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 is a county in Michigan with a population of 11,650. It ranks #73 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 53.2, older than the national median. The population is 50.0% male and 50.0% female.
The median household income in Iron County is $53,614, below the US median of $74,580. 10.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $101,500, with monthly rent averaging $510. The homeownership rate of 85.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Iron County reflects 20.6% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 7.9% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 20.1 minutes each way.
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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Part of Michigan
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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.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.