Cost of Living in Vandercook Lake, MI

Population 4,434 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

58
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Vandercook Lake 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. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 1.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Vandercook Lake is about 35 miles west of Ann Arbor, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 71% lower than Ann Arbor's $435,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 41
Rent 83

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

About the Cost of Living in Vandercook Lake

The median home value in Vandercook Lake is $125,800 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,094/month, 17% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,337/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 1.7%, 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%. Overall, Vandercook Lake has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$125,800
59% below avg
Median Rent
$1,094/mo
17% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
9.6x
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 92.3%
Renter-occupied 7.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,094
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,708/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
20.0 min
26% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.1%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
88.6%
Carpooled
8.3%
Work from home
3.1%

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
$52,337
30% below avg
Per Capita Income
$33,558
Unemployment Rate
1.7%
64% below avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
Labor Force Participation
52.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 11.2%
Graduate degree 6.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.7
Male median age 33.4
Female median age 45.5

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Vandercook Lake, MI?

Vandercook Lake has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.

What is average rent in Vandercook Lake, MI?

The median gross rent in Vandercook Lake is $1,094 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Vandercook Lake?

The median home value in Vandercook Lake is $125,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Vandercook Lake?

The median household income in Vandercook Lake is $52,337 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Vandercook Lake, MI?

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

Is Vandercook Lake, MI affordable?

Yes, Vandercook Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.

Vandercook Lake at a Glance

Population
4,434
Median Income
$52,337
Home Value
$125,800
Median Rent
$1,094/mo
Unemployment
1.7%
Sales Tax
6.0%
View all cities in Michigan →
🗺️ County data for Michigan

Explore county-level cost of living data

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