Cost of Living in Plainwell, MI
Population 3,764 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing costs in Plainwell stay well under national norms: a median home value of $191,000 against median household incomes of $65,846 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in Michigan.
Geographically, Plainwell is about 35 miles south of Grand Rapids, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Plainwell
The median home value in Plainwell is $191,100 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $860/month, 35% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $65,846/year is 12% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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 58.7°F and lows of 40.2°F. Overall, Plainwell has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.
Plainwell 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 | 32 | 35 | 46 | 59 | 70 | 80 | 83 | 81 | 74 | 61 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 18 | 20 | 27 | 38 | 49 | 58 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 42 | 33 | 24 |
| Precip" | 1.70 | 1.34 | 2.01 | 3.07 | 3.70 | 3.20 | 3.36 | 3.66 | 3.27 | 3.74 | 2.50 | 1.68 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Plainwell, MI?
Plainwell has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Plainwell, MI?
The median gross rent in Plainwell is $860 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Plainwell?
The median home value in Plainwell is $191,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Plainwell?
The median household income in Plainwell is $65,846 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Plainwell, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Plainwell is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Plainwell, MI affordable?
Yes, Plainwell is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Plainwell?
Plainwell has average high temperatures of 58.7°F and average lows of 40.2°F. Annual precipitation is 33.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Plainwell at a Glance
- Population
- 3,764
- Median Income
- $65,846
- Home Value
- $191,100
- Median Rent
- $860/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 58.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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