RANK #87 / 1001 NAT · #4 / 36 MI · POP 67,112
1YR FORECAST: +3.3%
5YR OUTLOOK: +24%
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.
Marquette County is one of 145 U.S. counties in this market profile — stronger than typical on the BoomTown Index. Within this cohort, its recent home-price change of +9.2% runs above the profile's typical +4.9%.
See all 145 Heartland Steady Growth counties →Overvalued relative to economy
Below-average climate & terrain
Above national median (15x)
Housing looks overvalued at 9.4x — home prices are high relative to local economic output. The typical U.S. county is 4–6x.
Estimated local headcount ranges. Larger employers shown as floor + "+"; smaller employers show exact counts where reported.
Bars show trailing 12-month growth. The dashed Forecast bars are the model's next-12-month projection; the whisker marks the ±1% range (cooling–accelerating).
Source: Redfin · Census BPS — Browse sales on Redfin →
Source: Homicide rates from CDC/NCHS vital-statistics mortality data — a multi-year average that stabilizes counts in smaller counties — compiled in the County Health Rankings 2025 release. Rates per 100,000 population; U.S. average ≈ 6.5. Grade reflects homicide rate relative to the national average. Learn more →
See where Marquette County stands nationally: safest large counties in America · highest homicide-rate counties.
| 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 1001 counties.
Marquette County ranks #87 out of 1001 U.S. counties on the Boom Town Index with a score of 91/100, putting it in the top tier nationally. Job growth of +2.0% and a median household income of $65,429 point to a county with active economic momentum.
Housing in Marquette County is roughly in line with national affordability norms. The median home costs $216,500 and the income-to-home-value ratio sits at 0.30, with rents averaging $949/month. Not a bargain, but not a stretch for most local earners either.
Marquette County is growing on multiple fronts. Population is up +1.0% year-over-year while employers added jobs at a +2.0% clip — and home values reflect that momentum, rising +9.2% over the past 12 months.
There's a moderate stream of newcomers. About 4.4% of residents moved from another state, which is above average and suggests Marquette County has appeal as a relocation destination — though it's not among the highest-inflow counties nationally.
Home values climbed +9.2% year-over-year, which is a solid pace of appreciation. The median home in Marquette County is now valued at $216,500. That kind of growth typically reflects sustained demand rather than speculative frenzy.