Houghton
Michigan

What stands out

What stands out about Houghton County: winter sunshine is in the bottom 3% of American counties (-1.7 on the USDA scale), the average temperature is in the bottom 4% of American counties (42°F), and natural-hazard risk is in the bottom 5% of American counties (5 of 100). Within Michigan it ranks 9th of 83 counties for winter sunshine, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Houghton County, Michigan. 37,414 people live here with you. The population grew 1.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +295).

Michigan has a flat income tax just over 4% and has never taxed Social Security. It restored a broad exemption for pension and retirement income in 2023, phasing in over four years. Home prices are below the national average nearly everywhere except the lakeshore counties and the Ann Arbor area. Detroit's population is growing again for the first time since the 1950s.

Money

The typical household here brings in $52,736 a year, lower than 73% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $54,867. Unemployment runs 4.8%, higher than 87% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,241 a year.

Home

The median home costs $192K, cheaper than 66% of American counties, about 1.7 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $744 a month. Property tax is 1.29% of home value, roughly $1,668 a year on that median home, higher than 77% of American counties. 69% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 57% of American counties. Drug overdoses killed 7 people per 100,000 in 2024.

A child born here can expect to live 78.0 years, longer than 75% of American counties. There are 75 active physicians in the county, about 20.0 per 10,000 people. Medicare rates the local hospitals 5.0 of 5 stars. 6.6% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 3.46 where 3.0 is national grade level, higher than 93% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 18 points. 67% of eligible voters turned out. Under Michigan law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 42°F, highs near 52 and lows near 33, colder than 96% of American counties. About 34 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 5 out of 100, safer than 95% of American counties; the county has had 9 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 191 Mbps down, slower than 54% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 4 breweries, 1 National Park Service site.