Ironwood, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,997
-0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$41,250/yr
10.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
3,081
0.3% year-over-year change

Ironwood population

How many people live in Ironwood

Ironwood is home to 4,997 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Ironwood locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
4,997
-0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
2,479
Female
50.4%
2,518
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,479 49.6% -2.6%
Female 2,518 50.4% 2.4%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Ironwood is 48, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.2% are children under 15, then 8.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.5% of the population, while another 24.2% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 27.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
47.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
8.6%
25 to 44
25.5%
45 to 64
24.2%
Over 65
27.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 712 14.2% 25.4%
15 to 24 427 8.6% 6.0%
25 to 44 1,274 25.5% 0.4%
45 to 64 1,208 24.2% -9.1%
Over 65 1,376 27.5% -4.1%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Ironwood, 99.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.4% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 93.9% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 0.8% have Asian roots. Another 1.1% are Indigenous American, 0.7% are Pacific Islanders, while 0.1% identify as another race. There’s also a share of 3.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
0.4%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,959 99.2% -0.5%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 19 0.4% 35.7%
Non-citizens 19 0.4% 137.5%
Racial breakdown
White
93.9%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.1%
Asian
0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0.7%
Two or more races
3.2%
Other
0.1%
Value Percent
White 4,691 93.9%
Black or African American 12 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 54 1.1%
Asian 42 0.8%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 33 0.7%
Two or more races 159 3.2%
Other 6 0.1%

Households in Ironwood

A peek inside Ironwood households

Ironwood has 2,596 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 47.4% are families, while the remaining 52.6% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,596
-3.6% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,366
Family households
1,230
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,366 52.6% -8.4%
Family households 1,230 47.4% 2.3%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Ironwood

The housing landscape of Ironwood

Ironwood's housing consists of 3,081 units, with 85.1% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.2% and offer a more compact, shared living style.

Housing units
3,081
0.3% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,622 85.1%
1 unit, attached 7 0.2%
2 units 67 2.2%
3 or 4 units 95 3.1%
5 to 9 units 141 4.6%
10 to 19 units 55 1.8%
50 or more units 94 3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ironwood

In Ironwood, the median construction year is 1941. About 48.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.5% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,505 48.8% -9.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 386 12.5% 2.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 425 13.8% 21.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 377 12.2% 22.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 261 8.5% -9.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 37 1.2% 23.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 30 1% 7.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 60 2% 114.3%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Ironwood occupancy rates

Out of the 2,596 occupied housing units in Ironwood, 72.1% are owner-occupied, while 27.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,596
-3.6% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
725
Owner occupied
1,871
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 725 27.9% -1.1%
Owner occupied 1,871 72.1% -4.5%
Unoccupied housing units
15.7%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Ironwood housing costs

Housing costs in Ironwood come to a median of $612 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $622.

Median housing costs per month
$612/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Ironwood
$622/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Ironwood

Ironwood education at a glance

About 39% of the population in Ironwood went to high school, while 23.7% pursued college studies. Another 12.7% earned an associate degree and 14.3% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.9% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 99 2.4% 13.8%
High school diploma 1,609 39% 0.1%
College diploma 979 23.7% -12.3%
Associate degree 525 12.7% -19.2%
Bachelor's degree 591 14.3% 16.3%
Graduate degree 326 7.9% 3.8%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Ironwood

How much people earn in Ironwood

The average annual household income in Ironwood was $55,947 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -3.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $41,250, reflecting a +10.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ironwood
$55,947/year
-3.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ironwood
$41,250/year
10.9% year-over-year change

Ironwood income by age

In Ironwood, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $43,922. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $50,943 overall. Overall, 83% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $43,922 6.8%
45 - 64 $50,943 1.1%
Over 65 $28,203 0.7%
Above poverty level
4,069
Below poverty level
834
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,069 83% -1.9%
Below poverty level 834 17% 13.9%

Average renter income in Ironwood

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ironwood, their median household income was $22,021 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 33.9%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$22,021
Rent-to-income ratio
33.9%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Ironwood

Workforce and job types in Ironwood

The job market in Ironwood is powered by 1,966 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 70.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 29.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 9.9% run their own businesses, 69% are employed by private companies, and 13% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,966
1.9% year-over-year change
White collar
1,381
Blue collar
585
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,381 70.2% 9.3%
Blue collar 585 29.8% -12.2%
Employer type
Self employees
9.9%
Private companies
69%
Governmental workers
13%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 195 9.9% 4.3%
Private companies 1,357 69% 0.1%
Governmental workers 256 13% 2.4%
Not for profit companies 158 8% 15.3%
Unemployment rate
11.0%
-13.5% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ironwood stands at 11%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Ironwood

How people get around in Ironwood

Commuting methods vary: 89% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,723 89% 1.6%
Bus or trolleybus 12 0.6% 0.0%
Walk 27 1.4% -18.2%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Ironwood by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49938 7,460 3,759 $46,606 $66,645

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FAQs about Ironwood demographics 

What is the total population of Ironwood?

Ironwood has a total population of 4,997 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.1% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Ironwood?

The gender ratio in Ironwood is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (2,479 residents)
  • 50.4% females (2,518 residents)

What is the median age in Ironwood?

The median age in Ironwood is 47.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ironwood?

The age distribution in Ironwood is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.2% (712 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 8.6% (427 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.5% (1,274 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.2% (1,208 residents)
  • Over 65: 27.5% (1,376 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ironwood?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ironwood is as follows:
  • White: 93.9% (4,691 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (12 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.1% (54 residents)
  • Asian: 0.8% (42 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0.7% (33 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 3.2% (159 residents)
  • Other: 0.1% (6 residents)

What percentage of the population in Ironwood are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.2% of the population in Ironwood.

How many housing units are there in Ironwood?

There are 3,081 housing units in Ironwood, reflecting a +0.3% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Ironwood and what is the average household size?

Ironwood has a total of 2,596 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ironwood?

Ironwood has a median household income of $41,250, representing a +10.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Ironwood?

The employment rate is 89% in Ironwood, with a workforce of 1,966 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 70.2% (1,381 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 29.8% (585 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 9.9% (195 residents)
  • Private companies: 69% (1,357 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 13% (256 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (158 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025