Demographics
As of the 2020 Census, Dickinson County, MI, had a population of 25,947. The median age is approximately 47 years, with 21.1% under 18 and 23.8% aged 65 or older. The gender split is nearly even, with 49.5% male and 50.5% female. Racially, the county is 95.4% White, 0.5% Black or African American, 1.1% Native American, 0.5% Asian, and 1.8% Hispanic or Latino (of any race).
Elections
Dickinson County, MI, has approximately 20,000 registered voters out of a population of about 25,000. The county conducts general, primary, and special elections, with voter turnout reaching 65% in the 2020 presidential election. There are 15 polling locations, administered by the Dickinson County Clerk’s office. In the 2020 general election, the Republican party received 61% of the vote, while Democrats received 37%. Key issues include economic development and infrastructure. Both Republican and Democratic parties are active locally, with election procedures overseen by a bipartisan canvassing board to ensure transparency and accuracy.
County Crime & Safety
Dickinson County, MI maintains a relatively low crime rate compared to state averages. In 2022, the county reported a total crime rate of approximately 1,150 incidents per 100,000 residents, well below Michigan’s average of 1,900. Violent crimes accounted for about 110 cases, while property crimes made up around 430. The sheriff’s office ensures active crime reporting and safety initiatives, resulting in a clearance rate of over 35% for reported cases. Residents generally perceive the area as safe, but law enforcement encourages ongoing vigilance and participation in neighborhood watch programs.
Education, Employment and Housing
Dickinson County, MI, has 15 public schools serving about 2,600 K–12 students, including Norway-Vulcan and Iron Mountain High Schools. Around 89% of adults hold a high school diploma, while 18% have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher. Average public school test scores rank near the state average (approximately 50th percentile). The schools emphasize safety, with low incident reports and regular emergency drills. Adult education programs, including GED preparation, are available through the Dickinson-Iron ISD. Enhanced STEM and career technical education programs support diverse academic and vocational interests.
As of 2022, Dickinson County, MI, had an employment rate of about 56.3%. Major industries include health care and social assistance (21.4%), manufacturing (16.7%), and retail trade (13.1%). The most common occupations are in sales, office support (23%), production (16%), and management/business (12%). Approximately 76.9% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 17.8 minutes. Most employees work within the county, with Iron Mountain being the primary employment hub. Remote work accounted for about 10% of the workforce.
Dickinson County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 79%, with approximately 21% of residents renting. The median home value is around $125,000, with property values rising modestly by 4% year-over-year. Housing primarily consists of single-family homes, with some apartments and duplexes in neighborhoods like Iron Mountain and Norway. Average monthly rent is near $750. Property tax rates average 1.43%, meaning annual taxes of about $1,800 for a median-priced home. The area is known for quiet, family-friendly neighborhoods and affordable housing compared to Michigan’s statewide averages.
Popular names
- David Johnson
- David Anderson
- Robert Johnson
- Daniel Carlson
- Donald Johnson
- James Anderson
- Jennifer Anderson
- Michael Ryan
- Daniel Peterson
- David Claus
- Dean Larson
- Eric Johnson
- James Miller
- Kelly Smith
- Mary Martin
- Paul Johnson
- Andrew Geronimi
- Daniel Olson
- Darren Peterson
- Frank Smith
- Gary Peterson
- James Peterson
- John Anderson
- Julie Miller
- Karen Johnson
- Mary Johnson
- Michael Johnson
- Michael Peterson
- Rebecca Steinbrecher
- Riley Johnson
- Robert Anderson
- Robert Peterson
- Steven Smith
- William Johnson
- Brandon Hood
- Daniel Johnson
- David Carpenter
- David Grable
- Debra Johnson
- Heather Smith
- Heather Zychowski
- Jacob Miller
- James Harris
- James Moore
- James Nelson
- Jessica Hoke
- John Carlson
- John Mattson
- John Nelson
- Justin Degenaer
- Kelly Hayes
- Leonard Bietila
- Lisa Carlson
- Marissa Doyal
- Mary Miller
- Melissa Opsahl
- Michael Geronimi
- Nicole Roe
- Renee Moilanen
- Richard Anderson
Other Counties in Michigan
- Alcona
- Alger
- Allegan
- Alpena
- Antrim
- Arenac
- Baraga
- Barry
- Bay
- Benzie
- Berrien
- Branch
- Calhoun
- Cass
- Charlevoix
- Cheboygan
- Chippewa
- Clare
- Clinton
- Crawford
- Delta
- Eaton
- Emmet
- Genesee
- Gladwin
- Gogebic
- Grand Traverse
- Gratiot
- Hillsdale
- Houghton
- Huron
- Ingham
- Ionia
- Iosco
- Iron
- Isabella
- Jackson
- Kalamazoo
- Kalkaska
- Kent
- Keweenaw
- Lake
- Lapeer
- Leelanau
- Lenawee
- Livingston
- Luce
- Mackinac
- Macomb
- Manistee