Cost of Living in Fair Plain, MI
Population 6,992 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Fair Plain sits on the smaller end of the Michigan city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 16.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 30 miles northwest of South Bend, Fair Plain falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 19% higher than South Bend's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Fair Plain
The median home value in Fair Plain is $147,800 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $989/month, 25% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,536/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 16.7%, 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, Fair Plain has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.
Fair Plain 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 33 | 36 | 46 | 58 | 69 | 78 | 82 | 80 | 74 | 62 | 49 | 38 |
| Low °F | 20 | 22 | 28 | 37 | 47 | 57 | 61 | 60 | 52 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 1.99 | 1.60 | 2.02 | 3.25 | 3.78 | 3.04 | 3.17 | 3.61 | 3.62 | 4.16 | 2.74 | 2.02 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Fair Plain, MI?
Fair Plain has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.
What is average rent in Fair Plain, MI?
The median gross rent in Fair Plain is $989 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Fair Plain?
The median home value in Fair Plain is $147,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Fair Plain?
The median household income in Fair Plain is $55,536 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Fair Plain, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Fair Plain is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Fair Plain, MI affordable?
Yes, Fair Plain is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 59 — about 41% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Fair Plain?
Fair Plain 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.
Fair Plain at a Glance
- Population
- 6,992
- Median Income
- $55,536
- Home Value
- $147,800
- Median Rent
- $989/mo
- Unemployment
- 16.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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