Median Income
$50,861
32% lower than US avg
Home Value
$122,800
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
323/100K
15% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.4%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$791
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.2%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.3%
23% higher than US avg
How Houghton Lake Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,761
Median Age54.5 yrs
Density536/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,861
Per Capita$30,791
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty15.3%
County GDP$854M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$122,800
Rent$791
Ownership79.5%
Zillow$188,125
Housing Units4,499
Rent Burden31.8%
Crime
F
Violent323/100K
Property4,841/100K
Health
Obesity39.2%
Uninsured7.5%
Smoking17.9%
Depression30.0%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain32.4 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation1,182 ft (360 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.4%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+7.7%
School Score4.98
Community
2024 VoteR 66% / D 33%
Commute25 min
Broadband83.2%
EV Stations4
Libraries4
Is Houghton Lake a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Houghton Lake receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, 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.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Houghton Lake is below the national average at 323 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,841 per 100,000, 147% above the national average.
Education
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 5/10.
Climate & Weather
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. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.4 inches, including 74.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Houghton Lake has a population of 5,761 with a density of 536 people per square mile, spread across 7.5 square miles. The median age is 54.5 years, 40% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 49.4% female and 50.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95.8%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.9% of residents. 11.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
54.5yrs
Median Age
40% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Houghton Lake vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.9%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.1%
92% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Houghton Lake vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Houghton Lake is $50,861, which is 32% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $30,791 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $765, 47% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 583 business establishments, including 74 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 12.8% of workers work from home.
Income: Houghton Lake vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,861 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $30,791 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $765 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,282 |
| Gini Index | 0.468 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.3% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 583 |
| County GDP | $854M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 74 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 122 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,612 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.2% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
The median home value in Houghton Lake is $122,800, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,125, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $791 (32% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 79.5% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 4,499 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $5,612 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $122,800 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $188,125 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $791 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 79.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 79.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 20.5% |
| Housing Units | 4,499 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,612 |
| 60% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.57% |
In Houghton Lake, 39.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.1% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.4% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.6% report binge drinking. 25.1% are physically inactive. 30.0% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 7.5% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,148. The dentist ratio is 1:2,371. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Houghton Lake vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.1% |
| Depression | 30.0% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 35.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.6% |
| Uninsured | 7.5% |
| 13% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,148 |
| Dentists | 1:2,371 |
| Mental Health | 1:852 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.9% |
| Dental Visits | 61.9% |
| Premature Death | 12,762/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.5% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Houghton Lake has a violent crime rate of 323 per 100,000 residents, 15% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 4,841 per 100,000, 147% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Houghton Lake receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Houghton Lake vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 322.8/100K |
| 15% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,841.3/100K |
| 147% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Houghton Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 270 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 32.4 inches. The area receives 74.7 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,182 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.9°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,182 ft (360 m) |
| Area | 7.5 sq mi (19.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 536/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.3011°N, 84.7499°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Roscommon County County |
| Nearest Airport | Gaylord Regional (GLR)
49 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.4"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.70"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 56.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 87.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
187 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 8 fatalities, 141 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
65 km |
1 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1969 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
56 km |
1 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1999 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
EF2 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1995 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1993 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
39 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1985 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1977 |
EF2 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1976 |
EF2 |
50 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) (7,478 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (MERIDIAN ROAD) |
7,478 |
37 km |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
BRITTLE |
5,912 |
86 km |
| 2006 |
HUGHES LAKE FIRE |
5,285 |
47 km |
| 2000 |
NO PABLO |
5,266 |
67 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
62 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
61 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
3,759 |
82 km |
| 2018 |
BRITTLE 04/30/2018 |
3,484 |
81 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
2,349 |
87 km |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
13 km |
| 1987 |
OGEMAW22 |
1,952 |
49 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
63 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,796 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
BRITTLE 20 AND 23 RX |
1,557 |
82 km |
| 1988 |
OGEMAW13 |
1,547 |
43 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
48 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
1,434 |
88 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
62 km |
| 1998 |
OGEMAW16 |
1,391 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
42°F (5°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
54°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| June |
63°F (17°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
66°F (19°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Houghton Lake has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 19°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 29.7 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.2").
Average costs for common services in Houghton Lake. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $550 |
| Toddler | $574 |
| Preschool | $574 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $606 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Houghton Lake
What is the population of Houghton Lake?
Houghton Lake has a population of 5,761 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 536 people per square mile, spread across 7.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 54.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 49.4% female and 50.6% male.
Is Houghton Lake expensive to live in?
Houghton Lake has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,861, 32% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $122,800 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $791 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Houghton Lake safe?
Houghton Lake is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 323 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,841 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Houghton Lake receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Houghton Lake?
Houghton Lake has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches, with 74.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Houghton Lake?
The job market in Houghton Lake is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $765. There are 583 business establishments in the area, including 74 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 12.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Houghton Lake?
The median home value in Houghton Lake is $122,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $188,125. For renters, the median monthly rent is $791. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 79.5%. The average annual property tax is $5,612.
How are the schools in Houghton Lake?
Schools in Houghton Lake score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.4% of adults in Houghton Lake hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 7.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Houghton Lake?
The obesity rate in Houghton Lake is 39.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 25.1% are physically inactive. 30.0% of residents report depression. 7.5% lack health insurance. 74.5% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,148.
What is transportation like in Houghton Lake?
The average commute in Houghton Lake is 25 minutes. 66.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Houghton Lake?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Houghton Lake is 95.8% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 98.9% of residents speak only English at home. 11.4% of the population are military veterans. 26.8% of residents have a disability. 96.6% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
