Special Interest
Housing in Clare County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Clare County averages $765/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 32% of household income on rent, equal to the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Clare County FMR Area are $734 for a studio, $790 for 1‑bedroom, $1,037 for 2‑bedroom, $1,251 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,695 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $272 increase for a 2-bedroom in Clare County shows a 36% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Clare County was 7.5% in 2024, compared to Michigan at 4.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
