Houghton, MI
Population 8,341 · Michigan
About Houghton, MI
Houghton is a small community in Michigan with a population of 8,341 residents. The median household income is $35,417 per year, which is below the national average. The median age in Houghton is 21.9 years.
Housing in Houghton has a median home value of $233,700 and median monthly rent of $861. Of the 2,502 total housing units, renting is more common than owning, with 867 owner-occupied and 1,430 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Houghton is 10.8% and the poverty rate is 34.9%. 65.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 11.7 minutes.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Houghton
What is the population of Houghton, MI?
The population of Houghton, MI is 8,341 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Houghton?
The median household income in Houghton, MI is $35,417 per year.
What is the median home value in Houghton?
The median home value in Houghton, MI is $233,700.
What is the average rent in Houghton?
The median monthly rent in Houghton, MI is $861.
What is the unemployment rate in Houghton?
The unemployment rate in Houghton, MI is 10.8%.