Special Interest
Housing in Monroe County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Monroe County averages $1,059/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Michigan median of $1,129 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 31% of household income on rent, below the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Monroe County FMR Area are $974 for a studio, $1,077 for 1‑bedroom, $1,413 for 2‑bedroom, $1,710 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,288 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $354 increase for a 2-bedroom in Monroe County shows a 33% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Monroe County was 5.3% in 2024, compared to Michigan at 4.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
