Iron County

Iron County pairs a rich, diverse history with an untrammeled natural environment that offers many forms of recreation in a less “busy” environment than the nearby Wisconsin Northwoods. The Iron County Heritage Trail connects many historic sites, communities, and other points of interest on a driving route with nonmotorized spur trails.

Since Iron County is the only one in our region that does not border Lake Superior, the focus water-wise is on hundreds of inland lakes and blue ribbon trout streams known throughout the Midwest. The George Young Recreation Complex offers a first-class golf course and beautiful indoor event and restaurant space.

Best of all for visitors, Iron County is the most accessible part of our region for travels from the metropolitan areas of eastern Wisconsin and Chicago - a great way to welcome all comers to the region.

People

Total population:

• 2020 Census: 11,631

• Projected, 2045 (State of Michigan): 9,967

Median age: 54.3

Median household income: $41,599

Median year-round full-time earnings: $37,346

Poverty:

• All persons determined: 13.1%

• Children under 18 years old: 18.3%

Unemployment rate, age 16 & over: 5.4%

Education

Primary and secondary schools:

• 2 public school districts

• Total public school enrollment (Michigan Dept of Education): 1,325 (2022-23)

Dickinson-Iron Intermediate school district

Educational attainment:

• Less than high school diploma/equivalent: 8.9%

• High school diploma/equivalent: 41.9%

• Some college or associate’s degree: 30.7%

• Bachelor’s degree: 11.7%

• Graduate or professional degree: 6.8%

Housing

Housing units - total: 9,325

• 56.0% occupied (many of remainder seasonally vacant)

• 87.3% single-unit detached

Housing age:

• 29.0% built 1939 or earlier

• 8.6% built 2000 or later

Median housing value: $77,700

Median gross rent: $513

Homeownership rate: 80.8%

Economy

Labor force (State of Michigan as of 2021): 4,662

Largest Employers:

• Aspirus Iron River Hospital

• Ski Brule

• Oldenburg Group

• Connor-AGA Sport Flooring

Industry by number of workers 16 & over (U.S. Dept of Labor as of 2021) (4,402):

• Health care & social assistance: 18.0%

• Manufacturing: 12.5%

• Retail trade: 13.4%

• Accommodation & food services: 7.4%

• Educational services: 4.6%

• Public administration: 5.5%