Based on the Zillow Home Value Index you can discover incredible value in Michigan’s housing market. While the national housing market continues to reach new heights, Michigan offers pockets of affordability that may surprise you. From urban revitalization opportunities to peaceful northern retreats, these 25 towns represent the most budget-friendly options in the Great Lakes State as of February 2025.
You’ll find stark contrasts in growth patterns across these affordable communities. Some towns, like Inkster, have seen property values skyrocket by 277% over the past decade, while others like Silverwood have experienced a 41% decline in the same period. What’s particularly fascinating is that Detroit-area communities dominate the list, with Wayne County alone accounting for 4 of the top 10 most affordable towns.
As you explore these options, you’ll notice that affordability doesn’t necessarily mean sacrifice. Many of these communities are within commuting distance to larger cities, offering you the perfect balance of small-town living with access to urban amenities. With home values in the most affordable town, Beecher, starting at just $39,369 compared to Michigan’s median home value of over $240,000, these 25 communities represent extraordinary opportunities for first-time homebuyers, investors, and those looking to stretch their housing dollars.
1. Luzerne
- 2025 Home Value: $112,136
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $70,457
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 59.2%
Topping our list of Michigan’s most affordable communities, Luzerne in Oscoda County offers you northern Michigan living at just over $112,000. Since 2015, home values have increased by 59.2%, reflecting steady appreciation while remaining accessible.
2. Bay City
- 2025 Home Value: $111,910
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $60,808
- 2010 Home Value: $57,783
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 93.7%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 84.0%
The waterfront community of Bay City, located where the Saginaw River meets Saginaw Bay, offers you small city amenities with continuing affordability. Property values have nearly doubled since 2010 to reach $111,910, representing solid growth while maintaining accessibility.
3. Akron
- 2025 Home Value: $111,110
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $60,979
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 82.2%
Situated in Michigan’s Thumb region in Tuscola County, Akron offers rural living with an 82.2% increase in property values since 2015, now reaching $111,110. You’ll enjoy small village life in agricultural surroundings while being within reasonable driving distance of Saginaw Bay and larger communities.
4. Calumet
- 2025 Home Value: $111,038
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $82,456
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 34.7%
Completing the trio of Keweenaw Peninsula communities, Calumet in Houghton County offers historic architecture and small-town living. With more modest growth of 34.7% since 2015, home values now stand at $111,038.
5. Laurium
- 2025 Home Value: $108,921
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $48,328
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 125.4%
Located in Houghton County’s Keweenaw Peninsula, Laurium offers historic charm at affordable prices. Home values have increased 125.4% since 2015 to reach $108,921.
6. Hubbell
- 2025 Home Value: $105,920
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
Also in Houghton County in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, Hubbell offers you affordable living in one of Michigan’s most distinctive regions. At $105,920, housing remains accessible in this community positioned along Torch Lake.
7. Harrison
- 2025 Home Value: $105,581
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $51,256
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 106.0%
In central Michigan’s Clare County, Harrison offers you lakeside living at an affordable price. Home values have doubled since 2015 to reach $105,581, reflecting increased interest in this area known as the gateway to Michigan’s north country.
8. Inkster
- 2025 Home Value: $105,178
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $27,866
- 2010 Home Value: $18,729
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 461.6%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 277.4%
The western Wayne County suburb of Inkster boasts the most dramatic growth story on our list. You’re looking at an astonishing 461.6% increase in home values since 2010, with the average now at $105,178.
9. Mt Morris
- 2025 Home Value: $103,061
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $35,679
- 2010 Home Value: $31,161
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 230.7%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 188.9%
Adjacent to Mount Morris and sharing similar dynamics, Mt Morris (spelled differently) in Genesee County has seen even more dramatic growth of 230.7% since 2010. You’re now looking at average home values of $103,061, crossing the six-figure threshold while still remaining highly affordable.
10. Mount Morris
- 2025 Home Value: $99,269
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $29,413
- 2010 Home Value: $37,997
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 161.3%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 237.5%
The Flint suburb of Mount Morris in Genesee County has experienced extraordinary growth, with home values increasing 237.5% since 2015 to reach $99,269. This revival represents one of the most dramatic turnarounds on our list, as values had actually decreased between 2010 and 2015 before surging over the next decade.
11. Bessemer
- 2025 Home Value: $98,590
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $49,985
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 97.2%
Rounding out the trio of western UP communities in Gogebic County, Bessemer has seen property values nearly double since 2015 to reach $98,590. You’re positioned in the heart of ski country, with easy access to both downhill and Nordic skiing in the snow-rich region.
12. Newberry
- 2025 Home Value: $98,154
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
Known as the “Moose Capital of Michigan,” Newberry in Luce County offers you Upper Peninsula living at under $100,000. You’re positioned in the eastern UP, with easy access to Tahquamenon Falls, Lake Superior, and vast wilderness areas.
13. Wakefield
- 2025 Home Value: $94,945
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $53,852
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 76.3%
Another Gogebic County gem, Wakefield sits in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula near the Wisconsin border. Since 2015, property values have increased 76.3% to reach $94,945.
14. Prescott
- 2025 Home Value: $93,283
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $53,620
- 2010 Home Value: $45,531
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 104.9%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 74.0%
In northeastern Lower Michigan, you’ll find Prescott in Ogemaw County offering small-town charm and affordability. Home values have doubled since 2010, now reaching $93,283, yet remain accessible for many buyers.
15. Iron River
- 2025 Home Value: $92,072
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $50,760
- 2010 Home Value: $48,992
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 87.9%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 81.4%
Located in Iron County in the western Upper Peninsula, Iron River has seen steady growth of 87.9% since 2010, with home values now at $92,072. You’ll find yourself in the heart of UP wilderness, with access to countless lakes, the Ottawa National Forest, and year-round recreation.
16. Ironwood
- 2025 Home Value: $91,172
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $49,081
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 85.8%
Perched at Michigan’s western edge in Gogebic County, Ironwood serves as a gateway to outdoor adventure. Housing values have increased 85.8% since 2015 to reach $91,172, still well below the state average.
17. Gaastra
- 2025 Home Value: $87,157
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: N/A
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
Tucked away in Iron County in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, Gaastra offers you small-town living at its most authentic. At $87,157, homes remain remarkably affordable in this community of under 300 residents.
18. Kincheloe
- 2025 Home Value: $84,524
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $54,145
- 2010 Home Value: $51,317
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 64.7%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 56.1%
The first Upper Peninsula community on our list, Kincheloe in Chippewa County offers you a unique blend of affordability and northern Michigan living. Once home to an Air Force base, the community has seen steady growth of 64.7% since 2010, with homes now valued at $84,524.
19. Ecorse
- 2025 Home Value: $78,504
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $21,477
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 265.5%
Adjacent to River Rouge in Wayne County, you’ll find Ecorse offering similarly impressive growth with a 265.5% increase in home values since 2015. At $78,504, this Detroit suburb provides you with affordable housing options within the broader Detroit metropolitan area.
20. River Rouge
- 2025 Home Value: $74,894
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $21,325
- 2010 Home Value: $16,529
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 353.1%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 251.2%
River Rouge, located in Wayne County just southwest of Detroit, boasts one of the most dramatic growth stories on our list. You’ll find housing values have skyrocketed 353.1% since 2010, yet remain affordable at $74,894.
21. Detroit
- 2025 Home Value: $73,442
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $25,306
- 2010 Home Value: $24,887
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 195.1%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 190.2%
Michigan’s largest city and cultural center ranks fifth on our list. In Detroit, you’re witnessing the results of a remarkable urban renaissance, with home values nearly tripling since 2010 to reach $73,442. Detroit’s 190.2% value increase since 2015 demonstrates the city’s continuing recovery and potential for further appreciation.
22. Muskegon Heights
- 2025 Home Value: $72,315
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $24,831
- 2010 Home Value: $28,785
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 151.2%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 191.2%
On the western side of Michigan along Lake Michigan, you’ll discover Muskegon Heights in Muskegon County. The housing market has shown impressive growth with values nearly tripling since 2015, rising 191.2% to reach $72,315.
23. Silverwood
- 2025 Home Value: $63,045
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $106,643
- 2010 Home Value: $151,304
- Change from 2010 to 2025: -58.3%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: -40.9%
Nestled in Lapeer County within the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metropolitan area, Silverwood presents a unique case. You’re looking at the only town in our top 25 that has experienced significant value decline, with home prices dropping 58.3% since 2010. At $63,045, the current home values offer you an affordable entry point into a community that once commanded much higher prices, potentially representing a long-term opportunity as the Detroit metro area continues to evolve.
24. Flint
- 2025 Home Value: $59,140
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $24,838
- 2010 Home Value: $29,418
- Change from 2010 to 2025: 101.0%
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 138.1%
Flint, the central city of Genesee County, holds the second position on our affordability list. You’ll benefit from a housing market that has doubled in value since 2010, with the average home now worth $59,140. Despite its well-documented challenges, Flint has shown remarkable resilience with property values increasing 138.1% over the past decade, offering you potential investment opportunities as the city continues its revitalization efforts.
25. Beecher
- 2025 Home Value: $39,369
- 2020 Home Value: N/A
- 2015 Home Value: $17,657
- 2010 Home Value: N/A
- Change from 2015 to 2025: 123.0%
Located in Genesee County, just north of Flint, you’ll find Beecher offering the most affordable housing in Michigan. Since 2015, property values have more than doubled with a 123% increase, yet remain incredibly accessible at just under $40,000.
