Median Income
$52,717
30% lower than US avg
Home Value
$109,200
61% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
187/100K
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.3%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$688
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.7%
24% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.2%
44% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
17.2%
39% higher than US avg
How Ishpeming Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population6,173
Median Age35.5 yrs
Density705/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans7.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$52,717
Per Capita$26,740
Unemployment5.2%
Poverty17.2%
County GDP$3,597M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$109,200
Rent$688
Ownership71.0%
Zillow$176,729
Housing Units2,844
Rent Burden31.4%
Crime
F
Violent187/100K
Property1,012/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault140/100K
Burglary47/100K
Health
Obesity39.7%
Uninsured7.1%
Smoking17.6%
Depression30.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain30.3 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,453 ft (443 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.3%
High School+94.2%
Graduate+6.5%
School Score5.40
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute19 min
Broadband89.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries6
Is Ishpeming a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ishpeming receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Ishpeming offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ishpeming is $52,717, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.2% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 17.2% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ishpeming is $109,200, 61% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $688 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ishpeming is below the national average at 187 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,012 per 100,000, 48% below the national average.
Education
26.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Ishpeming has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F. Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Ishpeming has a population of 6,173 with a density of 705 people per square mile, spread across 9.4 square miles. The median age is 35.5 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.3% female and 44.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90.5%), with 3.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.8% of residents. 7.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
35.5yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Ishpeming vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.8%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.2%
91% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Ishpeming vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Ishpeming is $52,717, which is 30% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,740 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,051, 27% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.2% (above the 3.6% US average). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,762 business establishments, including 184 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Ishpeming vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $52,717 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,740 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,951 |
| Gini Index | 0.415 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.2% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 17.2% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,762 |
| County GDP | $3,597M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 184 |
| Healthcare | 217 |
| Retail | 260 |
| Manufacturing | 48 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,514 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 73.6% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.9% |
The median home value in Ishpeming is $109,200, 61% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,729, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 92.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $688 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 2,844 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1941. The average annual property tax is $5,514 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.4% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $109,200 |
| 61% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $176,729 |
| Median List Price | $165,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $165,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $158 |
| Homes Sold | 3 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.4% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $688 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.4% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,844 |
| Median Year Built | 1941 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,514 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.05% |
In Ishpeming, 39.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.8% have high blood pressure. 17.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.9% report binge drinking. 23.9% are physically inactive. 30.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 7.1% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:870. The dentist ratio is 1:1,111. 84.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ishpeming vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.8% |
| Asthma | 12.1% |
| COPD | 8.3% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.6% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.9% |
| Depression | 30.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 7.1% |
| 17% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:870 |
| Dentists | 1:1,111 |
| Mental Health | 1:198 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.5% |
| Dental Visits | 64.2% |
| Premature Death | 7,011/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 217 |
Ishpeming has a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 residents, 51% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 140.1 per 100,000, robbery at 15.6, rape at 31.1. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,012 per 100,000, 48% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 871, burglary at 47, vehicle theft at 93 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ishpeming receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ishpeming vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 186.7/100K |
| 51% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 31.1/100K |
| Robbery | 15.6/100K |
| Assault | 140.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,011.5/100K |
| 48% below US avg |
| Burglary | 46.7/100K |
| Theft | 871.5/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 93.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 7 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ishpeming has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,453 feet.
Temperature
14°F Jan (-10°C)
65°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 39.8°F |
| 26% below US avg |
| January Average | 14°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 65°F (19°C) |
| Sunny Days | 249 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,453 ft (443 m) |
| Area | 9.4 sq mi (24.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 705/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4703°N, 87.6751°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Marquette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marquette/Sawyer Regional (MQT)
18 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.3"
20% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 69.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 53.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 88.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very 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 Jan 7, 2024.
| Jan 7, 2024 |
3 km NE of Mole Lake, Wisconsin |
M2.5 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
50 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 20 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jul 11, 1987 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1986 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1992 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 28, 1991 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 14, 1981 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Jul 20, 1972 |
EF2 |
59 km |
0 |
| Aug 22, 1968 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1964 |
EF2 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 8, 1959 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 2022 |
EF1 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 31, 2020 |
EF1 |
90 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
66 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 2020 |
EF1 |
98 km |
0 |
| Aug 11, 2016 |
EF1 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF1 |
13 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 2012 |
EF1 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 30, 2002 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 10, 2000 |
EF1 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 1998 |
EF1 |
81 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
10 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: MARQUETTE9 (4,224 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
MARQUETTE9 |
4,224 |
24 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE11 |
3,983 |
31 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE13 |
2,491 |
34 km |
| 2007 |
BARAGA BUMP |
1,047 |
72 km |
| 2009 |
FALLS |
820 |
11 km |
| 2009 |
PINERY |
695 |
64 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE10 |
671 |
11 km |
| 1984 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
89 km |
| 2019 |
DUTCH MILL |
551 |
73 km |
| 1986 |
MARQUETTE9 |
521 |
20 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
14°F (-10°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
25°F (-4°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| April |
37°F (3°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
50°F (10°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| June |
60°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
65°F (19°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
55°F (13°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| October |
44°F (6°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Ishpeming has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 14°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 32.2 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Ishpeming. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192–$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770–$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385–$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848–$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385–$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291–$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481–$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810–$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924–$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770–$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192–$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962–$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89–$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72–$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154–$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577–$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481–$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192–$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385–$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810–$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $618 |
| Toddler | $627 |
| Preschool | $627 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $860 |
| Toddler | $806 |
| Preschool | $806 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ishpeming
What is the population of Ishpeming?
Ishpeming has a population of 6,173 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 705 people per square mile, spread across 9.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.3% female and 44.7% male.
Is Ishpeming expensive to live in?
Ishpeming has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $52,717, 30% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $109,200 (61% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $688 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ishpeming safe?
Ishpeming is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 187 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,012 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ishpeming receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ishpeming?
Ishpeming has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 14°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Ishpeming?
The unemployment rate in Ishpeming is 5.2%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $1,051. There are 1,762 business establishments in the area, including 184 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 6.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ishpeming?
The median home value in Ishpeming is $109,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $176,729. For renters, the median monthly rent is $688. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.0%. The average annual property tax is $5,514.
How are the schools in Ishpeming?
Schools in Ishpeming score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.3% of adults in Ishpeming hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.2% have completed high school. 6.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ishpeming?
The obesity rate in Ishpeming is 39.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.6% of adults are smokers. 23.9% are physically inactive. 30.1% of residents report depression. 7.1% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 84.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:870.
What is transportation like in Ishpeming?
The average commute in Ishpeming is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 73.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ishpeming?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ishpeming is 90.5% White, 3.3% Hispanic or Latino. 98.8% of residents speak only English at home. 7.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
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