Cost of Living in Ironwood, MI
Population 5,004 · Michigan · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Ironwood run well below national norms — a median of $37,191 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $75,000). At 12.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Ironwood lies roughly 170 miles northwest of the nearest major metro, Green Bay — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 61% lower than Green Bay's $192,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Ironwood
The median home value in Ironwood is $74,900 — 75% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $555/month, 58% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $37,191/year is 50% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.7%, above the national average of 4.8%. Michigan's top state income tax rate is 4.3% and the combined sales tax is 6.0%. The climate averages highs of 51.9°F and lows of 31.0°F. Overall, Ironwood has a cost of living index of 32 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 68% less expensive.
Ironwood has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 22 | 27 | 38 | 51 | 64 | 73 | 79 | 77 | 69 | 55 | 40 | 28 |
| Low °F | 6 | 8 | 18 | 29 | 39 | 49 | 55 | 53 | 46 | 35 | 25 | 13 |
| Precip" | 0.64 | 0.70 | 1.12 | 2.26 | 3.45 | 3.92 | 3.93 | 3.44 | 3.03 | 2.83 | 1.55 | 0.98 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Ironwood, MI?
Ironwood has a cost index of 32 (100 = national average). It is 68% below the national average.
What is average rent in Ironwood, MI?
The median gross rent in Ironwood is $555 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Ironwood?
The median home value in Ironwood is $74,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Ironwood?
The median household income in Ironwood is $37,191 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Ironwood, MI?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Ironwood is 6.0%. The Michigan state income tax top rate is 4.3%.
Is Ironwood, MI affordable?
Yes, Ironwood is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 32 — about 68% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Ironwood?
Ironwood has average high temperatures of 51.9°F and average lows of 31.0°F. Annual precipitation is 27.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Ironwood at a Glance
- Population
- 5,004
- Median Income
- $37,191
- Home Value
- $74,900
- Median Rent
- $555/mo
- Unemployment
- 12.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 51.9°F
- Sales Tax
- 6.0%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data