Cost of Living in Walker, MI

Population 25,201 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023

87
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Most of Walker's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $73,835 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. An unemployment rate of 2.9% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Walker sits roughly 6 miles west of Grand Rapids — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 18% higher than Grand Rapids' $226,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 87
Rent 85

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

About the Cost of Living in Walker

The median home value in Walker is $266,400 — 13% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,121/month, 15% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $73,835/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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, Walker has a cost of living index of 87 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 13% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$266,400
13% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$347,044
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,121/mo
15% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,682/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.8x
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 64.3%
Renter-occupied 35.7%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,121
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,735/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
20.9 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
8.4%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
78.4%
Carpooled
11.2%
Public transit
0.8%
Walked
0.9%
Work from home
8.4%

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
$73,835
1% below avg
Per Capita Income
$38,081
Unemployment Rate
2.9%
40% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.7%
Labor Force Participation
70.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 24.4%
Graduate degree 12.1%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 36.3
Male median age 36.1
Female median age 36.7

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 49 — Good
51.5%
Good air days/yr
220
Max AQI recorded
198
PM2.5 days
153
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Walker, MI?

Walker has a cost index of 87 (100 = national average). It is 13% below the national average.

What is average rent in Walker, MI?

The median gross rent in Walker is $1,121 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Walker?

The median home value in Walker is $266,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Walker?

The median household income in Walker is $73,835 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Walker, MI?

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

Is Walker, MI affordable?

Yes, Walker is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 87 — about 13% below the US national average of 100.

Walker at a Glance

Population
25,201
Median Income
$73,835
Home Value
$266,400
Median Rent
$1,121/mo
Unemployment
2.9%
Sales Tax
6.0%
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🗺️ County data for Michigan

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