Houghton County
MI · Pop. 37,428 · Suburban County
Houghton County, Michigan covers 1,009 square miles with a population of 37,428 and a density of 37.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, rye, haylage. The median home price is $140,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.27%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 131-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.1°F and average winter lows of 10.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 27.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Up Health System Portage is 10.2 miles away and includes an emergency room. Broadband reaches 79.6% of homes. On the hazard side, flood risk is high, so plan infrastructure and insurance accordingly.
Pros
- A median home price of $140,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
- Up Health System Portage, with an emergency room, is just 10.2 miles away — strong local healthcare access.
- A median household income of $56,573 anchors the local economy.
Cons
- A 131-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
- Broadband reaches only 79.6% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
- Average winter lows of 10.7°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
- The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.
At a glance
Houghton County, MI is a solid homesteading option with some tradeoffs.
- Homestead score
- 60/100
- Median home price
- $140k
- Property tax
- 1.27%
- Growing season
- 131 days (zone 5a)
- Annual rainfall
- 27.8"
- Broadband
- 79.6%
- Nearest hospital
- Up Health System Portage, 10.2 mi
Taxes & Cost of Living
Land & Building
Climate & Growing
Natural Disaster Risk
Healthcare
Infrastructure & Community
Business & Employment
Homesteading in Houghton County: FAQ
- What is the growing season like in Houghton County?
- Houghton County is in USDA hardiness zone 5a with a 131-day growing season, average summer highs of 73.1°F, and average winter lows of 10.7°F. The established crops are hay, rye, haylage.
- How affordable is land and property here?
- The median home price is $140,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.27%. Per-acre raw-land prices vary widely by parcel here, so check active listings for current rates.
- Is broadband internet available?
- Broadband reaches 79.6% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
- How close is healthcare?
- Up Health System Portage is 10.2 miles away and includes an emergency room; there are 2 hospitals in the county.
Explore Michigan Resources
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LandWatch
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AcreTrader
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More counties in Michigan
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The closest counties to Houghton County by distance, including across state lines.
Data sources
Verified
Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.
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