Gogebic County, Michigan

Gogebic County is a county located in the state of Michigan. As of 2000, the population is 17,370. Its county seat is Bessemer⁶.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,824 km² (1,476 mi²). 2,854 km² (1,102 mi²) of it is land and 970 km² (375 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 25.37% water.

Demographics

As of the census² of 2000, there are 17,370 people, 7,425 households, and 4,581 families residing in the county. The population density is 6/km² (16/mi²). There are 10,839 housing units at an average density of 4/km² (10/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 94.24% White, 1.76% Black or African American, 2.20% Native American, 0.23% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.35% from other races, and 1.22% from two or more races. 0.88% of the population are Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There are 7,425 households out of which 24.40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.10% are married couples living together, 9.30% have a female householder with no husband present, and 38.30% are non-families. 34.20% of all households are made up of individuals and 18.50% have someone living alone who is 65 years of age or older. The average household size is 2.20 and the average family size is 2.81.

In the county the population is spread out with 20.40% under the age of 18, 8.30% from 18 to 24, 24.40% from 25 to 44, 24.20% from 45 to 64, and 22.60% who are 65 years of age or older. The median age is 43 years. For every 100 females there are 101.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there are 100.10 males.

The median income for a household in the county is $27,405, and the median income for a family is $35,738. Males have a median income of $29,102 versus $21,298 for females. The per capita income for the county is $16,169. 14.40% of the population and 10.60% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 18.90% of those under the age of 18 and 10.30% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Cities, villages, and townships

Cities

• Bessemer
• Ironwood
• Wakefield

Villages

None

Townships

• Bessemer Township
• Erwin Township
• Ironwood Township
• Marenisco Township
• Wakefield Township
• Watersmeet Township