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 skews on age — the median resident is 59.4, older than the national median. Ontonagon County is a county in Michigan with a population of 5,870.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,844, below the US median of $78,538. The poverty rate is 8.4%, below the national 12.4%. Home prices sit near the bottom of the range at $101,000, with typical rent around $571.
Degree attainment is on the lower side for US counties: 16.7% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree, below the national 35.0%. About 10.8% of workers primarily work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 26 minutes each way.
The age structure shapes everything downstream in Ontonagon County — from housing demand to the mix of working-age earners reflected in the income figures above.
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+
Largest cities in Michigan
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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.
Ontonagon County, MI Climate
Ontonagon County, MI has an average annual temperature of 5.1°C (41°F) and receives about 813 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.1°C
Avg Temp
813
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -9° / 15° | 56 mm |
| February | -9° / 17° | 36 mm |
| March | -3° / 26° | 46 mm |
| April | 4° / 39° | 50 mm |
| May | 11° / 51° | 79 mm |
| June | 16° / 60° | 88 mm |
| July | 19° / 66° | 78 mm |
| August | 18° / 65° | 91 mm |
| September | 14° / 56° | 88 mm |
| October | 8° / 46° | 74 mm |
| November | 0° / 32° | 68 mm |
| December | -6° / 20° | 59 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 Ontonagon County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Ontonagon 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 -15°C low). August is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Ontonagon County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.