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Ancestry refers to the lineage or descent of a person, family, or group, tracing back through generations to identify their origins, heritage, and familial connections. It encompasses the genetic, cultural, and historical ties that link individuals to their forebears, shaping their identity and sense of belonging. Ancestry is a multifaceted concept, intertwining biology, genealogy, history, and culture, and it plays a significant role in how people understand themselves and their place in the world.

At its core, ancestry is rooted in genetics. Each individual inherits a unique combination of DNA from their parents, who in turn inherited their DNA from their own ancestors. This genetic material carries information about physical traits, predispositions to certain health conditions, and even behavioral tendencies. Advances in genetic testing, such as DNA analysis, have made it possible for individuals to trace their biological ancestry with remarkable precision. Companies like 23andMe and AncestryDNA offer services that analyze genetic markers to provide insights into a person's ethnic composition and geographic origins, often revealing surprising connections to distant relatives or previously unknown heritage.

Beyond genetics, ancestry is deeply tied to genealogy, the study of family history and lineage. Genealogical research involves constructing family trees, documenting relationships, and uncovering historical records such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, census data, and immigration documents. This process often reveals stories of migration, resilience, and adaptation, offering a window into the lives of ancestors and the challenges they faced. For many, genealogy is a way to honor their forebears and preserve their legacy for future generations.

Cultural ancestry is another critical dimension, encompassing the traditions, languages, customs, and values passed down through generations. It connects individuals to their ethnic or national heritage, shaping their cultural identity and worldview. For example, someone with Irish ancestry might celebrate St. Patrick's Day, learn traditional Irish dance, or explore the Gaelic language, while someone with Japanese ancestry might practice tea ceremonies, study calligraphy, or observe Obon festivals. Cultural ancestry fosters a sense of continuity and belonging, linking individuals to a broader community with shared experiences and values.

Historical ancestry delves into the broader context of a family's or group's past, including significant events, social conditions, and historical movements that shaped their lives. For instance, the transatlantic slave trade, the Irish Potato Famine, or the Jewish diaspora have profoundly influenced the ancestry of millions of people, leaving lasting imprints on their descendants' identities. Understanding historical ancestry often involves grappling with complex narratives of triumph and tragedy, resilience and oppression, and the interplay of individual and collective experiences.

Ancestry also has a deeply personal and emotional dimension. For many, exploring their ancestry is a journey of self-discovery, offering insights into who they are and where they come from. It can foster a sense of pride, connection, and continuity, as well as a deeper appreciation for the struggles and achievements of those who came before. At the same time, it can raise questions about identity, belonging, and the complexities of heritage, particularly for individuals with mixed or multicultural backgrounds.

In a globalized world, ancestry serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting individuals to their roots while also highlighting the interconnectedness of human history. It underscores the diversity and richness of human experience, reminding us that every person's story is part of a larger tapestry woven over centuries. Whether through genetic testing, genealogical research, cultural practices, or historical exploration, ancestry offers a profound way to understand ourselves and our place in the world.

A diversification score measures the diversity of ancestries in the county. As the value appoaches 100, ancestry diversity decreases and therefore increasing the risk of a lack of cultural diversity. The ancestry diversification score for this county is:

Most common ancestry not including "Unknown" is:

Ancestry Report Part I
Description	Total Population	American	Native American	Hawaiian	Caribbean (Latino)	Mexican	Central American	South American	Other Hispanic	African American	Sub- Saharan	Caribbean (Black)

Gogebic County	14,173	832	479	3	35	163	0	22	25	79	8	4
Michigan (in 000's)	10,189	362	46	3	80	410	30	24	33	889	246	208
National (in 000's)	343,251	13,890	2,213	626	11,327	38,879	6,181	4,644	3,687	25,893	7,852	7,174
Vilas County	23,702	603	2,136	0	120	326	7	25	41	47	12	7
Ashland County	16,248	418	1,800	8	113	265	0	14	25	90	11	17
Iron County	11,657	717	83	0	45	128	1	9	39	57	3	3
Iron County	6,318	135	67	0	4	64	0	14	3	7	0	0
Ontonagon County	5,733	303	60	2	18	60	0	0	5	26	1	0

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Gogebic County	10.95	5.87	3.38	0.02	0.25	1.15	0.00	0.16	0.18	0.56	0.06	0.03
Michigan	8.33	3.56	0.45	0.03	0.78	4.02	0.29	0.23	0.32	8.73	2.41	2.04
National	7.83	4.05	0.64	0.18	3.30	11.33	1.80	1.35	1.07	7.54	2.29	2.09
Vilas County	13.28	2.54	9.01	0.00	0.51	1.38	0.03	0.11	0.17	0.20	0.05	0.03
Ashland County	11.33	2.57	11.08	0.05	0.70	1.63	0.00	0.09	0.15	0.55	0.07	0.10
Iron County	10.48	6.15	0.71	0.00	0.39	1.10	0.01	0.08	0.33	0.49	0.03	0.03
Iron County	12.51	2.14	1.06	0.00	0.06	1.01	0.00	0.22	0.05	0.11	0.00	0.00
Ontonagon County	14.13	5.29	1.05	0.03	0.31	1.05	0.00	0.00	0.09	0.45	0.02	0.00

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Gogebic County		165.07	751.77	83.60	31.62	28.61	0.00	66.55	54.69	6.39	2.34	1.38
Michigan		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		113.79	143.43	720.69	422.60	281.82	610.65	580.03	333.03	86.44	94.86	102.36
Vilas County		71.54	2,004.59	0.00	64.84	34.22	10.01	45.22	53.63	2.27	2.10	1.45
Ashland County		72.34	2,464.24	194.45	89.06	40.58	0.00	36.94	47.71	6.35	2.81	5.12
Iron County		172.96	158.38	0.00	49.44	27.32	2.91	33.10	103.74	5.60	1.07	1.26
Iron County		60.09	235.89	0.00	8.11	25.20	0.00	95.00	14.72	1.27	0.00	0.00
Ontonagon County		148.62	232.80	137.77	40.21	26.04	0.00	0.00	27.04	5.20	0.72	0.00

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Gogebic County		145.07	524.15	11.60	7.48	10.15	0.00	11.47	16.42	7.39	2.47	1.35
Michigan		87.88	69.72	13.88	23.66	35.48	16.38	17.24	30.03	115.69	105.42	97.69
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Vilas County		62.87	1,397.65	0.00	15.34	12.14	1.64	7.80	16.11	2.63	2.21	1.41
Ashland County		63.57	1,718.12	26.98	21.08	14.40	0.00	6.37	14.33	7.34	2.96	5.01
Iron County		152.00	110.43	0.00	11.70	9.69	0.48	5.71	31.15	6.48	1.13	1.23
Iron County		52.80	164.47	0.00	1.92	8.94	0.00	16.38	4.42	1.47	0.00	0.00
Ontonagon County		130.61	162.31	19.12	9.51	9.24	0.00	0.00	8.12	6.01	0.76	0.00

Ancestry Report Part II
Description	Total Population	Canadian	British	Dutch	French	German	Italian	Polish	Scandinavian	Scotish/ Irish	Spanish	Other European

Gogebic County	14,173	131	714	116	288	1,461	1,215	805	2,994	840	14	685
Michigan (in 000's)	10,189	95	629	272	203	1,112	275	465	212	694	17	398
National (in 000's)	343,251	1,350	18,069	1,828	3,642	24,708	9,027	4,667	5,969	20,625	1,140	9,563
Vilas County	23,702	155	1,042	227	395	6,577	480	1,546	1,959	1,630	27	955
Ashland County	16,248	220	623	91	187	3,092	238	792	2,224	892	1	854
Iron County	11,657	157	659	67	408	1,490	1,095	919	1,956	624	4	410
Iron County	6,318	55	257	62	140	1,264	701	419	960	432	6	297
Ontonagon County	5,733	78	367	46	199	801	152	253	1,623	375	10	180

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Gogebic County	10.95	0.92	5.04	0.82	2.03	10.31	8.57	5.68	21.12	5.93	0.10	4.83
Michigan	8.33	0.93	6.17	2.67	1.99	10.91	2.70	4.56	2.08	6.81	0.17	3.91
National	7.83	0.39	5.26	0.53	1.06	7.20	2.63	1.36	1.74	6.01	0.33	2.79
Vilas County	13.28	0.65	4.40	0.96	1.67	27.75	2.03	6.52	8.27	6.88	0.11	4.03
Ashland County	11.33	1.35	3.83	0.56	1.15	19.03	1.46	4.87	13.69	5.49	0.01	5.26
Iron County	10.48	1.35	5.65	0.57	3.50	12.78	9.39	7.88	16.78	5.35	0.03	3.52
Iron County	12.51	0.87	4.07	0.98	2.22	20.01	11.10	6.63	15.19	6.84	0.09	4.70
Ontonagon County	14.13	1.36	6.40	0.80	3.47	13.97	2.65	4.41	28.31	6.54	0.17	3.14

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Gogebic County		99.32	81.62	30.70	101.90	94.46	317.61	124.55	1,013.47	87.01	57.58	123.73
Michigan		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		42.27	85.28	19.98	53.20	65.96	97.44	29.81	83.42	88.21	193.65	71.33
Vilas County		70.27	71.22	35.93	83.57	254.28	75.03	143.03	396.52	100.96	66.41	103.15
Ashland County		145.50	62.12	21.01	57.71	174.38	54.27	106.89	656.68	80.60	3.59	134.56
Iron County		144.73	91.59	21.56	175.51	117.13	348.03	172.87	805.01	78.59	20.00	90.04
Iron County		93.55	65.90	36.81	111.11	183.33	411.08	145.42	728.97	100.38	55.36	120.34
Ontonagon County		146.20	103.71	30.10	174.06	128.03	98.23	96.77	1,358.18	96.03	101.68	80.38

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Gogebic County		234.98	95.70	153.69	191.53	143.21	325.96	417.76	1,214.87	98.64	29.74	173.47
Michigan		236.58	117.26	500.54	187.96	151.60	102.63	335.43	119.87	113.36	51.64	140.20
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Vilas County		166.25	83.51	179.84	157.08	385.49	77.00	479.75	475.32	114.45	34.29	144.62
Ashland County		344.23	72.84	105.17	108.48	264.37	55.70	358.52	787.18	91.37	1.85	188.65
Iron County		342.41	107.39	107.93	329.89	177.57	357.17	579.85	964.99	89.09	10.33	126.24
Iron County		221.32	77.27	184.27	208.86	277.93	421.88	487.78	873.84	113.80	28.59	168.72
Ontonagon County		345.89	121.61	150.67	327.17	194.10	100.81	324.58	1,628.08	108.86	52.51	112.69

Ancestry Report Part III
Description	Total Population	Chinese	Filipino	Japanese	Korean	Vietnamese	South Central Asian	South East Asian	Other Asian	Middle Eastern	Other Ancestry	Unknown

Gogebic County	14,173	5	5	0	6	5	34	0	1	6	926	2,272
Michigan (in 000's)	10,189	57	25	14	28	20	151	20	21	180	1,143	1,828
National (in 000's)	343,251	4,461	3,010	793	1,541	1,913	5,452	1,643	1,229	1,931	47,322	51,000
Vilas County	23,702	24	20	1	7	0	6	8	12	7	1,971	3,329
Ashland County	16,248	3	6	2	17	0	49	10	14	8	1,570	2,594
Iron County	11,657	32	10	0	5	0	0	5	3	9	760	1,959
Iron County	6,318	0	0	0	0	4	0	1	3	0	265	1,158
Ontonagon County	5,733	2	12	4	5	0	0	0	0	3	285	863

Per Cent to Total Population	Diversity Index

Gogebic County	10.95	0.04	0.04	0.00	0.04	0.04	0.24	0.00	0.01	0.04	6.53	16.03
Michigan	8.33	0.56	0.25	0.13	0.28	0.19	1.48	0.20	0.21	1.77	11.22	17.94
National	7.83	1.30	0.88	0.23	0.45	0.56	1.59	0.48	0.36	0.56	13.79	14.86
Vilas County	13.28	0.10	0.08	0.00	0.03	0.00	0.03	0.03	0.05	0.03	8.32	14.05
Ashland County	11.33	0.02	0.04	0.01	0.10	0.00	0.30	0.06	0.09	0.05	9.66	15.97
Iron County	10.48	0.27	0.09	0.00	0.04	0.00	0.00	0.04	0.03	0.08	6.52	16.81
Iron County	12.51	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.06	0.00	0.02	0.05	0.00	4.19	18.33
Ontonagon County	14.13	0.03	0.21	0.07	0.09	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.05	4.97	15.05

Comparisons to State Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Gogebic County		6.30	14.20	0.00	15.19	18.17	16.16	0.00	3.42	2.40	58.23	89.35
Michigan		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
National		232.02	353.11	172.65	161.15	287.09	107.01	243.66	173.82	31.85	122.87	82.82
Vilas County		18.08	33.97	3.15	10.60	0.00	1.71	17.18	24.57	1.67	74.12	78.29
Ashland County		3.30	14.87	9.20	37.55	0.00	20.32	31.33	41.82	2.79	86.12	88.99
Iron County		49.01	34.54	0.00	15.39	0.00	0.00	21.84	12.49	4.37	58.11	93.67
Iron County		0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	32.62	0.00	8.06	23.04	0.00	37.38	102.16
Ontonagon County		6.23	84.28	52.15	31.30	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	2.96	44.31	83.91

Comparisons to National Norms	% to Total >= 150%		% to Total < 50%

Gogebic County		2.71	4.02	0.00	9.43	6.33	15.10	0.00	1.97	7.53	47.39	107.89
Michigan		43.10	28.32	57.92	62.06	34.83	93.45	41.04	57.53	313.99	81.38	120.75
National		100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00	100.00
Vilas County		7.79	9.62	1.83	6.58	0.00	1.59	7.05	14.14	5.25	60.32	94.53
Ashland County		1.42	4.21	5.33	23.30	0.00	18.99	12.86	24.06	8.75	70.09	107.45
Iron County		21.12	9.78	0.00	9.55	0.00	0.00	8.96	7.19	13.73	47.29	113.11
Iron County		0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	11.36	0.00	3.31	13.26	0.00	30.42	123.36
Ontonagon County		2.68	23.87	30.21	19.42	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	9.30	36.06	101.31

Sources: STI: PopStats, Circa April 2025

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