countyscore
59.5
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 81.5Schools 73.2

County Report Card

About Iron County, Michigan

A National Standout in Livability

Iron County boasts a composite score of 60.4, soaring well above the national median of 50.0. It ranks in the upper tier of American counties for overall lifestyle quality.

Far Above the Michigan Average

At 60.4, the county easily surpasses the Michigan state average of 47.1. It is one of the more desirable northern counties based on these composite metrics.

High Affordability and Quality Schools

Iron County excels with a cost score of 87.4 and a school score of 73.2. Median home values are very accessible at $101,500, while the water score reaches a high of 86.0.

Slow Income Growth and High Taxes

The tax score remains low at 15.7 due to local fiscal pressures. Additionally, the income score of 22.0 shows that local wages for the median household sit at $53,614.

Great for Families and Budget-Watchers

The rare combination of low home prices and high school scores makes this a hidden gem for young families. It is perfect for those who prioritize community quality over high-salary local careers.

204060801001781.572.554.673.223.4458648.5Tax17Cost81.5Safety72.5Health54.6Schools73.2Income23.4Risk45Water86Weather48.559.5/100
This county
National avg
4 above average2 below average

Iron County DNA

Foverall

How Iron County compares to the national average across nine baseline dimensions

Iron County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Cost of Living (81.5/100) but notably weak in Property Tax (17/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
17-35
Cost
81.5+33.5
Safety
72.5+17.5
Health
54.6
Schools
73.2+19.200000000000003
Income
23.4-27.6
Risk
45
Water
86+28
Weather
48.5
Sponsored

Think property taxes are too high in Iron County?

Many homeowners in Iron County pay more than they should. A professional appeal could save you hundreds per year.

Check My Assessment

Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$109,100

National median: $185,300

Median Rent

$716/mo

National median: $877/mo

Income Needed (home)

$109,100/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$28,640/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum2.0x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $55,940/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Primary Care

34.3

per 100K

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Deep Dives

Iron County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 9 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Iron County

via TaxByCounty

Iron County taxes above national average

Iron County's effective tax rate of 1.44% significantly exceeds the national median of 1.10%, placing it in the top 35% of U.S. counties. Though the median property tax of $1,459 runs 46% below the national median of $2,690, the rate itself remains elevated nationally.

Iron ranks high among Michigan counties

Iron County's effective rate of 1.44% ranks among Michigan's highest, surpassing the state average of 1.17% by a significant margin. The median tax of $1,459 is 31% above Michigan's average of $2,102, despite lower home values.

Iron's rate stands elevated in Upper Peninsula

Iron County's 1.44% rate exceeds nearby Iosco County (1.06%) and Kalkaska County (0.89%) by substantial margins. Among remote Upper Peninsula counties, Iron maintains one of the more aggressive property tax positions.

A $101,500 home costs $1,459 annually

With a median home value of $101,500 and Iron's 1.44% effective rate, the typical homeowner pays $1,459 in annual property taxes. Homeowners with mortgages pay $1,780, an additional $321 due to mortgage-related assessments.

Iron residents should check their assessments

In counties with elevated effective rates like Iron, overassessment is particularly costly for homeowners. Filing a formal appeal to challenge your property's assessed value could significantly reduce your annual tax bill.

Income & Jobs in Iron County

via IncomeByCounty

Iron County income well below national norm

Iron County's median household income of $53,614 falls $21,141 short of the national median of $74,755, representing a 28% earnings gap. The county ranks among lower-income regions nationally.

Iron ranks low among Michigan counties

At $53,614, Iron County's median household income trails Michigan's state average of $64,304 by over $10,600. The county faces economic headwinds that suppress household earnings relative to the state as a whole.

Iron outpaces only Iosco nearby

Iron County's $53,614 income beats Iosco County ($47,777) but falls short of Ingham ($64,354), Kalkaska ($60,365), and Jackson ($65,004). The county occupies the middle-to-lower tier of surrounding regions.

Excellent housing affordability

Iron County delivers the strongest housing affordability in this county sample: a 11.4% rent-to-income ratio and median home values of just $101,500. These favorable housing costs provide a crucial budget cushion for households earning below state average.

Leverage low housing costs for savings

Iron County residents benefit from some of Michigan's lowest housing expenses, freeing up 15–20% of household income compared to pricier counties. Direct these housing savings into tax-advantaged retirement accounts and diversified investments for long-term wealth accumulation.

Safety in Iron County

via CrimeByCounty

Iron County Ranks Among Most Secure

Iron County boasts a high safety score of 99.0, reflecting its status as an exceptionally safe community. Its total crime rate of 656.1 per 100,000 residents is roughly one-quarter of the national average. Five reporting agencies maintain this high standard of safety for the local population.

A Leader in Michigan Public Safety

Iron County outpaces the Michigan safety average of 97.8 with its impressive 99.0 score. The local crime rate of 656.1 is less than half the state average of 1,371.8. This makes it one of the premier locations in Michigan for those prioritizing safety.

Outperforming Regional and National Peers

Iron County is far safer than Kalkaska County, which has a crime rate of 1,767.5. It also maintains a much lower crime profile than Isabella County’s 1,732.4. This regional leadership in safety is a defining characteristic of life in Iron County.

Exceptional Property and Personal Safety

Property crime in Iron County is very low at 371.2 per 100,000, far below the national average of 2,015.7. The violent crime rate of 284.9 is also lower than the Michigan state average of 314.8. Residents face minimal risk compared to most other counties in the state.

Stay Secure with Simple Precautions

While crime is low, maintaining home security systems ensures your property remains protected. Motion-activated lighting and sturdy door locks are effective and easy deterrents. Your continued vigilance helps preserve Iron County's reputation as a safe haven.

Weather & Climate in Iron County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep cold defines the Iron County climate

At 38.7°F, Iron County is one of the coldest spots in the nation compared to the median. This sub-arctic feel is much more extreme than typical Midwestern weather patterns.

Among the coldest counties in Michigan

Iron County sits well below the state average of 45.7°F, marking it as a northern outlier. Its inland Upper Peninsula location lacks the moderating influence of the Great Lakes.

Colder and snowier than the Michigan average

Iron County receives 67.4 inches of snow annually, far exceeding the totals found in the Lower Peninsula. Average winter temperatures of 13.7°F make it significantly harsher than the state median.

Short summers and long, frozen winters

Summer is brief, with July averaging 64.2°F and only 3 days hitting the 90°F mark. Winter dominates the calendar, characterized by persistent sub-freezing temperatures and heavy snow.

Gear up for heavy-duty winter living

High-efficiency heating systems and industrial-grade snowblowers are absolute necessities here. Residents should invest in extreme cold-weather gear for a winter that lasts nearly five months.

Soil Quality in Iron County

via SoilByCounty

Highly Acidic and Unique Northern Soils

Iron County features an extremely acidic average pH of 4.57, well below both the state average and the national 6.5 median. Despite this acidity, its soil score of 67.2 is the highest in this group, indicating exceptional biological potential.

A Silty, Water-Rich Landscape

The soil is unusually silty at 67.1%, with only 24.6% sand and 5.6% clay. This unique mix creates a smooth, flour-like texture that is highly fertile but can be prone to erosion if not covered by vegetation.

Exceptional Organic Matter Levels

Iron County boasts a massive 44.83% organic matter content, more than double the state average. This is paired with an incredible available water capacity of 0.339 in/in, the highest in the region, meaning the soil acts like a sponge for moisture.

Complex Hydrology and Water Retention

The dominant texture is classified as water-influenced, suggesting many areas consist of peat or wetland margins. While specific drainage classes are unavailable, the high silt and water capacity indicate a landscape that stays damp much longer than sandy neighbors.

Cold-Hardy Gardening in Zone 4a

In the chilly zone 4a, Iron County gardeners should focus on short-season crops like kale, radishes, and peas. The rich, silty soil provides an amazing base for a forest garden or cool-weather vegetable production.

Lawn Care in Iron County

via LawnByCounty

Tough Turf in the North Woods

Iron County’s 50.1 lawn score matches the national median but falls short of the Michigan average due to its harsh 4a hardiness zone. Maintaining a lawn here requires species that can handle extreme winter lows and a very short growing season.

Short Seasons and Cool Summers

The county records only 1,484 growing degree days, nearly half of what southern Michigan sees, meaning grass matures slowly. With only 3 days of extreme heat per year, heat stress is rare, but the 30.9 inches of annual rain is on the lower end for lush turf.

Combatting Highly Acidic Soils

Iron County soil features a very low pH of 4.57, which significantly limits nutrient availability for standard lawn grasses. The soil is 24.6% sand and only 5.6% clay, making heavy soil conditioning a requirement for anyone seeking a traditional green lawn.

Resilient Growth During Dry Periods

Lawns only faced 11 weeks of drought over the past year, and the area is currently free of any dry designations. While moisture is stable, the primary challenge remains the short window between the June 6 last frost and the September 10 first frost.

Choose Cold-Hardy Varieties Only

Kentucky Bluegrass is the gold standard for this zone, provided you seed quickly after the late spring frost. Because the season ends abruptly in early September, fall fertilization should be timed carefully to prepare roots for the deep freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iron County's county score?
Iron County, Michigan has a composite county score of 59.5 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Iron County rank among counties in Michigan?
Iron County ranks #7 among all counties in Michigan on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Iron County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Iron County is $1,467, with an effective tax rate of 1.34%. This earns Iron County a tax score of 17/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iron County?
The median household income in Iron County, Michigan is $55,940 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iron County earns an income score of 23.4/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iron County, Michigan a good place to live?
Iron County scores 59.5/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #7 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Iron County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Iron County with other counties side by side.
By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.