Iron County Public RecordsMichigan

As of the 2020 Census, Iron County, MI had a population of 11,631. The median age is 53.4 years, reflecting an older population. Approximately 50.3% are female and 49.7% are male. Racially, the county is predominantly White (95.2%), with small populations of Native American (1.5%), Hispanic/Latino (1.3%), Black (0.4%), and Asian (0.3%) residents. The county has minimal racial and ethnic diversity.

Iron County, Michigan, had approximately 10,500 registered voters in 2022. The county holds elections for federal, state, county, and local offices, including referendums. In the 2020 presidential race, 62% voted Republican and 36% Democratic. There are 20 polling locations across its 13 townships and 2 cities. Key issues often include jobs, healthcare, and infrastructure. Elections are administered by the Iron County Clerk’s office. The two main parties are Republican and Democratic, with Republicans historically holding a majority in local races. Voter turnout in recent general elections has averaged about 58%.

Iron County, MI, generally reports lower crime rates compared to national averages. According to 2022 FBI data, the violent crime rate was about 2.5 incidents per 1,000 residents, while property crime stood at 8.7 per 1,000, both below Michigan state averages. The Iron County Sheriff’s Office actively encourages community reporting and maintains transparency through annual crime statistics. Local law enforcement’s proactive approach and community engagement have contributed to a safer environment, with overall crime rates declining by approximately 8% over the past five years.

Iron County, MI, serves approximately 1,300 K-12 students across four main public schools, including West Iron County High School and Forest Park School. The county’s high school graduation rate is around 89%, while about 17% of adults hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Schools report average standardized test scores slightly below Michigan’s state average. Adult education programs are available through local ISDs, and school safety initiatives result in low incident rates. Educational offerings include vocational training, STEM, and arts programs, supporting diverse student interests and career pathways.

As of 2022, Iron County, MI, had an employment rate of approximately 51.2%. The primary industries are healthcare and social assistance (21.5%), retail trade (13%), and manufacturing (12.6%). Most common occupation types include office and administrative support (14.2%), sales (11.3%), and production (10.7%). Around 78% of workers commute by car, with an average commute time of 19 minutes; most employment is local, but about 11% commute to Dickinson County. Remote work accounts for 8.2% of workers.

Iron County, MI, has a homeownership rate of about 82%, with median home values around $110,000 as of 2023. Median gross rent is approximately $650 per month. The property market is stable, with modest annual appreciation near 2%. Housing mainly consists of single-family homes; neighborhoods include Iron River and Crystal Falls, which offer quiet, rural settings. Property taxes average 1.39% of assessed value, translating to about $1,500 annually on a median-priced home. The area attracts retirees and outdoor enthusiasts, boasting affordability and scenic Upper Peninsula charm.