Median Income
$55,536
26% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,300
54% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
15.1%
55% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$900
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
8.2%
128% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.6%
15% lower than US avg
How Ironton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population557
Median Age35.9 yrs
Density384/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans6.1%
Economy
C+
Median Income$55,536
Per Capita$28,853
Unemployment8.2%
Poverty10.6%
County GDP$4,044M
Commute26 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,300
Rent$900
Ownership55.4%
Zillow$286,230
Housing Units251
Rent Burden22.0%
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking18.3%
Depression25.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp42°F (6°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain24.5 in/yr
Elevation1,290 ft (393 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+15.1%
High School+87.2%
Graduate+7.2%
School Score6.62
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute26 min
Broadband81.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries3
Is Ironton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ironton receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ironton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ironton is $55,536, 26% below the national average of $75,149. At 8.2%, unemployment is notably high. 10.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ironton is $128,300, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
15.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.6/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ironton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches, including 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ironton has a population of 557 with a density of 384 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 35.9 years, 8% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.4% female and 45.6% male. The city is predominantly White (96.6%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 98% of residents. 6.1% of the population are veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
557
Total Population
2023 Census
35.9yrs
Median Age
8% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.0%
25% above US avg
Spanish
2.0%
85% below US avg
The median household income in Ironton is $55,536, which is 26% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,853 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,020, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 8.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,376 business establishments, including 219 restaurants. The cost of living index is 98.6, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 26 minutes. 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $55,536 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,853 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,335 |
| Gini Index | 0.429 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 8.2% |
| 128% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.6% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,376 |
| County GDP | $4,044M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 219 |
| Healthcare | 256 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 112 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 98.60 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.76% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 78.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Ironton is $128,300, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,230, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $226,250 with homes selling in an average of 112 days. Homes sell for 98.8% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $900 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $899 for a one-bedroom to $1,125 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 251 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $4,830 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 22.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,300 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $286,230 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $226,250 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $226,250 |
| $/Sq Ft | $122 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Days on Market | 112 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.8% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $900 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 22.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $809 |
| 1 Bedroom | $899 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,125 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,483 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,698 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.6% |
| Housing Units | 251 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,830 |
| 38% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.76% |
In Ironton, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 18.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:989. The dentist ratio is 1:1,213. 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ironton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.3% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 25.2% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 32.4% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 89.4% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:989 |
| Dentists | 1:1,213 |
| Mental Health | 1:259 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.3% |
| Dental Visits | 61.7% |
| Premature Death | 7,321/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 80.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 256 |
Ironton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 70°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 24.5 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 48.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. 81% of days have good air quality. The city sits at an elevation of 1,290 feet.
Temperature
11°F Jan (-12°C)
70°F Jul (21°C)
| Annual Average | 42.2°F |
| 22% below US avg |
| January Average | 11°F (-12°C) |
| July Average | 70°F (21°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,290 ft (393 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 384/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4822°N, 94.0033°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Crow Wing County County |
| Nearest Airport | Brainerd Lakes Regional (BRD)
8 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.5"
36% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Good Days % | 81.4% |
| Unhealthy Days | 1 |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0429 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 7.3 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 35.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 97.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.5. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 29, 2011.
| Apr 29, 2011 |
Minnesota |
M2.5 |
130 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
194 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 148 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
91 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF4 |
37 km |
12 |
| Jun 11, 1966 |
EF4 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1997 |
EF3 |
46 km |
1 |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1977 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1973 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
63 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Aug 6, 1969 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Jun 30, 1968 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
7 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2024 |
EF2 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 30, 2022 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| May 12, 2022 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 2016 |
EF2 |
8 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 2015 |
EF2 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 2008 |
EF2 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2005 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (9,055 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
9,055 |
43 km |
| 2009 |
CENTER TANK RANGE |
6,131 |
46 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,475 |
46 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
3,642 |
31 km |
| 2018 |
BOY RIVER |
3,546 |
79 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
2,998 |
53 km |
| 2009 |
HENDRICKSON IMPACT AREA |
2,757 |
38 km |
| 2015 |
TAMARACK |
2,745 |
62 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
2,512 |
55 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,486 |
54 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,243 |
71 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,963 |
48 km |
| 2010 |
BOY RIVER - CORE 2010 |
1,872 |
77 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,835 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
EAST TANK RANGE |
1,801 |
49 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,799 |
55 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
1,777 |
76 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,760 |
53 km |
| 1987 |
UNNAMED |
1,655 |
62 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,589 |
14 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
11°F (-12°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Driest |
| March |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| April |
43°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| June |
65°F (18°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| July |
70°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
67°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
59°F (15°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| October |
45°F (7°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| December |
17°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Ironton has a seasonal temperature swing of 59°F / from 11°F in January to 70°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.5 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.4") and February the driest (0.4").
Average costs for common services in Ironton. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$247 ($148-$394) |
| Specialist Visit |
$345 ($197-$542) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$197 ($99-$345) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,169 ($789-$4,930) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$128 ($74-$197) |
| Dental Filling |
$247 ($148-$394) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$44 ($25-$74) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$74 ($49-$118) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$592 ($394-$986) |
| Battery Replacement |
$197 ($99-$345) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$99 ($59-$148) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$89 ($49-$138) |
| HVAC Repair |
$394 ($148-$789) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,902 ($3,944-$11,832) |
| Roof Repair |
$986 ($394-$1,972) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,874 ($5,423-$14,790) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,479 ($493-$3,451) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,790 ($4,930-$29,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,930 ($1,972-$9,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,479 ($789-$2,958) |
| Will Preparation |
$493 ($197-$986) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,465 ($986-$4,930) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Women's Haircut |
$54 ($30-$99) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$148 ($74-$247) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15-$44) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($25-$64) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$79 ($49-$128) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.04 ($2.96-$5.42) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.45 ($2.47-$4.93) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.75 ($2.47-$5.42) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.44 ($2.96-$6.41) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.42 ($3.94-$7.40) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.99 ($0.59-$1.77) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$138 ($79-$247) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$148) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$118) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$69 ($39-$99) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$64 ($30-$99) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$84 ($49-$148) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$197 ($74-$493) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,972 ($1,183-$3,451) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$69 ($30-$128) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($7.89-$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$99 ($30-$247) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15-$74) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,183 ($592-$2,465) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$986 ($493-$1,972) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$394 ($197-$690) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$49 ($25-$99) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$986 ($394-$2,465) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,325 ($4,930-$29,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$99 ($49-$197) |
| Dog Grooming |
$59 ($30-$99) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($20-$74) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$296 ($148-$493) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$197 ($99-$394) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $914 |
| Toddler | $853 |
| Preschool | $787 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $621 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ironton
What is the population of Ironton?
Ironton has a population of 557 residents and is located in Minnesota. The population density is 384 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.9 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.4% female and 45.6% male.
Is Ironton expensive to live in?
Ironton has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 98.6 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $55,536, 26% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,300 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $900 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Ironton?
Ironton has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 42°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 70°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 24.5 inches, with 48.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ironton?
The job market in Ironton faces challenges, with unemployment at 8.2% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,020. There are 2,376 business establishments in the area, including 219 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 26 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ironton?
The median home value in Ironton is $128,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $286,230. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $226,250, with homes typically selling within 112 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $900. Fair market rent is $899 for a 1-bedroom and $1,125 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.4%. The average annual property tax is $4,830.
How are the schools in Ironton?
Schools in Ironton score 6.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 15.1% of adults in Ironton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.2% have completed high school. 7.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ironton?
The obesity rate in Ironton is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.3% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 25.2% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 80.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:989.
What is transportation like in Ironton?
The average commute in Ironton is 26 minutes. 78.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ironton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ironton is 96.6% White. 98% of residents speak only English at home. 6.1% of the population are military veterans. 14.5% of residents have a disability. 89.4% have health insurance coverage.