Cost of Living in Houghton, MI
Population 8,341 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Houghton's median household income of $35,417 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (35% here). At 10.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Houghton lies roughly 180 miles north of the nearest major metro, Green Bay. Median home values run roughly 22% higher than Green Bay's $192,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Houghton
The median home value in Houghton is $233,700 — 23% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $861/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $35,417/year is 53% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 10.8%, above 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 49.1°F and lows of 32.3°F. Overall, Houghton has a cost of living index of 72 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 28% less expensive.
Houghton 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 | 22 | 25 | 34 | 46 | 61 | 71 | 75 | 74 | 66 | 52 | 38 | 28 |
| Low °F | 10 | 9 | 17 | 29 | 40 | 49 | 55 | 54 | 47 | 37 | 26 | 16 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Houghton, MI?
Houghton has a cost index of 72 (100 = national average). It is 28% below the national average.
What is average rent in Houghton, MI?
The median gross rent in Houghton is $861 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Houghton?
The median home value in Houghton is $233,700 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Houghton?
The median household income in Houghton is $35,417 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Houghton, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Houghton is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Houghton, MI affordable?
Yes, Houghton is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 72 — about 28% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Houghton?
Houghton has average high temperatures of 49.1°F and average lows of 32.3°F. Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Houghton at a Glance
- Population
- 8,341
- Median Income
- $35,417
- Home Value
- $233,700
- Median Rent
- $861/mo
- Unemployment
- 10.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 49.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Michigan Rankings
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