Cost of Living in Houghton County, Michigan
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Houghton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Houghton County ranks #1,138 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 36%)
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.
Cost of Living Advisory: Houghton County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Houghton County is affordable. The median rent is $767/month against a median household income of $56,573, putting rent at 16.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Houghton County pay $767/month on average, compared to $752/month for homeowners. This market favors buyers by about 2%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $30,680/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $32,229/year. With a median household income of $56,573, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 32.0% of renter households in Houghton County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Houghton County sits 6% less expensive than Manistee County ($820/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Houghton County
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
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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