Michigan · Off-grid & homestead potential

Houghton County

66BoltScore / 100
#27 of 83 in Michigan

Houghton County is a strong bolthole (66/100). Its strengths are deep isolation — 168 mi to the nearest city and cheap to buy into (typical home $192k). The trade-offs: a short, cold growing season (40.9°F avg).

How Houghton County scores

Hazard Safety76
Freedom58
Food22
Isolation97
Sovereignty54
Water72
Affordability82
$192kTypical home
1.3%Property tax
$3,467Land / acre
30.6"Annual rain
2.4% of yrsSevere drought
168 miNearest metro
37.3People / sq mi
25%Federal land
40.9°FAvg temp

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Living off-grid in Houghton County, Michigan

Is Houghton County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Houghton County is a strong bolthole (66/100). Its strengths: deep isolation — 168 mi to the nearest city and cheap to buy into (typical home $192k). Watch-outs: a short, cold growing season (40.9°F avg).

How much does land cost in Houghton County, Michigan?

Land in Houghton County runs about $3,467 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Houghton County?

Houghton County gets about 30.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.4% of years.

How remote is Houghton County?

The nearest major metro is about 168 miles away, and population density is 37.3 people per square mile.

How Houghton compares in Michigan

See all 83 Michigan counties ranked →