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 skews on age — the median resident is 32.3, younger than the national median. Houghton County is a county in Michigan with a population of 37,428. It ranks #42 among counties in Michigan by population.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $56,573 — below the US median of $78,538. About 9.1% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $140,300, with typical rent around $767.
Educational attainment is on the higher side for US counties — 36.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, near the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 9.7%, and the average commute runs about 16 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
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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.
Houghton County, MI Climate
Houghton County, MI has an average annual temperature of 4.7°C (40°F) and receives about 821 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4.7°C
Avg Temp
821
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -10° / 15° | 69 mm |
| February | -9° / 16° | 45 mm |
| March | -3° / 26° | 52 mm |
| April | 4° / 38° | 50 mm |
| May | 11° / 51° | 74 mm |
| June | 15° / 60° | 80 mm |
| July | 18° / 65° | 77 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 84 mm |
| September | 13° / 56° | 87 mm |
| October | 7° / 45° | 73 mm |
| November | 0° / 31° | 66 mm |
| December | -7° / 20° | 64 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Houghton County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Houghton County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near -15°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Houghton County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.