Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Houghton, MI
Considering a move to Houghton, MI? This friendly college town of 8,386 offers affordable living with median home prices around $178,000 and average rents near $790. Enjoy short 14-minute commutes, a low violent crime rate of 114 per 100K, and strong educational resources anchored by Michigan Tech. Winters are snowy and brisk, but Houghton’s community spirit and natural beauty make it a unique place to call home.
Demographics - Houghton, MI
Demographics - Houghton, MI
Houghton, MI is a vibrant college town with a youthful median age of 22.8 and a population of 8,386. The city is predominantly White, with a modest mix of Asian and Black residents, and non-English speakers make up just over 4% of the community. Its slightly higher male-to-female ratio reflects the presence of Michigan Tech, contributing to the area's dynamic and diverse atmosphere.
Population:
8,386
Density:
2,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
22.8
Gender Ratio:
108 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
85.4%
Black:
2.6%
Asian:
5.7%
Others:
6.3%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Houghton, MI?
Living in Houghton is affordable compared to national averages, with a median home value of $178,000 and average rent around $790. The cost of living index is 84.7, meaning residents enjoy lower expenses on housing, utilities, and groceries. State income taxes are steady at 4.25%, making budgeting predictable for newcomers.
Median House Value:
$178,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,125
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.7
Grocery:
92.5
Housing:
67.3
Utilities:
91.8
Transportation:
92.0
Health Care:
93.5
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is Houghton, MI a safe place to live?
Houghton offers a safe environment, with a low violent crime rate of 114 per 100,000 and a property crime rate of 1,045 per 100,000. Residents have a low chance of encountering violent crime—about 1 in 877—contributing to the town's secure, community-oriented feel. The overall crime index remains comfortably below many urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
114
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,045
Crime Index:
1,159
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 877
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 96
Weather
What is the weather like in Houghton, MI year-round?
Houghton experiences distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters where lows dip to 6°F and mild summers reaching up to 76°F. The area averages 33.2 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine about 42% of the year. Residents can expect brisk falls and springs, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who appreciate changing weather.

Winter
Min:
6°F
Max:
24°F

Spring
Min:
29°F
Max:
56°F

Summer
Min:
52°F
Max:
76°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
58°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
33.2 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
42%
Neighbors
The community features a median household income of $41,500 and a high level of education, with over 94% holding a high school diploma and 44% earning a bachelor’s degree or higher. While the poverty rate stands at 36.3%, residents benefit from short 14-minute average commutes and a low unemployment rate of 4.7%. The neighborhood is welcoming, with a small but present non-English speaking population.
Median Income:
$19,300
Household Income:
$41,500
Family Income:
$67,800
Per Capita Income:
$19,300
Income Male:
$21,500
Income Female:
$17,200
Poverty Rate:
36.3%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
4.7%
Public Transport Usage:
1.1%
Commute Time:
13.7 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
94.2%
Bachelors or More:
44.1%
Education
How are the schools in Houghton, MI?
Houghton boasts strong educational opportunities, with well-regarded public schools like Houghton Elementary, Middle, and High School serving local families. The city is also home to Michigan Technological University, a major institution with around 7,000 students, enriching the community’s academic and cultural life. Small class sizes and robust resources make education a local priority.

Public Schools
Name:
Houghton Elementary School
Street:
203 W Jacker Ave
Phone:
906-482-0450
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Houghton Middle School
Street:
1603 Gundlach Rd
Phone:
906-482-0450
Students:
420
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1
Name:
Houghton High School
Street:
1603 Gundlach Rd
Phone:
906-482-0450
Students:
400
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.1

Colleges
Name:
Michigan Technological University
City:
Houghton
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
7,000
Healthcare
Houghton residents have convenient access to quality healthcare, including UP Health System – Portage, a full-service hospital nearby. With 2.1 physicians per 1,000 people and a health insurance coverage rate of 93.4%, medical needs are well-supported locally. The area’s healthcare index of 76.0 reflects reliable services for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
UP Health System - Portage
Address:
500 Campus Dr, Hancock, MI 49930
Phone:
(906) 483-1000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.4%
Health Care Index:
76.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Houghton, MI?
The housing market in Houghton is accessible, with a median home price of $178,000 and average two-bedroom rents of $790. About 36% of homes are owner-occupied, and the market has seen a 6.2% appreciation rate over the past year. Low foreclosure and vacancy rates indicate stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$178,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
35.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
9.4%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.3%
DMV Information
Driver and vehicle services in Houghton are managed by the Michigan Secretary of State office on Razorback Drive. Residents can access vehicle registration, licensing, and other DMV needs locally, with convenient hours and online resources provided by the state. The office offers straightforward support for new arrivals and long-time residents alike.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
902 Razorback Dr, Houghton, MI 49931
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.