Iron County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 73rd-largest in Michigan
The population of Iron County, Michigan is 11,650 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 73rd-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $53,614, the median home value is $101,500, and the median age is 53.2.
The population of Iron County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (11,811 → 11,709), a -0.06% annualized rate.
11,650
Population
-0.06%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$53,614
Median Income
$101,500
Median Home Value
Iron County covers 1,166 sq mi of land at 10.0 people per square mile.
About Iron County, MI
Iron County skews on age — the median resident is 53.2, older than the national median. Iron County is a county in Michigan with a population of 11,650.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $53,614, below the US median of $78,538. About 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $101,500, with typical rent around $510.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US counties: 20.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 7.9%, and the average commute runs about 20 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Iron County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
Iron County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Iron County had a population of 11,811 in 2010 and 11,709 in 2024, a -0.9% growth over 14 years. The peak was 11,811 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.05%.
11,709
Population (2024)
11,811
Population (2010)
11,811
Peak (2010)
-0.05%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 11,811 |
| 2011 | 11,767 |
| 2012 | 11,569 |
| 2013 | 11,506 |
| 2014 | 11,352 |
| 2015 | 11,327 |
| 2016 | 11,168 |
| 2017 | 11,112 |
| 2018 | 11,094 |
| 2019 | 11,053 |
| 2020 | 11,619 |
| 2021 | 11,597 |
| 2022 | 11,686 |
| 2023 | 11,722 |
| 2024 | 11,709 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.1% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
53.2
Median Age
50.0%
Female
50.0%
Male
30.9%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 14.4% · Seniors (65+): 30.9%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $53,614$-17,535 vs state |
| Mean household income | $67,747 |
| Per-capita income | $33,488 |
| Poverty rate | 10.6%+1.8% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 45.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Iron County is professional & business services, accounting for 19.9% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.4%
Carpool
79.6%
Public transit
7.9%
Work from home
20.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$101,500$-116,100 vs state
Median home value
$510
Median rent
85.3%
Homeownership rate
9,046
Total housing units
59.2%
Occupied
40.8%
Vacant
14.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.3%
With health insurance
87.5%
With broadband internet
32.7%
Foreign-born
10.5%
Veterans (18+)
21.7%
With a disability
98.0%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.4%
High School+
20.6%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Iron County, Michigan has a population of 11,650 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 73rd-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of Iron County has declined 0.9% since 2010 (11,811 → 11,709), a -0.06% annualized rate.
The median household income in Iron County, Michigan is $53,614, with mean (average) household income of $67,747 and per-capita income of $33,488. 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Iron County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.3%), Hispanic or Latino (2.1%), Black or African American (0.8%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Iron County, Michigan is 53.2 years. Residents are 50.0% female and 50.0% male.
The median home value in Iron County is $101,500 and median monthly rent is $510. 85.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 9,046 total housing units, 40.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Iron County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 19.9% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.2%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Iron County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
Iron County, MI Climate
Iron County, MI has an average annual temperature of 4°C (39°F) and receives about 786 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
4°C
Avg Temp
786
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -12° / 10° | 30 mm |
| February | -10° / 14° | 25 mm |
| March | -4° / 25° | 47 mm |
| April | 3° / 38° | 54 mm |
| May | 11° / 51° | 82 mm |
| June | 16° / 60° | 96 mm |
| July | 18° / 65° | 91 mm |
| August | 17° / 63° | 97 mm |
| September | 13° / 55° | 97 mm |
| October | 7° / 44° | 76 mm |
| November | -1° / 30° | 54 mm |
| December | -8° / 17° | 37 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Iron County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Iron County, MI are typically July, August and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 25°C high). The coldest is January (near -18°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Iron County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.