Special Interest
Housing in Grand Traverse County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Grand Traverse County averages $1,288/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 Grand Traverse County FMR Area are $1,266 for a studio, $1,273 for 1‑bedroom, $1,512 for 2‑bedroom, $1,946 for 3‑bedroom, and $2,002 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $224 increase for a 2-bedroom in Grand Traverse County shows a 17% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Grand Traverse County was 3.9% in 2024, compared to Michigan at 4.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
