Selling a Business in Houghton County
Houghton County has 891 employer businesses, and 87% of them have fewer than 20 employees. This page shows the local mix of industries and how a sale is handled here.
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LOCAL SNAPSHOT
Houghton County by the numbers
891
891
EMPLOYER BUSINESSES
87%
87%
SMALL EMPLOYER SHARE
2,276
2,276
BUSINESSES WITH NO EMPLOYEES
9,246
9,246
EMPLOYMENT
$396 million
$396 million
ANNUAL PAYROLL
404
404
BUSINESSES WITH 5 TO 49 EMPLOYEES
U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns 2023 and Nonemployer Statistics 2024. Counts are employer establishments, meaning business locations with paid employees.
How Houghton County compares
Houghton County ranks 38th of 83 Michigan counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 13% of employer businesses in Houghton County, compared with 9% in Michigan.
404 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Houghton County ranks 38th of 83 Michigan counties and county equivalents for employer businesses.
The number of employer businesses grew 2.1% between 2018 and 2023.
Construction makes up 13% of employer businesses in Houghton County, compared with 9% in Michigan.
404 employer businesses here have 5 to 49 employees.
Industry mix
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 140 employer businesses
Construction: 115 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 111 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 97 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 94 employer businesses
The largest industries by number of employer businesses:
Retail: 140 employer businesses
Construction: 115 employer businesses
Accommodation and food service: 111 employer businesses
Health care and social assistance: 97 employer businesses
Repair, personal care and other services: 94 employer businesses
INDUSTRIES
What sells in Houghton County
Retail, construction, accommodation and food service, health care and social assistance
Every kind of business we sell in Houghton County
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Houghton County. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
123 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
General Contracting: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Restaurants & Food
81 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
45 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Financial & Professional Services
43 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Insurance Agencies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Real Estate Brokerages: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
36 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Auto Repair: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Medical Practices
34 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Primary & Family Care: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
26 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Metal Fabrication: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
19 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Hotels: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
18 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Bars & Pubs: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
17 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Gas Stations: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Education & Childcare
13 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Daycare Centers: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
12 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
General Freight Trucking: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
12 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Home Infusion: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
10 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
9 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Senior Care & Living
7 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Beauty & Personal Care
3 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Hair Salons: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Home Services
3 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Property Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
We sell businesses in every one of these industries in Houghton County. Counts are employer businesses in the closest Census industry codes. Industries without a clean Census match are listed without a count, and a few industries share one Census category, so their counts match. A sale multiple is the price a business typically sells for as a multiple of its earnings. SDE means seller's discretionary earnings, which is the owner's pay plus the profit of the business. EBITDA means earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
Construction & Engineering
123 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
General Contracting: 59 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Civil Engineering: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 7.0x - 11.0x EBITDA.
Landscaping: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Interior Finishing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Plumbing: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x SDE.
HVAC Services: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.6x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Electrical: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Roofing & Siding: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Foundation & Site Prep: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x EBITDA + Fleet.
Restaurants & Food
81 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Full-Service Restaurants: 40 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.5x - 2.5x SDE.
Quick-Service & Fast Food: 23 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Grocery Stores & Markets: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE + Inventory.
Coffee Shops: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.0x SDE.
Liquor, Wine & Beer Stores: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Retail Stores
45 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Hardware, Garden & Building: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE + Inventory.
Health, Beauty & Pharmacy: 9 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.8x - 4.2x EBITDA.
Fashion, Apparel & Jewelry: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE + Inventory.
Sporting Goods & Firearms: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.3x - 3.4x SDE.
Hobby, Toys & Gift Shops: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.8x - 2.8x SDE + Inventory.
Home Decor & Furniture: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Financial & Professional Services
43 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Insurance Agencies: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 6.0x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Accounting & Tax Practices: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 3.5x SDE.
Wealth Management: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.7x - 4.0x Recurring Revenue.
Real Estate Brokerages: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.5x SDE.
Automotive & Boat
36 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Auto Repair: 11 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE.
Collision Repair: 10 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Car Dealerships: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2x - 8x Blue Sky + Assets.
Auto Parts: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.2x SDE + Inventory.
Medical Practices
34 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Primary & Family Care: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.2x - 3.2x SDE.
Dental Practices: 8 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Physical Therapy & Rehab: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Home Health & Hospice: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Mental & Behavioral Health: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE.
Manufacturing
26 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Metal Fabrication: 7 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.2x - 4.2x SDE.
Food & Beverage Manufacturing: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.1x - 4.5x SDE.
Printing & Plastics: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.9x - 4.9x SDE.
Medical & Chemical Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.5x - 8.0x EBITDA.
Wood & Furniture Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.8x SDE.
Construction Materials Manufacturing: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 5.0x EBITDA.
Hospitality & Travel
19 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Hotels: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.6x - 5.1x EBITDA.
Motels: 16 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.1x - 2.5x SDE.
Transportation Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.1x SDE.
Entertainment & Recreation
18 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Bars & Pubs: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Clubs & Lounges: 18 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 6.0x EBITDA.
Gas Stations & Convenience
17 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Gas Stations: 17 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Education & Childcare
13 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Daycare Centers: 13 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.39x - 3.35x SDE.
Logistics & Transportation
12 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
General Freight Trucking: 12 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 3.45x SDE.
Pharmacies & Medical Supply
12 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Home Infusion: 5 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Compounding Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.5x - 5.5x EBITDA.
Specialty Pharmacies: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 6.5x EBITDA.
Medical Supply Retail: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 4.0x SDE + Inventory.
Wholesale & Distribution
10 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Food & Beverage Distribution: 6 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.5x - 3.5x SDE.
Industrial & Construction Supply: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.0x SDE.
Energy & Utilities
9 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Propane & Fuel Distribution: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Water & Wastewater Services: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA.
Waste Management & Recycling: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Assets.
Senior Care & Living
7 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Non-Medical Home Care: 4 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 5.0x SDE.
Assisted Living Facilities: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 4.0x - 7.0x EBITDA + Real Estate.
Beauty & Personal Care
3 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Hair Salons: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 1.25x - 2.34x SDE.
Health & Fitness
3 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Gyms & Health Clubs: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.44x - 2.93x SDE.
Yoga Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.07x - 2.50x SDE.
Pilates Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.10x - 3.00x SDE.
Personal Training Studios: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 2.00x - 2.80x SDE.
Home Services
3 related employer businesses in Houghton County.
Property Management: 3 employer businesses here. Typical sale multiple: 3.0x - 4.5x SDE.
Working with owners in Houghton County
Business Advisors of America works with owners who are selling a business in Houghton County. Contact us to talk about a sale.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions owners in Houghton County ask
How long does it take to sell a business in Houghton County?
The time depends on the price, the quality of the records and the number of qualified buyers. Many sales take six months or longer from the start of the process to closing.
How is a business valued in Houghton County?
Valuation starts with the earnings the business produces for an owner, then adjusts for assets, size, industry and the terms a buyer is likely to accept. The result is a range, and the asking price is set inside it.
Is the sale confidential?
Buyers are asked to sign a non-disclosure agreement before they see the name of the business or its financial statements.
FROM OUR BLOG
Guides for owners in Houghton County
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
October 3, 2025
Business Owners
Add-Backs: What Counts, What Does Not, and What Buyers Push Back On
Every add-back you can prove raises your sale price by two to three times its amount. Every add-back you cannot prove costs you credibility on all the others.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
March 5, 2026
Business Owners
Buyer Qualification: How We Screen Out the Buyers Who Cannot Close
Most inquiries on a business listing come from people who cannot close. Here is how they get screened out before they see your name or your financials.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article
February 9, 2026
Business Owners
The Confidential Information Memorandum: What Goes In It and Why
The CIM is the document a buyer reads before they decide to spend time on your business. Here is what it has to contain and the mistakes that cost sellers offers.
Read article