Cost of Living in Houghton Lake, MI
Population 5,761 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Houghton Lake is a smaller Michigan community of around 6000 residents, where median household incomes of $50,861 and housing costs ($123,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Located 105 miles northeast of Grand Rapids, Houghton Lake is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 46% lower than Grand Rapids' $226,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Houghton Lake
The median home value in Houghton Lake is $122,800 — 60% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $791/month, 40% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $50,861/year is 32% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 54.7°F and lows of 33.6°F, with about 65.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, Houghton Lake has a cost of living index of 48 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 52% less expensive.
Houghton Lake has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 27 | 30 | 40 | 54 | 67 | 77 | 81 | 78 | 71 | 57 | 43 | 32 |
| Low °F | 11 | 11 | 19 | 31 | 42 | 51 | 55 | 53 | 46 | 37 | 28 | 19 |
| Precip" | 1.70 | 1.41 | 1.78 | 3.10 | 3.15 | 3.22 | 2.74 | 2.86 | 2.59 | 3.08 | 2.20 | 1.76 |
| Snow" | 16.4 | 13.6 | 8.3 | 4.4 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.5 | 7.5 | 15.1 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Houghton Lake, MI?
Houghton Lake has a cost index of 48 (100 = national average). It is 52% below the national average.
What is average rent in Houghton Lake, MI?
The median gross rent in Houghton Lake is $791 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Houghton Lake?
The median home value in Houghton Lake is $122,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Houghton Lake?
The median household income in Houghton Lake is $50,861 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Houghton Lake, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Houghton Lake is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Houghton Lake, MI affordable?
Yes, Houghton Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 48 — about 52% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Houghton Lake?
Houghton Lake has average high temperatures of 54.7°F and average lows of 33.6°F. Annual precipitation is 29.6". Average annual snowfall is 65.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Houghton Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 5,761
- Median Income
- $50,861
- Home Value
- $122,800
- Median Rent
- $791/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs