Cost of Living in Benton Heights, MI

Population 3,572 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

34
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Benton Heights's median household income of $33,871 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 (41% here).

Located 30 miles north of South Bend, Benton Heights falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 30% lower than South Bend's $125,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 29
Rent 42

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

About the Cost of Living in Benton Heights

The median home value in Benton Heights is $87,500 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $546/month, 58% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $33,871/year is 55% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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%. The climate averages highs of 58.9°F and lows of 40.6°F. Overall, Benton Heights has a cost of living index of 34 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 66% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$87,500
71% below avg
Median Rent
$546/mo
58% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.4x
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 47.4%
Renter-occupied 52.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$546
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,160/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
17.0 min
37% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
4.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
83.3%
Carpooled
10.6%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
4.9%

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
$33,871
55% below avg
Per Capita Income
$17,217
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
16% above avg
Poverty Rate
41.3%
Labor Force Participation
61.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 6.6%
Graduate degree 4.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 30.6
Male median age 33.4
Female median age 30

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.9°F
Avg Low
40.6°F
Annual Precip
35"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333646586978828074624938
Low °F 202228374757616052433426
Precip" 1.991.602.023.253.783.043.173.613.624.162.742.02

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 42 — Good
74.2%
Good air days/yr
143
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
244
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Benton Heights, MI?

Benton Heights has a cost index of 34 (100 = national average). It is 66% below the national average.

What is average rent in Benton Heights, MI?

The median gross rent in Benton Heights is $546 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Benton Heights?

The median home value in Benton Heights is $87,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Benton Heights?

The median household income in Benton Heights is $33,871 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Benton Heights, MI?

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

Is Benton Heights, MI affordable?

Yes, Benton Heights is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 34 — about 66% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Benton Heights?

Benton Heights has average high temperatures of 58.9°F and average lows of 40.6°F. Annual precipitation is 35". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Benton Heights at a Glance

Population
3,572
Median Income
$33,871
Home Value
$87,500
Median Rent
$546/mo
Unemployment
5.6%
Avg High Temp
58.9°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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