2023 Houghton County, Michigan Demographics | Comprehensive Overview
Data and insights for Houghton County, Michigan, including population, age & gender distribution, race & ethnicity, median & household income distribution, property value distribution, educational attainment, health insurance coverage, nativity & citizenship, commuting & transportation, employment, veteran service, poverty & income and SNAP/food stamp recipients. Based on 2023 American Community Survey Estimates.
Houghton County, Michigan Key Demographic Statistics (2023 Estimates)
Key demographic statistics summarized from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey (ACS).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 American Community Survey (ACS) Estimates
Houghton County, Michigan Demographics: Age & Gender Distribution (2023)

Key Demographic Indicators for Houghton County, Michigan
The following statistics highlight Houghton County, Michigan population and median age, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Population
- 37,428
- Median Age (Total)
- 32.3 years
- Median Age (Male)
- 29.2 years
- Median Age (Female)
- 37.5 years
Houghton County, Michigan Age Distribution Comparison with Michigan 2023
Compare Houghton County, Michigan age demographics with Michigan to understand regional demographic patterns.
| Metric | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Age | 32.3 yrs | 40.4 yrs | -8.1 yrs |
| Under 5 years | 4.83% | 5.18% | -0.3pp |
| Children (5–17 years) | 15.08% | 15.57% | -0.5pp |
| Young Adults (18–24) | 21.96% | 9.21% | +12.8pp |
| Middle-aged (35–54) | 18.43% | 24.12% | -5.7pp |
| Seniors (65+) | 17.73% | 19.60% | -1.9pp |
| Total Dependency Ratio | 60.35 | 67.64 | -7.3 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. "yrs" indicates years. The dependency ratio measures the burden on working-age population (18-64) to support dependents (under 18 and 65+).
Dependency Ratios Analysis
- Total Dependency Ratio
- 60.35
- Youth Dependency Ratio
- 31.91 Population under 18 relative to working age (18-64).
- Old-Age Dependency Ratio
- 28.43 Population 65+ relative to working age (18-64).
A higher ratio indicates a greater financial and social burden on the working population to support non-working age groups.
Houghton County, Michigan Demographics: Racial and Ethnic Composition (2023)

Diversity & Cultural Composition of Houghton County, Michigan
The racial makeup and ethnic composition of Houghton County, Michigan are detailed below, drawing from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Diversity Index Score
- 16.65
- Diversity Tier
- very low
- Definition
- The probability that two individuals chosen at random will be from different racial or ethnic groups.
Diversity Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan racial and ethnic demographics with Michigan to understand regional diversity patterns.
Houghton County, Michigan Diversity
16.65
very lowMichigan Diversity
46.27
moderateRacial and Ethnic Composition Comparison
| Racial/Ethnic Group | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Alone (Non-Hispanic) | 91.21% | 71.64% | +19.6pp |
| Asian Alone | 2.79% | 3.73% | -0.9pp |
| Hispanic or Latino (Any Race) | 1.81% | 6.13% | -4.3pp |
| Two or More Races | 1.65% | 4.87% | -3.2pp |
| Black/African American Alone | 1.13% | 12.85% | -11.7pp |
| Some Other Race Alone | 0.90% | 0.41% | +0.5pp |
| American Indian and Alaska Native Alone | 0.50% | 0.33% | +0.2pp |
| Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander Alone | 0.01% | 0.04% | -0.0pp |
| Diversity Index Score | 16.65 | 46.27 | -29.62 |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher Diversity Index Scores (green) indicate greater racial/ethnic diversity.
Houghton County, Michigan Economic Demographics: Household Income Statistics (2023)

Economic Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following data illustrates the financial landscape of Houghton County, Michigan, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Household Income
- $56,573 (Adjusted for inflation)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 14,251
Income Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan household income with Michigan to understand regional economic patterns.
Houghton County, Michigan
$56,573
Michigan
$72,389
Income Distribution Comparison
| Income Bracket | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $20,000 | 17.52% | 12.21% | +5.3pp |
| $20,000 to $34,999 | 14.24% | 10.88% | +3.4pp |
| $35,000 to $49,999 | 12.97% | 11.03% | +1.9pp |
| $50,000 to $74,999 | 16.48% | 17.29% | -0.8pp |
| $75,000 to $149,999 | 26.65% | 30.67% | -4.0pp |
| $150,000 or more | 12.14% | 17.91% | -5.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-income brackets (green) indicate greater affluence compared to Michigan.
Houghton County, Michigan Real Estate Demographics: Property Values (2023)

Real Estate Market Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following data highlights the distribution of owner-occupied housing values in Houghton County, Michigan, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Median Property Value
- $140,300
- Total Properties Analyzed
- 10,147 (Owner-occupied units)
Property Value Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan property values with Michigan to understand regional real estate market patterns.
Houghton County, Michigan
$140,300
Michigan
$254,200
Property Value Distribution Comparison
| Value Bracket | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than $25,000 | 3.29% | 3.60% | -0.3pp |
| $25,000 to $49,999 | 9.47% | 3.22% | +6.2pp |
| $50,000 to $99,999 | 22.52% | 7.62% | +14.9pp |
| $100,000 to $199,999 | 28.28% | 22.19% | +6.1pp |
| $200,000 to $499,999 | 32.36% | 50.04% | -17.7pp |
| $500,000 to $999,999 | 4.04% | 12.44% | -8.4pp |
| $1,000,000 or more | 0.03% | 0.89% | -0.9pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in high-value brackets (green) indicate more expensive real estate compared to Michigan.
Houghton County, Michigan Educational Attainment Statistics (2023)

Education Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following statistics represent the educational background of residents aged 25 and older in Houghton County, Michigan, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- High School Graduate or Higher
- 94.52%
- Bachelor's Degree or Higher
- 36.60%
- Total Population Analyzed (25+)
- 21,761
Education Level Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan educational attainment with Michigan to understand regional education patterns.
Bachelor's+ in Houghton County, Michigan
36.60%
Bachelor's+ in Michigan
33.33%
Detailed Education Level Comparison
| Education Level | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than HS | 5.48% | 7.76% | -2.3pp |
| HS Graduate | 28.97% | 27.54% | +1.4pp |
| Some College/Associate's | 28.95% | 31.37% | -2.4pp |
| Bachelor's Degree | 20.49% | 20.22% | +0.3pp |
| Graduate/Professional | 16.11% | 13.10% | +3.0pp |
| HS Graduate or Higher | 94.52% | 92.24% | +2.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher percentages in advanced education levels (green badges) indicate higher educational attainment compared to Michigan.
Houghton County, Michigan Health Insurance Coverage Statistics (2023)

Healthcare Coverage Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following data illustrates the health coverage landscape of Houghton County, Michigan, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Overall Uninsured Rate
- 6.0%
- Total Uninsured Population
- 2,212
- Total Civilian Population
- 36,939
The uninsured rates vary significantly by demographic group. Children under 18 and seniors aged 65+ generally have higher coverage rates due to public programs like Medicaid/CHIP and Medicare.
Health Insurance Coverage Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan health insurance coverage with Michigan to understand regional healthcare access patterns.
Uninsured in Houghton County, Michigan
6.0%
Uninsured in Michigan
5.1%
Uninsured Rates by Age and Sex
| Age Group | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | Male | Female | |
| Under 18 | 3.2% | 3.0% | 3.6% | 3.4% |
| 18-34 years | 10.7% | 9.5% | 11.4% | 7.2% |
| 35-64 years | 9.4% | 5.0% | 7.0% | 5.1% |
| 65+ years | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.4% | 0.3% |
Note: Lower uninsured rates indicate better health insurance coverage. The 18-34 age group typically has the highest uninsured rates, while seniors 65+ have near-universal coverage through Medicare.
Houghton County, Michigan Nativity & Citizenship Statistics (2023)

Citizenship Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following data details the citizenship status and nativity of the population in Houghton County, Michigan, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- U.S. Citizenship Rate
- 96.3% (Native-born + Naturalized)
- Naturalized Citizens
- 582 (Foreign-born individuals who acquired citizenship)
- Non-Citizen Residents
- 1,396
Citizenship Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan citizenship and nativity with Michigan to understand regional immigration and naturalization patterns.
Citizenship in Houghton County, Michigan
96.3%
Citizenship in Michigan
96.7%
Nativity and Citizenship Comparison
| Nativity/Citizenship Status | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Born in the United States | 94.2% | 91.5% | +2.7pp |
| Born in PR or U.S. Territories | 0.1% | 0.1% | 0.0pp |
| Born abroad of American parent(s) | 0.4% | 0.7% | -0.3pp |
| U.S. citizen by naturalization | 1.6% | 4.3% | -2.7pp |
| Not a U.S. citizen | 3.7% | 3.3% | +0.4pp |
| Total U.S. Citizens | 96.3% | 96.7% | -0.4pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher naturalization rates (green) indicate greater immigrant integration compared to Michigan.
Houghton County, Michigan Commuting & Transportation Statistics (2023)

Commuter Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following data details the commuting habits of the workforce in Houghton County, Michigan, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Drove to Work (Car/Truck/Van)
- 75.3%
- Public Transportation Usage
- 2.1%
- Work From Home Rate
- 9.7%
- Total Workers Analyzed
- 16,813
Transportation Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan commuting patterns with Michigan to understand regional transportation preferences.
Drove in Houghton County, Michigan
75.3%
Drove in Michigan
84.2%
Commute Mode Comparison
| Transportation Method | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Car, truck, or van | 75.3% | 84.2% | -8.9pp |
| Public transportation | 2.1% | 1.0% | +1.1pp |
| Bicycle | 1.0% | 0.4% | +0.6pp |
| Walked | 10.4% | 1.9% | +8.5pp |
| Taxicab, motorcycle, or other | 1.4% | 1.3% | +0.1pp |
| Worked from home | 9.7% | 11.2% | -1.5pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Higher public transit or work-from-home rates (green) indicate more diverse commuting options compared to Michigan.
Houghton County, Michigan Employment by Class of Worker (2023)

Workforce Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following statistics categorize the civilian employed population aged 16 and over in Houghton County, Michigan by their employment sector, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Employed Civilian Population
- 16,995
- Private Sector (Profit & Non-Profit)
- Includes For-Profit and Non-Profit organizations
- Government Workers
- Includes Local, State, and Federal employees
- Self-Employed Workers
- Includes own not incorporated business workers
Employment Sector Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan employment patterns with Michigan to understand regional workforce composition differences.
Government Employment in Houghton County, Michigan
10.4% (M) / 9.2% (F)
Government Employment in Michigan
4.9% (M) / 7.0% (F)
Employment Sector Comparison
| Employment Sector | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private For-Profit (Combined) | M: 37.7% F: 25.0% | M: 41.1% F: 32.0% | M: -3.4pp F: -7.0pp |
| Private Non-Profit | M: 5.6% F: 7.0% | M: 3.2% F: 6.5% | M: +2.4pp F: +0.5pp |
| Government (All Levels) | M: 10.4% F: 9.2% | M: 4.9% F: 7.0% | M: +5.5pp F: +2.2pp |
| Self-Employed | M: 3.1% F: 1.9% | M: 2.9% F: 2.2% | M: +0.2pp F: -0.3pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. M = Male, F = Female. Green badges indicate higher government employment compared to Michigan.
Definitions: "Private sector" includes employees of for-profit and non-profit companies. "Government" includes all local, state, and federal employees. "Self-employed" refers to those operating their own unincorporated businesses.
Houghton County, Michigan Veteran Population & Service Statistics (2023)

Veteran Community Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following data details the civilian veteran population aged 18 and over in Houghton County, Michigan, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Civilian Veterans
- 2,020
- Primary Service Era
- Vietnam Era Only
754 veterans (37.3%)
Veteran Population Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan veteran demographics with Michigan to understand regional veteran service patterns.
Total Veterans in Houghton County, Michigan
2,020
Total Veterans in Michigan
479,115
- Houghton County, Michigan: Vietnam Era Only (37.3%)
- Michigan: Vietnam Era Only (36.2%)
Service Period Distribution Comparison
| Service Period | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vietnam Era Only | 37.3% (754) | 36.2% (173,320) | +1.1pp |
| Between Gulf War & Vietnam | 17.3% (349) | 17.2% (82,222) | +0.1pp |
| Gulf War Only | 12.7% (256) | 13.2% (63,050) | -0.5pp |
| Post-9/11 Only | 12.1% (245) | 12.4% (59,424) | -0.3pp |
| Between Vietnam & Korean | 7.7% (155) | 7.9% (37,881) | -0.2pp |
| Korean War Only | 5.9% (119) | 5.5% (26,321) | +0.4pp |
| Post-9/11 + Gulf War | 4.4% (89) | 4.4% (21,292) | 0.0pp |
| WWII Only | 2.2% (44) | 1.5% (7,143) | +0.7pp |
| Between Korean & WWII | 0.3% (6) | 0.2% (1,011) | +0.1pp |
| Gulf War + Vietnam | 0.1% (3) | 0.9% (4,389) | -0.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Comparisons show relative proportions of veteran populations by service era.
Note: Periods of service include World War II (Dec 1941–Dec 1946), Korean War (Jul 1950–Jan 1955), Vietnam Era (Aug 1964–Apr 1975), Gulf War (Aug 1990–Aug 2001), and Post-9/11 (Sept 2001 or later). Veterans may have served in multiple eras.
Houghton County, Michigan Family Poverty & Income Statistics (2023)

Family Economic Security Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following data categorizes families in Houghton County, Michigan by their income relative to the federal poverty threshold, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Families Below Poverty Line (<100%)
- 9.1% (719 families)
- Families Near Poverty (100-199%)
- 35.4% (2,783 families)
- Families with Secure Income (200%+)
- 55.5% (4,360 families)
Poverty Rate Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan poverty levels with Michigan to understand regional economic disparities.
Poverty Rate in Houghton County, Michigan
9.1%
Below poverty linePoverty Rate in Michigan
9.2%
Below poverty lineIncome-to-Poverty Ratio Distribution Comparison
| Income Category | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below Poverty (<100%) | 9.1% (719) | 9.2% (235,194) | -0.1pp |
| Near Poverty (100-199%) | 35.4% (2,783) | 28.6% (734,267) | +6.8pp |
| Economic Security (200%+) | 55.5% (4,360) | 62.2% (1,596,784) | -6.7pp |
| Detailed Breakdown | |||
| Below 50% of Poverty | 4.0% | 4.2% | -0.2pp |
| 50-74% of Poverty | 2.3% | 2.3% | 0.0pp |
| 75-99% of Poverty | 2.8% | 2.6% | +0.2pp |
| 100-124% of Poverty | 2.2% | 2.9% | -0.7pp |
| 125-149% of Poverty | 4.4% | 3.2% | +1.2pp |
| 150-174% of Poverty | 5.3% | 3.5% | +1.8pp |
Note: "pp" indicates percentage points. Red badges indicate higher poverty; green badges indicate lower poverty compared to Michigan.
Definition: The "Income-to-Poverty Ratio" measures a family's income against the federal poverty threshold. A ratio below 1.00 means the family is in poverty. Ratios between 1.00 and 1.99 indicate low income ("near poverty"), while ratios of 2.00 or higher suggest greater economic security.
Houghton County, Michigan SNAP/Food Stamps Statistics (2023)

SNAP Participation Snapshot for Houghton County, Michigan
The following data details household participation in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Houghton County, Michigan, based on U.S. Census Bureau 2023 ACS Estimates.
- Total Households Receiving SNAP
- 1,193 (8.37% of all households)
- Recipient Households with Children
- 412 (34.53% of recipients)
- Total Households Analyzed
- 14,251
SNAP Participation Comparison with Michigan
Compare Houghton County, Michigan SNAP participation with Michigan to understand regional food assistance needs.
SNAP Participation in Houghton County, Michigan
8.37%
1,193 householdsSNAP Participation in Michigan
13.25%
547,357 householdsSNAP Household Composition Comparison
| Household Type | Houghton County, Michigan | Michigan | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| With Children | No Children | With Children | No Children | |
| Married-Couple Family | 13.41% (160) | 9.22% (110) | 13.49% (73,857) | 8.65% (47,346) |
| Male Householder, No Spouse | 2.18% (26) | 2.18% (26) | 5.01% (27,414) | 3.06% (16,735) |
| Female Householder, No Spouse | 17.18% (205) | 5.87% (70) | 22.76% (124,603) | 9.43% (51,631) |
| Nonfamily Households | 1.76% (21) | 48.20% (575) | 0.71% (3,866) | 36.89% (201,905) |
| Total SNAP Recipients | 1,193 (8.37% of households) | 547,357 (13.25% of households) | ||
Note: Percentages represent the share of SNAP-receiving households in each category. Higher percentages in households with children often indicate targeting of families with greater nutritional needs.
About this data: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides food assistance to low-income families. Households with children often face higher participation rates due to eligibility guidelines prioritizing child nutrition. "Nonfamily households" typically refer to individuals living alone or with unrelated roommates.