Cost of Living in Shields, MI
Population 7,276 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Buyers in Shields can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $173,000 against $83,986 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country.
Shields is about 55 miles northeast of Lansing, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 45% higher than Lansing's $119,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Shields
The median home value in Shields is $173,300 — 43% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $937/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,986/year is 13% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.1%, 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 56.9°F and lows of 39.1°F, with about 49" of annual snowfall. Overall, Shields has a cost of living index of 63 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 37% less expensive.
Shields 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 | 30 | 32 | 42 | 56 | 69 | 79 | 82 | 80 | 73 | 60 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 26 | 36 | 48 | 58 | 61 | 59 | 52 | 41 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.92 | 1.77 | 2.02 | 3.19 | 3.41 | 3.28 | 2.83 | 3.85 | 2.81 | 2.91 | 2.28 | 1.85 |
| Snow" | 13.9 | 11.4 | 6.0 | 2.4 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 3.3 | 11.8 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Shields, MI?
Shields has a cost index of 63 (100 = national average). It is 37% below the national average.
What is average rent in Shields, MI?
The median gross rent in Shields is $937 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Shields?
The median home value in Shields is $173,300 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Shields?
The median household income in Shields is $83,986 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Shields, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Shields is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Shields, MI affordable?
Yes, Shields is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 63 — about 37% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Shields?
Shields has average high temperatures of 56.9°F and average lows of 39.1°F. Annual precipitation is 32.1". Average annual snowfall is 49". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Shields at a Glance
- Population
- 7,276
- Median Income
- $83,986
- Home Value
- $173,300
- Median Rent
- $937/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.1%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
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Michigan Rankings
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