Average Annual Cost of 1 Michigan Prisoner Revealed

Running Michigan's prison systems isn't cheap. In fact, it's a staggering operation that comes with a price tag many taxpayers find tough to swallow. The costs quickly add up between housing, healthcare, and specialized housing.

RELATED: What is the Leading Cause of Death in Michigan Prisons?

Narrowing down to the average cost means factoring in a widely varied pricing structure depending on the prisoner's level of security.

A Closer Look at the Cost of Corrections in Michigan

Here's a look at the cost per prisoner by security level for 2023 as reported in Michigan's House Fiscal Agency Budget Briefing: Corrections report:

• Level I (Minimum Security)
  • $38,851
• Level II (Medium Security)
  • $45,026
• Level IV (Maximum)
  • $54,845
• Multi-Level
  • $53,159
• Reception (new prisoners spend an average of 45 days)
  • $62,871
• Special Alternative Incarceration (SAI is similar to boot camp and rehab)
  • $77,391

Considering all this, and knowing that as of December 1, 2023 (the most recent data available), the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC) prisoner population was 32,906, the average per capita cost per prisoner was $49,191 in 2023. You could take that same amount of money and attend the Fall and Winter Semester at the University of Michigan, live on campus, and still have $10,000 left.

The cost of physical or mental health treatment for prisoners has significantly increased since COVID-19 and has averaged $9,939 per prisoner this year as of December 1, 2023. Michigan's prison population is also aging, with nearly 28% of the population over the age of 50, which means increased medical issues and costs.

In 2023, the MDOC annual allotted budget was $2.1 billion, most of which comes directly from the state's general fund. So, while crime doesn't pay, it certainly isn't cheap for Michigan taxpayers footing the bill.