Map: Keweenaw County Recreation Plan, 2025-2029 Keweenaw County map showing Houghton Township's location in relation to surrounding townships.

KEWEENAW COUNTY – The Keweenaw County Board has unanimously approved a request from Houghton Township to explore the possibility of consolidating with a neighboring township. The motion to approve the request was made by Commissioner Del Rajala and supported by Bob DeMarois.

At its December meeting, the County Board reviewed a letter from Houghton Township officials requesting consolidation with one of two neighboring townships. The letter was signed by Township Supervisor Robby Fischer, Township Clerk Leslie Fischer, and two trustees, Tom Hall and Jim Huovinen.

The letter says the township has a small population, with only 74 registered voters, many of whom are seasonal residents.

According to World Population Review, The median household income in Houghton Township is $58,750 with a poverty rate of 12.2%. The median age in Houghton is 71.3 years.

The letter goes on to say the Houghton Township Board authorized a consolidation committee to explore options, which found two townships that were amenable to the idea and indicated they possibly have the infrastructure to absorb the operational duties of Houghton. The letter did not indicate which townships had expressed interest.

Sherman Township, to the south, has a slightly smaller population than Houghton, with approximately 67 residents. The median household income in Sherman is $34,653 with a poverty rate of 30.77%. The median age in Sherman is 50.6 years, according to World Population Review.

Allouez Township, to the west, has an estimated population in 2025, of 1,507, according to World Population Review. The median household income in Allouez is $48,636 with a poverty rate of 8.17%. The median age in Allouez is 49.8 years.

Eagle Harbor Township’s population for 2025 is recorded as 231. The median household income in Eagle Harbor is $108,333 with a poverty rate of 5.5%. The median age in Eagle Harbor is 68.3 years, says the World Population Review.

County Board Chairman Don Piche said does not know many details regarding the consolidation request.

“It would make sense to go with Eagle Harbor or Allouez,” Piche said, “one of those two, but I’m not sure.”

According to the Keweenaw County Recreation Plan, 2025-2029, the county’s overall population

density is very low, averaging about four people per square mile, reflecting its rural and expansive terrain. The population does increase during summer months as seasonal residents visit the nearly 1,176 seasonal homes (2022 Census), which represent over 47% of the total housing units in the area.