Houghton Lake, Roscommon County, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,769
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,305/yr
-1.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
4,648
3.0% year-over-year change

Houghton Lake population

How many people live in Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake is home to 5,769 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 50.6% of Houghton Lake locals are male, and 49.4% are female.

Total population
5,769
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
50.6%
2,920
Female
49.4%
2,849
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,920 50.6% 0.2%
Female 2,849 49.4% 0.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Houghton Lake is 55, with the population distributed as follows: about 13.4% are children under 15, then 7.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 19.5% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 34.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
54.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
13.4%
15 to 24
7.8%
25 to 44
19.5%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
34.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 774 13.4% -0.6%
15 to 24 449 7.8% 3.7%
25 to 44 1,126 19.5% 3.8%
45 to 64 1,437 24.9% -11.7%
Over 65 1,983 34.4% 8.0%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Houghton Lake, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.8% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 5.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.8%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,723 99.2% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 46 0.8% 70.4%
Racial breakdown
White
94.2%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.1%
Other
0.2%
Value Percent
White 5,436 94.2%
Black or African American 30 0.5%
Asian 1 0%
Two or more races 293 5.1%
Other 9 0.2%

Households in Houghton Lake

A peek inside Houghton Lake households

Houghton Lake has 2,832 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 52.2% are families, while the remaining 47.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,832
2.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,353
Family households
1,479
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,353 47.8% 9.6%
Family households 1,479 52.2% -3.2%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Houghton Lake

The housing landscape of Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake's housing consists of 4,648 units, with 83.3% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 11.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
4,648
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,872 83.3%
1 unit, attached 33 0.7%
2 units 45 1%
3 or 4 units 12 0.3%
5 to 9 units 14 0.3%
10 to 19 units 83 1.8%
20 to 49 units 27 0.6%
50 or more units 8 0.2%
Mobile home 554 11.9%
Homes built since 2020
35
2.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Houghton Lake

In Houghton Lake, the median construction year is 1974. About 3.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.3% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 9.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.2% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 173 3.7% -4.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 338 7.3% 73.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 525 11.3% 4.4%
Built between 1960 and 1969 851 18.3% -6.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 983 21.2% -3.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 553 11.9% 10.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 547 11.8% 13.5%
Built between 2000 and 2009 450 9.7% -14.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 193 4.2% 12.9%
Built in 2020 or later 35 0.8% 2.9%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Houghton Lake occupancy rates

Out of the 2,832 occupied housing units in Houghton Lake, 80.8% are owner-occupied, while 19.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 39.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,832
2.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
543
Owner occupied
2,289
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 543 19.2% -4.1%
Owner occupied 2,289 80.8% 4.2%
Unoccupied housing units
39.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Houghton Lake housing costs

Housing costs in Houghton Lake come to a median of $671 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $827.

Median housing costs per month
$671/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Houghton Lake
$827/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Houghton Lake

Houghton Lake education at a glance

About 43.6% of the population in Houghton Lake went to high school, while 30.5% pursued college studies. Another 11.3% earned an associate degree and 7.8% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 21 0.4% 0.0%
High school diploma 2,137 43.6% 2.2%
College diploma 1,496 30.5% 8.2%
Associate degree 555 11.3% -1.6%
Bachelor's degree 384 7.8% 1.3%
Graduate degree 308 6.3% -25.1%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Houghton Lake

How much people earn in Houghton Lake

The average annual household income in Houghton Lake was $63,641 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,305, reflecting a -1.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Houghton Lake
$63,641/year
0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Houghton Lake
$50,305/year
-1.1% year-over-year change

Houghton Lake income by age

In Houghton Lake, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $65,045. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $48,490 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $56,616, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,567 in earnings. Overall, 81% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $56,616 5.9%
25 - 44 $65,045 3.8%
45 - 64 $48,490 -23.4%
Over 65 $47,567 6.3%
Above poverty level
4,574
Below poverty level
1,075
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,574 81% 3.2%
Below poverty level 1,075 19% -12.9%

Average renter income in Houghton Lake

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Houghton Lake, their median household income was $18,833 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 52.7%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$18,833
Rent-to-income ratio
52.7%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Houghton Lake

Workforce and job types in Houghton Lake

The job market in Houghton Lake is powered by 2,111 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 67% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 17.8% run their own businesses, 61.7% are employed by private companies, and 13.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,111
-0.1% year-over-year change
White collar
1,415
Blue collar
696
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,415 67% -6.7%
Blue collar 696 33% 17.0%
Employer type
Self employees
17.8%
Private companies
61.7%
Governmental workers
13.1%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 376 17.8% 2.2%
Private companies 1,303 61.7% 3.5%
Governmental workers 276 13.1% -16.1%
Not for profit companies 156 7.4% 0.0%
Unemployment rate
3.4%
25.4% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Houghton Lake stands at 3.4%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Houghton Lake

How people get around in Houghton Lake

Commuting methods vary: 85.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,771 85.8% 2.1%
Bus or trolleybus 3 0.2% -25.0%
Walk 20 1% -60.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Houghton Lake by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
48629 7,998 3,882 $56,520 $74,696

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FAQs about Houghton Lake demographics 

What is the total population of Houghton Lake?

Houghton Lake has a total population of 5,769 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Houghton Lake?

The gender ratio in Houghton Lake is as follows:
  • 50.6% males (2,920 residents)
  • 49.4% females (2,849 residents)

What is the median age in Houghton Lake?

The median age in Houghton Lake is 54.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Houghton Lake?

The age distribution in Houghton Lake is as follows:
  • Under 15: 13.4% (774 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7.8% (449 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 19.5% (1,126 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (1,437 residents)
  • Over 65: 34.4% (1,983 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Houghton Lake?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Houghton Lake is as follows:
  • White: 94.2% (5,436 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (30 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (1 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.1% (293 residents)
  • Other: 0.2% (9 residents)

What percentage of the population in Houghton Lake are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Houghton Lake.

How many housing units are there in Houghton Lake?

There are 4,648 housing units in Houghton Lake, reflecting a +3.0% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Houghton Lake and what is the average household size?

Houghton Lake has a total of 2,832 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Houghton Lake?

Houghton Lake has a median household income of $50,305, representing a -1.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Houghton Lake?

The employment rate is 96.6% in Houghton Lake, with a workforce of 2,111 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 67% (1,415 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33% (696 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 17.8% (376 residents)
  • Private companies: 61.7% (1,303 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13.1% (276 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (156 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025