Bessemer City Demographics

Bessemer city, located in Gogebic County, MI, has a population of approximately 1,800 people. The median age is about 48 years, reflecting an older demographic. Gender distribution is nearly even, with around 50% male and 50% female. The racial and ethnic makeup is predominantly White (over 95%), with small percentages of Native American, African American, Asian, and Hispanic or Latino residents, each making up less than 2% of the population.

Bessemer City Housing

Bessemer City, Gogebic County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 70%, with median home values around $60,000 as of 2023. Rental occupancy is 30%, with median rents near $600/month. The market remains affordable, with slight appreciation over recent years (2–3% annually). Housing types are primarily single-family homes, with some duplexes and apartments. Neighborhoods like downtown and Bluff Valley offer a mix of historic and newer properties. Property taxes average 1.7%, meaning homeowners pay roughly $1,020 annually on a median-priced home.

Bessemer City Healthcare

Bessemer city, located in Gogebic County, MI, is primarily served by Aspirus Ironwood Hospital (7 miles away), with smaller clinics such as Great Northern Family Health. Healthcare access is challenged by the rural setting; 10-12% of residents are uninsured, with 20% aged 65+. Common health issues include heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses. The county has a primary care physician ratio of 1:2,800 people, below the state average. Medicaid and Medicare cover approximately 45% of patients, and behavioral health and substance use disorders are noted as rising concerns.

Education in Bessemer City

Bessemer city in Gogebic County, MI, is served primarily by the Bessemer Area School District, which includes one elementary (Washington Elementary) and one high school (A.D. Johnston Jr/Sr High). The district enrolls around 350 students, with a high school graduation rate of about 92%. Approximately 12% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. School safety is rated average, and educational programs include special education and dual-enrollment options. No colleges are within city limits, but adult education classes are available. Standardized test scores generally align with Michigan state averages.

Transportation in Bessemer City

Transportation in Bessemer city, Gogebic County, MI, is dominated by personal vehicles, with 89% of workers commuting by car and a vehicle ownership rate where 94% of households own at least one car. Public transit usage is minimal, under 1%. The average one-way commute is about 16 minutes, notably below the national average. The city’s infrastructure primarily comprises local roads and highways, such as US-2, with limited public transit options. Major employment hubs include local government, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors, mainly concentrated within the city or nearby Ironwood, minimizing long-distance commutes.

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