Houghton, IA
Population 87 · Iowa
About Houghton, IA
Houghton is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 87 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $104,375 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Houghton features a median home value of $212,500, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Houghton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $700, 40% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 40 total housing units, 84% are owner-occupied (31 units) and 16% are renter-occupied (6 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Houghton shows an unemployment rate of 2.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 1.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Houghton have an average one-way commute time of 17.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.5% of Houghton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 8.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Houghton, IA
Compared to national averages, Houghton has a median household income of $104,375 (39% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $212,500, which is 13% below the national median. Monthly rent at $700 is 40% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Houghton's income is 54% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 61% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Houghton, IA?
Houghton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $104,375, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $212,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $700/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.3%, and a well-educated community where 37.5% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 1.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.9 minutes.
Houghton has a population of 87 with a median age of 43.3 years. Compare Houghton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Houghton
What is the population of Houghton, IA?
The population of Houghton, IA is 87 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Houghton?
The median household income in Houghton, IA is $104,375 per year, which is 39% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Houghton?
The median home value in Houghton, IA is $212,500, which is 13% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Houghton?
The median monthly rent in Houghton, IA is $700, which is 40% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Houghton?
The unemployment rate in Houghton, IA is 2.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Houghton, IA a good place to live?
Houghton offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 87 and a median age of 43.3, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Houghton, IA?
37.5% of residents in Houghton aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Houghton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Houghton, IA: median home value is $212,500 (13% below national), median rent is $700/month, and median household income is $104,375. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Houghton?
The poverty rate in Houghton, IA is 1.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Houghton, IA?
Houghton's population is 8.0% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.