Iron County, Wisconsin Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Iron County is located in Wisconsin with a total population of 6,164. It is the 70th most populous county out of 72 in Wisconsin. The county encompasses 2 Census-designated places.

Age Demographics

The median age in Iron County is 55.9 years. This is 39% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 13.5% 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 $59,058. This is 22% lower than the state median of $75,670. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 25% lower. The poverty rate stands at 11.6%. This is 10% higher than the state poverty rate of 10.6%. The unemployment rate is 2.9%. This is 12% lower than the state rate of 3.3%. The median home value is $155,200. Housing costs are 37% lower than the state median of $247,400. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.6x, Iron County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 86.9% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 28% higher than the state average of 67.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Iron County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 94.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.6%. The Black or African American population (0.1%) is well below the state average of 6.0%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 7.8%. The Asian population (0.0%) is well below the state average of 2.9%.

Education

23.4% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 29% lower than the state rate of 32.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 95.4%.