IncomeBy County

Houghton County, Michigan

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-12% vs. Michigan average
$56,573
Median Household Income
$31,441
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$56,573
-12% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$31,441
-20% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
40.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#64 / 83
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Houghton County Compares

Houghton County$56,573
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$56,573
Median Household Income
$31,441
Per Capita Income
$140,300
Median Home Value
40.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Houghton County

Income Verdict

Houghton County has a median household income of $56,573 and per capita income of $31,441 — a gap of $25,132, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $767/month and a median household income of $56,573, rent consumes approximately 16.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $56,573, residents of Houghton County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $31,441 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Houghton County earns approximately 12% below the Michigan state median household income of $64,304.

Data Story

About Household Income in Houghton County, Michigan

Houghton County earns below national average

Houghton County's median household income of $56,573 falls about $18,200 short of the national median of $74,755—a 24.3% shortfall. The county ranks in the lower-earnings tier nationally.

Houghton lags Michigan's state income average

At $56,573, Houghton's median household income trails Michigan's state average of $64,304 by nearly $7,700. The per capita income of $31,441 also falls below the state average of $35,451.

Houghton among the lower earners in the region

Houghton's $56,573 median household income ranks below Genesee ($60,673), Gratiot ($61,128), and Hillsdale ($60,869), though slightly above Gladwin ($55,576). The county faces competitive income pressures within its peer group.

Moderate housing costs ease financial strain

Houghton's 16.3% rent-to-income ratio keeps housing costs manageable despite lower overall earnings, staying well within the 30% affordability threshold. With a median home value of $140,300, homeownership remains within reach for median-income households.

Prioritize savings despite modest earnings

Houghton residents earning the median $56,573 have over 83% of income available after housing costs, creating room for systematic savings. Starting with small, consistent contributions to emergency funds and retirement accounts builds a foundation for financial security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Houghton County, Michigan?
The median household income in Houghton County, Michigan is $56,573, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Houghton County?
The per capita income in Houghton County is $31,441, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $56,573.
How does Houghton County compare to the Michigan average?
Houghton County's median household income of $56,573 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $31,441, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Houghton County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Houghton County, Michigan is $31,441, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Houghton County a low-income area in Michigan?
Houghton County's median household income of $56,573 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $31,441 is also lower than the state average of $35,451. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Houghton County rank for income in Michigan?
Houghton County ranks #64 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $56,573 and per capita income of $31,441, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Houghton County

$
1.00x

Your income is above the Houghton County median

County median: $56,573 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-12%

vs. National Median

-24%

vs. Houghton County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 12% below
vs. National Median▼ 24% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.1x

Your monthly income ($4,714) vs. median rent ($767/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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