ECONOMIC INDICATORS

In 1995 Marquette County saw the closure of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, reducing the population of the county by approximately 9,000 residents. Since that time the population of the county has stabilized and even grown slightly with the 2000 U.S. Census reporting 64,634 residents. In 2006, the population was reported to have increased to 64,675. With the closing of K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base, Marquette County was faced with a myriad of challenges.  In the ensuing years, the County has rebounded resulting in an economy that is not only more diverse, but also better suited to meet the global economy demands of the 21st century.

Marquette County serves as a regional shopping destination. Kohl’s, Gander Mountain, Target, Pier 1 and Walgreen’s have all opened new stores in recent years.  A Lowe's Home Improvement Store and Tractor Supply Company have recently opened, and Best Buy is completing construction and will be open soon. Several new restaurants that now call Marquette County home are Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's, Starbuck's, Papa Murphy's and Quizno's.

Student enrollment at the local university, Northern Michigan University, has experienced a growth rate of 24.16% since 1995.  Enrollment for the 2009 fall semester was 9,428. NMU is a dynamic four-year, public, coeducational university which offers 180 degree programs.

Air travel at Sawyer International Airport (located at the former K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base since 1998) has increased 30% in passenger traffic since September of 1999, acounting for nearly 5,400 aircraft flights and 42,500 pounds of cargo and mail each year.  Sawyer International Airport's commercial airlines include Delta Connection and American Eagle Airlines with jet service to Chicago, Milwaukee and Green Bay.  Since opening its doors, approximately 429 full-time jobs have been attracted or created as a result of the airport.

Median property values in Marquette County have remained stable when compaired to State and National averages, and values have actually increase by 5.2% since 2005. Median household income for county residents has increased 10.54% since 2000.

All of these indicators predict a bright future for Marquette County.

Marquette Predicted To Be Among The Nations Top Housing Markets

A housing market research Web site has predicted that Marquette will be among the top 25 housing markets in the United States in 2010.  According to calculations by housingpredictor.com, Marquette will see a 3.2 percent increase in average housing prices in 2010.   

Researchers at the Web site gather information on 20 factors for each market forecast, including income levels, employment rates and trends, commercial and residential construction, school enrollment levels, business openings and closings, new business development, regional political influences, real estate sales history and current housing market velocity.  Click here to read more..

Population as a Regional Destination

2006 population estimates show 221,092 residents including the eight surrounding counties. Many local arts and culture activities, festivals, music concerts, high school and university sporting events, recreational sports tournaments and conferences/seminars draw people to Marquette County for day and weekend trips that include shopping, dining and recreation. Marquette County is truly the hub of the Upper Peninsula.

Passenger Air Traffic at Sawyer International Airport

Percentage Increase from 2000-2009: 10.5%
Source: U.S. Census Quick Facts and USDA Economic Research Service

Source: Marquette Area Residential Market Housing Review & Forecast by Closser Associates, Inc. 2009

Property Value - Marquette County

Percentage Increase from 2002-2006: 42%