Houghton County, MI Property Tax: $1,780/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Houghton County is 1.27% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $140,300, that works out to about $1,782 per year, or $149 per month. Houghton County is located in northwestern Michigan, and is home to approximately 37,428 residents.
About Houghton County
Houghton County covers approximately 1,009.1 square miles in Michigan. The county is home to about 37,428 residents living in roughly 18,781 housing units, of which 54.0% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $56,573, and the median home was built in 1959.
Houghton County borders Baraga County, Iron County, Keweenaw County, Marquette County, Ontonagon County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Michigan
Property taxes in Michigan are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Michigan offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Houghton County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Houghton County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houghton County, MI | 1.27% | $140,300 | $1,782 |
| Michigan state average | 1.17% | — | $1,642* |
| Baraga County | 1.34% | $124,400 | $1,666 |
| Iron County | 1.44% | $101,500 | $1,459 |
| Keweenaw County | 0.94% | $181,400 | $1,704 |
| Marquette County | 1.00% | $202,000 | $2,019 |
| Ontonagon County | 1.23% | $101,000 | $1,244 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Houghton County's median home value of $140,300. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Houghton County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Michigan?
At 1.27%, Houghton County is higher than the Michigan state average of 1.17%. On a home at the county median of $140,300, that means about $1,782 per year — versus $1,642 at the state average rate, a difference of $140 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Houghton County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Houghton County?
For a home at the county median value of $140,300, the annual property tax in Houghton County is approximately $1,782 — or about $149 per month. For a home worth $210,450, expect around $2,673 per year. For a $280,600 home, approximately $3,564 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Houghton County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Houghton County are handled by the Houghton County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Houghton County?
Michigan counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.27% shown here. Contact the Houghton County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File