RANK #33 / 996 · POP 66,376 · MI
PROJECTED GROWTH: +3.7%
Marquette County, Michigan, stands out for its direct access to Lake Superior and its extensive outdoor recreation opportunities. The city of Marquette, the largest in the Upper Peninsula, serves as the county seat and a central hub. It is situated on the southern shore of Lake Superior, offering a blend of natural scenery and urban amenities. Commuting within the county is facilitated by the Marq-Tran public transportation system, which operates fixed routes throughout Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, and Gwinn. The community embraces an active lifestyle, with residents enjoying hiking, biking, fishing, and skiing across hundreds of miles of trails and numerous waterways.
Life in Marquette County offers a balance of natural beauty and community resources. The public schools in Marquette County are generally well-regarded. The economy is diverse, supported by institutions like Northern Michigan University and UP Health System. Recent economic developments include investments in commercial and residential properties, as well as projects in the energy and healthcare sectors. These developments contribute to a dynamic environment for residents, including families, young professionals, and those seeking a connection to the outdoors.
Below national median (4.7x)
Contracting economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Housing is fairly valued at 4.5x relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
| PROJECT | AMOUNT | STATUS |
|---|---|---|
|
F.D. Kuester Generating Station
Upper Michigan Energy Resources Company
|
$275M | Operating |
|
Presque Isle - North Lake 138.0kV Wind Project
Undisclosed
|
$170M | Planned |
|
NMU Foundation Mixed-Use Development
NMU Foundation and Duke Life Point
|
$166M | Planned |
|
Superior Solar Energy Center
Invenergy (originally Savion)
|
$150M | Proposed |
|
Michigan Veterans Home
State of Michigan
|
$96M | Planned |
|
The Vault Marquette (Boutique Hotel, Commercial & Residential)
The Vault Marquette
|
$50M | Under Construction |
Source: public records, news, corporate announcements. Amounts are estimates where noted.
Bars show percentile rank among all 996 counties.
Marquette County has a Boom Town Index score of 97/100, ranking #33 among 996 U.S. counties. With job growth at +0.6% and a median household income of $63,115, it's an above-average county on economic indicators.
The median home value in Marquette County is $184,300 with median rent at $904/month. The income-to-home-value ratio is 0.3425, which is more affordable than the national average.
Population growth: -0.0% year-over-year. Job growth: +0.6%. Home values changed +7.5% in the past 12 months.
Yes — 4.14% of Marquette County's population moved from another state, which is above the national average and indicates strong in-migration.