Cost of Living in Freeland, MI

Population 7,562 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

85
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Freeland is a smaller Michigan community of around 8000 residents, where median household incomes of $103,431 and housing costs ($241,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.

Located 60 miles northeast of Lansing, Freeland is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 102% higher than Lansing's $119,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 79
Rent 94

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

About the Cost of Living in Freeland

The median home value in Freeland is $241,400 — 21% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,235/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $103,431/year is 39% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, below 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 56.9°F and lows of 39.1°F, with about 49" of annual snowfall. Overall, Freeland has a cost of living index of 85 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 15% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$241,400
21% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$289,206
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,235/mo
6% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.3x
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 81.2%
Renter-occupied 18.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,235
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,849/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
19.9 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
80.3%
Carpooled
3.6%
Walked
1.6%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
12.4%

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
$103,431
39% above avg
Per Capita Income
$33,179
Unemployment Rate
3.6%
25% below avg
Poverty Rate
5.4%
Labor Force Participation
50.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 19.9%
Graduate degree 11.2%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 37.6
Male median age 33.8
Female median age 41.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.9°F
Avg Low
39.1°F
Annual Precip
32.1"
Annual Snowfall
49"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 303242566979828073604635
Low °F 161726364858615952413223
Precip" 1.921.772.023.193.413.282.833.852.812.912.281.85
Snow" 13.911.46.02.40.00.00.00.00.00.23.311.8

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
21:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
2,015
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Freeland, MI?

Freeland has a cost index of 85 (100 = national average). It is 15% below the national average.

What is average rent in Freeland, MI?

The median gross rent in Freeland is $1,235 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Freeland?

The median home value in Freeland is $241,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Freeland?

The median household income in Freeland is $103,431 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Freeland, MI?

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

Is Freeland, MI affordable?

Yes, Freeland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 85 — about 15% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Freeland?

Freeland has average high temperatures of 56.9°F and average lows of 39.1°F. Annual precipitation is 32.1". Average annual snowfall is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Freeland at a Glance

Population
7,562
Median Income
$103,431
Home Value
$241,400
Median Rent
$1,235/mo
Unemployment
3.6%
Avg High Temp
56.9°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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