Houghton Lake, MI
Population 5,761 · Michigan
About Houghton Lake, MI
Houghton Lake is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 5,761 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,861 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.5 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 Lake features a median home value of $122,800, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Houghton Lake one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $791, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 4,514 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (2,197 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (566 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Houghton Lake shows an unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 21.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Houghton Lake have an average one-way commute time of 25.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
17.4% of Houghton Lake residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Houghton Lake, MI
Compared to national averages, Houghton Lake has a median household income of $50,861 (32% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $122,800, which is 50% below the national median. Monthly rent at $791 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Houghton Lake's income is 23% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 33% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Houghton Lake, MI?
Houghton Lake offers affordable housing with a median home value of $122,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $791/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.7%.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,861) that falls below the national average. However, Houghton Lake’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Houghton Lake has a population of 5,761 with a median age of 54.5 years. Compare Houghton Lake with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Houghton Lake
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zeeland | 5,691 | $49,367 | $248,100 | Compare |
| Richmond | 5,839 | $61,715 | $228,000 | Compare |
| Dowagiac | 5,677 | $38,433 | $110,300 | Compare |
| Petoskey | 5,851 | $71,783 | $319,300 | Compare |
| Swartz Creek | 5,856 | $73,862 | $168,900 | Compare |
| Buena Vista | 5,904 | $38,835 | $51,800 | Compare |
| Dundee | 5,584 | $71,058 | $233,000 | Compare |
| St. Clair | 5,581 | $68,482 | $241,700 | 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 Lake With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Houghton Lake
What is the population of Houghton Lake, MI?
The population of Houghton Lake, MI is 5,761 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 Lake?
The median household income in Houghton Lake, MI is $50,861 per year, which is 32% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Houghton Lake?
The median home value in Houghton Lake, MI is $122,800, which is 50% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Houghton Lake?
The median monthly rent in Houghton Lake, MI is $791, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Houghton Lake?
The unemployment rate in Houghton Lake, MI is 2.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Houghton Lake, MI a good place to live?
Houghton Lake offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 5,761 and a median age of 54.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Houghton Lake, MI?
17.4% of residents in Houghton Lake aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Houghton Lake?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Houghton Lake, MI: median home value is $122,800 (50% below national), median rent is $791/month, and median household income is $50,861. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Houghton Lake?
The poverty rate in Houghton Lake, MI is 21.7%, 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 Lake, MI?
Houghton Lake's population is 1.0% White, 1.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.5% two or more races. 0.3% of residents are foreign-born.