Houghton County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 42nd-largest in Michigan
The population of Houghton County, Michigan is 37,428 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 42nd-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $56,573, the median home value is $140,300, and the median age is 32.3.
The population of Houghton County has grown 3.6% since 2010 (36,729 → 38,041), a +0.25% annualized rate.
37,428
Population
+0.25%
Annual growth
37
People / sq mi
$56,573
Median Income
$140,300
Median Home Value
Houghton County covers 1,009 sq mi of land at 37.1 people per square mile.
About Houghton County, MI
Houghton County is a county in Michigan with a population of 37,428. It ranks #42 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 32.3, younger than the national median. The population is 54.8% male and 45.2% female.
The median household income in Houghton County is $56,573, below the US median of $74,580. 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $140,300, with monthly rent averaging $767. The homeownership rate of 71.2% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Houghton County reflects 36.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 9.7% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 15.9 minutes each way.
Houghton County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Houghton County had a population of 36,729 in 2010 and 38,041 in 2024, a 3.6% growth over 14 years. The peak was 38,041 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 0.26%.
38,041
Population (2024)
36,729
Population (2010)
38,041
Peak (2024)
0.26%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 36,729 |
| 2011 | 36,780 |
| 2012 | 36,752 |
| 2013 | 36,691 |
| 2014 | 36,487 |
| 2015 | 36,248 |
| 2016 | 36,354 |
| 2017 | 36,270 |
| 2018 | 35,993 |
| 2019 | 35,709 |
| 2020 | 37,256 |
| 2021 | 37,528 |
| 2022 | 37,792 |
| 2023 | 37,847 |
| 2024 | 38,041 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 91.8% |
| Black or African American | 1.1% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
32.3
Median Age
45.2%
Female
54.8%
Male
17.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 16.1% · Seniors (65+): 17.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $56,573$-14,576 vs state |
| Mean household income | $77,744 |
| Per-capita income | $31,441 |
| Poverty rate | 9.1%+0.3% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% |
| Employment-to-population | 55.0% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Houghton County is professional & business services, accounting for 33.1% of workers.
How residents commute
2.1%
Drive alone
10.4%
Carpool
65.4%
Public transit
9.7%
Work from home
15.9 min
Avg commute
Housing
$140,300$-77,300 vs state
Median home value
$767
Median rent
71.2%
Homeownership rate
18,781
Total housing units
75.9%
Occupied
24.1%
Vacant
28.8%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.0%
With health insurance
91.3%
With broadband internet
21.2%
Foreign-born
6.8%
Veterans (18+)
11.3%
With a disability
93.2%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.5%
High School+
36.6%
Bachelor's+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
Part of Michigan
Metro areas in Michigan
County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Houghton County, Michigan has a population of 37,428 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 42nd-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 37 people per square mile.
The population of Houghton County has grown 3.6% since 2010 (36,729 → 38,041), a +0.25% annualized rate.
The median household income in Houghton County, Michigan is $56,573, with mean (average) household income of $77,744 and per-capita income of $31,441. 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Houghton County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (91.8%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%), Black or African American (1.1%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Houghton County, Michigan is 32.3 years. Residents are 45.2% female and 54.8% male.
The median home value in Houghton County is $140,300 and median monthly rent is $767. 71.2% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 18,781 total housing units, 24.1% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Houghton County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 33.1% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.3%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Houghton County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
More from Michigan
Population 1,773,767
Population 1,272,294
Population 877,624
Population 658,844
Full rankings of Michigan counties
Statewide data for Michigan
Population, race, income, age, and trends across Michigan
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.