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Iron County

WI · Pop. 6,164 · Rural County

52/100Homestead Score

Iron County is a rural county in Wisconsin, spanning 758 square miles with 6,164 residents at a density of 8.1 people per square mile, so rural land and genuine privacy are available. The agricultural economy is rated weak, built on hay, haylage. The median home price is $155,000, with an effective property tax rate of 1.14%. The climate sits in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 126-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.3°F and average winter lows of 5.7°F. Annual rainfall averages 35.8 inches, generally adequate for the region's crops and pasture. Aspirus Ironwood Hospital is 13 miles away, though without an in-county emergency room. Broadband reaches 31.8% of homes.

Property Tax: 1.14%
Growing Season: 126 days
Broadband: 31.8%
Density: 8.1/sq mi

Pros

  • A median home price of $155,000 makes land and property relatively affordable.
  • At 8.1 people per square mile, land is available with genuine space and privacy.
  • A low poverty rate of 11.6% signals a relatively stable local economy.

Cons

  • A 126-day growing season limits crop diversity and calls for season-extension tools.
  • Broadband reaches only 31.8% of homes, a real gap for remote work or online sales.
  • The nearest hospital, Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, is 13 miles away, a real consideration for medical needs.
  • Average winter lows of 5.7°F demand serious cold-weather infrastructure for livestock and water systems.
  • The agricultural economy is rated weak, so local farm markets, suppliers, and services are limited.

At a glance

Iron County, WI is a mixed homesteading prospect — weigh the tradeoffs.

Homestead score
52/100
Median home price
$155k
Property tax
1.14%
Growing season
126 days (zone 4a)
Annual rainfall
35.8"
Broadband
31.8%
Nearest hospital
Aspirus Ironwood Hospital, 13 mi

Taxes & Cost of Living

Property Tax Rate1.14%
Median Household Income$59,058
Poverty Rate11.6%

Land & Building

Median Home Price$155K

Climate & Growing

USDA Zone4a
Growing Season126 days
Annual Rainfall35.8 inches
Avg Summer High75.3°F
Avg Winter Low5.7°F
Top CropsHay, Haylage

Natural Disaster Risk

Drought2/10
Wildfire1/10
Tornado2/10
Flood2/10

Healthcare

Nearest HospitalAspirus Ironwood Hospital (13 mi)
Emergency RoomNo
Healthcare Facilities0

Infrastructure & Community

Broadband Coverage31.8%

Business & Employment

Unemployment Rate5.5%
Ag EconomyWeak

Homesteading in Iron County: FAQ

What is the growing season like in Iron County?
Iron County is in USDA hardiness zone 4a with a 126-day growing season, average summer highs of 75.3°F, and average winter lows of 5.7°F. The established crops are hay, haylage.
How affordable is land and property here?
The median home price is $155,000 and the effective property tax rate is 1.14%. County-level per-acre prices aren't published, so compare current local listings for raw land.
Is broadband internet available?
Broadband reaches 31.8% of homes, so verify service at a specific parcel before purchasing.
How close is healthcare?
Aspirus Ironwood Hospital is 13 miles away, without an in-county emergency room.

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Nearby counties

The closest counties to Iron County by distance, including across state lines.

Data sources

Verified

Figures are sourced from public datasets: U.S. Census Bureau — ACS 5-year & Gazetteer, USDA NASS Census of Agriculture, USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals (1991–2020), FEMA National Risk Index, FCC Broadband Data Collection, BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, HIFLD Hospitals. Always confirm specifics locally before relying on them. See our methodology for how the homestead score is calculated.