Houghton County, Michigan
13 ZIP codes · Avg score 71/100 · Grade B · Updated 2026-06-04
In current tracking cycles, Houghton County — spanning 13 ZIP codes — records above-average water quality outcomes; the county's compliance history over recent years shows few departures from federal standards.
How Houghton County Compares
How Houghton County Compares
Houghton County scores 3 points below the Michigan state average (74/100) and 3 points above the national average (68/100).
Data: EPA SDWIS Last verified: 2026-06-04
ZIP Code Risk Map
Water Quality Map: Houghton County, Michigan
Each dot represents a ZIP code. Color indicates water quality grade. Tap a dot for details.
Key Risk Factors
Health risk index: 12.4 (asthma 11.1%, diabetes 10%)
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $988, driven primarily by energy_code_gap
Infrastructure: 0.442% avg pipe failure probability, 69% of ZIPs at high risk
75.8% of homes built before 1978 (lead paint era)
County Health Indicators vs National Average
Black markers indicate national averages. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Infrastructure Overview
Sources: Census ACS (housing age), EPA SDWIS (infrastructure risk model), state bridge inspection data.
Compound Risk Breakdown
Estimated additional annual cost per homeowner: $988
Bar widths proportional to share of total annual risk cost. Source: compound risk model (FEMA, EPA, USGS).
Housing Age Distribution
17,769 housing units in Houghton County
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS B25034 (Year Structure Built).
Water Safety Affordability
How much it costs to fix water issues relative to home values in Houghton County
Remediation costs are relatively manageable for most homeowners in Houghton County, representing a small fraction of property value.
Remediation includes water filtration, lead abatement, radon mitigation, and flood protection where applicable. Source: Census ACS, EPA SDWIS.
Health Outcomes vs National Average
CDC PLACES data for Houghton County residents
Black markers = national averages. Red = above national avg. Green = below. Source: CDC PLACES, Census ACS.
Water Systems with Most Violations
Top 5 systems in Houghton County ranked by EPA violation count.
| # | Water System | Population | Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Upper Michigan Water Company | 5,535 | 19 |
| 2 | Lake Linden | 1,203 | 19 |
| 3 | Sherman Township | 40 | 19 |
| 4 | HOUGHTON | 8,386 | 15 |
| 5 | South Range | 745 | 15 |
19 total water systems serve Houghton County.
All ZIP Codes in Houghton County
13 ZIP codes tracked in Houghton County.
| # | ZIP Code | City | Safety Score | Grade | Violations | Home Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 49913 | Calumet | 83 | B | 0 | $93K |
| 2 | 49916 | Chassell | 82 | B | 2 | $191K |
| 3 | 49945 | Lake Linden | 82 | B | 19 (1 health) | $143K |
| 4 | 49917 | Copper City | 81 | B | 4 | $93K |
| 5 | 49922 | Dollar Bay | 80 | B | 4 | $121K |
| 6 | 49963 | South Range | 80 | B | 4 | $83K |
| 7 | 49930 | Hancock | 76 | B | 6 | $212K |
| 8 | 49931 | Houghton | 75 | B | 9 | $221K |
| 9 | 49955 | Painesdale | 72 | B | 1 | $88K |
| 10 | 49905 | Atlantic Mine | 53 | D | 0 | $169K |
| 11 | 49934 | Hubbell | 53 | D | 0 | $82K |
| 12 | 49942 | Kearsarge | 53 | D | 0 | $96K |
| 13 | 49965 | Toivola | 53 | D | 0 | $223K |
Recommended Buyer Guides for Houghton County
Federal and certification sources drive the ordering: EPA monitoring data, NSF certifications, FEMA flood maps, and CDC lead guidance — guides surface only when county data warrants them.
- Best Lead Paint Test Kits — 75.8% of homes built before 1978
Deep Dive Reports
Detailed analysis for Houghton County, Michigan
Overview
Houghton County in Michigan covers 13 ZIP codes with an average Home Safety Score of B (71/100).
8 of 13 ZIP codes have recorded EPA violations. 1 health-based violation have been documented.
← Back to Michigan water quality report
Data Sources
- Water quality: EPA Safe Drinking Water Information System (SDWIS)
- Home values: U.S. Census Bureau ACS (median estimates by ZCTA)
Updated daily.