Cost of Living in Imlay City, MI
Population 3,706 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Imlay City is a smaller Michigan community of around 4000 residents, where median household incomes of $55,061 and housing costs ($138,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Around 26% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Geographically, Imlay City is about 30 miles north of Sterling Heights, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 47% lower than Sterling Heights' $261,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Imlay City
The median home value in Imlay City is $137,800 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $764/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,061/year is 26% 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%. Overall, Imlay City has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.
Imlay City 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Imlay City, MI?
Imlay City has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Imlay City, MI?
The median gross rent in Imlay City is $764 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Imlay City?
The median home value in Imlay City is $137,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Imlay City?
The median household income in Imlay City is $55,061 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Imlay City, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Imlay City is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Imlay City, MI affordable?
Yes, Imlay City is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
Imlay City at a Glance
- Population
- 3,706
- Median Income
- $55,061
- Home Value
- $137,800
- Median Rent
- $764/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.0%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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