Access Houghton County Residents Directory

Houghton County is on the Keweenaw Peninsula in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. The county seat is the city of Houghton. About 36,000 people live here, making it one of the more populated counties in the UP. The Houghton County residents directory gathers public records from local courts, property offices, state agencies, and voter files into one searchable resource. Use the search tool below to look up a person or find records tied to someone in Houghton County. Agency links, office hours, and phone numbers are listed in the sections that follow for direct access.

Houghton County Residents Directory Court Records

The 12th Circuit Court serves Houghton County along with Baraga County. It handles felony criminal cases, civil suits over $25,000, and family law. The courthouse is at 401 East Houghton Avenue in Houghton, MI 49931. Call (906) 482-3120 for case information. Most court files are open under Michigan Court Rule 8.119. You can search Houghton County court records online through the MiCOURT portal. Enter a name or case number and select the court.

The 97th District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic tickets, small claims, and civil cases under $25,000 for Houghton County. It operates from the same courthouse building. The Houghton County residents directory includes records from both courts. Criminal case results show the charges, plea details, sentencing info, and the assigned judge. Civil case records list the parties, claim type, and any judgments. Michigan Tech University is in Houghton County, so the courts here see cases that involve both local residents and students.

Probate court is at the same address. It covers wills, estates, guardianships, and conservatorships. Some probate files are restricted when they involve minors or protected persons.

Property Records in Houghton County

The Houghton County Register of Deeds records all property transfers. The office is at 401 East Houghton Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931. Phone is (906) 482-1032. Under MCL 565.29, deeds, mortgages, liens, and land contracts must be filed here. Michigan's race-notice system means the first properly recorded document generally takes priority over later filings.

Houghton County has a history tied to copper mining, and some property records involve mineral rights and old mining claims that go back over a century. You can visit the Register of Deeds in person to search indexes and view documents during regular hours. Online access to some property and tax data may be available through the county equalization office. Copies cost about $1.00 per page, and certified copies run around $5.00 per document. The Houghton County residents directory also connects property records to name searches, so you can find deeds and liens tied to a specific individual.

Criminal History for Houghton County

Use the Michigan State Police ICHAT system to check criminal history in Houghton County. Each search is $10. You need a full name and date of birth. ICHAT covers felony convictions and serious misdemeanors with more than 93 days across all Michigan counties. Results show charges, arrest dates, court info, and sentencing details.

Below is the Michigan State Police ICHAT portal, the main criminal records search tool for the Houghton County residents directory.

The Houghton County Sheriff's Office is at 403 East Houghton Avenue in Houghton. Call (906) 482-0055 for jail or booking questions. For state prison inmates, the OTIS tool from the Michigan Department of Corrections is free. ICHAT will not show federal crimes, traffic violations, juvenile records, or expunged cases under MCL 780.621.

Houghton County Vital Records

Birth, death, and marriage records are kept by the Houghton County Clerk at 401 East Houghton Avenue, Houghton, MI 49931. Call (906) 482-1104. Certified copies cost $15 to $30 each. Bring a valid photo ID to request copies in person. Mail orders are accepted too. VitalChek offers online ordering, but extra service fees apply.

Voter registration is also part of the Houghton County residents directory. The Michigan Voter Information Center lets you check if someone is registered to vote in Houghton County. Enter the person's name, date of birth, and zip code. The system confirms registration and shows polling location details. Under MCL 168.509(q), full birth dates and Social Security numbers are private in voter files. You can also check voter participation history for past elections.

Houghton County Public Records Requests

Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, found in MCL 15.231 through MCL 15.246, applies to all Houghton County government offices. Submit your request in writing to the department that holds the records. Be specific about what you need. Under MCL 15.235, the office must respond within five business days. An extension of ten days is allowed with written notice.

Copy fees in Houghton County usually run from $0.10 to $1.00 per page. Certified copies cost about $5.00. If you cannot pay, a fee waiver may be an option under MCL 15.234. Not every record is open. MCL 15.243 lists exemptions that protect active law enforcement files, certain personal data, and other sensitive records. A denial must include a written explanation citing the specific exemption. You can appeal to the department head or file a case in circuit court to challenge the denial.

Houghton County Clerk Office

Nearby Counties

Houghton County borders other Upper Peninsula counties on the Keweenaw Peninsula and beyond.