[3] The 2010 United States census indicates Iron County had a population of 11,817.

There were 9,197 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile (3.1/km2).

36.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

Iron County operates the County jail, maintains rural roads, operates the major local courts, records deeds, mortgages, and vital records, administers public health regulations, and participates with the state in the provision of social services.

The county board of commissioners controls the budget and has limited authority to make laws or ordinances.

In Michigan, most local government functions – police and fire, building and zoning, tax assessment, street maintenance etc.