Cost of Living in Houghton County, Michigan

$767/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$140,300

Median Home Value

12% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$767/mo

12% below state average

Median Home Value

$140,300

50% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

32.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Houghton County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Houghton County$767/mo

Michigan Average$873/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$767/mo

Median Gross Rent

$140,300

Median Home Value

$752/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

32.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Houghton County, Michigan

Right at Michigan's state average

Houghton County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% matches Michigan's state average precisely, indicating typical affordability for the state overall. The median household income of $56,573 and median rent of $767 reflect a working-class market in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

Perfectly aligned with state norms

Houghton's rent-to-income ratio of 16.3% exactly matches Michigan's state average, making it a representative example of rental affordability across the state. The median rent of $767 sits modestly below the state average of $873, offsetting slightly lower incomes.

Upper Peninsula moderate affordability

Houghton's $767 rent falls between Gladwin ($689) and Gratiot ($808), offering reasonable middle-ground pricing for the region. The median household income of $56,573 is similarly positioned between lower-earning Gogebic ($49,672) and higher-earning Genesee ($60,673).

16.3% of income dedicated to rent

Renters spend $767 monthly while homeowners pay $752—a notably rare case where ownership costs run slightly below rental costs. Against the $56,573 median household income, both options remain accessible for working households.

Upper Peninsula stability at fair prices

Houghton County delivers representative Michigan affordability in a college-town setting anchored by Michigan Technological University. If you're exploring Upper Peninsula relocation, Houghton balances modest costs with more robust job and educational opportunities than neighboring rural counties.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Houghton County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

16.3%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,320

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.0%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Houghton County

Median home value is $140,300. Estimated monthly cost: $1,120 vs. your max of $1,320.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.3%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Houghton County, Michigan?

Houghton County, Michigan has a median monthly rent of $767/mo and a median home value of $140,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 32.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Houghton County?

The median gross rent in Houghton County is $767/mo. This is 12% below state average for Michigan.

Is Houghton County affordable?

Houghton County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 32.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Houghton County's rent compare to the state average?

Houghton County's median rent of $767/mo is 12% below state average of $873/mo for Michigan.

What is the median home value in Houghton County?

The median home value in Houghton County, Michigan is $140,300. This is 50% below the national median home value of $281,900.