%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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