Ontonagon County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 82nd-largest in Michigan
The population of Ontonagon County, Michigan is 5,870 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 82nd-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $51,844, the median home value is $101,000, and the median age is 59.4.
The population of Ontonagon County has declined 14.0% since 2010 (6,776 → 5,824), a -1.08% annualized rate.
5,870
Population
-1.08%
Annual growth
4
People / sq mi
$51,844
Median Income
$101,000
Median Home Value
Ontonagon County covers 1,311 sq mi of land at 4.5 people per square mile.
About Ontonagon County, MI
Ontonagon County is a county in Michigan with a population of 5,870. It ranks #82 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 59.4, older than the national median. The population is 51.0% male and 49.0% female.
The median household income in Ontonagon County is $51,844, below the US median of $74,580. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $101,000, with monthly rent averaging $571. The homeownership rate of 87.3% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Ontonagon County reflects 16.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 10.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 26.1 minutes each way.
Ontonagon County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Ontonagon County had a population of 6,776 in 2010 and 5,824 in 2024, a -14.0% growth over 14 years. The peak was 6,776 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -1.07%.
5,824
Population (2024)
6,776
Population (2010)
6,776
Peak (2010)
-1.07%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 6,776 |
| 2011 | 6,629 |
| 2012 | 6,414 |
| 2013 | 6,322 |
| 2014 | 6,192 |
| 2015 | 6,037 |
| 2016 | 5,935 |
| 2017 | 5,888 |
| 2018 | 5,816 |
| 2019 | 5,713 |
| 2020 | 5,803 |
| 2021 | 5,872 |
| 2022 | 5,895 |
| 2023 | 5,857 |
| 2024 | 5,824 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.5% |
| Black or African American | 0.8% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 2.9% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
59.4
Median Age
49.0%
Female
51.0%
Male
37.8%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 8.8% · Seniors (65+): 37.8%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,844$-19,305 vs state |
| Mean household income | $64,711 |
| Per-capita income | $32,741 |
| Poverty rate | 8.4%-0.4% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% |
| Employment-to-population | 38.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Ontonagon County is professional & business services, accounting for 21.7% of workers.
How residents commute
0.0%
Drive alone
3.8%
Carpool
74.1%
Public transit
10.8%
Work from home
26.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$101,000$-116,600 vs state
Median home value
$571
Median rent
87.3%
Homeownership rate
5,256
Total housing units
56.7%
Occupied
43.3%
Vacant
12.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
95.9%
With health insurance
89.4%
With broadband internet
28.7%
Foreign-born
14.5%
Veterans (18+)
20.8%
With a disability
98.3%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
94.1%
High School+
16.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Ontonagon County, Michigan has a population of 5,870 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 82nd-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 4 people per square mile.
The population of Ontonagon County has declined 14.0% since 2010 (6,776 → 5,824), a -1.08% annualized rate.
The median household income in Ontonagon County, Michigan is $51,844, with mean (average) household income of $64,711 and per-capita income of $32,741. 8.4% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Ontonagon County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.5%), Hispanic or Latino (2.9%), 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 Ontonagon County, Michigan is 59.4 years. Residents are 49.0% female and 51.0% male.
The median home value in Ontonagon County is $101,000 and median monthly rent is $571. 87.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 5,256 total housing units, 43.3% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Ontonagon County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 21.7% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Ontonagon County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Michigan
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.