Cost of Living in River Rouge, MI
Population 7,092 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in River Rouge run well below national norms — a median of $32,568 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $56,000). A poverty rate near 40% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
River Rouge sits roughly 5 miles southeast of Dearborn — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 73% lower than Dearborn's $206,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in River Rouge
The median home value in River Rouge is $55,900 — 82% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $759/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $32,568/year is 56% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.9%, 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%. Overall, River Rouge has a cost of living index of 34 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 66% less expensive.
River Rouge 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
💨 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 River Rouge, MI?
River Rouge has a cost index of 34 (100 = national average). It is 66% below the national average.
What is average rent in River Rouge, MI?
The median gross rent in River Rouge is $759 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in River Rouge?
The median home value in River Rouge is $55,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in River Rouge?
The median household income in River Rouge is $32,568 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in River Rouge, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in River Rouge is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is River Rouge, MI affordable?
Yes, River Rouge is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 34 — about 66% below the US national average of 100.
River Rouge at a Glance
- Population
- 7,092
- Median Income
- $32,568
- Home Value
- $55,900
- Median Rent
- $759/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data