Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Houghton Lake, MI
Considering a move to Houghton Lake, MI? Home to about 5,800 residents, Houghton Lake offers a relaxed lakeside lifestyle with very affordable housing—median home prices are just $112,000 and average rents around $770. Crime rates are moderate for a small town, and most residents enjoy short, 19-minute commutes. While education levels are below state averages, the area boasts beautiful natural scenery, four distinct seasons, and close-knit community vibes. Explore local cost of living, housing, schools, and healthcare options below to see if Houghton Lake fits your lifestyle.
Demographics - Houghton Lake, MI
Demographics - Houghton Lake, MI
Houghton Lake is home to about 5,800 residents with a median age of 51, reflecting a mature and close-knit community. The area is predominantly White, with very low diversity and a small percentage of non-English speakers. Residents benefit from a low population density, offering a relaxed, small-town atmosphere.
Population:
5,800
Density:
400 per sq mi
Median Age:
51.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.4%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.6%
Others:
2.6%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Houghton Lake, MI?
The cost of living in Houghton Lake is very affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $112,000. Renters can expect average monthly rents of $770, making housing accessible for most budgets. Utilities and everyday expenses remain lower than many other Michigan cities, making it an attractive option for those seeking value.
Median House Value:
$112,000
Gross Rent:
$770
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,200
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$980
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.5
Grocery:
89.4
Housing:
62.3
Utilities:
97.1
Transportation:
86.7
Health Care:
89.9
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Houghton Lake, MI a safe place to live?
Crime rates in Houghton Lake are moderate for a small town, with a chance of property crime at 1 in 52 and violent crime at 1 in 456. While property crime is more common than violent incidents, overall the community remains relatively safe and secure. Residents enjoy peace of mind while still maintaining awareness of their surroundings.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
219
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,940
Crime Index:
2,159
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 456
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 52
Weather
What is the weather like in Houghton Lake, MI year-round?
Houghton Lake experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters that dip to 10°F and warm summers reaching up to 79°F. The area receives about 31.8 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine roughly 47% of the year. Residents can appreciate seasonal outdoor activities and the natural beauty of Michigan’s climate.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
34°F
Max:
57°F

Summer
Min:
54°F
Max:
79°F

Fall
Min:
36°F
Max:
58°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
47%
Neighbors
Local households in Houghton Lake typically have modest incomes, with a median of $38,600 and a family income of $48,200. The community features a relatively high poverty rate at 20.6% and a higher-than-average unemployment rate, but residents benefit from short commutes and a strong sense of local connection. Most neighbors have at least a high school education, contributing to the town’s friendly and approachable vibe.
Median Income:
$25,500
Household Income:
$38,600
Family Income:
$48,200
Per Capita Income:
$23,800
Income Male:
$29,400
Income Female:
$23,200
Poverty Rate:
20.6%
Non English Speakers:
2.4%
Rent:
$770
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
18.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
85.8%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Houghton Lake, MI?
Houghton Lake is served by local public schools, including Houghton Lake High School and Collins Elementary, both offering supportive learning environments with reasonable student-teacher ratios. While private school options are not present, Kirtland Community College is located just 15 miles away for post-secondary education. The area provides essential educational resources for families and students of all ages.

Public Schools
Name:
Houghton Lake High School
Street:
4433 W Houghton Lake Dr
Phone:
989-366-2005
Students:
432
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.4
Name:
Collins Elementary School
Street:
419 Lake St
Phone:
989-366-2031
Students:
286
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1

Colleges
Name:
Kirtland Community College
City:
Roscommon
State:
MI
Distance:
15 miles
Students:
1,400
Healthcare
Houghton Lake offers convenient access to healthcare, with the MidMichigan Medical Center providing general and urgent care services locally. The area has a solid physician presence at 1.6 per 1,000 residents and nearly 90% health insurance coverage. Emergency care is readily available, ensuring residents have essential medical resources nearby.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MidMichigan Medical Center – Houghton Lake
Address:
9249 W Lake City Rd, Houghton Lake, MI 48629
Phone:
(989) 422-5122
Type:
General & Urgent Care
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Munson Healthcare Grayling Hospital
Address:
1100 E Michigan Ave, Grayling, MI 49738
Phone:
(989) 348-5461
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
89.8%
Health Care Index:
69.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Houghton Lake, MI?
The housing market in Houghton Lake is highly accessible, with a median home price of $112,000 and a high owner-occupied rate of 78.5%. Rental options are available at an average of $770 for a two-bedroom, and the area experiences steady home appreciation and low foreclosure rates. New construction is modest, maintaining the town’s established, community-oriented feel.
Median Home Price:
$112,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$770
Owner Occupied Rate:
78.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.5%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.9%
DMV Information
Residents of Houghton Lake handle vehicle registration and licensing through the Michigan Secretary of State office in nearby Grayling. The office can be contacted at 1-888-767-6424 or accessed online for most services. This ensures convenient DMV access for all transportation and identification needs.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
105 N James St, Grayling, MI 49738
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.