Deep Dive into St Clair Shores, MI: A Rental Investor’s Guide
Ah, Metro Detroit.
We’ve called it home for more than 30 years, and we’ve been buying, selling, renting, and managing properties here that entire time.
So we know pretty much everything there is to know about all of its 132 Cities and 183 Detroit Neighborhoods–including which ones are perfect for rental investing, and which are perhaps too pricey now for the average landlord to afford.
(Bet you didn’t think we were about to say that, huh?)
But it’s true: Many areas in Metro Detroit, like Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, and the 5 Grosse Pointes, are firmly Class A markets now, where you’d be lucky to find a property for under $500k.
Fortunately, that isn’t true for the city we’re covering today.
St Clair Shores, a desirable Detroit suburb that sits along the shores of Lake St Clair, is much more affordable than its luxurious southern neighbors (the 5 Grosse Pointes). But it’s still in extremely high-demand with quality tenants, making it the perfect location for buy-and-hold investors to focus their search.
This Deep Dive will take you through all of the data to show you why.
But before we get started, check out our video tour (complete with example investment properties, which we’ll run the numbers on below):
Like what you see?
Read on for our full rental investor’s guide into buying and managing rental properties in St Clair Shores, Michigan.
A Rental Investor’s Introduction to St Clair Shores, Michigan
St Clair Shores is a Detroit suburb, not part of Detroit itself. It boasts over 6 ½ miles of coastline, plus an additional 14 miles of canals:
Its position on Lake St Clair makes this a highly sought-after place to live, but prices here have remained much more reasonable than in neighboring areas. For example, Grosse Pointe Woods has an average sale price of $348,164, and in Grosse Pointe Shores, it’s $748,484!
St Clair Shores, by contrast, has an average of just $227,854, and some of the homes we’ll look at below are on the market for under $150k.
Our last Deep Dive into St Clair Shores was back in February 2021. Nearly 5 years ago, we gave this area an “A” because of its excellent appreciation potential (7-8% YoY, at the time), high-quality tenant stock, and decent cash flow opportunities.
How’s it faring in 2025? Is St Clair Shores still a good area for rental investing?
Here are some fast facts to get us started:
In summary: Yes. This is a fantastic area to invest in.
Let’s break down some of this data a little further to explain why:
- St Clair Shores is wildly more affordable than its lakefront neighbor, Grosse Pointe Shores (which is 228% more expensive), and is still cheaper than inland Grosse Pointe Woods (53% more expensive). Prices will continue to rise, so this is a unique opportunity to buy close to the city and the lake at a reasonable price point. And one that won’t last for long.
- Another figure of note here is the 83% homeownership rate. People love this area for its great restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, and the unique draw of waterside living: marinas, canals, and lake views. Rentals are rare, and owner-occupiers stay long-term once they buy.
- Rents are relatively low compared to the average household income, making it affordable for tenants. Good prices meets great lifestyle? Of course people want to live here. You’ll have multiple, high-quality applicants to choose from, as long as you buy the right property.
So, how do you find the best rental investment opportunity in St Clair Shores?
Let’s show you exactly how to pinpoint a great rental unit here.
St Clair Shores – Housing Market Analysis
First, let’s help you get an understanding of the broader market dynamics.
Sale Trends
Back in 2017, the average home value here was just $130,000.
Now, they’re nearly double that:
Want more info on specific investment opportunities in St Clair Shores, Detroit, or Michigan? Contact us for a free consultation.
Appreciation has cooled in the past year, but values are still increasing 3.4% YoY. As Detroit’s population continues to increase and more developments take place in the city, we expect this rise to continue.
The fact is, this is a great place to live, and both owner-occupiers and investors alike flock here. Because of that, the market is very competitive, with more than 36% of properties selling for above-asking, and most going pending in 1-2 weeks.
Rent Trends
The last time we Deep Dived into St Clair Shores was in February 2021, right when Covid was hitting its peak.
Although our data goes back a little farther than Zillow’s, we can tell you it was $984 back then.
Now, it’s $1,529/month:
As you can see, that’s still well below the national average, which is another reason why St Clair Shore is so popular with renters.
But it still provides both strong appreciation and rental growth for landlords. Just take a look at how things have changed since our last Deep Dive:
With rental growth outpacing appreciation, this bodes well for long-term cash flow potential. And if you look at these averages and think ‘it doesn’t meet the 1% Rule,’ consider the range these averages cover:
- Sales Range: $70k for the cheapest condo on the market currently, all the way up to $1.55M for a lakefront luxury home.
- Rent Range: $950/month for a basic 1 bedroom apartment, all the way up to $4,000+ for waterfront property.
But let’s look at some actual properties on the market now to see how the numbers really work.
Rental Investment Opportunities in St Clair Shores
As we write this in October 2025, there are 153 properties for sale in St Clair Shores, of which 119 are SFHs. By contrast, there are only 54 rentals available.
Just look how different the sales vs rental maps on Zillow appear:
Interestingly, only 24 of these rentals are SFHs.
So, as you can imagine, fully-detached rental units in this area are in pretty high-demand, given their relative scarcity.
Note: Prices drop the further you go from the water, and you might see some Class C units, but there’s really no Class D area in St Clair Shores. If you’re thinking of Detroit, erase those images from your mind.
Example Investment Properties
We’ve chosen two properties on the market to show you what type of cash flow potential there is for a rental investor here.
- The (Almost) Turnkey Rental
This 3-bedroom house–located within walking distance of St Clair Shores’ downtown shopping area and just a few blocks from the water–is in nearly-turnkey condition:
We say “nearly turnkey” because, from the photos, it seems the attic room does need a general overhaul. But since Zillow estimates the sale price at a little over $155k, you might be able to negotiate this down to pay for some paint and fresh carpets.
If you did, here’s how the numbers would work:
Purchase Price: $155,700 (based on the Zestimate)
Repair Costs: $5,000
After-Repair Value: $160,700
Estimated Rent: $1,750
RTP Ratio: 1.09%
With its location close to retail shops and nightlife, this will be very attractive to tenants who want to be in the heart of the action near the water.
So we suspect $1,750 is attainable here, despite the fact this is just a 1,000-square foot property. That attic renovation is definitely needed to achieve those figures, but it’s 100% doable.
- The Fixer-Upper
If recarpeting a single room is too feeble of a challenge for you, we also found this 3-bedroom house that needs a lot more repairs.
It’s a few blocks away, further inland, but still on a highly-desirable residential street close to the shops and restaurants of Harper Ave:
Since we visited this property in person in our video tour, it’s had a 10% price cut ($15.5k!), making it even more of a deal than we initially thought.
Once you’ve factored in the cost of a full remodel, here’s how the rental investment numbers look:
Purchase Price: $139,500
Repair Costs: $30,000
After-Repair Value: $169,500
Rent Zestimate: $1,800
RTP Ratio: 1.06%
Zillow had initially estimated the market rent at $2,000/month for this unit, but we think $1,800 is more feasible.
And it still gives you strong cash flow potential, on top of equity gains: A FSBO property just down the street, slightly smaller, is currently asking $220k (not in turnkey condition).
Area and Tenant Quality
You’ve seen the properties on offer.
Now, let’s talk about what the city of St Clair Shores is actually like to live in for your potential tenants, especially if you’ve never been here yourself.
We’ll break down:
- Housing Stock Quality
- Tenant Quality
- Economic Development
- Crime & Safety
To show you why this is seen as one of the nicest areas to live in within all of Metro Detroit.
Housing Stock
There’s a decent mix of housing types in St Clair Shores. From $1M+ mansions along the lake to ranches and bungalow-style homes, you’ll find a little bit of everything here.
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
- Average Property Age: 67 years (most built 1940–1969).
- Property Types:
- 87% single-family homes.
- Lakefront condos and townhomes make up the rest.
- Neighborhood Breakdown:
- Lakefront: $1M+ mansions and premium apartments with stunning views.
- Closer to Detroit: More affordable Class B properties, especially near the city line.
- Greater Mack (South of 9 Mile): Retail hub with shops, parking, and spots like Cache cocktail bar.
And, with a homeownership rate of 83%, most properties here are very well-maintained. There are still many older units, though, so keep an eye out for age-related issues when doing inspections.
But to summarize: Closer to the City of Detroit, you might find a few Class C areas, but most of the housing stock here is Class B or Class A.
Insider’s Guide:
Exploring some of the fancier mansions and marinas?
Check out Mike’s on the Water, next to Blossom Heath Pier and the public park, while you’re in the area. It’s a legendary local spot with views over the lake that’s not to be missed.
Tenant Stock
St Clair Shores has long been a “cool” enclave, known for its shorefront bars that locals reach using their own boats. As such, waterfront property is obviously at a premium here.
But even further inland, lots of high-quality tenants want to live here.
Here’s some basic demographic info:
St Clair Shores residents take pride in their homes and neighborhoods, and while most own their houses, there’s still a solid demand for rentals.
You’ll see a mix of young professionals, retirees, and a smaller percentage of families with kids. The workforce here is a pretty even split between white- and blue-collar jobs, with many working in manufacturing, healthcare, and retail.
And over 95% of residents have at least a high school diploma, which is higher than the national average. That means you’re likely to get tenants who are educated and career-focused.
Income-wise, the average household brings in $89,454, and the per capita income is $54,526, which is a good sign for landlords looking for stable tenants.
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- Average Monthly Household Income: $7,454.50
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,529
- Income = 4.9x Monthly Rent
So, based on the general rule of “Rent should = 3x monthly salary”, most renters should be more than capable of paying rent consistently each month.
Overall, St. Clair Shores is a place where people put down roots.
It’s safe, it’s cool, and it’s a great spot for people who want a quieter, family-friendly vibe but still enjoy having parks, restaurants, and the lake right in their backyard.
Economic Development
Home values have risen at a record rate for the past decade across Detroit, thanks to billions in public and private investments aimed at improving housing, infrastructure, and the local economy.
St Clair Shores is already cool, but the city has its sights set on making itself even more attractive to the types of high-end residents who call the Grosse Pointes home.
Plans include:
- 40-Unit Condo Development (Jefferson Avenue): The city recently approved a 5-story condo project on the lakefront, which they hope will modernize the area and attract higher-income residents.
- Chipotle & Panera Development (Nine Mile): A new retail site with a Chipotle, Panera, and additional restaurant/retail spaces is being built, which may boost interest in the surrounding streets.
- Nautical Mile Sewer Project: A new sewer line is being installed under the Nautical Mile–St Clair Shores’ lakefront retail strip–to reduce sewage discharges into Lake St. Clair.
As developments like these continue, prices will continue to rise. So we wouldn’t advise waiting long if you plan to buy here.
Crime and Safety
Compared to Metro Detroit as a whole, St Clair Shores is extremely safe.
Whereas crime rates in the City of Detroit are almost always above national averages, the crime rate in St Clair Shores is 54.7% lower than the national average.
According to a survey by AreaVibes, 90% of residents said that there was “virtually no crime and that they felt safe walking at night.”
There is, however, a slight divide between east and west–the closer to the City of Detroit you go, the more crime heat maps show an increase in events like property theft, so always assess each area on a block-by-block basis.
Rental Property Management Tips for St Clair Shores, MI
All of this–the condition of the housing stock, the types of tenants you attract, and the way the neighborhood will develop in the future–has an impact on the way you’ll need to manage your rental properties.
So, given what we know anecdotally from managing rental properties in St Clair Shores over the years, and our own internal data, here’s what you can expect when it comes to your daily property management duties as a landlord in St Clair Shores:
This is just a brief guide to help you prepare for the realities of managing properties in St Clair Shores. But if you want more detailed advice, feel free to reach out to us!
Investment Report Card
Now let’s add all of this up and see how St Clair Shores performs.
We’ve created this standardized Report Card for each city we cover, so you can understand how we evaluate and determine the overall scores:
In summary, this is a solid Class A/B neighborhood that sits high on our list of recommendations for where to invest in rental properties in Metro Detroit.
We rate it so highly thanks to its:
- Waterfront Value: Property is 228% more expensive in neighboring Grosse Pointe Shores, so this is one of the last enclaves where affordability and proximity to Lake St Clair still overlap.
- Popularity with Class A Tenants: Great prices + excellent quality of living = very high demand amongst quality tenants. The salary-to-rent ratio is nearly 5X here, so you can expect fewer rent delinquencies vs other Metro Detroit areas.
- Strong Rental Growth: With rent increases outpacing appreciation over the last 5 years, this is a great city for achieving both equity gains and cash flow.
Although 3-bedroom homes start at around $140k, as we’ve shown with our example properties above, it’s still relatively straightforward to find a unit that will cash flow here.
So, if you’re ready to begin your property search, here’s where we’d recommend starting first:
Streets to Focus On:
- As Close to the Lake as Possible – Prices are highest by the water, but the area between Ridgeway and California Streets has plenty of affordable turnkey properties with solid rent-to-price ratios.
- Greater Mack (south of 9 Mile) – Rentals further inland but close to the retail and social hub of downtown are also in-demand. Check the streets between Colony and Woodbridge as a starting point.
- Harper Ave – Like Greater Mack, this is another retail hub in St Clair Shores. Properties like our Ridgeway Street example, which are within walking distance of shops, are another good option.
Streets to Avoid:
- The North – The northern half of St Clair Shores is a more premium, Class A neighborhood with higher rents and property values. If you can find a deal here, great, but it’s more difficult to find units that fit the 1% Rule in this neighborhood (e.g. Taylor Street and the surrounding blocks).
- B/C Class Streets closer to Detroit – The closer you get to the city, you’ll experience slightly more complex management issues and less premium appeal compared to areas closer to the lake, but there are still no Class D areas here.
This isn’t an exhaustive list–like we said, you can’t really go wrong in St Clair Shores. It’s just a matter of choosing a street that fits your budget, and finding a property that fits the 1% Rule.
That’s why we’ve given St Clair Shores an A Grade for rental investment potential.
This is based on our personal experience as property managers and the criteria we’ve created for grading each area, but we hope this guide helps you make more informed decisions when buying your next rental property.
To your growth! 💪
Stay tuned for our upcoming Deep Dives into other Metro Detroit neighborhoods. If you have a specific area in mind, leave a comment, and we’ll be sure to cover it in one of our next installments.
Want to explore investment properties in St Clair Shores? Contact us for a list of our available units.