countyscore
60.4
County Score
Cost of Living 87.4Water Quality 86Schools 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.

Score breakdown

Tax15.7Cost87.4Safety72.5Health54.6Schools73.2Income22Risk45Water86Weather48.5
🏛15.7
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.4
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼22
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡72.5
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤54.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓73.2
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡45
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨67.2
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱50.1
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Florence County
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56.6
Forest County
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53.5
Dickinson County
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58.2
Vilas County
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Baraga County
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Oneida County
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Marquette County
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Ontonagon County
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Deep Dives

Iron County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 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.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Iron County

via CostByCounty

Iron County offers Michigan's lowest rents

Iron County's $510 median monthly rent is the lowest in the state and 41% below the national benchmark, while its 11.4% rent-to-income ratio ranks among Michigan's best affordability metrics. However, the median household income of $53,614 lags 28% behind the national median of $74,755, indicating a rural economy where low costs pair with limited earning opportunities.

Iron County leads Michigan in rent affordability

With an 11.4% rent-to-income ratio, Iron County outperforms Michigan's 16.3% state average by a substantial margin, placing it in the top tier of affordable counties statewide. This advantage stems primarily from extremely low rents rather than high incomes, positioning Iron as a refuge for cost-conscious households.

Iron's rents are unmatched in the region

Iron County's $510 median rent stands alone—it's 39% cheaper than Iosco County ($659), the next-lowest neighboring county, and less than half the regional average. This dramatic cost advantage comes with trade-offs: the median home value of $101,500 is the lowest in the region, signaling limited economic dynamism.

Minimal housing burden leaves room to breathe

Iron County renters spend just $6,120 annually on housing at the median rate of $510 per month—only 11.4% of a $53,614 income, freeing up substantial funds for savings or other expenses. Homebuyers pay $661 monthly for properties valued at $101,500, the lowest costs in the entire dataset.

Iron County: extreme affordability for the right person

If you're retiring, work remotely, or rely on investments for income, Iron County's unbeatable rents and home prices make it a financial sanctuary. For job seekers, however, the median income of $53,614 and rural isolation warrant serious consideration—ensure your skills command local demand or your income moves with you.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

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.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

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.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Iron County

via HealthByCounty

Iron County trails national health trends

Iron County residents live an average of 74.6 years, 4.3 years below the U.S. average of 78.9 years. With 18.3% reporting poor or fair health, the county exceeds the national average of 15% by 3.3 percentage points.

Below Michigan's health benchmarks

Iron County's 74.6-year life expectancy trails Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 1.7 years, indicating health challenges that mirror statewide disparities. The county ranks in the lower half of Michigan's 83 counties.

Mid-range health outcomes regionally

Iron County's 74.6-year life expectancy falls between Kalkaska (74.7 years) and Isabella (74.9 years), suggesting similar rural health dynamics. However, the county's 7.7% uninsured rate—the highest among the eight comparison counties—signals greater economic vulnerability.

Highest uninsured rate creates barriers

At 7.7%, Iron County's uninsured rate tops all comparison counties and exceeds Michigan's 6.4% average, meaning more residents face medical costs without coverage. While primary care access is moderate at 69 providers per 100,000, the combination of insurance gaps and mental health scarcity (119 providers per 100,000) complicates care-seeking.

Don't go uninsured in Iron County

With the region's highest uninsured rate, Iron County residents must prioritize enrollment. Visit healthcare.gov or contact Northern Michigan health centers to apply for coverage—financial assistance and free services are available to qualify individuals.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Iron County

via SchoolsByCounty

Upper Peninsula Excellence in Education

Iron County provides a streamlined education system with just 3 public schools serving 1,325 students. These facilities are managed by 2 districts, ensuring a highly localized approach to student development.

High Graduation Rates and Smart Spending

Iron County excels with a 93.1% graduation rate, far exceeding both the Michigan average of 82.5% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Per-pupil spending is also higher than the state average at $8,347, resulting in a strong school score of 58.1.

Dedicated Local Public Districts

West Iron County Public Schools is the larger district, serving 846 students across two campuses. Forest Park School District manages the remaining 479 students in a single K-12 facility, and no charter schools operate in the county.

Community Connection in Small Classes

The schools are located in town and rural settings, with an average enrollment of 442 students per school. The largest campus is Forest Park School, which serves 479 students in a versatile PK-12 setting.

Relocating for Top-Tier Results

With some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Iron County is a premier choice for families prioritizing academic outcomes. Homes in West Iron County and Forest Park offer access to these high-performing, close-knit school communities.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Iron County

via RiskByCounty

Iron County faces relatively low risk

Iron County's composite risk score of 55.06 exceeds Michigan's state average of 49.56 but remains in the relatively low category, indicating moderate hazard exposure across the nation. The county's risk profile is more balanced than concentrated in any single threat.

Below-average risk for Michigan

Iron County ranks in the safer half of Michigan counties for natural disasters, with particularly low exposure to tornadoes (17.65) and virtually no hurricane or earthquake threat. This favorable geographic position in Michigan's Upper Peninsula explains much of the county's safety advantage.

Iron's remote location reduces risk

Iron County's 55.06 score places it among the safer Upper Peninsula communities, though similar to nearby Ionia County (55.85) and safer than Jackson County (76.46). Its geographic isolation and northern location shield it from many hazards that affect southern Michigan.

Wildfire presents primary concern

Iron County's wildfire risk of 43.29 is its most significant natural hazard, while flood risk (25.67) remains minimal and earthquake/hurricane risks are essentially zero. Residents should focus preparedness efforts primarily on forest fire management and awareness.

Emphasize wildfire prevention measures

Iron County residents should clear brush and dead vegetation within 30 feet of homes and maintain defensible space to reduce wildfire risk. Standard homeowners insurance typically covers wildfire damage, but verify your policy includes this coverage given it's your county's primary hazard.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

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.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

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.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

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.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iron County's county score?
Iron County, Michigan has a composite county score of 60.4 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 $1,459, with an effective tax rate of 1.44%. This earns Iron County a tax score of 15.7/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Iron County?
The median household income in Iron County, Michigan is $53,614 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Iron County earns an income score of 22/100 on CountyScore.
Is Iron County, Michigan a good place to live?
Iron County scores 60.4/100 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.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

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