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"I think Michigan keeps you sane and on an even keel through the ups and downs. In Michigan, I do fireworks, shovel snow and live life."- Jeff Daniels plant
MI Renter Confidence Survey
National study of renter’s satisfaction with their cities and states
Here’s how MI ranks on:
B-
Overall satisfaction
B-
Safety and crime rate
C+
Jobs and career opportunities
B
Recreational activities
B
Affordability
B
Quality of schools
C+
Social Life
D
Weather
B+
Commute time
B
State and local taxes
B
Public transit
B-
Pet-friendliness

Overview of Findings

Apartment List has released Michigan’s results from the third annual Apartment List Renter Satisfaction Survey. This survey, which drew on responses from over 45,000 renters, provides insight on what states and cities must do to meet the needs of 111 million American renters nationwide.

"Michigan renters expressed general satisfaction with the state overall," according to Apartment List. "They gave most categories average or near-average scores."

Key findings in Michigan include the following:

  • Michigan renters gave their state a B- overall.
  • The highest-rated categories for Michigan were commute time, which received a B+, and state and local taxes, quality of local schools, affordability and recreational activities, which all received B grades.
  • The areas of concern to Michigan renters are weather (D) and social life and jobs and career opportunities, which both received C+ grades.
  • Millennial renters are unsatisfied with their state, giving it an overall rating of C, while renters who are parents are equally unsatisfied, also giving it a C.
  • Michigan did relatively well compared to nearby states including Ohio (C+) and Indiana (C), but earned lower marks than Illinois (B+) and Wisconsin (A).
  • Michigan did relatively poorly compared to other states nationwide, including California (A-), North Carolina (A-) and Florida (B+).
  • The top rated states nationwide for renter satisfaction include Colorado, Alaska, South Dakota, Idaho and Minnesota. The lowest rated states include Wyoming, Arkansas, Mississippi, West Virginia and Louisiana.

Surveyed Cities in Michigan