Houghton County is a specialized government county as the government sector dominates the economy. 

Houghton County is located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on the beautiful southern shores of Lake Superior and is the heart of the Copper Country. 

Houghton County was organized in 1848 and was named after its famous pioneer Douglass Houghton who rediscovered copper in the Keweenaw Peninsula. 

The following government information is being presented to help you understand the complexity of the Houghton County government with its county offices, county commissioners, and court systems, to its townships with their unique governments, to its cities and villages, and finally to its legal arm.  Much of this information has been provided through the League of Women Voters who faithfully update the office holders throughout the County. 

Within Houghton County various National and State Government Agencies also function.  Michigan Technological University adds a further dimension of government within the county.

The responsibility of the governmental systems within the County allow for each of us to live our everyday lives.  We thank all people in government for doing a very excellent job in spite of the shortcomings each may bring to their job.  Most people do not understand the silent foundation that is present but hidden that allows life to proceed.  We will continue to build this site during the upcoming months and years as time allows.

2000 Census Figures for Houghton County

Population	Males	Females	65+	under 5	over 18
36,016	19,163	16,853	5,579	1,952	28,147