2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Houghton, MI vs West Branch, MI

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Highlights
Are people in West Branch older or younger than people in Houghton?
- The Median Age in West Branch is 24.6 years older than in Houghton.

Are housing costs cheaper in West Branch or Houghton?
- West Branch housing costs are 8.7% less expensive than Houghton housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, West Branch or Houghton?
- The average commute for residents of West Branch is 8.1 minutes longer than it is for residents of Houghton.

Things to do in Houghton?
Houghton, Michigan is a great place to live. The small town atmosphere allows for a close-knit community that makes it easy to get to know your neighbors. It has beautiful scenery and plenty of outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. In the winter months, you can enjoy skiing or snowshoeing in the nearby area. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops to explore around town. The cost of living is quite affordable so it’s a great option for those looking for an affordable place to call home. Overall, Houghton offers its residents a peaceful atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for recreation and exploration.

Things to do in West Branch?
Living in West Branch, MI is both charming and peaceful. With a population of just under 3,000 people, it is a small rural town that cherishes its heritage and community activities. From the local weekly farmers market to the summer festivals, West Branch is filled with plenty of activities to enjoy. Families can take part in outdoor recreation at nearby parks or spend an afternoon at the local ice cream shop for a treat. The city also has several restaurants and shops that give you a glimpse into its history and culture. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone in West Branch!

 Houghton, MIWest Branch, MIUnited States
 Population  Unlock2,068329,725,481
 Median Income$24,660  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock46.538.4
 Avg. Home Price$172,600  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock8.5%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time15.7  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Houghton    5 Reviews

Over 10 years ago

Houghton,MI is located in the middle of Lake Superior on the Keweenaw Peninsula. It was a boom town with the copper barons in the late 1800's and today it struggles to  More

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Over 12 years ago

For those who are interested in a laid-back community with low cost of living, rich human history, surrounded by impressive natural beauty, Houghton is the place. The  More

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Over 16 years ago

The 49931 zip code map to display Houghton is misleading. It implies that Isle Royale, isolated in the northern reaches of Lake Superior, is the area covered by this  More

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Reviews for West Branch    1 Reviews

Over 16 years ago

pros: affordable cost of living, close to Michigan's lakes and forests cons: no jobs, small town atmosphere, sequestered location, bad winters, I lived in West  More

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