Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ironwood, MI
Considering a move to Ironwood, MI? This small Upper Peninsula city of about 5,000 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices around $70,000 and average rents near $650. Residents enjoy short commutes (under 16 minutes), low utility costs, and a tight-knit community atmosphere. While educational attainment is moderate and winters are snowy and cold, you'll find a slower pace of life, access to local healthcare, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation in this scenic region.
Demographics - Ironwood, MI
Demographics - Ironwood, MI
Ironwood is home to about 5,045 residents, with a predominantly White population and a median age of 47, reflecting a mature community. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a small percentage of non-English speakers, creating a welcoming and close-knit atmosphere. Population density remains moderate, offering a quieter lifestyle compared to larger urban areas.
Population:
5,045
Density:
620 per sq mi
Median Age:
47.0
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
4.2%

Ethnic Composition
White:
96.1%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
2.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ironwood, MI?
Ironwood offers an affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $70,000 and average monthly rent around $650. Residents benefit from low utility and housing costs, along with state income tax rates that remain steady at 4.25%. The overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it attractive for budget-conscious individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$70,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,080
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$340
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.0
Grocery:
92.4
Housing:
48.3
Utilities:
94.2
Transportation:
90.5
Health Care:
92.0
Miscellaneous:
95.7
Crime
Is Ironwood, MI a safe place to live?
Ironwood experiences moderate crime levels, with a violent crime rate of 275 per 100,000 residents and property crime at 1,450 per 100,000. The chance of experiencing a violent crime is about 1 in 364, while property crime risk is 1 in 69. These figures are generally lower than many urban areas, contributing to a sense of safety for residents.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
275
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,450
Crime Index:
1,725
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 364
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 69
Weather
What is the weather like in Ironwood, MI year-round?
Ironwood residents experience all four seasons, with cold and snowy winters where temperatures can dip as low as 4°F. Summers are mild and pleasant, with highs in the upper 70s, and the area receives about 31.5 inches of rainfall annually. With just under half the days being sunny, the climate supports a variety of outdoor recreational activities year-round.

Winter
Min:
4°F
Max:
23°F

Spring
Min:
27°F
Max:
58°F

Summer
Min:
53°F
Max:
77°F

Fall
Min:
32°F
Max:
59°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
49%
Neighbors
The community in Ironwood has a median household income of $37,100, with a notable poverty rate of 19.8%. Most residents have completed high school, and the average commute time is a short 16 minutes. Public transportation usage is low, reflecting the city’s small-town, self-reliant lifestyle.
Median Income:
$24,800
Household Income:
$37,100
Family Income:
$47,500
Per Capita Income:
$23,200
Income Male:
$29,700
Income Female:
$22,100
Poverty Rate:
19.8%
Non English Speakers:
4.2%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
6.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
15.9 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
19.7%
Education
How are the schools in Ironwood, MI?
Ironwood offers comprehensive educational options, including the Luther L. Wright K-12 School and All Saints Catholic Academy, as well as Gogebic Community College right in the city. The main public school maintains a favorable student-teacher ratio, ensuring personalized attention. These institutions provide residents with accessible opportunities for lifelong learning and academic growth.

Public Schools
Name:
Luther L. Wright K-12 School
Street:
650 E. Ayer St
Phone:
906-932-0932
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.1

Private Schools
Name:
All Saints Catholic Academy
Street:
106 S Marquette St
Phone:
906-932-3200
Students:
110

Colleges
Name:
Gogebic Community College
City:
Ironwood
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,100
Healthcare
Ironwood provides access to quality healthcare, anchored by the Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, which offers emergency and general medical services. There are about 1.1 physicians per 1,000 residents, and nearly 94% of the population has health insurance. Healthcare in the city is accessible and meets the needs of the community.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Aspirus Ironwood Hospital
Address:
N10561 Grand View Ln, Ironwood, MI 49938
Phone:
(906) 932-2525
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
72.1
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ironwood, MI?
The housing market in Ironwood is very affordable, with a median home price of $70,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $650. Homeownership is common, with over two-thirds of residents owning their homes, and vacancy rates remain moderate. The area has seen modest home appreciation, making it a practical choice for first-time buyers.
Median Home Price:
$70,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Ironwood residents are served by the Michigan Secretary of State office located in nearby Iron River. Services such as licensing and vehicle registration can be accessed in person, by phone, or via the state website. The DMV provides convenient options for handling essential transportation paperwork.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
200 S. Second Ave, Iron River, MI 49935
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.