Houghton, MI
Population 8,341 · Michigan
About Houghton, MI
Houghton is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 8,341 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $35,417 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.9 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Houghton features a median home value of $233,700, which is 5% 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 $861, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,502 total housing units, 38% are owner-occupied (867 units) and 62% are renter-occupied (1,430 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Houghton shows an unemployment rate of 10.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 34.9%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Houghton have an average one-way commute time of 11.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
65.7% of Houghton residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 1.8% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 1.2% Asian residents, with 14.8% of the population being foreign-born.
How Houghton Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Houghton, MI
Compared to national averages, Houghton has a median household income of $35,417 (53% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $233,700, which is 5% below the national median. Monthly rent at $861 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Houghton's income is 46% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 27% above the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Houghton, MI?
Houghton offers affordable housing with a median home value of $233,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $861/month, and a well-educated community where 65.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($35,417) that falls below the national average. However, Houghton’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Houghton has a population of 8,341 with a median age of 21.9 years. Compare Houghton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Houghton
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flushing | 8,323 | $77,372 | $189,500 | Compare |
| Menominee | 8,370 | $49,646 | $97,800 | Compare |
| Mason | 8,239 | $79,521 | $194,600 | Compare |
| Center Line | 8,448 | $52,857 | $145,300 | Compare |
| Temperance | 8,495 | $76,069 | $230,200 | Compare |
| Beecher | 8,507 | $35,582 | $48,400 | Compare |
| Whitmore Lake | 8,083 | $78,038 | $270,300 | Compare |
| Tecumseh | 8,655 | $64,086 | $193,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Houghton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Houghton
What is the population of Houghton, MI?
The population of Houghton, MI is 8,341 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Houghton?
The median household income in Houghton, MI is $35,417 per year, which is 53% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Houghton?
The median home value in Houghton, MI is $233,700, which is 5% below the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Houghton?
The median monthly rent in Houghton, MI is $861, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Houghton?
The unemployment rate in Houghton, MI is 10.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Houghton, MI a good place to live?
Houghton offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 8,341 and a median age of 21.9, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Houghton, MI?
65.7% 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, MI: median home value is $233,700 (5% below national), median rent is $861/month, and median household income is $35,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.6x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Houghton?
The poverty rate in Houghton, MI is 34.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Houghton, MI?
Houghton's population is 1.8% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian, and 2.8% two or more races. 14.8% of residents are foreign-born.