Cost of Living in Gaylord, MI

Population 4,307 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

59
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Household incomes in Gaylord run well below national norms — a median of $44,052 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $170,000).

Gaylord lies roughly 150 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Grand Rapids — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 24% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 56
Rent 64

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

About the Cost of Living in Gaylord

The median home value in Gaylord is $170,300 — 44% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $844/month, 36% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,052/year is 41% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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 52.2°F and lows of 33.2°F. Overall, Gaylord has a cost of living index of 59 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 41% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$170,300
44% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$253,456
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$844/mo
36% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
16.8x
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 36.0%
Renter-occupied 64.0%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$844
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,458/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
18.4 min
32% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.8%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
66.4%
Carpooled
16.3%
Public transit
2.0%
Work from home
13.8%

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
$44,052
41% below avg
Per Capita Income
$28,801
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
37% below avg
Poverty Rate
9.8%
Labor Force Participation
62.7%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.0%
Graduate degree 5.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38
Male median age 36
Female median age 41.1

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
52.2°F
Avg Low
33.2°F
Annual Precip
29.5"
20° 40° 60° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 252738516574787668554130
Low °F 111018304251555347372718
Precip" 1.241.091.422.733.012.762.813.253.643.632.281.62

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

83%
4-Year Graduation Rate
19.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
5
Public schools
2,975
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Gaylord, MI?

Gaylord has a cost index of 59 (100 = national average). It is 41% below the national average.

What is average rent in Gaylord, MI?

The median gross rent in Gaylord is $844 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Gaylord?

The median home value in Gaylord is $170,300 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Gaylord?

The median household income in Gaylord is $44,052 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Gaylord, MI?

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

Is Gaylord, MI affordable?

Yes, Gaylord 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 Gaylord?

Gaylord has average high temperatures of 52.2°F and average lows of 33.2°F. Annual precipitation is 29.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Gaylord at a Glance

Population
4,307
Median Income
$44,052
Home Value
$170,300
Median Rent
$844/mo
Unemployment
3.0%
Avg High Temp
52.2°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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