Houghton, NY
Population 1,685 · New York
About Houghton, NY
Houghton is a small town located in New York with a population of 1,685 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $87,188 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 21.2 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 $153,300, which is 37% 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 $975, 16% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 323 total housing units, 57% are owner-occupied (159 units) and 43% are renter-occupied (120 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Houghton shows an unemployment rate of 7.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 16.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Houghton have an average one-way commute time of 13.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
74.4% 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 0.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 4.3% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Houghton, NY
Compared to national averages, Houghton has a median household income of $87,188 (16% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $153,300, which is 37% below the national median. Monthly rent at $975 is 16% below the US average of $1,163. Within New York, Houghton's income is 10% below the state average of $96,987, and home values are 60% below the state median of $387,181.
Why Live in Houghton, NY?
Houghton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $87,188, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $153,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $975/month. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 74.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and short commute times averaging just 13.7 minutes.
Houghton has a population of 1,685 with a median age of 21.2 years. Compare Houghton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in New York.
Similar Cities Near Houghton
Cities in New York with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakfield | 1,683 | $65,833 | $131,200 | Compare |
| Clintondale | 1,682 | $58,627 | $315,800 | Compare |
| Morrisonville | 1,688 | $83,750 | $209,900 | Compare |
| Waterville | 1,682 | $76,125 | $158,300 | Compare |
| Painted Post | 1,691 | $68,009 | $145,600 | Compare |
| Milton CDP (Ulster County), New York | 1,692 | $95,909 | $338,700 | Compare |
| Walker Valley | 1,695 | $96,429 | $355,100 | Compare |
| Angola on the Lake | 1,699 | $62,188 | $137,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in New York
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, NY?
The population of Houghton, NY is 1,685 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in New York.
What is the median household income in Houghton?
The median household income in Houghton, NY is $87,188 per year, which is 16% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Houghton?
The median home value in Houghton, NY is $153,300, which is 37% 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, NY is $975, which is 16% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Houghton?
The unemployment rate in Houghton, NY is 7.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Houghton, NY a good place to live?
Houghton offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,685 and a median age of 21.2, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Houghton, NY?
74.4% 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, NY: median home value is $153,300 (37% below national), median rent is $975/month, and median household income is $87,188. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Houghton?
The poverty rate in Houghton, NY is 16.2%, 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, NY?
Houghton's population is 0.1% White, 0.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 3.9% two or more races. 4.3% of residents are foreign-born.