Iron County

Iron County pairs a rich, multifaceted history with a stunning natural environment, offering abundant recreational opportunities in a quieter, more laid-back setting than the neighboring Wisconsin Northwoods nearby. The Iron County Heritage Trail (ICHT) connects many historic sites, charming communities, and other points of interest along one route. The ICHT includes plenty of non-motorized spur trails.

As the only county in the Western U.P. that doesn’t border Lake Superior, Iron County’s water resources center on hundreds of inland lakes and blue-ribbon trout streams, attracting anglers and paddlers from across the Midwest. The George Young Recreation Complex features a first-class golf course and a beautiful indoor event and restaurant space.

Iron County is the closest county in the Western U.P. for travelers from eastern Wisconsin and the Chicago area—making it a perfect first stop and warm welcome to the region.

 

People

  • Population: 11,709

    Population percent change from 2020 – 2024: 0.8%

    Median household income: $53,614

    Per capita income: $33,488

    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 5,354 households in Iron County in 2023…

    • 18% earned below the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).

    • 29% were ALICE, households that earned above the FPL, but not enough to afford basic needs or save for the future.

    • Together, 47% of households in Iron 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): 4,040

    Unemployment rate (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, April 2025): 9.5%

    Top five industries by number of workers 16 & over:

    1. Education, healthcare, and social assistance: 19.9%

    2. Manufacturing: 14.5%

    3. Retail trade: 11.1%

    4. Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, food services: 10.4%

    5. Professional, scientific, management, administrative, and waste management services: 8.7%

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

Housing

  • Total housing units (2024): 9,422

    Households: 5,354

    Average persons per household: 2.11

    Housing age:

    • 26% built in 1939 or earlier

    • Median year of structures built: 1962

    Median owner-occupied house value: $101,500

    Median gross rent 2019-2023: $510

    Homeownership rate: 85.3%

Health

Education

  • Total K-12 enrollment in 2024-2025: 1,605

    Children ages 5–17 enrolled in school: 97.9%

    Households with a computer: 87.5%

    Households with a broadband Internet subscription: 81.2%

    Educational institutions (NCES):

    • Elementary schools: 1

    • 6-12 schools: 1

    • PK-12 schools: 1

    • Bay College - Iron Mountain Campus

    • Career and Technical Education Center (Dickinson-Iron ISD)

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