Keweenaw County

Keweenaw County is a place of extremes—Michigan’s northernmost county, and the smallest in the state by both land area and population. Known for its rugged beauty and intense winters, the northern reaches of the county nearly shut down during the coldest months. It also marks the literal end of the road, as the northern terminus of U.S. Highway 41.

Despite, or perhaps because of, its remote character, Keweenaw County is a premier destination for outdoor adventure and recreation. Visitors are drawn to its nationally recognized mountain biking trails, scenic Lake Superior resort towns, and unique opportunities for hiking, paddling, and sightseeing.

Heading north from Calumet, travelers encounter a corridor of historic mining towns and dense forests, culminating in the iconic “Tunnel of Trees”—a portion of US-41 that winds along the peninsula’s spine to Copper Harbor. There, US-41 meets M-26 along the western shore, forming a loop that connects most of the region’s historic and scenic landmarks along the Copper Country Trail National Byway.

When paired with the more urban amenities and year-round energy of nearby Houghton County, the Keweenaw Peninsula offers a blend of remote wilderness, rich history, and small-town charm, truly, something for everyone.

People

  • Population: 2,161

    Population percent change from 2020 – 2024: 5.6%

    Median household income: $53,893

    Per capita income: $46,593

    Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) households earn more than the Federal Poverty Level, but not enough to afford the basics where they live.

    Of the 1,090 households in Keweenaw County in 2023…

    • 7% earned below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

    • 35% were ALICE, households that earned above the FPL, but not enough to afford basic needs or save for the future.

    • Together, 42% of households in Keweenaw County were below the ALICE Threshold (poverty + ALICE divided by total households).

    Learn more about the ALICE Threshold here.

Economy

  • Employed persons (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025): 826

    Unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025): 8.3%

    Employment by industry in workers age 16 & over:

    1. Education, healthcare and social assistance: 28.3%

    2. Construction: 13.3%

    3. Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services: 9.8%

    4. Manufacturing: 9.3%

    5. Public administration: 8.8%

    Learn about Keweenaw County’s Economic Development Capacity Index (EDCI) here

Health

Housing

  • Total housing units (2024): 2,338

    Households: 1,090

    Average persons per household: 1.92

    Housing age:

    • 30.4% built in 1939 or earlier

    • Median year of structures built: 1964

    Median owner-occupied house value: $181,400

    Median gross rent 2019-2023: $679

    Homeownership rate: 91.7%

Education

  • Total K-12 enrollment in 2024-2025: 190

    Children ages 5–17 enrolled in school: 82.2%

    Households with a computer: 93.4%

    Households with a broadband Internet subscription: 82.8%

    Educational institutions (NCES):

    • Copper Harbor K-8 School

    • Horizons Alternative High School

Statistical data are from 2019-2023 American Community Survey five-year estimates. Other sources are in italics.