Cost of Living in Three Rivers, MI

Population 7,936 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

48
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Three Rivers sits on the smaller end of the Michigan city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 8.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Three Rivers is about 40 miles northeast of South Bend, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with South Bend's $125,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 39
Rent 62

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

About the Cost of Living in Three Rivers

The median home value in Three Rivers is $120,200 — 61% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $815/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,852/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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, Three Rivers has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$120,200
61% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$215,613
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$815/mo
38% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
12.3x
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 54.3%
Renter-occupied 45.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$815
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,429/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
20.3 min
25% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
2.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.9%
Carpooled
15.7%
Public transit
0.3%
Walked
3.8%
Bicycle
1.1%
Work from home
2.6%

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
$48,852
34% below avg
Per Capita Income
$24,693
Unemployment Rate
8.6%
78% above avg
Poverty Rate
15.0%
Labor Force Participation
62.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 9.9%
Graduate degree 5.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 34.9
Male median age 32.9
Female median age 36.9

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
58.7°F
Avg Low
40.2°F
Annual Precip
33.2"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323546597080838174614837
Low °F 182027384958626053423324
Precip" 1.701.342.013.073.703.203.363.663.273.742.501.68

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
18:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
2,535
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Three Rivers, MI?

Three Rivers has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.

What is average rent in Three Rivers, MI?

The median gross rent in Three Rivers is $815 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Three Rivers?

The median home value in Three Rivers is $120,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Three Rivers?

The median household income in Three Rivers is $48,852 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Three Rivers, MI?

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

Is Three Rivers, MI affordable?

Yes, Three Rivers is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Three Rivers?

Three Rivers 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.

Three Rivers at a Glance

Population
7,936
Median Income
$48,852
Home Value
$120,200
Median Rent
$815/mo
Unemployment
8.6%
Avg High Temp
58.7°F
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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