IncomeBy County

Ontonagon County, Michigan

Income Data

-19% vs. Michigan average
$51,844
Median Household Income
$32,741
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,844
-19% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$32,741
-17% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
51.3%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#77 / 83
by median household income

How Ontonagon County Compares

Ontonagon County$51,844
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,844
Median Household Income
$32,741
Per Capita Income
$101,000
Median Home Value
51.3%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Data Story

About Household Income in Ontonagon County, Michigan

Ontonagon trails national income by a third

Ontonagon County's median household income of $51,844 sits roughly $22,900 below the national median of $74,755, ranking it among the nation's lower-income counties. The gap reflects economic challenges common to remote Upper Peninsula communities with limited job markets and outmigration of younger workers. Households here earn about 69% of what the typical American family makes.

Among Michigan's lowest-earning counties

Ontonagon's $51,844 median household income ranks it near the bottom statewide, falling $12,460 short of Michigan's state median of $64,304. Per capita income of $32,741 exceeds the state average of $35,451, a rare bright spot suggesting older, established residents with accumulated wealth. Overall, Ontonagon faces persistent wage and employment growth challenges.

Lowest income among comparable counties

Ontonagon's $51,844 income is the lowest or tied-lowest among its regional peers, including Oscoda ($50,581) and Ogemaw ($51,983). The county's isolation in Michigan's northwest corner and dependence on tourism and extractive industries contribute to wage stagnation. Nearby Otsego County ($67,285) demonstrates that regional income can be much higher with economic diversification.

Housing costs remain manageable here

Ontonagon's rent-to-income ratio of 13.2% is among the healthiest in the cohort, well below the 15% threshold, thanks partly to low median home values of $101,000. This affordability provides some breathing room for household budgets, though total income remains constrained. The low cost of living offers a buffer that higher-income areas do not enjoy.

Affordable housing creates wealth-building opportunity

Ontonagon's low housing costs create a unique advantage for wealth accumulation—residents paying less on rent or mortgages can redirect savings toward retirement and investments. Take full advantage of any employer retirement benefits and consider automating small monthly contributions to index funds or savings accounts. Over 20–30 years, consistent discipline transforms modest incomes into meaningful wealth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Ontonagon County, Michigan?
The median household income in Ontonagon County, Michigan is $51,844, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Ontonagon County?
The per capita income in Ontonagon County is $32,741, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $51,844.
How does Ontonagon County compare to the Michigan average?
Ontonagon County's median household income of $51,844 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $32,741, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Ontonagon County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Ontonagon County, Michigan is $32,741, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Ontonagon County a low-income area in Michigan?
Ontonagon County's median household income of $51,844 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $32,741 is also lower than the state average of $35,451. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Ontonagon County rank for income in Michigan?
Ontonagon County ranks #77 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,844 and per capita income of $32,741, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Ontonagon County

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Your income is above the Ontonagon County median

County median: $51,844 per year

vs. County Median

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vs. State Average

-19%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Ontonagon County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 19% below
vs. National Median▼ 31% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent7.6x

Your monthly income ($4,320) vs. median rent ($571/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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$51,880
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Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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