Watersmeet ZIP Codes — Gogebic County, MI

There is one unique ZIP code in Watersmeet, Michigan and it is 49969. Area code: 906.

ZIP codes

254.97

sq mi land

22.91

sq mi water

906

area code

Watersmeet, MI ZIP code map

About Watersmeet, MI

Watersmeet, Michigan, is a small and serene community located in the heart of Gogebic County. Known for its stunning natural beauty, this area is characterized by vast forests and numerous lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The town's rich history and sense of community offer a warm welcome to visitors and residents alike.

Location & geography

Watersmeet is situated in the western part of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, surrounded by beautiful landscapes and endless recreational opportunities. The closest cities include Ironwood, which is approximately 23 miles to the west, and Wakefield, located about 15 miles to the southwest. The town spans a total land area of 254.97 square miles and includes 22.91 square miles of water, showcasing its abundant aquatic resources.

Community & economy

The character of Watersmeet is deeply rooted in its natural surroundings, creating a tight-knit community where outdoor activities are central to daily life. The local economy primarily revolves around tourism and outdoor recreation, with visitors flocking to fish, hike, and explore the picturesque landscapes. Residents enjoy a peaceful rural lifestyle, often engaging in community events that celebrate the area's rich heritage.

Transportation

Watersmeet is accessible via U.S. Highway 45, which runs through the town, connecting it to major nearby hubs. The nearest airport is the Gogebic-Iron County Airport, located approximately 25 miles away in Ironwood, providing regional air travel options. Public transportation options are limited, but the town's compact size allows for easy navigation by car or on foot.

History

Watersmeet was established in the mid-19th century and has historically been associated with the lumber and tourism industries. The area's abundance of natural resources attracted settlers and visitors, and it became a popular destination for those seeking outdoor adventures. Significant events, like the development of local recreational trails, have contributed to Watersmeet's charm and appeal.

Did you know?

One surprising fact about Watersmeet is that it is named for its unique geographical feature, where various rivers converge, making it a significant landmark. Additionally, the town is located near the Ottawa National Forest, offering residents and visitors ample opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife observation.

ZIP codes for Watersmeet, MI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
49969	Watersmeet	Gogebic	View map

Demographics & statistics

1,039

Population

59.4

Median age

$55,694

Median household income

$42,633

Per capita income

$260,000

Median home value

$445

Median monthly rent

82.1%

Home ownership

11.9%

Poverty rate

3.2%

Unemployment

1,429

Housing units

25.5%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

Under 5

5–9

10–14

15–19

20–24

25–34

35–44

45–54

55–59

60–64

139

65–74

129

75–84

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	172	16.6%
18 and over	867	83.4%
65 and over	417	40.1%
Median age	59.4 years

Race & ethnicity

White 72.2%

American Indian / Alaska Native 16.9%

Two or more races 6.5%

Black or African American 2.8%

Hispanic or Latino 1.3%

Asian 0.3%

Group	Count	%
White	760	72.2%
American Indian / Alaska Native	178	16.9%
Two or more races	68	6.5%
Black or African American	30	2.8%
Hispanic or Latino	14	1.3%
Asian	3	0.3%

Household income

Under $10k 7.8%

$10k–$15k 7.6%

$15k–$25k 5.8%

$25k–$35k 9.4%

$35k–$50k 14.3%

$50k–$75k 14.1%

$75k–$100k 16.5%

$100k–$150k 10.5%

$150k–$200k 5.8%

$200k+ 8.3%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	7.8%
$10k–$15k	7.6%
$15k–$25k	5.8%
$25k–$35k	9.4%
$35k–$50k	14.3%
$50k–$75k	14.1%
$75k–$100k	16.5%
$100k–$150k	10.5%
$150k–$200k	5.8%
$200k+	8.3%
Median income	$55,694

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 11.2%

$50k–$100k 8.4%

$100k–$150k 3.1%

$150k–$200k 11.2%

$200k–$300k 24.9%

$300k–$500k 18.9%

$500k–$1M 18.3%

$1M+ 4.0%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$260,000
Median rent / month	$445
Owner occupied	82.1%
Renter occupied	17.9%
Vacant	63.8%
Single-family detached	95.4%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	3.7%
Median rooms	4.7
Avg household size (owned)	1.79

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.0%
2010–2019	4.0%
2000–2009	11.6%
1990–1999	19.7%
1980–1989	13.9%
1970–1979	19.3%
1960–1969	12.4%
1950–1959	5.2%
1940–1949	2.3%
1939 or earlier	11.5%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	1.6%
1 bedroom	11.3%
2 bedrooms	42.0%
3 bedrooms	35.3%
4 bedrooms	7.5%
5+ bedrooms	2.4%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	10.5%
1 vehicle	31.6%
2 vehicles	45.9%
3 or more	11.9%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	33.3%
Electricity	0.5%
Propane / LP gas	53.0%
Wood	13.2%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	238	43.0%
Cohabiting couple	45	8.1%
Male householder, no spouse	136	24.6%
Female householder, no spouse	134	24.2%
Households with children under 18	90	16.3%
Households with seniors (65+)	311	56.2%
Average household size	1.87

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	16.6%	17.7%
Married	61.4%	56.1%
Separated	0.0%	0.0%
Widowed	6.7%	8.3%
Divorced	15.3%	17.9%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.5%

Some HS, no diploma 2.0%

HS graduate 36.2%

Some college, no degree 23.9%

Associate's degree 11.9%

Bachelor's degree 15.5%

Graduate / professional 10.1%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	97.5%
Bachelor's or higher	25.5%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	0	0.0%
Kindergarten	0	0.0%
Elementary school	99	62.7%
High school	47	29.7%
College / grad school	12	7.6%

Employment

Industry of employment

Arts, food & hospitality 23.3%

Retail trade 17.7%

Finance & real estate 14.7%

Other services 9.6%

Public administration 9.6%

Transportation & utilities 6.1%

Agriculture & mining 5.8%

Manufacturing 3.8%

Education & healthcare 3.3%

Construction 2.8%

Information 2.8%

Professional & management 0.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	31.4%
Service	23.5%
Sales & office	22.8%
Natural resources & construction	4.3%
Production & transportation	18.0%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	79.0%
Government	18.0%
Self-employed	3.0%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	69.2%
Carpool	10.9%
Public transit	0.0%
Walk	3.1%
Other means	0.5%
Avg commute (minutes)	19.1

Poverty

All people 11.9%

Under 18 years 7.0%

18 and over 12.9%

Married-couple families 1.3%

Female-led households 35.7%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	53.2%
Retirement income	43.4%
Supplemental Security	2.5%
Cash public assistance	2.2%
Food stamps / SNAP	10.1%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	45.9%
High cholesterol	43.2%
Heart disease	11.3%
Stroke	5.1%
Asthma	11.3%
Arthritis	41.2%
Kidney disease	4.4%
Pulmonary disease	12.2%
Cancer	9.6%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	14.6%
No physical activity	27.3%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	33.6%
Fair or poor health	20.9%
Poor mental health	15.6%
Poor physical health	15.1%
No health insurance	9.5%
Visited doctor (checkup)	78.5%
Visited dentist	64.0%
Cholesterol screening	93.7%
Teeth loss	16.3%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	110	12.7%

Disability	%
Any disability	15.3%
Under 18	2.9%
18–64 years	18.2%
65 and over	17.3%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	75.0%
Public insurance	59.5%
Uninsured under 19	6.1%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	1,010	97.2%
Spanish	3	0.3%
Other Indo-European	0	0.0%
Asian & Pacific Islander	3	0.3%
Other languages	0	0.0%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	1,036	99.7%
Born in same state	1,033	99.4%
Born in different state	353	34.0%
Foreign born	3	0.3%
Naturalized citizen	3	0.3%
Not a US citizen	0	0.0%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
Arab	123	11.8%
Italian	93	9%
French	70	6.7%
Polish	32	3.1%
English	24	2.3%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	17	1.6%
Dutch	9	0.9%
Irish	4	0.4%
Norwegian	3	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	53.2%
Internet access	88.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Watersmeet, MI have?

Watersmeet, MI has one ZIP code: 49969. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.