Median Income
$104,375
39% higher than US avg
Home Value
$212,500
25% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
127/100K
67% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.5%
11% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$700
40% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.0%
6% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Houghton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population87
Median Age43.3 yrs
Density290/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans64.0%
Economy
A+
Median Income$104,375
Per Capita$52,783
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,264M
Commute18 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$212,500
Rent$700
Ownership83.8%
Zillow$201,913
Housing Units36
Rent Burden20.0%
Crime
F
Violent127/100K
Property2,921/100K
Health
Obesity34.0%
Uninsured6.4%
Smoking14.7%
Depression20.0%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.2 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation719 ft (219 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.5%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+3.3%
School Score5.37
Community
2024 VoteR 63% / D 35%
Commute18 min
Broadband37.0%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Houghton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Houghton receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population. Houghton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Houghton is $104,375, which is significantly higher than the national average / 39% above $75,149. This places Houghton among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Houghton is $212,500, 25% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Houghton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,921 per 100,000, 49% above the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.5% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Houghton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches, including 26.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Houghton has a population of 87 with a density of 290 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 43.3 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (85.1%), with 2.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 64.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.3yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Houghton is $104,375, which is 39% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $52,783 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,103, 23% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,061 business establishments, including 83 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 9.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $104,375 |
| 39% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $52,783 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,103 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $68,118 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,061 |
| County GDP | $2,264M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 83 |
| Healthcare | 88 |
| Retail | 108 |
| Manufacturing | 50 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,062 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.91% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 9.5% |
The median home value in Houghton is $212,500, 25% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,913. Monthly rent averages $700 (40% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 83.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 36 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,062 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 20.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $212,500 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $201,913 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $700 |
| 40% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 83.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 83.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 16.2% |
| Housing Units | 36 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,062 |
| 16% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.91% |
In Houghton, 34.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 23.5% report binge drinking. 20.9% are physically inactive, below the national average. 20.0% report depression. 16.5% experience frequent mental distress. 6.4% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,582. The dentist ratio is 1:1,824. 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Houghton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.0% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.9% |
| Depression | 20.0% |
| Mental Distress | 16.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 6.4% |
| 26% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,582 |
| Dentists | 1:1,824 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,018 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.9% |
| Dental Visits | 70.0% |
| Premature Death | 9,251/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 88 |
Houghton has a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, 67% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,921 per 100,000, 49% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Houghton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Houghton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 127.0/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,920.8/100K |
| 49% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Houghton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 76°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.2 inches. The area receives 26.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 719 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-4°C)
76°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 51.7°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 76°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 719 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 290/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 40.7837°N, 91.6100°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southeast Iowa Regional (BRL)
25 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.2"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.49"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 63.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.9. Most recent: M2.9 on Feb 8, 2004.
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
145 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
481 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 13 fatalities, 273 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 13, 1974 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 1973 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
42 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
42 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
28 km |
1 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1965 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 25, 1965 |
EF3 |
28 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
57 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
57 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
57 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
56 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
57 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-4°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
40°F (4°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
76°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
66°F (19°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
40°F (4°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Houghton has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 76°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.2 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Houghton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Houghton
What is the population of Houghton?
Houghton has a population of 87 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 290 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.3 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Houghton expensive to live in?
Houghton is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $104,375, 39% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $212,500 (25% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $700 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Houghton safe?
Houghton is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 127 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,921 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Houghton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Houghton?
Houghton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 76°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.2 inches, with 26.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Houghton?
The job market in Houghton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,103. There are 1,061 business establishments in the area, including 83 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 9.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Houghton?
The median home value in Houghton is $212,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $201,913. For renters, the median monthly rent is $700. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 83.8%. The average annual property tax is $4,062.
How are the schools in Houghton?
Schools in Houghton score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.5% of adults in Houghton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 3.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Houghton?
The obesity rate in Houghton is 34.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 20.9% are physically inactive. 20.0% of residents report depression. 6.4% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,582.
What is transportation like in Houghton?
The average commute in Houghton is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81% of workers drive alone to work, and 9.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Houghton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Houghton is 85.1% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 64.0% of the population are military veterans. 10.4% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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