Cost of Living in Muskegon Heights, MI

Population 9,902 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

36
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Muskegon Heights's median household income of $33,780 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 (37% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 18.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.

Geographically, Muskegon Heights is about 35 miles west of Grand Rapids, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 75% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 18
Rent 63

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

About the Cost of Living in Muskegon Heights

The median home value in Muskegon Heights is $55,800 — 82% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $826/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $33,780/year is 55% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 18.0%, 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 57.9°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 87.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Muskegon Heights has a cost of living index of 36 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 64% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$55,800
82% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$84,695
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$826/mo
37% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,008/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
5.6x
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 44.8%
Renter-occupied 55.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$826
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,440/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
22.2 min
18% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
1.5%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.6%
Carpooled
12.7%
Public transit
1.1%
Walked
1.9%
Bicycle
0.3%
Work from home
1.5%

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
$33,780
55% below avg
Per Capita Income
$16,398
Unemployment Rate
18.0%
273% above avg
Poverty Rate
37.1%
Labor Force Participation
57.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 3.0%
Graduate degree 4.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 31.8
Male median age 29.4
Female median age 33.3

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.9°F
Avg Low
40.9°F
Annual Precip
35.1"
Annual Snowfall
87.2"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333544576878828073614837
Low °F 212127374857626154433426
Precip" 2.422.112.403.473.383.052.753.103.263.802.922.42
Snow" 29.120.07.51.80.00.00.00.00.00.06.522.3

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
77.3%
Good air days/yr
147
Max AQI recorded
0
PM2.5 days
242
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

64%
4-Year Graduation Rate
18.4:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
606
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Muskegon Heights has a cost index of 36 (100 = national average). It is 64% below the national average.

What is average rent in Muskegon Heights, MI?

The median gross rent in Muskegon Heights is $826 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Muskegon Heights?

The median home value in Muskegon Heights is $55,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Muskegon Heights?

The median household income in Muskegon Heights is $33,780 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Muskegon Heights, MI?

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

Is Muskegon Heights, MI affordable?

Yes, Muskegon Heights is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 36 — about 64% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Muskegon Heights?

Muskegon Heights has average high temperatures of 57.9°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 35.1". Average annual snowfall is 87.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Muskegon Heights at a Glance

Population
9,902
Median Income
$33,780
Home Value
$55,800
Median Rent
$826/mo
Unemployment
18.0%
Avg High Temp
57.9°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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