Michigan
Houghton is a small city in Michigan with a population of 8,341. Residents earn $35,417 per year, which is 53% below the national average.
Based on current data, Houghton receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Houghton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Houghton is $35,417, 53% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.8% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 12 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
The median home value in Houghton is $233,700, 17% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $861 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 6.6x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Houghton is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 66 per 100,000 residents — well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,258 per 100,000, 36% below the national average.
Houghton is a highly educated community — 65.7% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, well above the national average of 33.7%. 94.8% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Houghton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 41°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
| English Only | 81.8% |
| 4% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 18.2% |
| 36% above US avg |
| Median HH Income | $35,417 |
| 53% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $27,698 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $684 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $67,299 |
| Unemployment | 5.8% |
| 61% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 17.3% |
| 40% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 85 |
| County GDP | $77M |
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Retail | 9 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,600 |
| 89% above US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
| Commute Time | 11.7 min |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |
| Census Median | $233,700 |
| 17% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $261,219 |
| Census Median Rent | $861 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Studio | $795 |
| 1 Bedroom | $800 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $973 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,353 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,632 |
| Owner-Occupied | 37.7% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,600 |
| 89% above US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
| Obesity | 37.5% |
| 17% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.9% |
| Asthma | 11.4% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
| Binge Drinking | 17.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 78.2% |
| Premature Death | 6,845/100K |
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.7% |
| Total Violent | 65.5/100K |
| 83% below US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 26.2/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 39.3/100K |
| Total Property | 1,257.9/100K |
| 36% below US avg | |
| Burglary | 39.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,205.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 13.1/100K |
| Arson | 13.1/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 40.7°F |
| 25% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 965 ft (294 m) |
| Area | 4.4 sq mi (11.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,904/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 47.1118°N, 88.5672°W |
| County FIPS | 26083 |
Winner: Republican by 12.8 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 65.7% |
| 95% above US avg | |
| High School+ | 94.8% |
| School Test Score | 5.97 |
| RUCC Code 9 | Nonmetro — Rural |
| Population Density | 1,904/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.4 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 3 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Restaurants | 19 |
| Retail Stores | 9 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 11.7 min |
| Work from Home | 7.4% |