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)
These figures are county medians, not a personal budget. Use them to frame rent, ownership, and income tradeoffs, then account for household size, commute, financing, insurance, taxes, debt, and local availability before making a decision.
How Houghton County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Houghton County ranks #1,243 of 3,142 counties for affordability (top 40%)
Sourced county brief
Houghton County Median GRAPI Reaches 33.3 Percent
The official median gross rent as a percentage of household income (GRAPI) in Houghton County is 33.3%, according to ACS table B25071. This percentage is 4.4 percentage points higher than the Michigan unweighted county mean of 28.9%. During the 2020-2024 period, the median gross rent was estimated at $840 per month, which is below the state unweighted county mean of $906. For homeowners, the median selected monthly owner cost is $755, compared to an unweighted state mean of $918. The median home value in the county is $159,900, which is lower than the Michigan unweighted county mean of $197,293. Household income for those in renter-occupied units was recorded at a median of $32,103. These data points provide a statistical overview of housing tenure costs without evaluating broader market conditions or providing financial guidance. See ACS table B25071 for the underlying estimate.
Source record
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25064 Median Gross Rent
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25071 GRAPI
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25077 Median Home Value
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25088 Selected Monthly Owner Costs
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024 5-Year Estimates — B25119 Household Income by Tenure
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-brief-v1
Cost of Living Advisory: Houghton County
Affordability Verdict
ACS B25071 estimates median gross rent at 33.3% of renter household income in Houghton County, which is between the 30% and 50% rent-burden benchmarks. This is a median percentage among renter-occupied units, not the share of households above a threshold.
Rent vs. Own
Median gross rent is $840 per month; median selected monthly owner costs are $755. These ACS medians describe different tenure groups and are not a personalized rent-versus-buy calculation.
Income Needed
Using the common 30% budgeting benchmark, $33,600 in annual gross income would allocate 30% to the county's median gross rent. This is a reproducible illustration, not evidence that a particular household can afford housing.
Regional Context
The Michigan unweighted mean of county median rents is $906 per month. Houghton County's $840 median is 7.2% below that comparison value.
Data version acs5-2020-2024 · Method cost-advisory-v2
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Houghton County
Rent Burden
17.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,374
per month
Owner Cost Burden
15.4%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Houghton County
Median home value is $159,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,277 vs. your max of $1,374.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
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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 (2020-2024). Data is informational only and is not personalized financial advice.
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