Ontonagon, MI
Population 1,266 · Michigan
About Ontonagon, MI
Ontonagon is a small town located in Michigan with a population of 1,266 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $46,806 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 62.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ontonagon features a median home value of $92,100, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ontonagon one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $557, 52% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 905 total housing units, 71% are owner-occupied (502 units) and 29% are renter-occupied (201 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ontonagon shows an unemployment rate of 7.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 11.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ontonagon have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.2% of Ontonagon residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 1.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 2.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Ontonagon Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Ontonagon, MI
Compared to national averages, Ontonagon has a median household income of $46,806 (38% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,100, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $557 is 52% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Ontonagon's income is 29% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 50% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Ontonagon, MI?
Ontonagon offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $557/month, and a low poverty rate of 11.8%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($46,806) that falls below the national average. However, Ontonagon’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ontonagon has a population of 1,266 with a median age of 62.5 years. Compare Ontonagon with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Ontonagon
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gwinn | 1,268 | $52,609 | $94,000 | Compare |
| Schoolcraft | 1,268 | $82,813 | $208,300 | Compare |
| Fruitport | 1,269 | $80,769 | $193,200 | Compare |
| Petersburg | 1,261 | $76,071 | $197,100 | Compare |
| Onsted | 1,283 | $65,349 | $166,500 | Compare |
| Prudenville | 1,286 | $35,833 | $167,300 | Compare |
| Edwardsburg | 1,244 | $53,661 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Reading | 1,241 | $48,804 | $103,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Ontonagon With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Ontonagon
What is the population of Ontonagon, MI?
The population of Ontonagon, MI is 1,266 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Ontonagon?
The median household income in Ontonagon, MI is $46,806 per year, which is 38% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ontonagon?
The median home value in Ontonagon, MI is $92,100, which is 62% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ontonagon?
The median monthly rent in Ontonagon, MI is $557, which is 52% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ontonagon?
The unemployment rate in Ontonagon, MI is 7.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ontonagon, MI a good place to live?
Ontonagon offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,266 and a median age of 62.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ontonagon, MI?
15.2% of residents in Ontonagon aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ontonagon?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ontonagon, MI: median home value is $92,100 (62% below national), median rent is $557/month, and median household income is $46,806. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ontonagon?
The poverty rate in Ontonagon, MI is 11.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ontonagon, MI?
Ontonagon's population is 1.4% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 3.6% two or more races. 2.3% of residents are foreign-born.