Houghton County, MI

County

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    2024 Population
    37,693
    US Senator
    Gary Peters
    Democratic Party
    US Senator
    Elissa Slotkin
    Democratic Party
    2024 Median Age
    32.2
    0.31% 1-year decrease
    2024 Poverty Rate
    16.5%
    3.58% 1-year increase
    2024 Median Household Income
    $58,899
    4.11% 1-year growth
    2024 Median Property Value
    $159,900
    14% 1-year growth
    2024 Employed Population
    16,837
    0.93% 1-year decline

    About

    None of the households in Houghton County, MI reported speaking a non-English language at home as their primary shared language. This does not consider the potential multi-lingual nature of households, but only the primary self-reported language spoken by all members of the household.

    96.3% of the residents in Houghton County, MI are U.S. citizens.

    The largest universities in Houghton County, MI are Michigan Technological University (1,909 degrees awarded in 2024).

    In 2024, the median property value in Houghton County, MI was $159,900, and the homeownership rate was 71.8%.

    Most people in Houghton County, MI drove alone to work, and the average commute time was 15.6 minutes. The average car ownership in Houghton County, MI was 2 cars per household.

    United StatesMichiganHoughton, MI

    Population & Diversity

    Houghton County, MI is home to a population of 37.7k people, from which 96.3% are citizens. As of 2024, 5.34% of Houghton County, MI residents were born outside of the country (2.01k people).

    In 2024, there were 31.6 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (34.3k people) in Houghton County, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.08k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 574 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    Population & Diversity

    Citizenship

    96.3%
    2024 Citizenship
    96.3%
    2023 Citizenship

    As of 2024, 96.3% of Houghton County, MI residents were US citizens, which is higher than the national average of 93.2%. In 2023, the percentage of US citizens in Houghton County, MI was 96.3%, meaning that the rate of citizenship has been decreasing.

    The following chart shows US citizenship percentages in Houghton County, MI compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Diversity

    Race and Ethnicity

    The 3 largest ethnic groups in Houghton County, MI
    1. White (Non-Hispanic)
      34.3k ± 360
    2. Asian (Non-Hispanic)
      1.08k ± 122
    3. Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic)
      574 ± 182
    1.85%
    Hispanic Population
    697 people

    In 2024, there were 31.6 times more White (Non-Hispanic) residents (34.3k people) in Houghton County, MI than any other race or ethnicity. There were 1.08k Asian (Non-Hispanic) and 574 Two Races Excluding Other, & Three or More Races (Non-Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

    1.85% of the people in Houghton County, MI are hispanic (697 people).

    The following chart shows the 8 races represented in Houghton County, MI as a share of the total population.

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    Global Diversity

    The PUMS dataset is not available at the County level, so we are showing data for Michigan.
    Most Common Origin
    1. Mexico
      83,098 ± 7,048 people
    2. India
      80,532 ± 6,939 people
    3. Iraq
      55,181 ± 5,751 people

    In 2024, the most common birthplace for the foreign-born residents of Michigan was Mexico, the natal country of 83,098 Michigan residents, followed by India with 80,532 and Iraq with 55,181.

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    Foreign-Born Population

    5.34%
    2024 Foreign-Born Population
    2.01k people
    5.3%
    2023 Foreign-Born Population
    1.99k people

    As of 2024, 5.34% of Houghton County, MI residents (2.01k people) were born outside of the United States, which is approximately the same as the national average of 14%. In 2023, the percentage of foreign-born citizens in Houghton County, MI was 5.3%, meaning that the rate has been increasing.

    The following chart shows the percentage of foreign-born residents in Houghton County, MI compared to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Military

    Veterans

    Most Common Service Period
    1. Vietnam
      742 ± 104
    2. Gulf War (2001-)
      359 ± 112
    3. Gulf War (1990s)
      294 ± 90

    Houghton County, MI has a large population of military personnel who served in Vietnam, 2.07 times greater than any other conflict.

    The chart shows the distribution of veterans by conflict in Houghton County, MI.

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    Health

    94.9% of the population of Houghton County, MI has health coverage, with 46.8% on employee plans, 15.8% on Medicaid, 12.5% on Medicare, 17.9% on non-group plans, and 1.91% on military or VA plans.

    Primary care physicians in Houghton County, MI see 1,435 patients per year on average, which represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,435 patients). Compare this to dentists who see 1372 patients per year, and mental health providers who see 432 patients per year.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 54.7% were men and 45.3% were women.

    Coverage

    Patient to Clinician Ratios

    1,435 to 1
    Patient to Primary Care Physician Ratio in Houghton County, MI

    Primary care physicians in Houghton County, MI see an average of 1,435 patients per year. This represents a 0% change from the previous year (1,435 patients).

    The following chart shows how the number of patients seen by primary care physicians has been changing over time in Houghton County, MI in comparison to its neighboring geographies.

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    Health Care Diversity

    In 2024, insured persons according to age ranges were distributed in 23.6% under 18 years, 29.6% between 18 and 34 years, 29.4% between 35 and 64 years, and 17.3% over 64 years.

    By gender, of the total number of insured persons, 54.7% were men and 45.3% were women.

    The following chart shows the number of people with health coverage by gender.

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    Uninsured People

    5.09%
    Uninsured
    46.8%
    Employer Coverage
    15.8%
    Medicaid
    12.5%
    Medicare
    17.9%
    Non-Group
    1.91%
    Military or VA

    Between 2023 and 2024, the percent of uninsured citizens in Houghton County, MI declined by 15.1% from 5.99% to 5.09%.

    The following chart shows how the percent of uninsured individuals in Houghton County, MI changed over time compared with the percent of individuals enrolled in various types of health insurance.

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    Health Indicators

    Health Outcomes

    Indicator

    In 2025, the average number of mentally unhealthy days reported in past 30 days (age-adjusted) was 5.75 in Houghton County, MI.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Houghton County, MI.

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    Health Behaviors

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of the adult population (age 18 and older) that reports a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 30 kg/m2 (age-adjusted) was 34.2% in Houghton County, MI.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Houghton County, MI.

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    Clinical Care

    Indicator

    In 2025, the percentage of population under age 65 without health insurance was 6.27% in Houghton County, MI.

    The graphic shows the trend of the indicator in Houghton County, MI.

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    Economy

    The economy of Houghton County, MI employs 16.8k people. In 2024, the largest industries in Houghton County, MI were Educational Services (3,465 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,159 people), and Manufacturing (1,801 people), and the highest paying industries were Utilities ($91,134), Wholesale Trade ($65,221), and Public Administration ($58,659).

    Employment

    Occupations

    16.8k
    2024 Value
    ± 769
    −0.93%
    1 Year decline
    ± 6.54%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Houghton County, MI declined at a rate of −0.93%, from 17k employees to 16.8k employees.

    The most common job groups, by number of people living in Houghton County, MI, are Education Instruction, & Library Occupations (2,037 people), Office & Administrative Support Occupations (1,552 people), and Food Preparation & Serving Related Occupations (1,508 people). This chart illustrates the share breakdown of the primary jobs held by residents of Houghton County, MI.

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    Unemployment Insurance Claims

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.

    This chart shows weekly unemployment insurance claims in Michigan (not-seasonally adjusted) compared with the four states with the most similar impact.

    The most recent data point uses Advance State Claims data, which can be revised in subsequent weeks.

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    Industries

    Employment by Industries

    16.8k
    2024 Value
    ± 769
    −0.93%
    1 Year decline
    ± 6.54%

    From 2023 to 2024, employment in Houghton County, MI declined at a rate of −0.93%, from 17k employees to 16.8k employees.

    The most common employment sectors for those who live in Houghton County, MI, are Educational Services (3,465 people), Health Care & Social Assistance (2,159 people), and Manufacturing (1,801 people). This chart shows the share breakdown of the primary industries for residents of Houghton County, MI, though some of these residents may live in Houghton County, MI and work somewhere else. Census data is tagged to a residential address, not a work address.

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    Median Earnings by Industry

    $39,141
    Median earning men ± $4,099
    $29,508
    Median earning women ± $2,395

    The industries with the best median earnings for men in 2024 are Information ($71,364), Transportation & Warehousing, & Utilities ($69,722), and Wholesale Trade ($65,570).

    The industries with the best median earnings for women in 2024 are Public Administration ($57,604), Construction ($42,250), and Finance & Insurance, & Real Estate & Rental & Leasing ($41,765).

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    Employment by Industry Sector

    Data is only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.
    Y-Axis
    2.16%
    Year-over-year growth
    Employment change between February 2022 and February 2023

    As of February 2023, there are 4.37M people employed in Michigan. This represents a 2.16% increase in employment when compared to February 2022.

    Right after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during April 2020, a general dip can be seen across industry sectors, resulting in an overall decline in employment by 23.6%.

    The following chart shows monthly employment numbers for each industry sector in Michigan.

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    Establishments by Size

    The industries with the most establishments
    1. 81
      Construction
    2. 61
      Other Services (except Public Administration)
    3. 58
      Retail Trade

    The visualization shows the distribution of establishments by industry and by size according to the number of employees.

    The visualization shows the number of establishments and its share across establishment sizes.

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    Payroll by Industry Sector

    The industries with the highest total annual payroll
    1. $80.3k
      Health Care and Social Assistance
    2. $52.1k
      Manufacturing
    3. $48.8k
      Retail Trade

    The chart shows the total annual payroll and the average annual payroll by industry.

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    Civics

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Michigan went to Donald J. Trump with 49.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (48.3%), followed by Jill Stein (0.788%).

    Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin are the senators currently representing the state of Michigan. In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    Michigan is currently represented by 13 members in the U.S. house, and members of the House of Representives are elected to 2-year terms.

    Presidential Elections

    Voting results are not available for Houghton County, MI. Showing the available data for Michigan.
    2024 Election Results
    1. Donald J. Trump (49.7%)
      Republican Party
    2. Kamala Harris (48.3%)
      Democratic Party
    3. Jill Stein (0.788%)
      Green Party

    In the 2024 presidential election, the popular vote in Michigan went to Donald J. Trump with 49.7% of the vote. The runner-up was Kamala Harris (48.3%), followed by Jill Stein (0.788%).

    The following chart shows the popular vote results in Michigan for each registered party from 1976 to 2024.

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    Senator Elections

    US Senators from Michigan

    Senatorial voting results are only available at the state level. Showing data for Michigan.
    Gary Peters
    Senator from Michigan2
    Assumed office on January 3, 2015
    Elissa Slotkin
    Senator from Michigan1
    Assumed office on January 3, 2025

    Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin are the senators currently representing Michigan.

    In the United States, senators are elected to 6-year terms with the terms for individual senators staggered.

    The following chart shows elected senators in Michigan over time, excluding special elections, colored by their political party.

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    Education

    In 2024, universities in Houghton County, MI awarded 1,909 degrees. The student population of Houghton County, MI in 2024 is skewed towards men, with 5,199 male students and 2,204 female students.

    Most students graduating from Universities in Houghton County, MI are White (1,295 and 87.8%), Two or More Races (63 and 4.27%), Asian (38 and 2.58%), and Unknown (31 and 2.1%).

    The largest universities in Houghton County, MI by number of degrees awarded are Michigan Technological University (1,909 and 100%).

    The most popular majors in Houghton County, MI are Mechanical Engineering (299 and 15.7%), Computer Science (100 and 5.24%), and General Civil Engineering (94 and 4.92%).

    The median tuition cost for a public four year colleges is $20,206 for in-state students and $44,481 for out-of-state students.

    Admissions & Enrollments

    Applicants, Admissions & Enrolled

    University
    Measure

    In 2024 in Houghton County, MI, the percentage of applicants admitted was 92.4%, while the percentage of admitted who enrolled was 12.9%. The number of students enrolled in 2024 was 7,403 (70.2% men and 29.8% women).

    The line chart  shows the evolution of the percentage of applicants admitted, admitted who enrolled or the number of students enrolled according to the option selected in the upper button.

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    Enrollments by Gender and Races

    Universities

    In 2024 there were 7,403 students enrolled in Houghton County, MI, 70.2% men and 29.8% women.

    By race, the largest number of students enrolled was concentrated in White with 5,528 records, of which 29.7% were women and 70.3% men.

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    Completions

    Concentrations

    Most Common
    1. Mechanical Engineering
      175 degrees awarded
    2. Chemical Engineering
      78 degrees awarded
    3. Electrical & Electronics Engineering
      78 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the most common concentation for Bachelors Degree recipients in Houghton County, MI was Mechanical Engineering with 175 degrees awarded.

    This visualization illustrates the percentage of students graduating with a Bachelors Degree from schools in Houghton County, MI according to their major.

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    Universities

    Gender
    Race
    Michigan Technological University
    Largest Universities by degrees awarded
    1,909 degrees awarded

    In 2024, the institution with the largest number of graduating students was Michigan Technological University with 1,909 degrees awarded.

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    Student Diversity

    University

    In 2024, 1,252 men were awarded degrees from institutions in Houghton County, MI, which is 1.91 times more than the 657 female students who received degrees in the same year.

    In 2024, the most common race/ethnicity group awarded degrees at institutions was White students. These 1,295 degrees mean that there were 20.6 times more degrees awarded to White students then the next closest race/ethnicity group, Two or More Races, with 63 degrees awarded.

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    Awarded Degrees over Time

    The graph shows the evolution of awarded degrees by degrees. Under the paragraphs, the average number of awarded degrees by university in each degree is shown.

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    Tuition

    Average Net Price by Sector

    Universities

    Public, 4-year or above ($20,206) is the sector with the highest median state tuition in 2024.

    Public, 4-year or above ($326) is the sector with the highest median state fee in 2024.

    Public, 4-year or above ($1,200) is the sector with the highest average net price of books and supplies.

    The graph shows the average net price by sector and year.

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    Housing & Living

    The median property value in Houghton County, MI was $159,900 in 2024, which is 0.481 times smaller than the national average of $332,700. Between 2023 and 2024 the median property value increased from $140,300 to $159,900, a 14% increase. The homeownership rate in Houghton County, MI is 71.8%, which is higher than the national average of 65.2%.

    People in Houghton County, MI have an average commute time of 15.6 minutes, and they drove alone to work. Car ownership in Houghton County, MI is approximately the same as the national average, with an average of 2 cars per household.

    In 2025, 15.3% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Houghton County, MI. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 3.6%.

    Housing

    Property

    $159,900
    Median Property Value 2024
    ±$7,874
    $10,271
    Median Property Taxes
    ±$506

    The following chart display owner-occupied housing units distributed between a series of property tax buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. In Houghton County, MI the largest share of households pay taxes in the $3k+ range.

    The chart underneath the paragraph shows the property taxes in Houghton County, MI compared to it's parent and neighbor geographies.

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    Rent vs Own

    71.8%
    Homeownership
    2024
    62.5%
    Homeowners with Mortgage
    2024

    In 2024, 71.8% of the housing units in Houghton County, MI were occupied by their owner. This percentage grew from the previous year's rate of 71.2%.

    This chart shows the percentage of owner in Houghton County, MI compared it's parent and neighboring geographies.

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    Equity

    Household Income

    Please note that the buckets used in this visualization were not evenly distributed by ACS when publishing the data.
    $58,899
    Median Household Income
    ± $3,371
    14.3k
    Number of Households
    ± 668

    In 2024, the median household income of the 14.3k households in Houghton County, MI grew to $58,899 from the previous year's value of $56,573.

    The following chart displays the households in Houghton County, MI distributed between a series of income buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households have an income in the $75k - $100k range.

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    Wage Distribution

    The closest comparable wage GINI for Houghton County, MI is from Michigan.
    0.46
    2024 Wage GINI in Michigan
    0.462
    2023 Wage GINI in Michigan

    In 2024, the income inequality in Michigan was 0.46 according to the GINI calculation of the wage distribution. Income inequality had a 0.474% decline from 2023 to 2024, which means that wage distribution grew somewhat more even. The GINI for Michigan was lower than than the national average of 0.474. In other words, wages are distributed more evenly in Michigan in comparison to the national average.

    This chart shows the number of workers in Michigan across various wage buckets compared to the national average.

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    Transportation

    Commuter Transportation

    Most Common Commute in 2024
    1. Drove Alone (63.7%)
    2. Worked At Home (11%)
    3. Walked (10.4%)

    In 2024, 63.7% of workers in Houghton County, MI drove alone to work, followed by those who worked at home (11%) and those who walked to work (10.4%).

    The following chart shows the number of households using each mode of transportation over time, using a logarithmic scale on the y-axis to help better show variations in the smaller means of commuting.

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    Commute Time

    15.6 minutes
    Average Travel Time

    Using averages, employees in Houghton County, MI have a shorter commute time (15.6 minutes) than the normal US worker (26.4 minutes). Additionally, 1.5% of the workforce in Houghton County, MI have "super commutes" in excess of 90 minutes.

    The chart below shows how the median household income in Houghton County, MI compares to that of it's neighboring and parent geographies.

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    Car Ownership

    2 cars
    Average Number

    The following chart displays the households in Houghton County, MI distributed between a series of car ownership buckets compared to the national averages for each bucket. The largest share of households in Houghton County, MI have 2 cars.

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    Poverty

    Severe Housing Problems

    In 2025, 15.3% of the population was living with severe housing problems in Houghton County, MI. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 3.6%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the population living with severe housing problems.

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    Poverty & Diversity

    16.5% of the population for whom poverty status is determined in Houghton County, MI (5.51k out of 33.4k people) live below the poverty line, a number that is higher than the national average of 12.5%. The largest demographic living in poverty are Males 18 - 24, followed by Females 18 - 24 and then Males 25 - 34.

    The most common racial or ethnic group living below the poverty line in Houghton County, MI is White, followed by Two Or More and Hispanic.

    The Census Bureau uses a set of money income thresholds that vary by family size and composition to determine who classifies as impoverished. If a family's total income is less than the family's threshold than that family and every individual in it is considered to be living in poverty.

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    Children in Poverty

    In 2025, 14% of the children was living in poverty in Houghton County, MI. From 2014 to 2025, the indicator declined 7.1%.

    The graph shows the trend of the percentage of the children living in poverty.

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    Security

    Crimes & Accidents

    Indicator

    In 2022, the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population was 156 in Houghton County, MI. From 2014 to 2022, the indicator grew 60.8% per 100,000 population.

    The graph shows the trend in the number of reported violent crimes offenses per 100,000 population.

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