Ishpeming, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
6,181
0.1% year-over-year change
Median household income
$52,754/yr
0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,841
-0.6% year-over-year change

Ishpeming population

How many people live in Ishpeming

Ishpeming is home to 6,181 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.6% of Ishpeming locals are male, and 55.4% are female.

Total population
6,181
0.1% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.6%
2,754
Female
55.4%
3,427
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,754 44.6% -0.1%
Female 3,427 55.4% 0.3%
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 Ishpeming is 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 20.8% are children under 15, then 14% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.2% of the population, while another 21.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 17.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
34.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
20.8%
15 to 24
14%
25 to 44
26.2%
45 to 64
21.8%
Over 65
17.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,284 20.8% 3.5%
15 to 24 867 14% -7.2%
25 to 44 1,621 26.2% 6.6%
45 to 64 1,347 21.8% -1.0%
Over 65 1,062 17.2% -4.9%
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 Ishpeming, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 2.6% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.3% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 89.2% of locals are Caucasian, 0.2% are African American and 1.2% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 8.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
2.6%
Non-citizens
0.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,996 97% -0.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 164 2.6% 12.3%
Non-citizens 21 0.3% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
89.2%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.5%
Asian
1.2%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.2%
Other
0.7%
Value Percent
White 5,511 89.2%
Black or African American 14 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 30 0.5%
Asian 76 1.2%
Two or more races 509 8.2%
Other 41 0.7%

Households in Ishpeming

A peek inside Ishpeming households

Ishpeming has 2,514 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 60.7% are families, while the remaining 39.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,514
1.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
988
Family households
1,526
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 988 39.3% -2.1%
Family households 1,526 60.7% 3.2%
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 Ishpeming

The housing landscape of Ishpeming

Ishpeming's housing consists of 2,841 units, with 68% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.6% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,841
-0.6% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,932 68%
1 unit, attached 71 2.5%
2 units 226 8%
3 or 4 units 138 4.9%
5 to 9 units 129 4.5%
10 to 19 units 97 3.4%
20 to 49 units 138 4.9%
50 or more units 92 3.2%
Mobile home 18 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
17
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Ishpeming

In Ishpeming, the median construction year is 1941. About 48.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 2.5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 1.4% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 1,383 48.7% -1.9%
Built between 1940 and 1949 338 11.9% -0.6%
Built between 1950 and 1959 391 13.8% 8.3%
Built between 1960 and 1969 165 5.8% -11.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 213 7.5% 12.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 127 4.5% -1.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 95 3.3% -12.0%
Built between 2000 and 2009 72 2.5% -30.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 40 1.4% 33.3%
Built in 2020 or later 17 0.6% N/A
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.

Ishpeming occupancy rates

Out of the 2,514 occupied housing units in Ishpeming, 69.8% are owner-occupied, while 30.2% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 11.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,514
1.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
760
Owner occupied
1,754
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 760 30.2% 5.4%
Owner occupied 1,754 69.8% -0.7%
Unoccupied housing units
11.5%
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.

Ishpeming housing costs

Housing costs in Ishpeming come to a median of $780 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $733.

Median housing costs per month
$780/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 Ishpeming
$733/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 Ishpeming

Ishpeming education at a glance

About 38.9% of the population in Ishpeming went to high school, while 23.8% pursued college studies. Another 13% earned an associate degree and 17% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.5% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 34 0.7% -43.3%
High school diploma 1,806 38.9% -3.7%
College diploma 1,106 23.8% -2.4%
Associate degree 606 13% 12.6%
Bachelor's degree 791 17% 4.6%
Graduate degree 304 6.5% -1.3%
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 Ishpeming

How much people earn in Ishpeming

The average annual household income in Ishpeming was $67,347 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.6% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $52,754, reflecting a +0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Ishpeming
$67,347/year
5.6% year-over-year change
Median household income in Ishpeming
$52,754/year
0.1% year-over-year change

Ishpeming income by age

In Ishpeming, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $57,656. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $58,482 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $21,964, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $48,973 in earnings. Overall, 81.1% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $21,964 -16.3%
25 - 44 $57,656 6.4%
45 - 64 $58,482 -1.1%
Over 65 $48,973 -0.3%
Above poverty level
4,853
Below poverty level
1,132
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,853 81.1% -1.4%
Below poverty level 1,132 18.9% 7.4%

Average renter income in Ishpeming

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Ishpeming, their median household income was $25,714 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 34.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$25,714
Rent-to-income ratio
34.2%
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 Ishpeming

Workforce and job types in Ishpeming

The job market in Ishpeming is powered by 2,829 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 27% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 4.9% run their own businesses, 70.9% are employed by private companies, and 16.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,829
2.5% year-over-year change
White collar
2,066
Blue collar
763
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,066 73% 0.7%
Blue collar 763 27% 7.8%
Employer type
Self employees
4.9%
Private companies
70.9%
Governmental workers
16.9%
Not for profit companies
7.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 139 4.9% -12.6%
Private companies 2,005 70.9% 4.0%
Governmental workers 477 16.9% 6.7%
Not for profit companies 208 7.4% -8.4%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
-23.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Ishpeming stands at 6.4%, 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 Ishpeming

How people get around in Ishpeming

In Ishpeming, the average commute time is 19 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 83.4% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 7% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
19 min
-0.5% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,335 83.4% 1.4%
Bicycle 19 0.7% 11.8%
Walk 196 7% 5.4%
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 Ishpeming by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
49849 12,117 4,957 $67,518 $82,348

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FAQs about Ishpeming demographics 

What is the total population of Ishpeming?

Ishpeming has a total population of 6,181 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 Ishpeming?

The gender ratio in Ishpeming is as follows:
  • 44.6% males (2,754 residents)
  • 55.4% females (3,427 residents)

What is the median age in Ishpeming?

The median age in Ishpeming is 34.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Ishpeming?

The age distribution in Ishpeming is as follows:
  • Under 15: 20.8% (1,284 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14% (867 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.2% (1,621 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.8% (1,347 residents)
  • Over 65: 17.2% (1,062 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Ishpeming?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Ishpeming is as follows:
  • White: 89.2% (5,511 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (14 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.5% (30 residents)
  • Asian: 1.2% (76 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.2% (509 residents)
  • Other: 0.7% (41 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Ishpeming.

How many housing units are there in Ishpeming?

There are 2,841 housing units in Ishpeming, reflecting a -0.6% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Ishpeming has a total of 2,514 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Ishpeming?

Ishpeming has a median household income of $52,754, representing a +0.1% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 93.6% in Ishpeming, with a workforce of 2,829 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73% (2,066 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 27% (763 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 4.9% (139 residents)
  • Private companies: 70.9% (2,005 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.9% (477 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7.4% (208 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