Real Estate Investing in Houghton, Michigan (49931)
Everything the listing leaves out — vacancy, rent trend, cap rate, landlord climate. All free.
Should you buy in 49931 (Houghton, MI)? Our answer, based on the numbers below.
Proceed carefully. Weak appreciation or affordability makes this a harder case for most buyers.
A middle-of-the-road market. Workable, but the best opportunities may be nearby ZIPs rather than this one.
- Elevated vacancy: 10.4% vacancy may signal weakening demand.
- Lower household income: $38,750 median — tenant affordability is tighter.
What’s happening in Houghton, MI (49931)?
Click any question — our AI will research it live from the web and show you sources.
Market Analysis: 49931 Houghton
Not every below-median market is a bargain. Houghton's 49931 ZIP comes in at signals that favor experienced operators who can absorb the risk $277K pricing implies.
The investment case in 49931 is solid only for operators who understand what they are buying. A $277K median suggests accessibility, but management intensity, vacancy drift, and capex surprises are real.
Nearby ZIPs in Houghton have seen price recovery that 49931 has not matched. Houghton County data supports the view that the spread is structural rather than temporary.
A resilient renter share of 58% in 49931 is not, on its own, a problem — but paired with below-average income and high mobility, it changes the operating playbook.
New investors are better served looking at Houghton's stable or hybrid ZIPs before stepping into 49931. The learning curve here is expensive when the lesson is wrong.
Here's what matters if you're considering buying a home in Houghton:
Market Trends
Home Value History (with trend line)
Rent History (with trend line)
📊 How Does 49931 Compare?
| Metric | 49931 | Houghton | Houghton, MI | Michigan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Value | $277,174 | $277,174 | N/A | $253,279 |
| 5-Year CAGR | 6.1% | 6.1% | N/A | 6.8% |
| Avg Rent | $1,300 | $1,300 | N/A | - |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% | 3.7% | - | - |
Similar ZIPs Within 25 Miles
Compare other nearby markets to see if a neighbor offers a better fit.
Landlord Ground Truth
Real numbers from people who own or manage rentals in ZIP 49931 (Houghton, MI). Anonymous, moderated, never written by AI.
Do you own or manage rentals in ZIP 49931 (Houghton, MI)?
~25 seconds · no account needed · your report is anonymous
📊 Market Snapshot
| Home Value | $277,174 |
| Monthly Rent | $1,300 |
| Price-to-Rent | 17.8:1 |
| 1% Rule | ✗ Fails |
💰 Return Metrics
| Gross Yield | 5.6% |
| Cap Rate | 3.7% |
| 5-Year IRR | 9.8% |
📈 Home Appreciation
| 1-Year | +9.7% ▲ |
| 3-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 5-Year CAGR | +6.1% ▲ |
| 10-Year CAGR | +5.8% ▲ |
🏠 Rent Trends
| 1-Year | N/A |
| 3-Year CAGR | N/A |
| 5-Year CAGR | N/A |
The current 30-yr mortgage rate (6.8%) exceeds the estimated cap rate (3.7%). Financing reduces your cash-on-cash return below the cap rate. Markets like this may still make sense as IRR plays — factoring in appreciation, depreciation, and a future refinance when rates drop.
Run an IRR Analysis →⚠️ Risk Signals
Composite view of factors that can impact a ZIP's stability and your downside risk.
Demographics in 49931
Population: 10,229
Crime & Safety
Crime & Safety Data Coming Soon
We're integrating comprehensive crime statistics including violent crime rates, property crime, and safety scores to help you make informed investment decisions.
Expected: Q1 2025
🎓 Schools in 49931
Schools in This ZIP Code
About Repit School Scores
Traditional school ratings rely heavily on standardized test scores, which often reflect family income more than school quality. Repit takes a different approach.
We evaluate schools based on factors that research shows actually impact educational outcomes:
- Class Size — Smaller classes mean more individual attention
- School Funding — Resources available for programs, staff, and facilities
- Community Factors — Neighborhood characteristics that influence student success
- School Environment — Size, type, and structure
Scores are updated annually using federal education data.
🎓 Nearby Colleges & Universities
Frequently Asked Questions
What do rentals go for in Houghton, MI?
Rent in Houghton, MI is around $1,300/mo. The resulting rent-to-value relationship with $277K pricing is reasonable for most investor models.
How tight is the rental market in Houghton, MI?
Occupancy in Houghton, MI runs predictable with elevated vacancy. Well-priced units at $1,300/mo lease on reasonable timelines.
How does Houghton, MI rate as a rental market?
Yes - Houghton, MI a 3.0/5 investability score. With $277K home prices against $1,300/mo monthly rent, the market delivers a reasonable entry point for new investors.
What price range are homes in Houghton, MI?
Typical homes in Houghton, MI go for around $277K. The 5-year CAGR of 0.0% even-keeled price movement.
Is the tenant base reliable in Houghton, MI?
Working renters make up the core of the Houghton, MI tenant base. The pool is reasonable for investors targeting long-term holds.
You know 49931 now. You don’t know where it ranks.
This page stays free — all of it. What one page can’t tell you is how 49931 compares to every other market. Investor ($19/mo) screens every U.S. ZIP by cap rate, the 1% rule, vacancy and landlord climate, and exports your shortlist.
How 49931 ranks in Houghton, MI
Every ZIP in this metro, ranked. Free.
AI Market Advisor
Ask questions about investing in 49931 (Houghton)
Community Ratings
What people who’ve spent time here actually say. Not paid reviews.
Be the first to rate 49931 (Houghton, MI).
It takes 30 seconds. No signup. Your rating helps everyone who comes here after you.