Iron County, Michigan Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Iron County is located in Michigan with a total population of 11,650. It is the 73rd most populous county out of 83 in Michigan. The county encompasses 4 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Iron County is 53.2 years. This is 33% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 12.7% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Iron County is $53,614. This is 25% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 16.9%. This is 30% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 4.7%. This is 18% lower than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $101,500. Housing costs are 53% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x, Iron County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 85.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 17% higher than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Iron County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 92.5% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 2.1%. The Black or African American population (0.8%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (2.1%) is well below the state average of 5.7%. The Asian population (0.6%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.

Education

20.6% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 35% lower than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.4%.