Median Income
$80,500
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$166,100
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.2%
25% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,048
10% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.7%
11% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.9%
60% lower than US avg
How West Ishpeming Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,714
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density917/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,500
Per Capita$33,350
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty4.9%
County GDP$3,597M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$166,100
Rent$1,048
OwnershipN/A
Health
Obesity35.7%
UninsuredN/A
Depression28.8%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp40°F
AQI38 (Good)
Rain30.3 in/yr
Elevation1,482 ft
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.2%
High School+93.4%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 45% / D 54%
Commute22 min
Libraries6
Is West Ishpeming a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Ishpeming receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. West Ishpeming stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Ishpeming is $80,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Ishpeming is $166,100, 41% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,048 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.
Education
25.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.4% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
West 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. Annual precipitation totals 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
West Ishpeming has a population of 2,714 with a density of 917 people per square mile. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (91.2%), with 1.4% Hispanic.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Ishpeming vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 96.3% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.7% |
| 72% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
West Ishpeming vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Ishpeming is $80,500, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.9% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Income: West Ishpeming vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,500 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,350 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,051 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $66,951 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.9% |
| 60% below 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 |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.32% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.1 min |
| Work from Home | 3.9% |
The median home value in West Ishpeming is $166,100, 41% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $1,048 (10% below US avg).
Home Values
| Census Median | $166,100 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $229,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $189 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 97.6% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 4 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,048 |
| 10% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,514 |
| 58% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.32% |
In West Ishpeming, 35.7% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 28.8% report depression. 19.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: West Ishpeming vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.7% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.2% |
| Asthma | 11.6% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.3% |
| Depression | 28.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 12.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.4% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 78.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,011/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 84.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 217 |
Crime Rates: West Ishpeming vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
Safety Score
West Ishpeming has an average annual temperature of 40°F (4°C). Winters average 14°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. Annual precipitation is 30.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 30.3 inches |
| 20% below US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,482 ft (452 m) |
| Area | 3.0 sq mi (7.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 917/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.4884°N, 87.7171°W |
| County FIPS | 26103 |