Michigan
Houghton Lake is a small city in Michigan with a population of 5,761. Residents earn $50,861 per year, which is 32% below the national average.
Based on current data, Houghton Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Houghton Lake offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
The median household income in Houghton Lake is $50,861, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. The poverty rate of 15.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
The median home value in Houghton Lake is $122,800, 56% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $791 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 2.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
17.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Houghton Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches, including 74.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 98.9% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.1% |
| 92% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $50,861 |
| 32% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $30,791 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $765 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,282 |
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 15.3% |
| 23% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 583 |
| County GDP | $854M |
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 122 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,612 |
| 60% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.57% |
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
| Census Median | $122,800 |
| 56% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,125 |
| Census Median Rent | $791 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,612 |
| 60% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 4.57% |
| Obesity | 39.2% |
| 22% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.1% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.4% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,762/100K |
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Annual Average | 43.9°F |
| 19% below US avg | |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Annual Rainfall | 32.4 inches |
| 15% below US avg | |
| Snowfall | 74.7 inches/yr |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,182 ft (360 m) |
| Area | 10.8 sq mi (27.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 536/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3011°N, 84.7499°W |
| County FIPS | 26143 |
Winner: Republican by 32.9 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 17.4% |
| 48% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 89.7% |
| School Test Score | 5.23 |
| RUCC Code 7 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K |
| Population Density | 536/sq mi |
| Total Area | 10.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 4 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 5 |
| Public Libraries | 4 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Retail Stores | 122 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Avg Commute | 25.3 min |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |