Ipatinga

The origin of the name "Ipatinga" varies by source. One version suggests it is a term from the Tupi language meaning "clear water landing." However, according to Eduardo Navarro in his Dictionary of Old Tupi (2013), the name translates to "clear lagoon" (upaba, lagoon, and tinga, clear).NAVARRO, E. A. Dicionário de Tupi Antigoː a Língua Indígena Clássica do Brasil. São Paulo. Global. 2013. p. 569. Another account claims that the name was created by engineer Pedro Nolasco, responsible for the Vitória-Minas Railway project, combining "Ipa" (from Ipanema) and "tinga" (from Caratinga).

Exploration of the region, initially known as the Sertões do Rio Doce, began in the late 16th century with expeditions seeking precious metals. However, exploration was banned in the early 17th century to prevent gold smuggling from the nearby Diamantina region. Settlement was permitted in 1755,{{cite web|url=http://www.circuitomataatlantica.tur.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140209120652/http://www.circuitomataatlantica.tur.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=159 |archive-date=February 9, 2014 |title=Coronel Fabriciano |author=Circuito Turístico Mata Atlântica de Minas Gerais |access-date=June 15, 2016}} and during the 19th century, under Emperor Pedro I of Brazil, the bandeirantes visited the area, noting the presence of indigenous peoples. Nevertheless, significant colonization in the Ipatinga area did not occur until the 20th century. By around 1920, small settlements had formed in the current neighborhoods of Barra Alegre,{{cite web|url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/bairros/noticias.asp?video=Barra%20Alegre&cidade=Ipatinga |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615192730/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/bairros/noticias.asp?video=Barra%20Alegre&cidade=Ipatinga |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=Barra Alegre Neighborhood |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} Ipaneminha,{{cite web|url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/bairros/noticias.asp?video=Ipaneminha&cidade=Ipatinga |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615192804/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/bairros/noticias.asp?video=Ipaneminha&cidade=Ipatinga |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=Ipaneminha Neighborhood |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} Taúbas,{{cite web|url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/bairros/noticias.asp?video=Ta%FAbas&cidade=Ipatinga |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615192853/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/bairros/noticias.asp?video=Ta%FAbas&cidade=Ipatinga |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=Taúbas Neighborhood |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} and Bom Jardim, resulting from land appropriations{{cite web|url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/bairros/noticias.asp?video=Bom%20Jardim&cidade=Ipatinga |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150603163247/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/bairros/noticias.asp?video=Bom%20Jardim&cidade=Ipatinga |archive-date=June 3, 2015 |title=Bom Jardim Neighborhood |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} or, in the case of Ipaneminha, as stopping points along a road used by tropeiros traveling to Ouro Preto and Diamantina.

File:Estação Pedra Mole após restauro, Ipatinga MG.JPG

The construction of the EFVM through eastern Minas Gerais stimulated population growth along the banks of the Doce and Piracicaba rivers, as it would in the Vale do Aço region. On August 1, 1922, the Pedra Mole Station was inaugurated near the current Cariru neighborhood, and in the same year, the Nossa Senhora Station was built, leading to the emergence of the Córrego de Nossa Senhora or Horto de Nossa Senhora settlement in the present-day Horto neighborhood.{{Harvtxt|Dias|2011|p=48}} At this location, the first pharmacy in the current Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region was established by pharmacist (and future politician) Raimundo Alves de Carvalho.{{cite web |url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/personagens/noticias.asp?codigo=547 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141118223604/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/personagens/noticias.asp?codigo=547 |archive-date=November 18, 2014 |title=Notable Figures of Vale do Aço - Raimundo Alves de Carvalho |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}}

The Pedra Mole Station was deactivated a few years after its opening due to a change in the EFVM's route, and a new terminal was built in the current Center of Ipatinga.{{cite web|url=http://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/9674/Historia-da-Cidade |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150428181140/http://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/9674/Historia-da-Cidade |archive-date=April 28, 2015 |title=City History |author=Prefeitura |date=April 17, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2016}} In 1924, the Calado Station was established in Coronel Fabriciano, where the Belgo-Mineira Steel Company set up operations in the 1930s. Large areas were acquired to centralize the company's timber extraction in the region to fuel its furnaces in João Monlevade.{{Harvtxt|Sampaio|2008|pp=21–22}} However, only Coronel Fabriciano experienced significant population and urban growth between the 1930s and 1940s, intensified by the establishment of Acesita in 1944, leading to its emancipation from Antônio Dias in 1948. Under Law No. 1,039, dated December 12, 1953, the Ipatinga settlement was elevated to a district of Fabriciano.{{cite web|url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/minasgerais/ipatinga.pdf |title=Ipatinga - History |author=Enciclopédia dos Municípios Brasileiros |date=2007 |publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |access-date=June 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140828214323/http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/dtbs/minasgerais/ipatinga.pdf |archive-date=August 28, 2014}}

The presence of charcoal kilns operated by Belgo-Mineira and Acesita boosted local commercial activity, further supported by the construction of the Salto Grande Hydroelectric Plant in Braúnas. Machinery for this project was unloaded in the settlement, stored, and gradually transported to the dam. Nevertheless, the Ipatinga district received little attention from the municipal seat until the late 1950s.{{cite journal |last1=Genovez |first1=Patrícia Falco |last2=Valadares |first2=Vagner Bravos |date=October 2013 |doi=10.5212/Rev.Hist.Reg.v.18i2.0005 |title=The territorial formation of Coronel Fabriciano (seat) and Ipatinga (district) between the 1920s and 1960s: Who are the Established and the Outsiders? |pages=381–382 |journal=Revista de História Regional |publisher=Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG) |url=http://www.revistas2.uepg.br/index.php/rhr/article/viewFile/5382/3740 |access-date=August 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170709000847/http://www.revistas2.uepg.br/index.php/rhr/article/viewFile/5382/3740 |archive-date=July 9, 2017 |url-status=dead |issn=1414-0055}} Until then, its primary economic activities remained tied to agriculture and livestock.{{cite web|url=http://www.circuitomataatlantica.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615192943/http://www.circuitomataatlantica.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=160 |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=Ipatinga |author=Circuito Turístico Mata Atlântica de Minas Gerais |access-date=June 15, 2016 |url-status=dead}}

In 1956, a Japanese commission visited the then-district of Ipatinga, selecting it as the site for the Usiminas steel plant. Factors influencing this decision included suitable topography, proximity to raw material sources and consumer markets, availability of water resources, abundant electricity, local railway infrastructure, and proximity to other steelmaking centers. News of the steel plant's construction attracted many new residents even before its establishment, necessitating urban planning for the city.{{Harvtxt|Giusti|2013|p=5}}{{Harvtxt|Sampaio|2008|pp=24–25; 30}}

With the establishment of Usiminas in Ipatinga, entire neighborhoods were built to house its workers, with Horto being the first.{{Harvtxt|Dias|2011|p=79}} At that time, the settlement had about 60 houses and 300 inhabitants. The development of the first urban plan for what was then called the Workers' Village,{{Harvtxt|Dias|2011|pp=75–76}} designed by architect Raphael Hardy Filho in 1958, enabled the establishment of the municipality's initial neighborhoods.{{cite web |url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/personagens/noticias.asp?codigo=825 |title=Notable Figures of Vale do Aço - Raphael Hardy Filho |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611185537/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/personagens/noticias.asp?codigo=825 |archive-date=June 11, 2016}} The residential complexes of the former Workers' Village are located between the Piracicaba River and the steel plant{{Harvtxt|Giusti|2013|p=7}} and were distributed according to the company's hierarchy, distinguishing between engineers, technicians, workers, and supervisors.{{Harvtxt|Giusti|2013|p=3}} Usiminas began operations on October 26, 1962, after then-President João Goulart ignited the blast furnace for the first time, enabling the initial run of pig iron.{{Harvtxt|Sampaio|2008|pp=246–247}}

However, state investments, which accounted for 55% of Usiminas' state capital—5% from national entrepreneurs and 40% from Japanese investors—{{cite web|url=http://www.integradias.com.br/2013/10/reveja-sadacruzeiro-x-funvictaubat/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141016151846/http://www.integradias.com.br/2013/10/reveja-sadacruzeiro-x-funvictaubat/ |archive-date=October 16, 2014 |title=History – The Ipatinga Massacre of 1963 turns 50 |author=Rádio Integração |date=October 7, 2013 |access-date=June 15, 2016}} were largely confined to the company's surroundings and gave little consideration to Coronel Fabriciano as a whole, which had exempted Usiminas from taxes.{{cite web|url=http://www.bdtd.ufes.br/tedesimplificado/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=611 |title=Rotary Club: activities in Canaã, Minas Gerais |author=Rotary International |page=10; 26 |publisher=Universidade Federal do Espírito Santo (UFES) |access-date=June 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141013122702/http://www.bdtd.ufes.br/tedesimplificado/tde_busca/arquivo.php?codArquivo=611 |archive-date=October 13, 2014}} Moreover, the infrastructure provided by the company was insufficient to meet the needs of workers from the region or those arriving from other parts of Brazil seeking employment, as well as those not employed in the industry. In Ipatinga, housing was scarce, and violence rates were high.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=42–49}}{{Harvtxt|Farias|2010|pp=63–69}}

File:Monumento 7 de Outubro, Ipatinga MG.JPG.]]

Protests by Usiminas workers against poor housing and working conditions, compounded by humiliations such as being searched before entering and leaving the company, intensified military oppression under orders from Minas Gerais Governor José de Magalhães Pinto.{{Harvtxt|Fernandes|2013|pp=65–66}} On October 7, 1963, approximately six thousand striking workers at the company's entrance{{Harvtxt|Fernandes|2013|p=111}} were fired upon by 19 soldiers positioned on a truck. The incident, known as the Ipatinga Massacre, officially resulted in eight deaths and 79 injuries, though these figures have been contested.{{cite web|url=http://www.ebc.com.br/noticias/brasil/2013/10/comissao-da-verdade-realiza-audiencia-para-relembrar-massacre-de-ipatinga |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160118204444/http://www.ebc.com.br/noticias/brasil/2013/10/comissao-da-verdade-realiza-audiencia-para-relembrar-massacre-de-ipatinga |archive-date=January 18, 2016 |title=Truth Commission holds hearing to commemorate the Ipatinga Massacre |author=Luciano Nascimento |date=October 6, 2013 |publisher=Agência Brasil |access-date=June 15, 2016}}

In the months following the massacre, salary increases were granted, the security team was replaced, and the soldiers involved in the attacks and massacre were convicted. However, the 1964 coup ousted then-President and unionist João Goulart, initiating the military regime. This led to the arrest of local unionists and labor movement leaders, and the involved police officers were acquitted.{{Harvtxt|Fernandes|2013|p=159}} The construction of residential complexes also intensified during the 1960s.{{Harvtxt|Sampaio|2008|pp=34–35}}

Prior to the massacre, there was already dissatisfaction among Ipatinga's population with Coronel Fabriciano's administration due to the distance to the municipal seat and a sense of isolation, leading to the formation of a pro-emancipation commission in 1962.{{cite web|url=http://euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=313 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615193029/http://euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=313 |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=The political-administrative emancipation of Ipatinga - Chapter II |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=328 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615193110/http://euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=328 |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=The political-administrative emancipation of Ipatinga - Chapter V |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} Like the district of Timóteo, Ipatinga's emancipation was approved by the Coronel Fabriciano City Council and enacted by the Legislative Assembly of Minas Gerais through state law No. 2,764, dated December 30, 1962, but was vetoed by Governor Magalhães Pinto under the influence of a political alliance with then-Fabriciano mayor Cyro Cotta Poggiali.{{Harvtxt|Sampaio|2008|p=43}}{{cite web |url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=56 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150827231304/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=56 |archive-date=August 27, 2015 |title=Municipal emancipation involved a political maneuver |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} Fabriciano's administration was reluctant to lose revenue from Acesita (in Timóteo) and Usiminas, and the governor claimed he aimed to maintain the political, administrative, economic, and financial unity of this industrial hub.{{Harvtxt|Câmara Municipal|1990|pp=8–9}}

In 1962, the district had about 20,000 inhabitants.{{cite web|url=http://euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=329 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615193145/http://euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=329 |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=The political-administrative emancipation of Ipatinga - Chapter VI |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} However, influenced by the 1963 massacre and a rift between Fabriciano's mayor and Magalhães Pinto, a new commission secured Ipatinga's emancipation approval by the State Interior Secretariat on April 28, 1964. The same process also emancipated the district of Timóteo, as well as João Monlevade and Bela Vista de Minas, from Coronel Fabriciano. The independence of Ipatinga and Timóteo was announced on a stage set up in Fabriciano's Centro around noon on the same day, formalized with publication in the Official Gazette the following day, April 29.{{cite web|url=http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/g1-vales-faz-reportagem-especial-em-comemoracao-aos-53-anos-de-ipatinga-e-timoteo.ghtml |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170516154225/http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/g1-vales-faz-reportagem-especial-em-comemoracao-aos-53-anos-de-ipatinga-e-timoteo.ghtml |archive-date=May 16, 2017 |title=G1 Vales produces special report to celebrate 53 years of Ipatinga and Timóteo |author=InterTV dos Vales |date=April 28, 2017 |publisher=G1 |access-date=May 16, 2017}} José Orozimbo da Silva was appointed as interim mayor, later replaced by Délio Baêta Costa,{{cite web|url=http://euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=332 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615193240/http://euamoipatinga.com.br/causos/noticias.asp?codigo=332 |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=The political-administrative emancipation of Ipatinga - Final chapter |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} but Fernando Santos Coura was the first elected mayor, assuming office on December 4, 1965.Cartilha do Cidadão do Vale do Aço, 2000, pag. 206.

File:Monumento Tomie Ohtake, Ipatinga MG.JPG Monument (2004). Commissioned by Usiminas to mark its 41st anniversary, it is located near the site of the Ipatinga Massacre, though its designer does not assign a specific meaning to the work.{{Harvtxt|Farias|2010|pp=200–202}}]]

By 1967, the Workers' Village included the neighborhoods Amaro Lanari, Bom Retiro, Cariru, Castelo, Horto, Imbaúbas, and Vila Ipanema. Among other essential infrastructure, the São Francisco Xavier School (1962) and the Márcio Cunha Hospital (1967) were established.{{cite web|url=http://www.fsfx.com.br/historia/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615193313/http://www.fsfx.com.br/historia/ |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=History |author=Fundação São Francisco Xavier (FSFX) |access-date=June 15, 2016}} Influenced by the 1963 massacre, Usiminas adopted human resources and social assistance policies from the 1960s onward, as employment at the steel plant guaranteed access to housing, infrastructure, and healthcare. To regulate the purchase and sale of homes and land and preserve the original city plan, Raphael Hardy Filho developed a housing plan in 1965, stipulating that any construction in the residential complexes required approval from the company's Housing and Urbanism Department. Between the 1970s and 1980s, cemeteries, movie theaters, cultural and theatrical foundations, a bus terminal, and the Ipatingão Stadium were built.

Parallel to the original Workers' Village, the growth of the non-industrial population led to the emergence of new neighborhoods unrelated to the company, particularly in the city's periphery, during the second half of the 20th century.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=98–100}}{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=80–85}} Unplanned growth, combined with natural conditions, contributed to natural disasters during the floods of 1979.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv2|PDDI|2014|p=482}} In February of that year, floods, bridge collapses, and landslides isolated the city after days of heavy rain across the Doce River basin.{{cite web|url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=66671 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707015155/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=66671 |archive-date=July 7, 2016 |title=34 years and over ten thousand editions... |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=July 6, 2016 |url-status=dead}} In Ipatinga alone, the rains left about 10,000 people homeless and 42 dead, many due to a landslide in the so-called Iapi gully, located between the current Cidade Nobre and Esperança neighborhoods.{{cite web|url=http://www.aquafluxus.com.br/historico-de-enchentes-no-brasil-parte-2/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707015326/http://www.aquafluxus.com.br/historico-de-enchentes-no-brasil-parte-2/ |archive-date=July 7, 2016 |title=History of floods in Brazil - part 2 |author=Luiza Ribeiro |date=November 27, 2014 |publisher=AquaFluxus |access-date=July 6, 2016}}

File:MPJ3451 IPN aguia branca 5480 viale OF-1721 (30141736196).jpg

The Avenida 28 de Abril (formerly Rua do Comércio or Rua do Buraco) in Ipatinga's Center was also flooded during the 1979 rains.{{cite web |url=http://www.jvaonline.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=65284 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231194244/http://www.jvaonline.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=65284 |archive-date=December 31, 2012 |title=The curse of years ending in 9 |author=Jornal Vale do Aço |date=December 2, 2008 |access-date=July 6, 2016 |url-status=dead}} This avenue is another example of disorganized development,{{cite web |url=https://ensfundamental1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/histc3b3rico-da-avenida-vinte-e-oito-de-abril1.doc |title=History of Avenida Vinte e Oito de Abril |author=Ipatinga Municipal Education Department |date=June 9, 2010 |access-date=June 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140922083127/https://ensfundamental1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/histc3b3rico-da-avenida-vinte-e-oito-de-abril1.doc |archive-date=September 22, 2014}} with a significant presence of slums, contributing to high levels of violence and prostitution, in addition to flooding issues. In the early 1990s, booming commercial activity spurred the restructuring of this area, with part of its population relocated to public housing.{{cite web |url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/pracas/noticias.asp?codigo=9 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20141202173021/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/pracas/noticias.asp?codigo=9 |archive-date=December 2, 2014 |title=Avenida 28 de Abril |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=June 15, 2016}} Despite housing projects, land regularization, and lot acquisitions, the presence of favelas in Ipatinga remained significant between the 2000s and 2010s, placing the city among those with the highest percentages of residents living in such conditions in Minas Gerais.{{cite web|url=http://www.jvaonline.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=94563 |title=Fabriciano: highest number of slum dwellers |author=Jornal Vale do Aço |date=December 22, 2011 |access-date=July 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121215045615/http://www.jvaonline.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=94563 |archive-date=December 15, 2012 |url-status=dead}}{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv3|PDDI|2014|pp=600–605}}

The privatization of Usiminas in the early 1990s shifted public administration focus from the company to the city as a whole. The Municipal Master Plan drafted in 1991 emphasized goals to "highlight the city's history and spaces, propose ways to integrate it into daily life, enable the creation of collective references, and foster recognition and appropriation of the city by its population."{{Harvtxt|Sampaio|2008|pp=66–68}} After its privatization, Usiminas increased investments in arts and cultural facilities to maintain credibility following past events,{{Harvtxt|Farias|2010|p=199}} such as the establishment of the Zélia Olguin Theater in 1994 and the Usiminas Cultural Center in 1998. Employment at Usiminas also guaranteed free dental care for entire families, resulting in Ipatinga recording an index of 0.3 decayed, missing, or filled teeth per inhabitant in 2001, compared to Brazil's average of 4.9 and Finland's 1.2 (the lowest globally, according to the UN).{{cite web|url=http://exame.abril.com.br/revista-exame/edicoes/754/noticias/uma-historia-em-comum-m0044462 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160828000505/http://exame.abril.com.br/revista-exame/edicoes/754/noticias/uma-historia-em-comum-m0044462 |archive-date=August 28, 2016 |title=A shared history |author=José Maria Furtado |date=November 27, 2001 |publisher=Exame |access-date=August 30, 2016}} Its employees held 10% of the company's capital with profit-sharing rights.{{cite web|url=http://exame.abril.com.br/revista-exame/edicoes/647a/noticias/usiminas-m0052190 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160828000359/http://exame.abril.com.br/revista-exame/edicoes/647a/noticias/usiminas-m0052190 |archive-date=August 28, 2016 |title=Usiminas |author=Maria Tereza Gomes |date=October 21, 1997 |publisher=Exame |access-date=August 30, 2016}} In 2002, investments from the municipality, federal and state governments, and Usiminas made Ipatinga one of the first cities of its size in Latin America to treat 100% of its wastewater.{{cite web|url=http://www.saneamentobasico.com.br/portal/index.php/arquivo/ipatinga-e-a-primeira-cidade-da-america-latina-a-ter-todo-esgoto-coletado-e-tratado/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160512214015/http://www.saneamentobasico.com.br/portal/index.php/arquivo/ipatinga-e-a-primeira-cidade-da-america-latina-a-ter-todo-esgoto-coletado-e-tratado/ |archive-date=May 12, 2016 |title=Ipatinga is the first Latin American city to have all sewage collected and treated |author=Portal Saneamento Básico |date=April 30, 2002 |access-date=June 15, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://memoria.ebc.com.br/agenciabrasil/noticia/2003-04-05/cidade-mineira-tem-100-de-esgoto-sanitario-tratado |title=Minas Gerais city has 100% of sanitary sewage treated |author=Agência Brasil |date=April 5, 2003 |access-date=June 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603172002/http://memoria.ebc.com.br/agenciabrasil/noticia/2003-04-05/cidade-mineira-tem-100-de-esgoto-sanitario-tratado |archive-date=June 3, 2016}}

File:Vista parcial dos bairros Ideal, Cidade Nobre e Iguaçu, Ipatinga MG2.JPG

At the start of the 21st century, Ipatinga and the Vale do Aço were recognized for their industrial focus, with growing commerce and service sectors, establishing the region as a hub for several municipalities in eastern Minas Gerais.{{Cite FTP |url=ftp://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/Regic/regic.zip |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |title=Regions of influence of cities 2007 |date=October 10, 2008 |access-date=August 10, 2011 |url-status=dead |server=FTP server }} Economic studies frequently cited Ipatinga, such as a SEBRAE survey identifying it as one of the best cities in Minas Gerais to start a business in 2012,{{cite web|url=http://exame.abril.com.br/pme/noticias/as-10-melhores-cidades-para-abrir-um-negocio-em-mg |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615193453/http://exame.abril.com.br/pme/noticias/as-10-melhores-cidades-para-abrir-um-negocio-em-mg |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=The 10 best cities to start a business in MG |author=Simone Guedes |date=November 26, 2012 |publisher=Exame |access-date=June 15, 2016}} and among the top 100 Brazilian municipalities for real estate investment in 2015.{{cite web|url=http://exame.abril.com.br/seu-dinheiro/noticias/as-100-melhores-cidades-do-brasil-para-investir-em-imoveis-2 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160615193609/http://exame.abril.com.br/seu-dinheiro/noticias/as-100-melhores-cidades-do-brasil-para-investir-em-imoveis-2 |archive-date=June 15, 2016 |title=The 100 best Brazilian cities for real estate investment |author=Priscila Yazbek and Marília Almeida |date=September 10, 2015 |publisher=Exame |access-date=June 15, 2016}} In 2016, it ranked 48th among Brazil's smartest cities, according to Bloomberg Philanthropies' ranking, which evaluates public administration innovations addressing social issues.{{cite web|url=http://exame.abril.com.br/brasil/noticias/5-cidades-brasileiras-na-lista-d-20-de-solucoes-inteligentes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160811192945/http://exame.abril.com.br/brasil/noticias/5-cidades-brasileiras-na-lista-d-20-de-solucoes-inteligentes |archive-date=August 11, 2016 |title=5 Brazilian cities in the top 20 for smart solutions |author=Raphael Martins |date=June 20, 2016 |publisher=Exame |access-date=August 11, 2016}}

However, the 2008 financial crisis and the Great Recession significantly reduced steel demand and production across Brazil, including in the Vale do Aço. This led to a notable decline in the local industrial workforce due to job cuts and reduced investments, directly impacting the service and commerce sectors.{{cite web|url=http://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/noticias-detalhe/cidades/ipatinga-tambem-e-atingida-por-reflexos-da-crise-do-aco/?cHash=a97937cf65fdfe41bb9fb7dea446bc59 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160317210113/http://www.atribuna.com.br/noticias/noticias-detalhe/cidades/ipatinga-tambem-e-atingida-por-reflexos-da-crise-do-aco/?cHash=a97937cf65fdfe41bb9fb7dea446bc59 |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |title=Ipatinga also hit by the steel crisis fallout |author=Sandro Thadeu |date=December 13, 2015 |publisher=A Tribuna |access-date=June 15, 2016}} In the municipality alone, {{formatnum:7879}} industrial jobs were eliminated between 2011 and 2013.{{cite web|url=http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2014/02/crise-fez-industria-de-ipatinga-mg-ser-2-que-mais-demitiu-em-2013.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160317210338/http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2014/02/crise-fez-industria-de-ipatinga-mg-ser-2-que-mais-demitiu-em-2013.html |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |title=Crisis made Ipatinga's industry the 2nd highest in layoffs in 2013 |author=Darlan Alvarenga and Patrícia Belo |date=February 27, 2014 |publisher=G1 |access-date=July 6, 2016}} A total of {{formatnum:10871}} layoffs across all sectors were recorded between January and March 2015, with the majority ({{formatnum:3782}}) in construction,{{cite web|url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/93152-6/cidades/desempregados-aumentam-na-regiao |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160317210325/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/93152-6/cidades/desempregados-aumentam-na-regiao |archive-date=March 17, 2016 |title=Unemployment rises in the region |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=May 9, 2015 |access-date=July 6, 2016}} and 25% of the municipal government's commissioned positions were suspended by December 2015. By the early 2020s, the tertiary sector had regained strength, but the industry, while stabilized, contributed fewer new jobs.{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0121173-servicos-sustenta-geracao-de-empregos-na--rmva-em-2024-mas-industria-continua-fraca |title=Service sector sustains job creation in the RMVA in 2024, but industry remains weak |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=December 31, 2024 |access-date=January 2, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102173649/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0121173-servicos-sustenta-geracao-de-empregos-na--rmva-em-2024-mas-industria-continua-fraca |archive-date=January 2, 2025}}

{{Clear}}

The municipality's area is {{formatnum:164.884|km²}} km², representing 0.0282% of Minas Gerais' territory, 0.0179% of the Southeast Region, and 0.0019% of Brazil's total territory.{{cite web|url=http://www.cnm.org.br/dado_geral/mumain.asp?iIdMun=100131358 |title=General data Ipatinga - MG |author=Confederação Nacional dos Municípios (CNM) |access-date=March 30, 2010}} Of this total, {{formatnum:39.78|km²}} km² are urban. According to the regional division effective since 2017, established by the IBGE,{{cite web|url=http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/geociencias/geografia/default_div_int.shtm |title=Regional Division of Brazil |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2017 |access-date=September 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905163107/http://www.ibge.gov.br/home/geociencias/geografia/default_div_int.shtm |archive-date=September 5, 2017}} the municipality belongs to the Intermediate and Immediate Geographic Regions of Ipatinga.{{cite web|url=https://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/divisao_regional/divisao_regional_do_brasil/divisao_regional_do_brasil_em_regioes_geograficas_2017/tabelas/regioes_geograficas_composicao_por_municipios_2017_20180911.xls |title=Database of municipalities in the Immediate and Intermediate Geographic Regions of Brazil |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2017 |access-date=February 10, 2018}} Previously, under the division into microregions and mesoregions, it was part of the Ipatinga microregion, included in the Vale do Rio Doce mesoregion.{{cite web|url=https://geoftp.ibge.gov.br/organizacao_do_territorio/estrutura_territorial/divisao_territorial/2016/DTB_2016_v2.zip |title=Brazilian Territorial Division 2016 |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2016 |access-date=September 5, 2017}}

File:Foz do Rio Piracicaba no Rio Doce vista do mirante da Estação Pedra Mole, Ipatinga MG.JPG (right) and Doce River viewed from the Pedra Mole Station lookout.]]

Ipatinga is situated in the interplateau depression of the Vale do Rio Doce, with its topography shaped by fluvial erosion acting on granite-gneiss rocks from the Precambrian period.{{cite web|url=http://www.riodoce.cbh.gov.br/bacia_caracterizacao.asp |title=Characterization of the Doce River Basin |author=Comitê da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Doce |access-date=July 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006105252/http://www.riodoce.cbh.gov.br/bacia_caracterizacao.asp |archive-date=October 6, 2014}} The geological complex includes gneissic, magmatic, and metamorphic rocks, such as biotite-gneiss, granitic rocks, and granite-gneiss.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=63–65}} The terrain is diverse, with 55% of Ipatinga's territory being flat, 30% undulating, and the remaining 15% rugged.{{cite web|url=http://cidadesnet.com/municipios/ipatinga.htm |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130119074908/http://cidadesnet.com/municipios/ipatinga.htm |archive-date=January 19, 2013 |title=Ipatinga - MG |author=Cidades.Net |access-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=dead}}

The highest elevations are found in the northwest, in the Serra dos Cocais range, reaching up to {{formatnum:1163}} meters. Conversely, the lowest altitudes are along the riverbanks, with the minimum elevation of 235 meters at the mouth of the Piracicaba River in the Doce River.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=111–114}} The Piracicaba River's location and the flat terrain nearby facilitated the establishment of the Vitória-Minas Railway and Usiminas, and later the urban perimeter of Ipatinga, which was forced to expand toward higher elevations. Consequently, significant occupation, particularly by lower-income communities, has occurred in areas with steep slopes.

The municipality lies within the Doce River Basin and is part of the Piracicaba River sub-basin. The mouth of the Piracicaba River in the Doce River is near the Cariru neighborhood, on the border with Timóteo. Underground, beneath the Piracicaba River's mouth, lies an alluvial aquifer, the source of water for most of the Vale do Aço's supply.{{cite web|url=http://www.jornalvaledoaco.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=81202 |title=Lack of rain reduces reserves |author=Jornal Vale do Aço |date=February 27, 2010 |access-date=July 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120118151458/http://www.jornalvaledoaco.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=81202 |archive-date=January 18, 2012 |url-status=dead}} The main sub-basin within the municipal territory is that of the Ipanema Stream, covering about {{formatnum:150|km²}} km²,{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=457–458}} with its main course traversing the city before reaching its mouth in the Doce River after a {{formatnum:28.5|km}} km journey.{{cite web|url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=49502 |title=Hydrographic research in rural areas |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=September 30, 2010 |access-date=July 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101007142020/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=49502 |archive-date=October 7, 2010 |url-status=dead}} Other urban watercourses include the Bom Jardim, Forquilha, Madalena, Novo, Pedra Branca, Taúbas, and Vaga-lume streams.{{Harvtxt|ref=CBHPiracicaba|CBH-Piracicaba|2015|p=202}} The rural municipal area, however, hosts numerous small watercourses and over 320 springs.{{cite web|url=http://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/42146/Projeto-Mapa-da-Mina-ja-catalogou-320-nascentes-na-rural-de-Ipatinga |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160704203629/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:eUWUtdLBdMAJ:www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/42146/Projeto-Mapa-da-Mina-ja-catalogou-320-nascentes-na-rural-de-Ipatinga+&cd=1&hl=pt-BR&ct=clnk&gl=br |archive-date=July 4, 2016 |title=Mapa da Mina Project has cataloged 320 springs in rural Ipatinga |author=Prefeitura |date=September 21, 2015 |access-date=July 6, 2016}}

{{Main|Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region}}

File:Vista aérea de Ipatinga MG.JPG

Ipatinga borders Mesquita and Santana do Paraíso to the north, Caratinga to the east, Timóteo to the south, and Coronel Fabriciano to the west. The region's rapid growth has blurred political boundaries between municipalities, forming the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region (RMVA), which includes Ipatinga, Coronel Fabriciano, Santana do Paraíso, and Timóteo, along with 24 other municipalities in the metropolitan belt. As the seat of Usiminas and other metal-mechanical companies, Ipatinga is a key employer for surrounding cities{{Harvtxt|ref=Dinâmica|ABEP|2012|p=15}} and, in 2011, generated 68.9% of the metropolitan region's GDP.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|p=61}} The region gained international recognition due to major companies such as Cenibra (in Belo Oriente), Aperam South America (in Timóteo), and Usiminas (in Ipatinga), all with significant export volumes. Despite its recent settlement, the region is one of the state's main urban hubs.

File:Pôr do sol no Parque Ipanema, Ipatinga MG.JPG on a September afternoon]]

Ipatinga's climate is classified as tropical wet and dry{{cite web |url=http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/mapas/GEBIS%20-%20RJ/BrasilClimas.jpg |title=Brazil - Climates |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |publisher=IBGE Library |access-date=October 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012015042/http://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/mapas/GEBIS%20-%20RJ/BrasilClimas.jpg |archive-date=October 12, 2013 |url-status=dead}} type Aw according to the Köppen system,{{cite web|url=http://pt.climate-data.org/location/2884/ |title=Climate: Ipatinga |author=Climate-Data.org |access-date=June 26, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150623011020/http://pt.climate-data.org/location/2884/ |archive-date=June 23, 2015}} with an average annual temperature of {{formatnum:23|°C}} °C and average annual rainfall of {{formatnum:1360|mm}} mm, concentrated between October and April. The rainy season encompasses the warmer months, while the dry season covers the milder months. Autumn and spring are transitional seasons.{{cite web|url=https://pt.weatherspark.com/y/30691/Clima-caracter%C3%ADstico-em-Ipatinga-Brasil-durante-o-ano |title=Average weather conditions in Ipatinga |author=Weather Spark |access-date=August 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830214131/https://pt.weatherspark.com/y/30691/Clima-caracter%C3%ADstico-em-Ipatinga-Brasil-durante-o-ano |archive-date=August 30, 2018}} The transition between dry and wet periods is marked by thunderstorms and high thermal amplitude, particularly from late winter to spring.{{cite web|url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0029508-primavera-pode-trazer-temporais |title=Spring may bring storms |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=September 13, 2010 |access-date=September 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907122213/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0029508-primavera-pode-trazer-temporais |archive-date=September 7, 2020}}

Precipitation primarily occurs as rain, with occasional hail, recorded on September 4, 2006,{{cite web |url=http://www7.cptec.inpe.br/~rupload/figcartas/resumo_mensal/set06/cas_sign_setembro_06_pag.pdf |title=Meteorological events of September 2006 |author=Centro de Previsão de Tempo e Estudos Climáticos (CPTEC) |date=October 1, 2006 |access-date=July 8, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630100355/http://www7.cptec.inpe.br/~rupload/figcartas/resumo_mensal/set06/cas_sign_setembro_06_pag.pdf |archive-date=June 30, 2015}} December 17, 2012,{{cite web|url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=68684 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130424073849/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=68684 |archive-date=April 24, 2013 |title=Storms cause damage in Ipatinga |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=December 17, 2012 |access-date=July 8, 2015 |url-status=dead}} and January 21, 2025.{{cite web |url=https://plox.com.br/noticia/21/01/2025/temporal-causa-queda-de-arvores-em-ipatinga-e-timoteo-defesa-civil-emite-alerta-para-vale-do-aco |title=Storm causes tree falls in Ipatinga and Timóteo; Civil Defense issues alert for Vale do Aço |author=Plox |date=January 21, 2025 |access-date=February 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227192640/https://plox.com.br/noticia/21/01/2025/temporal-causa-queda-de-arvores-em-ipatinga-e-timoteo-defesa-civil-emite-alerta-para-vale-do-aco |archive-date=February 27, 2025}} Rains may be accompanied by lightning and strong wind gusts.{{cite web|url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/ler_noticia.php?id=57114&t=tempestade-de-raios-marca-o-comeco-da-noite-no-vale-do-aco- |title=Lightning storm marks the start of the night in Vale do Aço |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=March 3, 2018 |access-date=August 30, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830214346/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/ler_noticia.php?id=57114&t=tempestade-de-raios-marca-o-comeco-da-noite-no-vale-do-aco- |archive-date=August 30, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0076066-vendaval-causa-estragos-no-vale-do-aao |title=Windstorm causes damage in Vale do Aço |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=February 21, 2020 |access-date=September 7, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907122359/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0076066-vendaval-causa-estragos-no-vale-do-aao |archive-date=September 7, 2020}} On the night of December 25, 2023, a storm brought wind gusts of up to {{formatnum:120|km/h}} km/h, causing roof damage, fallen trees, and power outages across the city.{{cite web|url=https://plox.com.br/noticia/26/12/2023/ventos-de-120kmh-atingem-ipatinga-e-deixam-ao-menos-90-pontos-sem-energia-eletrica |title=Winds of 120km/h hit Ipatinga, leaving at least 90 areas without electricity |author=Plox |date=December 26, 2023 |access-date=April 1, 2024 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240401201032/https://plox.com.br/noticia/26/12/2023/ventos-de-120kmh-atingem-ipatinga-e-deixam-ao-menos-90-pontos-sem-energia-eletrica |archive-date=April 1, 2024}} According to the Atmospheric Electricity Group of the INPE in 2018, the municipality has a lightning density of 2.947 strikes per km²/year, ranking 278th in Minas Gerais and {{formatnum:3218}}th nationally.{{cite web|url=http://www.inpe.br/webelat/homepage/menu/noticias/ranking.de.municipios.php |title=Municipal ranking |author=Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (INPE) |publisher=Atmospheric Electricity Group |access-date=August 30, 2018}}

With over 1,800 hours of sunshine annually, Ipatinga's average yearly relative humidity is 84%. However, low humidity levels can occur during the dry season or prolonged Indian summers (dry spells). During these periods, dry air combined with air pollution increases the concentration of atmospheric pollutants, contributing to poorer air quality.{{cite journal |last=Araújo |first=Viviane Macedo Reis |year=2011 |title=Air Quality Monitoring in the Vale do Aço Region, MG: Municipalities of Coronel Fabriciano and Ipatinga |journal=Centro Universitário Católica do Leste de Minas Gerais (Unileste) |pages=103, 121 |url=https://www.unilestemg.br/portal/mestrado/dissertacoes/dissertacao_030_viviane.pdf |access-date=2018-04-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180424224709/https://www.unilestemg.br/portal/mestrado/dissertacoes/dissertacao_030_viviane.pdf |archive-date=2018-04-24 |url-status=dead}} Fog forms when high humidity combines with low temperatures.{{cite web |url=http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/brasil/nevoeiro-em-ipatinga-mg/n1237680533570.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150707181444/http://ultimosegundo.ig.com.br/brasil/nevoeiro-em-ipatinga-mg/n1237680533570.html |archive-date=2015-07-07 |title=Nevoeiro em Ipatinga - MG |author=Climatempo |date=2008-05-06 |publisher=IG |access-date=2015-07-08}} The prevailing wind comes from the east, with the windiest period occurring between August 3 and December 6, when the average wind speed is 10.6 kilometers per hour, peaking slightly in September and October. During the calmer season from March to June, average wind speeds range between 8 and 9 kilometers per hour.

According to data from the National Institute of Meteorology (INMET), collected during the periods of 1961–1962, 1979–1983, 1985–1988, 1990, and 1992–2005 at the former Usiminas weather station, the lowest recorded temperature in Ipatinga was 7.6 °C on June 1, 1979, and the highest reached 38.9 °C on November 29, 1993. The lowest relative humidity recorded was 21% on November 21, 1982. The highest 24-hour precipitation total was 241.7 millimeters (mm) on November 14, 1981. Other significant precipitation events (completing the top five) include 204.2 mm on December 16, 1988, 181.3 mm on November 20, 1998, 180 mm on March 20, 1979, and 171.1 mm on December 10, 1980. Subsequent measurements by Usiminas recorded a record high of 42.6 °C on October 31, 2012,{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=67678 |title=Fritura ao ar livre |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2012-10-31 |access-date=2015-07-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129203621/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=67678 |archive-date=2014-11-29 |url-status=dead}} and an absolute minimum humidity of 16% on September 10, 2012.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=66464 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131105070245/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=66464 |archive-date=2013-11-05 |title=Tempo quente, seco e desconfortável |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2012-09-13 |access-date=2015-07-08 |url-status=dead}} On the night of January 12, 2025, Ipatinga was struck by a storm that dumped over 200 mm of rain in six hours, causing floods and landslides across various parts of the city, resulting in at least ten deaths.{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0121472-ipatinga-tem-nove-obitos-confirmados-por-causa-de-temporal |title=Ipatinga tem nove óbitos confirmados por causa de temporal |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2025-01-12 |access-date=2025-01-12 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250112233954/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0121472-ipatinga-tem-nove-obitos-confirmados-por-causa-de-temporal |archive-date=2025-01-12}}

{{Weather box

|location = Ipatinga (Usiminas)

|metric first = Yes

|single line = Yes

|Jan high C = 30.3

|Feb high C = 31.4

|Mar high C = 30.7

|Apr high C = 29.4

|May high C = 27.5

|Jun high C = 26.3

|Jul high C = 26.4

|Aug high C = 27.1

|Sep high C = 28.5

|Oct high C = 29.4

|Nov high C = 29.3

|Dec high C = 29.6

|year high C = 28.8

|Jan record high C = 37.4

|Feb record high C = 38.4

|Mar record high C = 36.2

|Apr record high C = 35.2

|May record high C = 34.4

|Jun record high C = 31.8

|Jul record high C = 33.6

|Aug record high C = 34.2

|Sep record high C = 37.8

|Oct record high C = 37.8

|Nov record high C = 38.9

|Dec record high C = 38.8

|year record high C = 38.9

|Jan low C = 21.7

|Feb low C = 21.8

|Mar low C = 21.5

|Apr low C = 20.1

|May low C = 17.6

|Jun low C = 15.5

|Jul low C = 15.1

|Aug low C = 16.0

|Sep low C = 18.4

|Oct low C = 20.1

|Nov low C = 20.9

|Dec low C = 21.2

|year low C = 19.2

|Jan record low C = 16.0

|Feb record low C = 17.4

|Mar record low C = 17.3

|Apr record low C = 14.0

|May record low C = 9.8

|Jun record low C = 7.6

|Jul record low C = 8.4

|Aug record low C = 9.2

|Sep record low C = 10.6

|Oct record low C = 11.2

|Nov record low C = 14.0

|Dec record low C = 15.6

|year record low C = 7.6

|Jan precipitation mm = 260.5

|Feb precipitation mm = 127.5

|Mar precipitation mm = 159.2

|Apr precipitation mm = 77.2

|May precipitation mm = 37.3

|Jun precipitation mm = 9.9

|Jul precipitation mm = 8.2

|Aug precipitation mm = 16.5

|Sep precipitation mm = 31.5

|Oct precipitation mm = 99.5

|Nov precipitation mm = 221.2

|Dec precipitation mm = 311.0

|year precipitation mm = 1359.5

|Jan precipitation days = 13

|Feb precipitation days = 8

|Mar precipitation days = 9

|Apr precipitation days = 6

|May precipitation days = 4

|Jun precipitation days = 2

|Jul precipitation days = 1

|Aug precipitation days = 2

|Sep precipitation days = 4

|Oct precipitation days = 7

|Nov precipitation days = 12

|Dec precipitation days = 16

|year precipitation days = 84

|Jan sun = 152.7

|Feb sun = 173.9

|Mar sun = 173.7

|Apr sun = 172.7

|May sun = 160.9

|Jun sun = 158.6

|Jul sun = 169.2

|Aug sun = 162.6

|Sep sun = 135.0

|Oct sun = 133.6

|Nov sun = 135.5

|Dec sun = 127.4

|year sun = 1855.8

|Jan humidity = 84.0

|Feb humidity = 80.4

|Mar humidity = 83.7

|Apr humidity = 85.2

|May humidity = 85.9

|Jun humidity = 84.6

|Jul humidity = 81.4

|Aug humidity = 78.4

|Sep humidity = 76.6

|Oct humidity = 76.4

|Nov humidity = 81.4

|Dec humidity = 84.6

|year humidity = 81.9

|source 1 = National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) — climatological normal 1981–2010;{{cite web|url=https://portal.inmet.gov.br/normais |title=Normais climatológicas do Brasil |author=Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) |accessdate=January 3, 2021}} temperature records: 1961–1962, 1979–1983, 1985–1988, 1990, 1992–2005{{cite web|url=https://bdmep.inmet.gov.br/ |title=Banco de dados meteorológicos |author=Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia (INMET) |accessdate=January 3, 2021}}

}}

File:Ribeirão Ipanema no B. Iguaçu, Ipatinga MG.JPG

The native vegetation of Ipatinga belongs to the Atlantic Forest biome, with only a few fragmented areas remaining amidst reforestation zones, pastures, and urban areas.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=118–120}} Monoculture reforestation with eucalyptus is significant, covering a larger area than the original biome, primarily to supply raw material for the Cenibra cellulose factory in Belo Oriente. In 2009, eucalyptus plantations covered 3,055.74 hectares (18.36% of Ipatinga's territory), while watercourses accounted for 51.55 hectares (0.31%) and urbanized areas spanned 3,299.01 hectares (19.82%).{{cite web |url=http://geosisemanet.meioambiente.mg.gov.br/inventario_bi/Interface/InventarioFlorestal.aspx?aplicacao=InventarioFlorestal.xml&objeto=municipio&id_marcador=15833&id=3169406&id_camada_referencia=4&tabela=public.municipio# |title=Minas Gerais Forest Inventory - Municipal Query |author=Minas Gerais Forest Inventory |access-date=2016-07-06}} By 2014, eucalyptus plantations occupied 32.75 km² (19.5% of the municipality's area), while native Atlantic Forest covered 6 km² (3.65% of the total area).

Ipatinga is home to one environmental protection area (APA) and two Private Natural Heritage Reserves (RPPNs), which, together with neighboring preservation areas such as the Serra dos Cocais in Coronel Fabriciano and the Santana do Paraíso APA, form a wildlife corridor connecting to the Rio Doce State Park (PERD),{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=120–124}} the largest remaining Atlantic Forest fragment in Minas Gerais and one of the state's most significant lake systems. However, some local preservation areas are used for pastures or eucalyptus cultivation.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv2|PDDI|2014|pp=358–360}} The Ipanema APA, established in 1997, contains Atlantic Forest remnants that serve as a riparian forest for the headwaters of the Ipanema Creek and other smaller watercourses.{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/97880-6/cidades/incendio-devasta-area-de-protecao-ambiental |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160706212355/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/97880-6/cidades/incendio-devasta-area-de-protecao-ambiental |archive-date=2016-07-06 |title=Incêndio devasta área de proteção ambiental |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2015-10-13 |access-date=2016-07-06}} The Fazenda Córrego da Bucaina and Sítio do Zaca RPPNs are privately owned but registered at the state level as conservation areas.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv2|PDDI|2014|pp=361–363}}

File:Interior do Viveiro Municipal de Ipatinga MG.JPG

The municipality manages five municipal parks: Ipanema, Samambaias, Parque das Montanhas, Parque Ecológico das Águas, and Parque Campo da União. The Ipanema Park, with approximately 1 million m², is the largest urban green area in Minas Gerais. The Samambaia Municipal Park, located in the Bom Jardim neighborhood and established in 2000, features a lake and an Atlantic Forest remnant. Also created in 2000, the Campo da União Park lies between the Planalto II and Parque das Águas (Veneza) neighborhoods. The remaining parks were designated by the 2014 Municipal Master Plan. A municipal nursery is also maintained by the city, where fruit, ornamental, arboreal, and medicinal seedlings are cultivated for public spaces or purchased by residents.{{cite web |url=http://www.jornalvaledoaco.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=84183 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231170134/http://www.jornalvaledoaco.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=84183 |archive-date=2012-12-31 |title=Ipês floridos enfeitam Ipatinga |author=Jornal Vale do Aço |date=2010-07-08 |access-date=2010-09-25 |url-status=dead}} The Usipa Biodiversity Center (CEBUS), managed under Usiminas' oversight, includes a small zoo, a seedling nursery, and a conservation area, offering visits, ecological activities, and programs for schools and the community.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=64031 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160706212614/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=64031 |archive-date=2016-07-06 |title=Compromisso com a sustentabilidade |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2012-06-07 |access-date=2016-07-06 |url-status=dead}}

Ipatinga is considered one of Brazil's most tree-covered cities, with over 100 m² of green space per inhabitant. In 2014, the city reported approximately 100,000 trees planted in public areas, including native species such as mahogany, pine, palms, yellow mombins, mangoes, guavas, and golden trumpet trees. That year, there were 450,000 m² of grassy areas in squares and parks, 40,000 m² of gardens, and about 100 public squares and green spaces, adorned with roughly 20 native species, including purple heart, spider plant, spurflower, heath, ixora, rose moss, periwinkle, and daisy.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariopopularmg.com.br/vis_noticia.aspx?id=9101 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160706212655/http://www.diariopopularmg.com.br/vis_noticia.aspx?id=9101 |archive-date=2016-07-06 |title=A cidade das árvores fica mais bonita na primavera |author=Jornal Diário Popular |date=2014-09-19 |access-date=2016-07-06}} Local fauna includes birds such as the rufous-bellied thrush, thraupis, Andean sparrow, columbina, tanager, and great kiskadee, while wildlife such as oncillas, armadillos, pacas, foxes, and wild rats inhabit the remaining forest areas.{{cite web |url=http://perfil.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/perf_vis.asp?cd=51 |title=Fauna |author=Portal Cidadão |access-date=2010-04-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070731083004/http://perfil.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/perf_vis.asp?cd=51 |archive-date=2007-07-31}}

File:Céu esfumaçado em Ipatinga MG.JPG

Key environmental challenges in Ipatinga include flooding, which causes significant damage in low-lying, densely populated areas during the rainy season,{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=115–116}} and landslides on hills and slopes.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|p=239}} Drainage issues in some areas hinder proper rainwater runoff to watercourses. However, landslide-prone areas are relatively small compared to the urban expanse, as the city's terrain is less rugged, and large portions of the municipal territory are managed by Usiminas. A Municipal Risk Plan identifies areas susceptible to damage.

Forest fires destroy native vegetation, degrade soil quality, and worsen air quality, compounded by air pollution from the Vale do Aço's industrial plants.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=30649 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120730030248/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=30649 |archive-date=2012-07-30 |title=Pesquisa sobre a poluição industrial no Vale do Aço |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2009-09-27 |access-date=2016-07-06 |url-status=dead}} Air quality monitoring panels installed in some neighborhoods provide pollution level updates.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=50584 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160706212911/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=50584 |archive-date=2016-07-06 |title=Cinco meses de monitoramento |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2010-11-20 |access-date=2016-07-06 |url-status=dead}} Water pollution is mitigated by wastewater treatment plants operated by Copasa and Usiminas, serving over 99% of the population.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=200–201}} However, visual pollution is prevalent in urban areas. Posters on payphones, poles, and signs{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/94095-6/cidades/cidade-cada-vez-mais-poluida |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160706213133/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/94095-6/cidades/cidade-cada-vez-mais-poluida |archive-date=2016-07-06 |title=Cidade cada vez mais poluída |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2015-06-04 |access-date=2016-07-06}} exacerbate the problem, as does graffiti on the walls and gates of homes and businesses.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/90269-6/cidades/comunidade-do-iguacu-reclama-de-pichacoes |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160706213358/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/90269-6/cidades/comunidade-do-iguacu-reclama-de-pichacoes |archive-date=2016-07-06 |title=Comunidade do Iguaçu reclama de pichações |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2015-02-11 |access-date=2016-07-06}}

{{Historical populations

| 1872 =

| 1890 =

| 1900 =

| 1920 =

| 1940 =

| 1950 =

| 1960 =

| 1970 |47,882

| 1980 |150,318

| 1991 |180,069

| 2000 |212,496

| 2010 |239,468

| 2022 |227,731

| estimate =

| est_year =

| est_ref =

| footnote = Source: Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE){{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=19&i=P&c=200 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150429145248/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=200&i=P&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=200&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=1&poc2=1&opc1=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&poc1=1&sec58=0&orp=6&qtu3=29&qtu13=47&opv=1&opc2=1&sec1=0&pop=3&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc2=3&opc58=1&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&sec2=0&opp=2&opn3=0&qtu6=5566&opn13=0&orc1=4&poc58=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&orc58=5&opn7=0&decm=99&ascendente=on&sep=36960&orn=1&qtu7=36&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Ipatinga&OpcCara=44&proc=1 |archive-date=2015-04-29 |title=Table 200 - Resident population by sex, status, and age groups - Sample - General Population Characteristics |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=2015-04-29}}

}}

In 2022, Ipatinga's population was estimated at 227,731 inhabitants by the census conducted by the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), reflecting a decline from 2010, when 239,468 residents were recorded. According to the 2022 census, 108,459 inhabitants were male (47.63%), and 119,272 were female (52.37%).{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/10102/122229 |title=Censo 2022 |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2022 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102132814/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/10102/122229 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} Additionally, 227,128 inhabitants lived in the urban area (99.74%), with 603 in the rural area (0.26%).{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9923.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9923/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c1/all/d/v1000093%202/l/v,p%2Bc1,t |title=Table 9923 - Resident population, by household status |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102133036/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9923.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9923/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c1/all/d/v1000093%202/l/v,p%2Bc1,t |archive-date=2025-01-02}} The district seat housed 140,197 inhabitants (61.56% of the municipal population), while the Barra Alegre district had 87,534 residents (38.44%).{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9923.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9923/n10/313130705,313130710/v/all/p/all/c1/all/d/v1000093%202/l/v,p%2Bc1,t |title=Table 9923 - Resident population, by household status - District |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102140946/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9923.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9923/n10/313130705,313130710/v/all/p/all/c1/all/d/v1000093%202/l/v,p%2Bc1,t |archive-date=2025-01-02}}

Of the total population in 2022, 40,540 inhabitants (17.8%) were under 15 years old, 31,620 (13.88%) were aged 15–24, 49,856 (21.9%) were 25–39, 76,946 (33.78%) were 40–64, and 28,769 (12.64%) were 65 or older.{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9514.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9514/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c2/6794/c287/6653,49108,49109,60040,60041,93070,93084,93085,93086,93087,93088,93089,93090,93091,93092,93093,93094,93095,93096,93097,93098,100362/c286/113635/d/v1000093%202/l/v,p%2Bc2%2Bc287,t%2Bc286 |title=Table 9514 - Resident population, by sex, age, and age declaration method |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227185650/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9514.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9514/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c2/6794/c287/6653,49108,49109,60040,60041,93070,93084,93085,93086,93087,93088,93089,93090,93091,93092,93093,93094,93095,93096,93097,93098,100362/c286/113635/d/v1000093%202/l/v,p%2Bc2%2Bc287,t%2Bc286 |archive-date=2025-02-27}} In 2010, the life expectancy at birth was 76.9 years, and the total fertility rate per woman was 1.6.{{cite web |url=http://atlasbrasil.org.br/2013/pt/perfil_m/ipatinga_mg |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150429145444/http://atlasbrasil.org.br/2013/pt/perfil_m/ipatinga_mg |archive-date=2015-04-29 |title=Profile |author=Atlas do Desenvolvimento Humano |date=2013 |publisher=United Nations Development Programme (PNUD) |access-date=2015-04-29}}

According to the IBGE in 2020, Ipatinga is classified as a regional capital in Brazil's urban hierarchy, exerting significant economic and service influence over a population cluster encompassing nine other municipalities: Belo Oriente, Bugre, Coronel Fabriciano, Ipaba, Jaguaraçu, Marliéria, Naque, Santana do Paraíso, and Timóteo. This cluster, in turn, interacts with larger cities such as Belo Horizonte.{{cite book |author=Coordenação de Geografia do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2020-06-25 |title=Regions of Influence of Cities 2018 |url=https://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/livros/liv101728.pdf |location=Rio de Janeiro, RJ |publisher=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |page=24 |isbn=978-65-87201-04-7 |access-date=2020-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907121657/https://biblioteca.ibge.gov.br/visualizacao/livros/liv101728.pdf |archive-date=2020-09-07 |trans-title=Regions of Influence of Cities 2018 |language=Portuguese}}{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0079765-ibge-confirma-metropolizacao-do-vale-do-aco |title=IBGE confirma metropolização do Vale do Aço |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2020-07-01 |access-date=2020-09-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200907121952/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0079765-ibge-confirma-metropolizacao-do-vale-do-aco |archive-date=2020-09-07}}

File:Aglomerado Vila da Paz com prédios ao fundo, Ipatinga MG.JPG, contrasting with buildings in the Iguaçu and Cidade Nobre neighborhoods in the background]]

Ipatinga's Human Development Index (HDI-M) is considered high by the United Nations Development Programme (PNUD), with a value of 0.771, ranking 220th in Brazil and 16th in Minas Gerais. Most of the city's indicators are close to the national average, according to the PNUD. The education index is 0.705, longevity is 0.864, and income is 0.752.

From 2000 to 2010, the proportion of people with a per capita household income of up to half a minimum wage decreased by 61.6%. In 2010, 93.5% of the population lived above the poverty line, 4.7% were at the poverty line, and 1.7% were below it.{{cite web |url=http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/1-acabar-com-a-fome-e-a-miseria/BRA003031357/ipatinga---mg |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150429150734/http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/1-acabar-com-a-fome-e-a-miseria/BRA003031357/ipatinga---mg |archive-date=2015-04-29 |title=1 - End hunger and poverty |author=Portal ODM |access-date=2015-04-29}} The Gini coefficient, which measures economic inequality, was 0.524, where 1.00 is the worst and 0.00 is the best.{{cite web |url=http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/perfil/BRA003031357/ipatinga---mg |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150429150634/http://www.relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/portalodm/perfil/BRA003031357/ipatinga---mg |archive-date=2015-04-29 |title=Municipal profile |author=Portal ODM |date=2012 |access-date=2015-04-29}} The wealthiest 20% of the population accounted for 57.0% of the city's total income, 14.1 times higher than the 4.0% share of the poorest 20%. In 2010, according to the Gorceix Foundation, there was a housing deficit of 10,495 units, while 6,331 properties were vacant.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=56608 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120724133856/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=56608 |archive-date=2012-07-24 |title=Déficit de 10.495 moradias |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2011-08-03 |access-date=2016-07-07 |url-status=dead}}

In 2022, according to the IBGE census, 11.73% of the population lived in slums and urban communities, the tenth-highest proportion among Minas Gerais municipalities.{{cite web |url=https://g1.globo.com/economia/censo/noticia/2024/11/08/infografico-veja-quantas-pessoas-moram-em-favelas-na-sua-cidade.ghtml |title=Infographic: See how many people live in slums in your city |author=G1 |date=2024-11-08 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102133125/https://g1.globo.com/economia/censo/noticia/2024/11/08/infografico-veja-quantas-pessoas-moram-em-favelas-na-sua-cidade.ghtml |archive-date=2025-01-02}} The institute identified 19 slums and urban communities in Ipatinga, housing 26,718 people.{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0119931-coronel-fabriciano-e-ipatinga-estao-entre-as-10-cidades-mineiras-com-mais-favelas-revela-censo |title=Coronel Fabriciano and Ipatinga among the top 10 Minas Gerais cities with the most slums, census reveals |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2024-11-09 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102133140/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0119931-coronel-fabriciano-e-ipatinga-estao-entre-as-10-cidades-mineiras-com-mais-favelas-revela-censo |archive-date=2025-01-02}} Despite planned housing developments for industrial workers during Usiminas' establishment, slums emerged due to uncontrolled land occupation by migrants drawn to local economic growth. Housing projects, land regularization, and lot acquisition are initiatives that aim to improve the management of policies related to these issues.

{{Wide image|Vista panorâmica dos bairros Canaã e Betânia, Ipatinga MG.JPG|1300px|Panoramic view of the Betânia neighborhood with Canaã on the left, the most populous region of the city.|align=center}}

File:Fachada parcial da Igreja Cristo Rei, Ipatinga MG.JPG

In 2022, the population comprised 118,388 pardos (51.99%), 84,207 whites (36.98%), 24,469 blacks (10.74%), 477 Asians (0.21%), and 185 Indigenous people (0.08%). In 2010, by region of birth, 233,822 were born in the Southeast (97.64%), 525 in the North (0.22%), 3,142 in the Northeast (1.31%), 321 in the Central-West (0.13%), and 582 in the South (0.24%). Of the total, 225,656 were born in Minas Gerais (94.23%), with 120,818 born in Ipatinga (50.45%).{{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=5&i=P&c=1505 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150429145835/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=1505&i=P&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=1505&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&orp=4&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=2&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&sec12017=0&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&opn13=0&qtu18=10184&opc12017=2&poc12017=2&sep=33142&orn=1&qtu7=36&orc12017=3&opn7=0&decm=99&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Ipatinga&opn18=0&OpcCara=44&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on |archive-date=2015-04-29 |title=Table 1505 - Resident population, by place of birth in relation to the municipality and federation unit - General Sample Results |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=2015-04-29}} Among the 13,812 residents born in other states, Espírito Santo had the largest representation with 3,345 people (1.40%), followed by São Paulo with 2,790 (1.16%), and Rio de Janeiro with 2,032 (0.85%).{{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=5&i=P&c=631 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150429145910/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=631&i=P&opc183=2&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=631&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&poc2=1&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&orp=5&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=2&opc2=1&orc183=4&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc2=3&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&sec2=0&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&opn13=0&poc183=2&ascendente=on&sep=24929&orn=1&qtu7=36&sec183=0&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Ipatinga&OpcCara=44&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&opn7=0&decm=99 |archive-date=2015-04-29 |title=Table 631 - Resident population, by sex and place of birth |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=2015-04-29}}

According to the 2010 IBGE census, the municipal population included 112,763 Catholics (47.09%), 96,203 evangelicals (40.17%), 23,228 people without religion (9.70%), and 3.04% followed other religions.{{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=14&i=P&c=2094 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150429150838/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=2094&i=P&nome=on&qtu8=137&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=2094&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&poc133=2&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&nivt=0&orc86=3&orp=5&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=2&poc86=1&opc133=2&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&orc133=4&qtu2=5&qtu15=3&sev=93&opc86=1&sec133=0&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&opn13=0&sec86=0&ascendente=on&sep=38559&orn=1&qtu7=36&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Ipatinga&OpcCara=44&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&opn7=0&decm=99 |archive-date=2015-04-29 |title=Table 2094 - Resident population by color or race and religion |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=2015-04-29}} Ipatinga is part of Pastoral Region III of the Diocese of Itabira-Fabriciano and is divided into 10 parishes: Christ the Liberator, Christ the King, Christ the Redeemer, Our Lady of Aparecida, Our Lady of Hope, Holy Family, Sacred Heart of Jesus, Saint Gerard Majella, Saint Peter, and Lord of Bonfim.{{cite web |url=http://dioceseitabira.com.br/pg.php?id_cat=61&&id=24 |title=Pastoral Region III |author=Diocese de Itabira-Fabriciano |date=2014-02-09 |access-date=2015-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140530032043/http://dioceseitabira.com.br/pg.php?id_cat=61&&id=24 |archive-date=2014-05-30}}

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File:Palestra na Câmara Municipal de Ipatinga MG.JPG with Ricardo Mendanha, director of the Ruaviva institute, held at the Municipal Chamber in 2019]]

Municipal administration in Ipatinga is carried out by the Executive and Legislative powers. The Executive is led by the mayor, supported by a cabinet of secretaries. The first executive representative was José Orozimbo da Silva, appointed as intendant by Governor José de Magalhães Pinto after the city's political emancipation, but Fernando Santos Coura was the first elected mayor, assuming office on December 4, 1965. In the 2024 municipal elections, Gustavo Morais Nunes was re-elected mayor by the Liberal Party (PL) with 44.65% of valid votes for his second consecutive term, alongside José Pedro de Freitas (Pedrão da AAPI, Citizenship) as vice-mayor.{{cite web |url=https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/eleicoes/candidatos/2024/mg/prefeito/gustavo-nunes-130002302990.shtml |title=Gustavo Nunes |author=Folha de S.Paulo |date=2024 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102133323/https://www1.folha.uol.com.br/poder/eleicoes/candidatos/2024/mg/prefeito/gustavo-nunes-130002302990.shtml |archive-date=2025-01-02}}{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0119136-gustavo-nunes-e-reeleito-em-ipatinga |title=Gustavo Nunes é reeleito em Ipatinga |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2024-10-06 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102133445/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0119136-gustavo-nunes-e-reeleito-em-ipatinga |archive-date=2025-01-02}}

The Legislative Branch consists of the municipal chamber, composed of nineteen councilors.{{cite web |url=https://www.eleicoes2016.com.br/candidatos-ipatinga-mg/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170103142054/https://www.eleicoes2016.com.br/candidatos-ipatinga-mg/ |archive-date=2017-01-03 |title=Candidates / Elected Councilors of Ipatinga |author=Eleições 2016 |date=2016-10-02 |access-date=2017-01-03}} The chamber is responsible for drafting and voting on fundamental laws for administration and the Executive, particularly the participatory budget (budget guidelines law).{{cite web |url=http://www.dji.com.br/constituicao_federal/cf029a031.htm |author=DJI |title=Federal Constitution - CF - 1988 / Art. 29 |access-date=2015-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140708010104/http://www.dji.com.br/constituicao_federal/cf029a031.htm |archive-date=2014-07-08 |url-status=dead}} Complementing the legislative process and secretarial work, active municipal councils include those for children's and adolescents' rights (created in 1995), guardianship (2008), elderly rights (2000), disability rights (2007), and women's policies (2005).{{cite web |url=http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2011&node=1695&ordem=7.4&munic=313130 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20170104135657/http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2011&node=1695&ordem=7.4&munic=313130 |archive-date=2017-01-04 |title=Municipal councils |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2011 |access-date=2017-01-04}}

Ipatinga operates under its organic law, enacted on May 1, 1990,{{cite web |url=http://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/uploads/files/contaspublicas/oficio_gp_06-2013_-_desnecessidade_registro_ata_de_posse_de_vereadores.pdf |title=Desnecessidade de registro de Ata de Posse de Vereadores |author=Câmara Municipal |date=2013-02-27 |access-date=2017-01-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104235652/http://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/uploads/files/contaspublicas/oficio_gp_06-2013_-_desnecessidade_registro_ata_de_posse_de_vereadores.pdf |archive-date=2017-01-04}} and hosts a comarca of special jurisdiction at the Doutora Valéria Vieira Alves Forum, serving the municipalities of Ipaba and Santana do Paraíso.{{cite web |url=http://www8.tjmg.jus.br/servicos/gj/guia/docs/comarcas.pdf |title=List of Courts |author=Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de Minas Gerais (TJMG) |date=2013-07-21 |access-date=2015-04-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131015014325/http://www8.tjmg.jus.br/servicos/gj/guia/docs/comarcas.pdf |archive-date=2013-10-15 |url-status=dead}} As of September 2024, the city had 180,396 voters, according to the Superior Electoral Court (TSE).{{cite web |url=https://sig.tse.jus.br/ords/dwapr/r/seai/sig-eleicao-eleitorado/evolu%C3%A7%C3%A3o-do-eleitorado?clear=5&session=15970220430695 |title=MG - Municipality - Voter Evolution |date=2024-09-13 |author=Tribunal Superior Eleitoral (TSE) |access-date=2025-02-27}}

{{Multiple image

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| image1 = Fachada da sede da Prefeitura de Ipatinga MG.JPG

| caption1 = Headquarters of the Ipatinga City Hall, seat of the municipal Executive Branch

| image2 = Fachada da sede da Câmara Municipal de Ipatinga MG.JPG

| caption2 = José Orozimbo da Silva Building, seat of the Legislative Branch

| image3 = Vista parcial do Fórum Doutora Valéria Vieira Alves, Ipatinga MG.JPG

| caption3 = Doutora Valéria Vieira Alves Forum, headquarters of the district of Ipatinga, state judiciary

}}

File:Regiões dos bairros Esperança, Ideal e Bom Jardim, Ipatinga MG.JPG

Ipatinga comprises 35 official neighborhoods distributed across nine administrative regions.{{cite web |url=http://ensfundamental1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/conhecendo-o-municipio-de-ipatinga-parte-3.doc |title=Getting to know the municipality of Ipatinga |author=Municipal Education Secretariat |date=2010 |publisher=Ipatinga City Hall |access-date=2016-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160313102357/http://ensfundamental1.files.wordpress.com/2010/06/conhecendo-o-municipio-de-ipatinga-parte-3.doc |archive-date=2016-03-13}} According to the IBGE in 2022, the most populous neighborhood was Canaã, with 26,569 inhabitants.{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9923.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9923/n102/3131307001,3131307002,3131307003,3131307004,3131307005,3131307006,3131307014,3131307015,3131307016,3131307017,3131307018,3131307019,3131307020,3131307021,3131307022,3131307026,3131307027,3131307030,3131307032,3131307007,3131307008,3131307009,3131307010,3131307011,3131307012,3131307013,3131307023,3131307025,3131307028,3131307029,3131307035,3131307036/v/allxp/p/all/c1/6795/l/v,p%2Bc1,t |title=Table 9923 - Resident population, by household status - Neighborhood |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102165415/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9923.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9923/n102/3131307001,3131307002,3131307003,3131307004,3131307005,3131307006,3131307014,3131307015,3131307016,3131307017,3131307018,3131307019,3131307020,3131307021,3131307022,3131307026,3131307027,3131307030,3131307032,3131307007,3131307008,3131307009,3131307010,3131307011,3131307012,3131307013,3131307023,3131307025,3131307028,3131307029,3131307035,3131307036/v/allxp/p/all/c1/6795/l/v,p%2Bc1,t |archive-date=2025-01-02}} Neighborhoods in regions V, VII, VIII, and IX, as well as Cidade Nobre (Region III) and Taúbas (Region VI), form the Barra Alegre district,{{cite web |url=http://censo2010.ibge.gov.br/sinopseporsetores/?nivel=st |title=Synopsis by sectors |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2011-11-16 |access-date=2016-07-06}} covering 114.85 km².{{cite web |url=http://igtec.mg.gov.br/assets/arquivos/lista_distritos.pdf |title=List of 1,688 Districts of Minas Gerais, including 853 Municipal Seat Districts |author=Instituto de Geoinformação e Tecnologia (IGTEC) |page=64 |date=2015-06-30 |publisher=Secretaria de Estado de Ciência, Tecnologia e Ensino Superior |access-date=2017-06-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161028023610/http://igtec.mg.gov.br/assets/arquivos/lista_distritos.pdf |archive-date=2016-10-28 |url-status=dead}} The remaining neighborhoods belong to the seat district, spanning 51.24 km². Region IX constitutes Ipatinga's rural area. The current division, established in 1980, makes Ipatinga the most populous municipality in the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region but with the fewest neighborhoods compared to Coronel Fabriciano and Timóteo.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=52989 |title=Canaã é o mais populoso |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2011-03-19 |access-date=2016-07-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304114801/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=52989 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead}}

The availability of land for urban expansion in Ipatinga is limited, contributing to high population density and a slowdown in population growth since the 1990s.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=52–54}} With real estate development constrained, investors have turned to adjacent areas in Santana do Paraíso, where large plots near Ipatinga's Center and the Usiminas complex have spurred numerous subdivisions and constructions, leading to conurbation between the two cities.{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=74661 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160702214543/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=74661 |archive-date=2016-07-02 |title=RMVA tem mais de 470 mil habitantes |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2013-08-30 |access-date=2016-07-06 |url-status=dead}}

File:Trecho da Avenida 28 de Abril, Ipatinga MG.JPG

The gross domestic product (GDP) of Ipatinga is driven primarily by the industrial sector. According to 2021 IBGE data, the municipality's GDP at current prices was R$17,609,176.97 thousand. Of this, R$1,968,496.61 thousand came from net product taxes at current prices, and the per capita GDP was R$65,869.82.{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/38/46996 |title=Gross Domestic Product of Municipalities - 2021 |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2021 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102133743/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/38/46996 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} In 2010, 65.23% of the population over 18 was economically active, with an unemployment rate of 8.77%. Approximately 10% of the population commuted to other municipalities for work, facilitated by the proximity and accessibility of the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv2|PDDI|2014|pp=304–305}}

In 2022, salaries and other remunerations totaled R$2,619,194 thousand, with an average monthly salary of 2.3 minimum wages. The municipality had 12,602 local units and 11,895 active companies.{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/19/143491 |title=Central Business Register |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2022 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102134129/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/19/143491 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} According to the IBGE in 2010, 49.92% of households earned less than one minimum wage per person monthly (36,384 households), 36.82% earned between one and three minimum wages per person (26,840 households), 6.37% earned between three and five minimum wages (4,646 households), 4.09% earned above five minimum wages (2,980 households), and 2.80% had no income (2,040 households).{{cite web |url=http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/listabl.asp?z=cd&o=4&i=P&c=3261 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160706153114/http://www.sidra.ibge.gov.br/bda/tabela/protabl.asp?c=3261&i=P&opc386=2&nome=on&qtu8=137&digt102=&qtu14=3¬arodape=on&tab=3261&opn8=0&opn14=0&unit=0&pov=3&OpcTipoNivt=1&opn1=0&qtu11=658&qtu23=294&nivt=0&orp=4&qtu3=27&qtu13=47&opv=2&orc386=3&pop=1&opn2=0&opn15=0&orv=2&qtu2=5&opn10=0&qtu15=3&sev=96&opp=f1&opn3=0&qtu6=5565&qtu102=14208&opn13=0&poc386=2&sep=26272&orn=1&digt10=&opn11=0&qtu7=36&opn23=0&sec386=9680&pon=1&qtu9=558&opn6=3&digt6=Ipatinga&opn102=0&OpcCara=104&proc=1&qtu1=1&opn9=0&cabec=on&qtu10=10282&digt11=&opn7=0&decm=99 |archive-date=2016-07-06 |title=Permanent private households, by nominal monthly household income per capita classes |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2010 |access-date=2016-07-06}}

File:Vista parcial do Shopping Vale do Aço, Ipatinga MG2.JPG, one of the largest shopping centers in inland Minas Gerais]]

In 2012, the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE) ranked Ipatinga the seventh-best city in Minas Gerais to start a business, but a decline in national and international steel demand led to layoffs and cuts in investments and wages by local industries in the early 2010s. By the early 2020s, the situation had stabilized. From January to November 2024, there was a surplus of 636 jobs in commerce and services, though industry played a smaller role in job creation.

In 2021, livestock and agriculture contributed R$3,358.03 thousand to Ipatinga's economy, with 0.75% of the economically active population employed in the sector in 2010. According to the IBGE in 2023, the municipality had 4,700 poultry, 2,137 cattle, 197 horses, 174 pigs, 44 sheep, 35 buffaloes, and three goats. That year, the city produced 406,000 liters of milk from 334 cows, 8,000 dozen chicken eggs from 730 hens, and 9,700 kg of honey. In aquaculture, 2,300 kg of tilapia were produced.{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/18/16459 |title=Livestock |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2023 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102134342/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/18/16459 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} According to state government data, Ipatinga and Timóteo were the top two municipalities exporting honey in Minas Gerais in 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.em.com.br/app/colunistas/marta-vieira/2021/01/15/interna_marta_vieira%2C1229254/apicultura-de-minas-preve-2021-de-expansao-e-novas-floradas.shtml |title=Minas Gerais beekeeping anticipates 2021 expansion and new blooms |publisher=Jornal Estado de Minas |author=Marta Vieira |date=2021-01-15 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118132148/https://www.em.com.br/app/colunistas/marta-vieira/2021/01/15/interna_marta_vieira%2C1229254/apicultura-de-minas-preve-2021-de-expansao-e-novas-floradas.shtml |archive-date=2021-01-18}} In 2023, watermelon was the largest crop in temporary agriculture by planted area (12 hectares), followed by sugarcane, cassava, and corn, which were each planted on 1 hectare.{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/14/10193 |title=Temporary Crops |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2023 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102134635/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/14/10193 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} In permanent crops, banana led with 18 hectares, followed by orange and papaya (each at 1 hectare).{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/15/11863 |title=Permanent Crops |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2023 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102135021/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/15/11863 |archive-date=2025-01-02}}

File:Fábrica da Usiminas em Ipatinga MG vista do B. Cidade Nova.JPG

In 2021, industry was the leading economic sector, contributing R$9,195,871.95 thousand to the municipal GDP's gross added value. Much of this is driven by Usiminas, which exports a significant volume of steel, stainless steel, and metalworking products.{{Harvtxt|ref=Dinâmica|ABEP|2012|p=4}} The industrial complex attracts supplier, complementary, and service companies to Ipatinga and surrounding municipalities. An industrial district, established in 1998, spans approximately 35,113,336 m².{{cite web |url=http://www.codemig.com.br/distritos-industriais |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160703130124/http://www.codemig.com.br/distritos-industriais |archive-date=2016-07-03 |title=Map of industrial districts |author=Companhia de Desenvolvimento Econômico de Minas Gerais (Codemig) |access-date=2016-07-06}}

Other industrial activities include the manufacture of clothing and accessories, the extraction and processing of non-metallic minerals, the production of furniture, food and beverages, and the fabrication of metallurgical products. The Cenibra cellulose plant in Belo Oriente is supported by eucalyptus extraction. In 2023, the IBGE reported 2,265 cubic meters of eucalyptus logs extracted, with 84.55% used for paper and cellulose production.{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/16/12705 |title=Vegetable Extraction and Forestry |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2023 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102135234/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/16/12705 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} In 2010, 0.39% of workers were in extractive industries and 21.42% in manufacturing.

In 2010, 8.91% of the workforce was employed in construction, 1.02% in public utilities, 18.41% in commerce, and 41.89% in services. In 2021, services contributed R$5,138,968.03 thousand and public administration R$1,302,482.34 thousand to the GDP's gross added value. Commerce is prominent along Avenida 28 de Abril (formerly Rua do Comércio) in the Center, revitalized in the 1990s. The Center, along with Bom Retiro, Canaã, Horto, and Veneza, serves as a metropolitan hub, attracting consumers from nearby cities due to public services and commerce.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|p=148}} Regular street markets operate in some neighborhoods,{{cite web |url=http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2015/03/procon-realiza-acao-educativa-em-feiras-livres-e-pracas-de-ipatinga.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160909173234/http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2015/03/procon-realiza-acao-educativa-em-feiras-livres-e-pracas-de-ipatinga.html |archive-date=2016-09-09 |title=Procon realiza ação educativa em feiras livres e praças de Ipatinga |author=G1 |date=2015-03-13 |access-date=2016-09-09}} such as the Ipatingão Market at the João Lamego Netto Municipal Stadium parking lot.{{cite web |url=http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2013/05/feira-do-ipatingao-tem-novo-horario-partir-dsta-segunda-feira-27.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160909173445/http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2013/05/feira-do-ipatingao-tem-novo-horario-partir-dsta-segunda-feira-27.html |archive-date=2016-09-09 |title=Feira do Ipatingão tem novo horário a partir desta segunda-feira (27) |author=G1 |date=2013-05-27 |access-date=2016-09-09}} The Vale do Aço Shopping Mall, near Horto, is one of the largest shopping centers in inland Minas Gerais.{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/97365-9/especial/shopping-inaugura-terceira-expansao |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160103142748/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/97365-9/especial/shopping-inaugura-terceira-expansao |archive-date=2016-01-03 |title=Shopping inaugura terceira expansão |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2015-09-24 |access-date=2016-07-06}}

File:Unidade 1 do Hospital Márcio Cunha, Ipatinga MG.JPG

Ipatinga's healthcare network, as of 2018, includes 22 primary health units, three health centers, two general hospitals, and two Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS).{{cite web |url=http://relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/longevidade/infraestrutura_urbana_e_social/BRA003031357/ipatinga---mg |title=Urban infrastructure |author=Relatórios Dinâmicos |publisher=SESI Innovation Center |access-date=2019-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830162835/http://relatoriosdinamicos.com.br/longevidade/infraestrutura_urbana_e_social/BRA003031357/ipatinga---mg |archive-date=2019-08-30}} In 2010, there were 0.52 nurses, 1.07 dentists, and 1.5 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to national averages of 0.69, 0.54, and 1.5, respectively.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv3|PDDI|2014|pp=519–520}} The Ipatinga Municipal Hospital is the primary public facility for emergency care and inpatient beds.{{cite web |url=http://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/11213/Hospital-faz-20-anos-e-ganha-novos-investimentos- |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160708154226/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:YCFFTre1bJgJ:www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/11213/Hospital-faz-20-anos-e-ganha-novos-investimentos-+&cd=2&hl=pt-BR&ct=clnk&gl=br |archive-date=2016-07-08 |title=Hospital faz 20 anos e ganha novos investimentos |author=City Hall |date=2014-09-22 |access-date=2016-07-13}}

The Márcio Cunha Hospital, managed by the São Francisco Xavier Foundation (FSFX) under Usiminas, is a reference for high-complexity services such as oncology and hemodialysis,{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/93119-6/cidades/hospital-marcio-cunha-celebra-50-anos |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160103142920/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/93119-6/cidades/hospital-marcio-cunha-celebra-50-anos |archive-date=2016-01-03 |title=Hospital Márcio Cunha celebra 50 anos |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2015-05-08 |access-date=2016-07-13}} and provides care through the Unified Health System (SUS).{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0069469-hospital-marcio-cunha-mantem-atendimentos-pelo-sus-informa-fsfx |title=Hospital Márcio Cunha mantém atendimentos pelo SUS, informa FSFX |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2019-06-27 |access-date=2019-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830163054/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0069469-hospital-marcio-cunha-mantem-atendimentos-pelo-sus-informa-fsfx |archive-date=2019-08-30}} It is the only transplant center in eastern and northeastern Minas Gerais, serving multiple cities.{{cite web |url=http://www.fsfx.com.br/hospital-marcio-cunha/noticias/nova-unidade-de-transplantes-do-hmc-chance-de-vida-nova-para-pacientes/ |title=Nova Unidade de Transplantes do HMC: chance de vida nova para pacientes |author=Fundação São Francisco Xavier (FSFX) |date=2015-06-01 |access-date=2017-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016161114/http://www.fsfx.com.br/hospital-marcio-cunha/noticias/nova-unidade-de-transplantes-do-hmc-chance-de-vida-nova-para-pacientes/ |archive-date=2017-10-16}} Since 2017, it has housed the region's first and only pediatric oncology center, serving 86 municipalities and reducing the need for patients to travel to Belo Horizonte.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/ler_noticia.php?id=52844&t=hmc-torna-se-referencia-em-oncologia-pediatrica-no-leste-de-minas |title=HMC torna-se referência em Oncologia Pediátrica no Leste de Minas |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2017-08-10 |access-date=2017-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016161305/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/ler_noticia.php?id=52844&t=hmc-torna-se-referencia-em-oncologia-pediatrica-no-leste-de-minas |archive-date=2017-10-16}}{{cite web |url=http://www.fsfx.com.br/hospital-marcio-cunha/noticias/hmc-torna-se-referencia-em-oncologia-pediatrica-no-leste-de-minas/ |title=HMC torna-se referência em Oncologia Pediátrica no Leste de Minas |author=Fundação São Francisco Xavier (FSFX) |date=2017-09-01 |access-date=2017-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016161357/http://www.fsfx.com.br/hospital-marcio-cunha/noticias/hmc-torna-se-referencia-em-oncologia-pediatrica-no-leste-de-minas/ |archive-date=2017-10-16}}

Ipatinga has four cemeteries, with the main one, Parque Nossa Senhora da Paz, located in the Veneza II neighborhood. The others are in Barra Alegre, Bom Jardim, and Ipaneminha.{{cite web |url=http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2016/11/cerca-de-60-mil-pessoas-devem-visitar-cemiterios-do-leste-de-minas.html |title=Cerca de 60 mil pessoas devem visitar cemitérios do Leste de Minas |author=G1 |date=2016-11-01 |access-date=2019-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830163155/http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2016/11/cerca-de-60-mil-pessoas-devem-visitar-cemiterios-do-leste-de-minas.html |archive-date=2019-08-30}} In 2022, 1,535 deaths were recorded due to morbidity, with circulatory system diseases being the leading cause (26.78%), followed by neoplasms (20%).{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/17/15752 |title=Morbidity |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2022 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102135803/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/17/15752 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} That year, 2,764 live births were recorded, with an infant mortality rate of 7.96 deaths per 1,000 live births for children under one year.{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/39/30279 |title=Infant mortality rate |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2022 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102140012/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/39/30279 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} In 2010, 1.24% of girls aged 10–17 had children.

File:Vista parcial do Colégio São Francisco Xavier, Ipatinga MG.JPG

In 2023, the Basic Education Development Index (IDEB) for Ipatinga's public schools averaged 6.5 for early elementary years and 5.2 for later elementary years, on a scale of 1 to 10. In 2022, 38.38% of children aged 0–3, 89.45% of those aged 4–5, 98.26% of those aged 6–14, and 85.76% of adolescents aged 15–17 were enrolled in schools. Additionally, 25.82% of 18–24-year-olds and 4.5% of those 25 and older attended educational institutions.{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela10056.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/10056/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c58/all/c2/6794/c86/95251/d/v3795%202/l/v,p%2Bc58%2Bc2,t%2Bc86 |title=Table 10056 - Gross school attendance rate, by age groups |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227190246/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela10056.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/10056/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c58/all/c2/6794/c86/95251/d/v3795%202/l/v,p%2Bc58%2Bc2,t%2Bc86 |archive-date=2025-02-27}}

In 2022, among residents aged 18 or older in Ipatinga, 27.32% had not completed elementary education, 15.83% had only completed elementary education, 39.08% had completed high school, and 17.77% had completed higher education.{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela10061.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/10061/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c1568/all/c58/95253,100052,108866/c2/6794/c86/95251/d/v1002667%202/l/v,p%2Bc1568%2Bc58,t%2Bc2%2Bc86 |title=Tabela 10061 - Pessoas de 18 anos ou mais de idade, por nível de instrução, segundo os grupos de idade |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227190649/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela10061.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/10061/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c1568/all/c58/95253,100052,108866/c2/6794/c86/95251/d/v1002667%202/l/v,p%2Bc1568%2Bc58,t%2Bc2%2Bc86 |archive-date=2025-02-27}} The population aged 11 or older had an average of 10.1 years of schooling.{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela10062.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/10062/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c58/all/c2/6794/c86/95251/d/v13285%201/l/v,p%2Bc58%2Bc2,t%2Bc86 |title=Tabela 10062 - Número médio de anos de estudo das pessoas com 11 anos ou mais de idade, segundo os grupos de idade |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227191106/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela10062.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/10062/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c58/all/c2/6794/c86/95251/d/v13285%201/l/v,p%2Bc58%2Bc2,t%2Bc86 |archive-date=2025-02-27}} The literacy rate among residents aged 15 or older was 96.4%, leaving 3.6% of this age group illiterate.{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9542.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9542/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c59/all/c2/6794/c86/95251/c287/100362/d/v1000950%202/l/v,p%2Bc59%2Bc2,t%2Bc86%2Bc287 |title=Tabela 9542 - Pessoas de 15 anos ou mais de idade, total e as alfabetizadas |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-02-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250227191423/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9542.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9542/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c59/all/c2/6794/c86/95251/c287/100362/d/v1000950%202/l/v,p%2Bc59%2Bc2,t%2Bc86%2Bc287 |archive-date=2025-02-27}} In 2023, a total of 47,072 students were enrolled in the city's pre-school, primary and secondary education institutions.

In the overall ranking of the 2022 National High School Exam (ENEM), the Fibonacci School achieved an average score of 736.64 (on a scale from 1 to 1,000), securing first place in the state ranking and second place nationally.{{cite web |url=https://exame.com/brasil/enem-as-10-maiores-escolas-do-brasil-de-acordo-com-as-notas-de-2022/ |title=Enem: as 10 melhores escolas do Brasil de acordo com as notas de 2022 |author=O Globo |date=2023-10-16 |publisher=Exame |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102171715/https://exame.com/brasil/enem-as-10-maiores-escolas-do-brasil-de-acordo-com-as-notas-de-2022/ |archive-date=2025-01-02}} Regarding higher education, a campus of the Federal Institute of Minas Gerais (IFMG) was established in 2014,{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/93543-6/cidades/ifmg-anuncia-mais-2-cursos-tecnicos |title=IFMG anuncia mais 2 cursos técnicos |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2015-05-20 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713184754/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/93543-6/cidades/ifmg-anuncia-mais-2-cursos-tecnicos |archive-date=2016-07-13}} and in 2024, the creation of a campus for the Federal University of Ouro Preto (UFOP) was announced.{{cite web |url=https://www.itatiaia.com.br/valedoaco/2024/06/10/governo-federal-anuncia-construcao-de-campus-da-ufop-em-ipatinga |title=Governo federal anuncia construção de campus da UFOP em Ipatinga |author=Matheus Valadares |date=2024-06-10 |access-date=2024-09-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240929132859/https://www.itatiaia.com.br/valedoaco/2024/06/10/governo-federal-anuncia-construcao-de-campus-da-ufop-em-ipatinga |archive-date=2024-09-29}} Additionally, there are campuses of private technical and higher education institutions, including the Catholic University Center of Eastern Minas Gerais (Unileste), the Ipatinga Law School (FADIPA), and the Afya Faculty of Medical Sciences of Ipatinga (formerly FAMEVAÇO).{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv4|PDDI|2014|pp=985–988}}

File:ETE Ribeirão Ipanema, Ipatinga MG2.JPG operated by Copasa, located near the mouth of the Ipanema stream]]

In 2022, there were 85,709 occupied, permanent private households in Ipatinga. Of these, 60,240 were houses (70.28%), 24,792 were apartments (28.93%), 195 were townhouses or condominiums (0.23%), 411 were tenements (0.48%), and 71 were dilapidated or unfinished structures (0.08%). Of the total occupied households, 53,341 were owned (62.24%), with 49,075 fully paid and 4,266 under acquisition; 26,748 were rented (31.21%); 5,445 were borrowed or provided (6.35%); and 162 were occupied in other forms (0.19%).{{cite web |url=https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9930.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9930/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c65/95810/c63/1055,1058,4343,73126,73553,73554,95826/c125/2932/d/v1000381%202/l/v,p%2Bc65%2Bc63,t%2Bc125 |title=Tabela 9930 - Domicílios particulares permanentes ocupados, por número de cômodos, condição de ocupação do domicílio e tipo do domicílio |author=Sistema IBGE de Recuperação Automática (SIDRA) |date=2022 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102140414/https://sidra.ibge.gov.br/geratabela?format=xlsx&name=tabela9930.xlsx&terr=N&rank=-&query=t/9930/n6/3131307/v/all/p/all/c65/95810/c63/1055,1058,4343,73126,73553,73554,95826/c125/2932/d/v1000381%202/l/v,p%2Bc65%2Bc63,t%2Bc125 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} The Municipal Master Plan sets out the geographical and urban parameters for the construction of residences, buildings and commercial establishments. Among various aspects, the master plan regulates the occupation and verticalization of the city. Certain neighborhoods, such as Cariru, Castelo, and Das Águas, have specific legislation prohibiting the construction of high-rise buildings.{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/88230-6/cidades/novos-parametros-para-construcoes |title=Novos parâmetros para construções |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2014-12-04 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713185345/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/88230-6/cidades/novos-parametros-para-construcoes |archive-date=2016-07-13}}{{cite web |url=http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2014/05/apos-anos-de-debate-plano-diretor-e-aprovado-em-ipatinga.html |title=Após anos de debate Plano Diretor é aprovado em Ipatinga |author=Patrícia Belo |date=2014-05-10 |publisher=G1 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713185614/http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2014/05/apos-anos-de-debate-plano-diretor-e-aprovado-em-ipatinga.html |archive-date=2016-07-13}}

Water supply and sewage collection services are provided by the Minas Gerais Sanitation Company (Copasa). In 2022, according to IBGE, 90.09% of households relied on the general water network as their primary water supply, and 99.93% had exclusive-use bathrooms. Regarding sewage treatment, 98.54% of households were served by the general or stormwater sewer system. The water used to supply the Vale do Aço region originates from an alluvial aquifer located underground, extracted and treated at the Copasa water treatment plant in the Amaro Lanari neighborhood of Coronel Fabriciano. Sewage treatment is facilitated by four wastewater treatment plants distributed throughout the municipality.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv1|PDDI|2014|pp=198–202}}

Electricity supply is managed by the Energy Company of Minas Gerais (Cemig), which serves much of the state of Minas Gerais. According to IBGE, 99.9% of households had access to the electrical network in 2010.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv3|PDDI|2014|p=580}} Regarding waste disposal, the 2022 census indicated that 99.82% of households were served by waste collection services. Until 1988, the city's waste was disposed of in an open-air landfill, which was later treated and covered.{{cite web |url=http://www.saneamentobasico.com.br/portal/index.php/arquivo/antigo-lixao-de-ipatinga-vira-aterro-sanitario/ |title=Antigo lixão de Ipatinga vira aterro sanitário |author=Portal Saneamento Básico |date=2000-06-19 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713190014/http://www.saneamentobasico.com.br/portal/index.php/arquivo/antigo-lixao-de-ipatinga-vira-aterro-sanitario/ |archive-date=2016-07-13}} In 2003, the Vale do Aço Waste Center (CRVA) was inaugurated in Santana do Paraíso, handling waste from Ipatinga and other municipalities in the Vale do Aço region. In addition, waste pickers maintain an informal system for collecting recyclable materials.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv2|PDDI|2014|pp=431–433}}

!colspan="6" style="background:#e3e3e3; text-align:center; font-size:larger; color:#000000;" |Number of homicides in Ipatinga{{cite web|url=https://www.ipea.gov.br/atlasviolencia/dados-series/328 |title=Homicides - municipality |author=Atlas da Violência |publisher=Institute of Applied Economic Research (Ipea) |access-date=2024-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929132709/https://www.ipea.gov.br/atlasviolencia/dados-series/328 |archive-date=2024-09-29}}

|-

!style="background:#cccccc;"|Year

!style="background:#cccccc;"|Total

!style="background:#cccccc;"|Year

!style="background:#cccccc;"|Total

!style="background:#cccccc;"|Year

!style="background:#cccccc;"|Total

|-

|2002

|35

|2009

|35

|2016

|42

|-

|2003

|39

|2010

|59

|2017

|28

|-

|2004

|46

|2011

|55

|2018

|38

|-

|2005

|30

|2012

|64

|2019

|29

|-

|2006

|27

|2013

|57

|2020

|31

|-

|2007

|48

|2014

|43

|2021

|31

|-

|2008

|47

|2015

|55

|2022

|29

|}

Public safety in Ipatinga is provided by various agencies.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv3|PDDI|2014|p=814}} The Military Police of Minas Gerais State are responsible for visible policing in cities, including patrolling banks, prisons, schools and special events, as well as carrying out social integration activities.{{cite web |url=https://www.policiamilitar.mg.gov.br/portal-pm/12rpm/conteudo.action?conteudo=82&tipoConteudo=itemMenu |title=12ª Região da Polícia Militar |author=Polícia Militar do Estado de Minas Gerais (PMMG) |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507163105/https://www.policiamilitar.mg.gov.br/portal-pm/12rpm/conteudo.action?conteudo=82&tipoConteudo=itemMenu |archive-date=2016-05-07}} Ipatinga serves as the headquarters of the 12th Military Police Region{{cite web |url=https://www.policiamilitar.mg.gov.br/portal-pm/12rpm/conteudo.action?conteudo=142608&tipoConteudo=noticia |title=Ipatinga: Inaugurada nova sede da 12 ª RPM |author=Polícia Militar do Estado de Minas Gerais (PMMG) |date=2017-08-08 |access-date=2017-09-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170905170529/https://www.policiamilitar.mg.gov.br/portal-pm/12rpm/conteudo.action?conteudo=142608&tipoConteudo=noticia |archive-date=2017-09-05}} and hosts a PMMG Battalion.{{cite web |url=http://www.jvaonline.com.br/ler_noticia.php?id=108151 |title=Combate ao tráfico é maior desafio de novo Batalhão |author=Jornal Vale do Aço |date=2014-02-09 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304193747/http://www.jvaonline.com.br/ler_noticia.php?id=108151 |archive-date=2014-03-04 |url-status=dead}} The Minas Gerais Civil Police focuses on investigating crimes and infractions{{cite web |url=http://www.pc.mg.gov.br/internas/servicos/iServicos.php |title=Serviços |author=Polícia Civil do Estado de Minas Gerais (PCMG) |date=2007 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130924204210/http://web.archive.org/web/20070302103809/http://www.pc.mg.gov.br/internas/servicos/iServicos.php |archive-date=2013-09-24 |url-status=dead}} and is represented in Ipatinga by the 1st Regional Police Station, overseeing Integrated Public Safety Areas (AISP) comprising regional municipalities.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv3|PDDI|2014|p=570}} Additionally, the city has a Federal Police station to decentralize operations and address regional demands.{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0102154-inaugurada-em-ipatinga-a-delegacia-da-policia-federal |title=Inaugurada em Ipatinga a Delegacia da Polícia Federal |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2022-11-28 |access-date=2024-09-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240929133456/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0102154-inaugurada-em-ipatinga-a-delegacia-da-policia-federal |archive-date=2024-09-29}} Ipatinga is also home to a Firefighters Battalion{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/ler_noticia.php?id=54312&t=unidade-dos-bombeiros-militares-em-ipatinga-sera-elevada-a-batalhao- |title=Unidade dos Bombeiros Militares em Ipatinga será elevada a batalhão |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2017-10-31 |access-date=2018-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180209111946/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/ler_noticia.php?id=54312&t=unidade-dos-bombeiros-militares-em-ipatinga-sera-elevada-a-batalhao- |archive-date=2018-02-09}} and a civil defence unit operated by the municipal administration.{{cite web |url=http://www.em.com.br/app/noticia/gerais/2016/04/05/interna_gerais,750142/desabamento-de-casa-deixa-duas-pessoas-feridas-em-ipatinga.shtml |title=Desabamento de casa deixa duas pessoas feridas em Ipatinga |author=Cristiane Silva |date=2016-04-05 |publisher=Estado de Minas |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713190108/http://www.em.com.br/app/noticia/gerais/2016/04/05/interna_gerais,750142/desabamento-de-casa-deixa-duas-pessoas-feridas-em-ipatinga.shtml |archive-date=2016-07-13}}

In 2022, Ipatinga recorded 29 homicides, a decrease from 31 in 2021. However, this translated to a rate of 12.7 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants, ranking 22nd among Minas Gerais municipalities.{{cite web |url=https://www.ipea.gov.br/atlasviolencia/arquivos/artigos/9277-atlasviolencia2024retratodosmunicipiosbrasileros.pdf |title=Retrato dos municípios brasileiros |pages=11–14 |author=Atlas da Violência |date=2024 |publisher=Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (Ipea) |access-date=2024-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240929132903/https://www.ipea.gov.br/atlasviolencia/arquivos/artigos/9277-atlasviolencia2024retratodosmunicipiosbrasileros.pdf |archive-date=2024-09-29}} Additionally, issues with thefts and robberies targeting pedestrians and commercial establishments are common.{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0117141-neste-ano-ipatinga-ja-tem-6667-casos-a-mais-de-roubos-em-comparacao-a-2023 |title=Neste ano, Ipatinga já tem 66,67% casos a mais de roubos em comparação a 2023 |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2024-07-14 |access-date=2024-09-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240929133215/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0117141-neste-ano-ipatinga-ja-tem-6667-casos-a-mais-de-roubos-em-comparacao-a-2023 |archive-date=2024-09-29}} Most homicides are linked to drug trafficking, which also contributes to other crimes, as users often steal to sustain their addictions. Much of the prison population is housed in the Prisoner Relocation Center (CERESP), which has faced allegations of torture and mistreatment of inmates{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=61935 |title=OAB denuncia tortura no Ceresp |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2012-03-14 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713190326/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=61935 |archive-date=2016-07-13 |url-status=dead}} and has been the site of riots and vandalism by inmates.{{cite web |url=https://www.hojeemdia.com.br/horizontes/rebeli%C3%A3o-no-ceresp-de-ipatinga-tem-um-morto-e-oito-feridos-1.414953 |title=Rebelião no Ceresp de Ipatinga tem um morto e oito feridos |author=Jornal Hoje em Dia |date=2016-09-19 |access-date=2019-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830163639/https://www.hojeemdia.com.br/horizontes/rebeli%C3%A3o-no-ceresp-de-ipatinga-tem-um-morto-e-oito-feridos-1.414953 |archive-date=2019-08-30}}

File:InterTV dos Vales em Ipatinga MG.JPG

In August 2015, Ipatinga had 1,007 payphones, according to data from Oi, the company managing fixed-line telephony services, despite their declining use due to the rise of mobile telephony.{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/96113-6/cidades/pouco-utilizada-rede-de-orelhoes-deve-ser-reduzida |title=Pouco utilizada, rede de orelhões deve ser reduzida |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2015-08-08 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713190554/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/96113-6/cidades/pouco-utilizada-rede-de-orelhoes-deve-ser-reduzida |archive-date=2016-07-13}} The area code (DDD) for Ipatinga is 031, and the Postal Code (CEP) ranges from 35150-001 to 35169-999.{{cite web |url=http://www.correios.com.br/ |title=CEP de cidades brasileiras |author=Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos |access-date=2016-07-13}} In January 2009, the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region adopted number portability, along with other cities sharing the same DDD.{{cite web |url=http://bhol.com.br/portabilidade-de-celular-chega-ao-ddd-31-no-proximo-dia-19 |title=Portabilidade de celular chega ao DDD 31 no próximo dia 19 |author=BH Online |date=2009-01-05 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708042651/http://bhol.com.br/portabilidade-de-celular-chega-ao-ddd-31-no-proximo-dia-19 |archive-date=2012-07-08}} Postal services are provided by branches of the Correios in the neighborhoods of Betânia, Bom Jardim, Bom Retiro, Cariru, Centro, Horto, Iguaçu, and Veneza.{{cite web |url=http://www.buscacep.correios.com.br/sistemas/buscacep/buscaFaixaCep.cfm |title=Busca Faixa CEP |author=Empresa Brasileira de Correios e Telégrafos |access-date=2016-07-13}}

In terms of media, Ipatinga is a hub for InterTV dos Vales, an affiliate of TV Globo, with programming produced in Governador Valadares.{{cite web |url=http://redeglobo.globo.com/mg/intertvmg/noticia/inter-tv-dos-vales-inicia-novo-centro-de-producoes-em-governador-valadares.ghtml |title=Inter TV dos Vales inicia novo centro de produções em Governador Valadares |author=InterTV MG |date=2017-09-04 |access-date=2017-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906193724/http://redeglobo.globo.com/mg/intertvmg/noticia/inter-tv-dos-vales-inicia-novo-centro-de-producoes-em-governador-valadares.ghtml |archive-date=2017-09-06}} Its coverage extends to most of the Rio Doce Valley and parts of the Mucuri Valley.{{cite web |url=http://globominas.globo.com/GloboMinas/Noticias/Plantao/0,,MUL706325-9076-22718,00.html |title=A TV dos Vales, nova afiliada da Globo em Minas, passa a transmitir para 123 cidades |author=Globominas.com |date=2008-07-30 |access-date=2016-01-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080914194720/http://globominas.globo.com/GloboMinas/Noticias/Plantao/0,,MUL706325-9076-22718,00.html |archive-date=2008-09-14}} TV Cultura Vale do Aço, affiliated with TV Cultura and Rede Minas, is also based in Ipatinga, covering parts of the RMVA and its metropolitan belt.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=64027 |title=TV Cultura Vale do Aço comemora 22 anos no ar |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2012-06-06 |access-date=2016-01-16 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160103180917/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=64027 |archive-date=2016-01-03 |url-status=dead}} Among local daily newspapers, Diário do Aço and Diário Popular stand out.{{cite web |url=http://www.ipatinga-mg.com.br/info.php |title=Informações úteis de Ipatinga |author=Portal Ipatinga |access-date=2010-04-22 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231115439/http://www.ipatinga-mg.com.br/info.php |archive-date=2012-12-31 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=71231 |title=Morte de jornalista motiva críticas à polícia e ao Judiciário |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2013-04-10 |access-date=2016-01-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305103242/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=71231 |archive-date=2016-03-05 |url-status=dead}} The city is also home to several radio stations, including Itatiaia Vale do Aço, Jovem Pan FM, and Vanguarda.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=63694 |title=95FM e Vanguarda AM na liderança |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2012-05-25 |access-date=2016-01-16 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160116155419/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=63694 |archive-date=2016-01-16 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0108655-jovem-pan-volta-a-operar-no-vale-do-aco-em-nova-sintonia-na-segundafeira |title=Jovem Pan volta a operar no Vale do Aço em nova sintonia na segunda-feira |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2023-07-27 |access-date=2023-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230906155619/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0108655-jovem-pan-volta-a-operar-no-vale-do-aco-em-nova-sintonia-na-segundafeira |archive-date=2023-09-06}} In 2012, according to Praxis Pesquisa, approximately 134,680 residents aged over 16 listened to radio (74% of that age group). The Plox portal is a prominent online platform, ranking highly in Google searches for local news coverage.{{cite web |url=https://trends.google.com.br/trends/explore?geo=BR&q=plox,diario%20do%20a%C3%A7o,zug,aconteceu%20no%20vale |title=Interesse ao longo do tempo |access-date=2018-07-13}}

File:Vista da Estação Intendente Câmara, Ipatinga MG.JPG

Ipatinga is served by the Vitória-Minas Railway (EFVM), managed by Vale, which is a key route for transporting Usiminas production to the Port of Tubarão in Espírito Santo.{{cite web |url=http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/geral,usiminas-fecha-contrato-de-logistica-de-r900-mi-com-vale,461840 |title=Usiminas fecha contrato de logística de R$900 mi com Vale |author=Alberto Alegeri |date=2009-11-05 |publisher=Estadão |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713190657/http://www.estadao.com.br/noticias/geral,usiminas-fecha-contrato-de-logistica-de-r900-mi-com-vale,461840 |archive-date=2016-07-13}} The Intendente Câmara Station, located in the Ferroviários neighborhood, facilitates passenger transport with daily stops for trains traveling between the metropolitan areas of Vitória and Belo Horizonte. The EFVM is the cheapest and safest regular public transport option for several cities with stations.{{cite web |url=http://www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br/efvm/intendente.htm |title=Intendente Câmara |author=Estações Ferroviárias do Brasil |date=2014-01-16 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208123118/http://www.estacoesferroviarias.com.br/efvm/intendente.htm |archive-date=2012-12-08}}

Railway transport has been integral to Ipatinga since its early days, with the construction of the Pedra Mole Station near the Cariru neighborhood in 1922. A change in the EFVM route led to the construction of a new terminal in the city center in 1930 to replace the original, but another alteration in the railway layout resulted in its deactivation in 1951 and the establishment of the current Intendente Câmara Station in 1960. The Pedra Mole Station was designated a cultural heritage site in 1996, but remained abandoned until 2019, when its ruins were opened for visitation. The former Ipatinga Station in the city center was also designated a cultural heritage site in 1991 and converted into a museum in 1992.

File:Vista do Terminal Rodoviário de Ipatinga MG.JPG

Air transport in the municipality is facilitated by the Ipatinga Airport {{Airport codes|IPN|SBIP}}, known as the Vale do Aço Regional Airport (formerly Usiminas Airport), located in the neighboring municipality of Santana do Paraíso. Built by Usiminas, it is approximately 3 km from Ipatinga's city center and serves the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region with daily flights to the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Area, with potential for various connections, though it previously offered other destinations.{{cite web |url=http://issuu.com/danielalima53/docs/tcc_pronto |title=Aeroporto Regional do Vale do Aço |author=Daniele Lima |date=2015 |pages=16–22 |publisher=Centro Universitário Católica do Leste de Minas Gerais (Unileste) |access-date=2016-07-13}} The airport covers an area of about 700,000 m², with an asphalt runway measuring 2,004 m in length and 45 m in width,{{cite web |url=http://www.jvaonline.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=94558 |title=Usiminas entrega aeroporto revitalizado |author=Jornal Vale do Aço |date=2011-12-23 |access-date=2017-09-14 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120905131656/http://www.jvaonline.com.br/novo_site/ler_noticia.php?id=94558 |archive-date=2012-09-05 |url-status=dead}} and an apron measuring 72.5 m x 285 m.

Ipatinga has one of the largest bus terminals in the region, located in the city center, with regular daily departures to major cities in Minas Gerais and beyond.{{cite web |url=http://www.rodoviariadeipatinga.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=107&Itemid=111 |title=Horários e Tarifas |author=Terminal Rodoviário de Ipatinga |access-date=2010-04-12 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231233431/http://www.rodoviariadeipatinga.com.br/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=107&Itemid=111 |archive-date=2012-12-31}} The city is intersected by the BR-381, the main access route to the state capital and Espírito Santo; it is also the starting point of the BR-458, connecting the Vale do Aço to the BR-116, and the MG-232, linking to Santana do Paraíso and the MG-010.[http://maps.google.com.br/ Google Maps]. Accessed on July 13, 2016. The BR-381 runs parallel to the EFVM, and this axis has guided the urban occupation and expansion process since the second half of the 20th century. Although the urban section of the BR-381 has dual carriageways, the lack of duplication along most of its length causes access to the city to be hindered by heavy traffic.

File:Avenida Pedro Linhares Gomes e Usiminas ao fundo, Ipatinga MG.JPG, in the Iguaçu neighborhood]]

In 2023, the municipal vehicle fleet totaled 164,028, comprising 92,367 cars, 39,766 motorcycles, 11,028 pickup trucks, 5,259 vans, 3,496 trailers, 3,343 trucks, 2,542 mopeds, 1,706 utility vehicles, 1,073 semi-trailers, 991 mopeds, 846 buses, 833 truck-tractors, 665 minibuses, 53 wheeled tractors, 41 tricycles, five sidecars, two platform chassis, and 12 other vehicle types.{{cite web |url=https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/22/28120 |title=Frota |author=IBGE Cidades |date=2023 |access-date=2025-01-02 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250102140606/https://cidades.ibge.gov.br/brasil/mg/ipatinga/pesquisa/22/28120 |archive-date=2025-01-02}} The growing number of vehicles in Ipatinga contributes to increasingly slow traffic, particularly in the city center.{{cite web |url=http://www.otempo.com.br/cidades/problemas-de-tr%C3%A2nsito-t%C3%ADpicos-de-capital-chegam-ao-interior-1.961327 |title=Problemas de trânsito típicos de capital chegam ao interior |author=Joana Suarez |date=2015-12-15 |publisher=O Tempo |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713191146/http://www.otempo.com.br/cidades/problemas-de-tr%C3%A2nsito-t%C3%ADpicos-de-capital-chegam-ao-interior-1.961327 |archive-date=2016-07-13}}

Near commercial hubs, parking availability is often limited, impacting local businesses. Consequently, measures such as paid parking systems have been implemented.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=51642 |title=Vagas de estacionamento no Horto motivam novas reclamações |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2011-01-12 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160512214257/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=51642 |archive-date=2016-05-12 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/101881-6/cidades/ipatinga-tera-novo-modelo-de-estacionamento-rotativo |title=Ipatinga terá novo modelo de estacionamento rotativo |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2016-03-11 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160512214514/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/101881-6/cidades/ipatinga-tera-novo-modelo-de-estacionamento-rotativo |archive-date=2016-05-12}} From January to November 2023, Ipatinga recorded 4,020 traffic accidents, the eighth highest in Minas Gerais, with 83.34% classified as minor and 15.73% as serious.{{cite web |url=https://plox.com.br/noticia/06/12/2023/ipatinga-registra-mais-de-4-mil-acidentes-em-2023-a-8a-cidade-de-mg |title=Ipatinga registra mais de 4 mil acidentes em 2023; a 8ª cidade no ranking de MG |author=Plox |date=2023-12-06 |access-date=2024-04-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240401201054/https://plox.com.br/noticia/06/12/2023/ipatinga-registra-mais-de-4-mil-acidentes-em-2023-a-8a-cidade-de-mg |archive-date=2024-04-01}} The Pedro Linhares Gomes Avenue, the urban section of BR-381, recorded the highest number of accidents in the Vale do Aço from 2014 to 2024, with 4,000 incidents, followed by Avenida José Selim de Sales with 2,101.{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0116656-av-pedro-linhares-gomes-e-a-via-com-maior-numero-de-acidentes-no-vale-do-aco-na-ultima-decada |title=Av. Pedro Linhares Gomes é a via com maior número de acidentes no Vale do Aço na última década |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2024-06-25 |access-date=2024-07-12 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240712220948/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0116656-av-pedro-linhares-gomes-e-a-via-com-maior-numero-de-acidentes-no-vale-do-aco-na-ultima-decada |archive-date=2024-07-12}}

Public transportation is managed by Saritur, operating 55 urban and rural bus lines with 108 vehicles, as of July 2015.{{cite web |url=http://blogs.uai.com.br/faixaexclusiva/donos_do_transporte_mantem_participacao_em_cidades_medias_e_grandes_de_minas/ |title=Donos do transporte mantém participação em cidades médias e grandes de Minas |author=Bruno Rodrigues |date=2015-07-09 |publisher=Uai |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713191238/http://blogs.uai.com.br/faixaexclusiva/donos_do_transporte_mantem_participacao_em_cidades_medias_e_grandes_de_minas/ |archive-date=2016-07-13}} Viação Univale provides intermunicipal lines connecting Ipatinga to other municipalities in the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region and some surrounding areas.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=51371 |title=Passagem intermunicipal está 5,86% mais cara |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2010-12-29 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713191436/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=51371 |archive-date=2016-07-13 |url-status=dead}} The city also has an extensive bike lane network, approximately 40 kilometers long, according to 2015 municipal data.{{cite web |url=http://www.plox.com.br/caderno/pol%C3%ADtica-e-economia/obras-melhorias-ciclovia-avenida-ipatinga |title=Obras de melhorias em ciclovia em avenida de Ipatinga |author=Plox |date=2015-04-14 |access-date=2016-07-13 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160713191503/http://www.plox.com.br/caderno/pol%C3%ADtica-e-economia/obras-melhorias-ciclovia-avenida-ipatinga |archive-date=2016-07-13 |url-status=dead}} However, sidewalk infrastructure is deficient in many neighborhoods, with issues such as irregularities, obstacles, and discontinuous surfaces.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv2|PDDI|2014|pp=327–328}}

{{Multiple image

| align = center

| direction = horizontal

| width = 180

| image1 = Pontilhão de Ferro entre o B. Centro e Veneza, Ipatinga MG.JPG

| caption1 = Iron Bridge between the Centro and Veneza neighborhoods, inherited from the former EFVM route that crossed the city.

| image2 = Passarela para pedestres sobre a EFVM, Ipatinga MG.JPG

| caption2 = Pedestrian overpass above the Vitória-Minas Railway, lacking continuity over Pedro Linhares Gomes Avenue.

| image3 = Ciclovia da Avenida Selim José de Sales no B. Canaã, Ipatinga MG.JPG

| caption3 = Bike lane along Selim José de Sales Avenue in the Canaã neighborhood.

| image4 = Aclive na Estrada do Ipaneminha, Ipatinga MG.JPG

| caption4 = Paved section of the Ipaneminha Road (AIP-130) in Ipatinga's rural area.

}}

File:Vista da Igreja São Vicente de Paulo, Ipatinga MG.jpg municipal cultural heritage asset.]]

When Usiminas was established, the only leisure options in Ipatinga were small bars. Heavy work at the plant, long lines at restaurants, cultural differences, and distance from families strained relations among residents, many of whom came from diverse regions of Brazil. These factors contributed to the unrest that culminated in the Ipatinga Massacre in 1963, prompting the adoption of social assistance policies to mitigate workplace conflicts, including increased investment in leisure facilities.

For the 2024 ICMS Cultural Tax calculation, Ipatinga's cultural policy score was 3.60 on a scale of 0 to 4, with a total score of 16.84 based on factors such as conservation, expenditure, and the number of listed or registered heritage assets.{{cite web |url=http://www.iepha.mg.gov.br/images/ICMS_2023/Pontuacao_DEFINITIVA_exercicio_2024-v1.1_-_com_logos.pdf |title=ICMS Critério do Patrimônio Cultural |author=Instituto Estadual do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico de Minas Gerais (IEPHA) |page=16 |access-date=2023-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230906154209/http://www.iepha.mg.gov.br/images/ICMS_2023/Pontuacao_DEFINITIVA_exercicio_2024-v1.1_-_com_logos.pdf |archive-date=2023-09-06}} In addition to its work in public administration, Usiminas supports arts and cultural facilities, including those funded through the Federal Cultural Incentive Law.{{cite web |url=http://www.plox.com.br/cultura/circuito-usiminas-de-cultura-movimenta-ipatinga-e-santana-do-paraiso |title=Circuito Usiminas de Cultura movimenta Ipatinga e Santana do Paraíso |author=Plox |date=2016-03-22 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160703193809/http://www.plox.com.br/cultura/circuito-usiminas-de-cultura-movimenta-ipatinga-e-santana-do-paraiso |archive-date=2016-07-03 |url-status=dead}}

Ipatinga has a municipal culture council and a heritage preservation council,{{cite web |url=http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2012&node=638&ordem=6.2&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |title=Conselho municipal de cultura e de preservação do patrimônio |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2012 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707212612/http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2012&node=638&ordem=6.2&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |archive-date=2016-07-07}} with provisions for heritage listing of tangible and intangible assets. As of 2020, listed tangible assets included: the São Vicente de Paulo Church (Ipaneminha Church), the Nossa Senhora do Rosário Dance Club (headquarters of the Ipaneminha Congado), the Fazendinha in the Ferroviários neighborhood, the ruins of the former Pedra Mole Station, the Old Ipatinga Railway Station (Zeza Souto Memory Station), the Iron Bridge over the Ipanema River between Centro and Veneza, the Railway Workers' Houses in Veneza, the Nossa Senhora da Esperança Church (Horto Church), the Zélia Olguin Theater, the rubber fig tree in Cariru, the former Grande Hotel Ipatinga building in Castelo, the Olguin Academy, the Ipanema Park, and the Pouso de Água Limpa Station complex. The Nossa Senhora do Rosário Congado (Ipaneminha Congado) was the only listed intangible asset.{{Harvtxt|Arquitetura OG|2020|p=5}}

File:Entrada do Centro Cultural Usiminas, Ipatinga MG2.JPG

Ipatinga boasts a rich and diverse folklore. According to 2012 IBGE data, the city is home to artistic groups specialising in theatre, dance, choirs, folklore, and music.{{cite web |url=http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2005&node=3762&ordem=8.3&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |title=Grupos artísticos |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2012 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707212826/http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2005&node=3762&ordem=8.3&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |archive-date=2016-07-07}} A prominent cultural event is the Ipaneminha Congado, a traditional fandango group that performs marches in honor of Our Lady of the Rosary during festive occasions. This tradition, derived from African roots, was established in 1925 by descendants of muleteers.{{cite web |url=http://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/10422/Cartilha-do-Patrimonio-Cultural |title=Cartilha do Patrimônio Cultural |author=Prefeitura |date=2013-01-02 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151017070338/http://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/10422/Cartilha-do-Patrimonio-Cultural |archive-date=2015-10-17}} Other popular cultural events include the Folia de Reis, the Feast of the Divine, the Feast of the Rosary, Bumba Meu Boi, June festivals, and the Banana Festival.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv3|PDDI|2014|pp=663–665}}{{cite web |url=http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2005&node=3737&ordem=8.5&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |title=Principais festas populares |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2005 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707212907/http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2005&node=3737&ordem=8.5&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |archive-date=2016-07-07}} In Corpus Christi, certain parishes create carpets in local neighbourhoods.{{cite web |url=http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/94046-6/cidades/corpus-christi-e-um-dia-santo-e-nao-um-feriado |title=“Corpus Christi é um dia santo e não um feriado” |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2015-06-03 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707213137/http://diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/94046-6/cidades/corpus-christi-e-um-dia-santo-e-nao-um-feriado |archive-date=2016-07-07}}

Handicrafts are an important part of Ipatinga's cultural identity. According to the IBGE, the most common crafts are embroidery and the production of leather and metal artefacts.{{cite web |url=http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2012&node=679&ordem=6.4&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |title=Principais atividades artesanais |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2012 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707213228/http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2012&node=679&ordem=6.4&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |archive-date=2016-07-07}} In rural areas, ceramics and mosaic crafts complement agrotourism activities. Rural tourism also involves sampling the local cuisine, which includes homemade jams, liqueurs, honey, cheeses, breads, desserts, and meals prepared on wood-burning stoves. These products can be enjoyed at farms, properties, and rural establishments open to visitors.{{cite web |url=https://turismo.uai.com.br/destino-descoberta/muito-alem-do-vale-do-aco-descubra-o-ipatinga-rural/ |title=Muito além do Vale do Aço: Descubra o Ipatinga Rural |author=Iolanda Loiola |date=2023-11-03 |publisher=Uai Turismo |access-date=2024-04-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240401201118/https://turismo.uai.com.br/destino-descoberta/muito-alem-do-vale-do-aco-descubra-o-ipatinga-rural/ |archive-date=2024-04-01}}

Cultural spaces dedicated to preserving and promoting popular traditions include municipal libraries, theaters, stadiums, sports complexes, cinemas, clubs, and recreational associations, as reported by IBGE in 2005 and 2012.{{cite web |url=http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2005&node=3737&ordem=8.2&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |title=Equipamentos culturais |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2005 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707213336/http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2005&node=3737&ordem=8.2&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |archive-date=2016-07-07}}{{cite web |url=http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2012&node=657&ordem=6.3&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |title=Equipamentos culturais e meios de comunicação |author=Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) |date=2005 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707213914/http://munic.ibge.gov.br/ver_tema.php?periodo=2012&node=657&ordem=6.3&munic=313130&uf=31&nome=Ipatinga |archive-date=2016-07-07}} The old central railway station, opened in 1930 and deactivated in 1951, was repurposed as a museum in 1992. Named the Zeza Souto Memory Station, it hosts cultural activities and historical documents related to the city. Under the Federal Cultural Incentive Law, Usiminas, in partnership with the municipality, organizes diverse programs, including workshops, cultural performances, and cinema screenings, held in schools and public squares for the general population. The municipality supports initiatives such as the Tenente Oswaldo Machado Music School and the Sete de Outubro Theater School, offering classes for various age groups.{{cite web |url=http://www.ipatinga-mg.com.br/turismo.php |title=O Turismo em Ipatinga |author=Prefeitura |access-date=2010-03-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231155303/http://www.ipatinga-mg.com.br/turismo.php |archive-date=2012-12-31 |url-status=dead}}

File:Lago da Usipa, Ipatinga MG.JPG

Through the Usiminas Institute, Usiminas promotes projects and maintains spaces dedicated to the arts, such as the Usiminas Cultural Center, which serves the region with cultural workshops, a diverse theater program, an art gallery, and a library.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv3|PDDI|2014|pp=654–655}} Located next to the Vale do Aço Shopping Mall, its theater is among Brazil's most modern and received the Herity certification in 2015, recognized by UNESCO for its conservation, quality, and relevance.{{cite web |url=http://www.plox.com.br/acontece/centro-cultural-usiminas-recebe-certificacao-internacional |title=Centro Cultural Usiminas recebe certificação internacional |author=Plox |date=2015-12-08 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707214015/http://www.plox.com.br/acontece/centro-cultural-usiminas-recebe-certificacao-internacional |archive-date=2016-07-07 |url-status=dead}} The Zélia Olguin Theater in the Cariru neighborhood is also managed by Instituto Usiminas. The former Grande Hotel Ipatinga building in the Castelo neighborhood was repurposed by Usiminas as the Usiminas Memory Center, inaugurated in 2021.{{cite web |url=https://www.em.com.br/app/noticia/economia/2021/10/26/internas_economia,1317346/centro-de-pesquisa-da-usiminas-completa-50-anos-com-desenvolvimento-do-aco.shtml |title=Centro de Pesquisa da Usiminas completa 50 anos, com desenvolvimento do aço |author=Mariana Costa |date=2021-10-26 |publisher=Jornal Estado de Minas |access-date=2023-09-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230906155540/https://www.em.com.br/app/noticia/economia/2021/10/26/internas_economia,1317346/centro-de-pesquisa-da-usiminas-completa-50-anos-com-desenvolvimento-do-aco.shtml |archive-date=2023-09-06}}

In addition to hosting the Usiminas Cultural Center, the Vale do Aço Shopping Mall is the region's largest leisure and entertainment facility, with its cinemas being the area's main venues. Ipatinga's cultural spaces frequently host regionally or nationally significant events, such as the Theater and Dance Popularization Campaign{{cite web |url=http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2013/02/ipatinga-recebe-10-campanha-de-popularizacao-do-teatro-e-da-danca.html |title=Ipatinga recebe a 10ª Campanha de Popularização do Teatro e da Dança |author=InterTV dos Vales |date=2013-02-21 |publisher=G1 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012202410/http://g1.globo.com/mg/vales-mg/noticia/2013/02/ipatinga-recebe-10-campanha-de-popularizacao-do-teatro-e-da-danca.html |archive-date=2014-10-12}} and the Ipatinga Live Jazz Festival.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariopopularmg.com.br/vis_noticia.aspx?id=6766 |title=Ipatinga Live Jazz começa na sexta com João Bosco |author=Jornal Diário Popular |date=2013-11-06 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304192935/http://www.diariopopularmg.com.br/vis_noticia.aspx?id=6766 |archive-date=2016-03-04}} At Usipa, events such as the Xerimbabo Project (focused on environmental awareness) and the Expo Usipa (a local business exhibition) occur regularly. According to the Minas Gerais State Culture Department, the city's vibrant events, theater groups, and diverse activities make it one of the state's main cultural hubs.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=58420 |title=Cultura é um bom negócio |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2011-10-16 |access-date=2016-07-06 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121231223227/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=58420 |archive-date=2012-12-31 |url-status=dead}}

File:Cachoeira e piscina natural no Parque das Cachoeiras, Ipatinga MG.jpg

Ipatinga is part of the Atlantic Forest Tourist Circuit of Minas Gerais, established in 2010 by the Minas Gerais State Tourism Department to promote tourism in member cities.{{cite web |url=http://www.turismo.mg.gov.br/images/stories/circuitos/lista-circuitos.pdf |title=Circuitos Turísticos de Minas Gerais |author=Secretaria de Turismo de Minas Gerais |date=2013-03-18 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130731133231/http://www.turismo.mg.gov.br/images/stories/circuitos/lista-circuitos.pdf |archive-date=2013-07-31}} The main natural attractions include trails, forests, lagoons, and waterfalls in rural areas, some equipped with visitor infrastructure. Particularly in the environmental preservation areas and headwaters of the Ipanema stream sub-basin, there are farms, lodges, and guesthouses fostering rural tourism and ecotourism.{{cite web |url=http://www.aetri.com.br/index.php/aetri |title=AETRI |author=Associação dos Empreendedores do Turismo Rural de Ipatinga (AETRI) |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707214045/http://www.aetri.com.br/index.php/aetri |archive-date=2016-07-07}}

In rural areas, the privately managed Parque das Cachoeiras stands out, covering approximately 5 million m² with camping areas, chalets, and a restaurant. At Fazenda do Zaca, native Atlantic Forest preservation is complemented by trails and gardens open to visitors. Recognized as a private natural heritage reserve (RPPN), it hosts environmental awareness campaigns for schools and the public.{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0024864-fazenda-do-zaca-investe-na-educacao-e-conscientizacao |title=Fazenda do Zaca investe na educação e conscientização |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2009-06-06 |access-date=2024-04-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240401201222/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0024864-fazenda-do-zaca-investe-na-educacao-e-conscientizacao |archive-date=2024-04-01}} At Sítio Recanto Vovô Teixeira, built in the 1930s, artisanal molasses and brown sugar are produced using a preserved sugar mill. The property also produces cornmeal with a water mill from its founding era. Empório da Serra is notable for its cheese production and wood-stove meals, available during visits.

File:Vista parcial do Parque Ipanema, Ipatinga MG2.JPG

The urban area also features leisure facilities that attract visitors from other cities. The Ipanema Park, one of Brazil's largest urban green spaces, was one of the last projects by landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, covering over 1 million m² with 12,000 planted trees. The park includes leisure amenities such as the Science Park, where visitors can observe or interact with physical, biological, chemical, or astronomical phenomena, as well as a playground, sports courts, soccer fields, walking trails, bike lanes, and an amphitheater. Its surroundings include the Municipal Nursery, the Emerson Fittipaldi Kart Track, the Sete de Outubro Sports and Cultural Center, and the João Lamego Netto Municipal Stadium (Ipatingão).{{Harvtxt|Arquitetura OG|2020|pp=60–63}} The Caminho das Águas Railway, spanning 2.6 km, connects Ipanema Park to the Pouso de Água Limpa Station, a small tourist train station.{{Harvtxt|Arquitetura OG|2020|pp=65–67}}

Usipa, in addition to its Biodiversity Center with a mini zoo garden and botanical garden, offers ecological trails, a water park, sports areas, snack bars, and children's leisure spaces. The Vale do Aço Shopping Mall, as previously noted, is the largest shopping center in eastern Minas Gerais and among the largest in the state's interior, serving as the primary metropolitan leisure and entertainment hub. In the Cariru neighborhood, the restored ruins of the Pedra Mole Station have been open to visitors since 2019, featuring a trail with informational signs, the station's remnants, and a lookout point for viewing the confluence of the Piracicaba and Doce rivers.{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0074077-estaaao-de-pedra-mole-a-restaurada |title=Estação de Pedra Mole é restaurada |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2019-12-10 |access-date=2020-01-26 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200126192241/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0074077-estaaao-de-pedra-mole-a-restaurada |archive-date=2020-01-26}}

File:Vista parcial do Kartódromo Emerson Fittipaldi, Ipatinga MG.JPG

Ipatinga offers numerous spaces and facilities for sports activities. The Usipa Sports and Recreation Association is notable, featuring a heated Olympic-size swimming pool, a soccer stadium, sports courts, a covered gymnasium, an athletics track, and children's leisure areas. The institution also trains athletes in specialized sports and soccer.{{Harvtxt|ref=PDDIv3|PDDI|2014|pp=689–691; 693}} Some of its most notable athletes include judoka Edilene Andrade, runner Lucimar Aparecida de Moura, swimmer Flávia Delaroli, and soccer players Somália and Edivaldo.{{cite web |url=http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/pracas/noticias.asp?codigo=12 |title=Associação Esportiva e Recreativa USIPA |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707214127/http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/pracas/noticias.asp?codigo=12 |archive-date=2016-07-07}}

The Sete de Outubro Sports and Cultural Center in the Veneza neighborhood provides social projects in sports and culture, with courts suitable for basketball, futsal, handball, and karate, as well as soccer fields.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=54216 |title=7/10/cara e roupa nova |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2011-05-04 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707214316/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=54216 |archive-date=2016-07-07 |url-status=dead}} The Emerson Fittipaldi Kart Track (Ipatinga Kart Club), opened in 1982, occasionally hosts state or national kart racing competitions.{{cite web |url=http://turismo.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/42067/Kartodromo-Emerson-Fittipaldi |title=Kartódromo Emerson Fittipaldi |author=Prefeitura |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707190059/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:Jraq8VCihkUJ:turismo.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/42067/Kartodromo-Emerson-Fittipaldi+&cd=12&hl=pt-BR&ct=clnk&gl=br |archive-date=2016-07-07}} The Ipatinga School Games (JEI), organized by the municipality with support from the State Sports Incentive Law, annually bring together students from public and private schools competing in sports such as athletics, basketball, handball, volleyball, and chess.{{cite web |url=http://ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/42256/Jogos-Escolares-de-Ipatinga-conhece-campeao-no-Futsal |title=Jogos Escolares de Ipatinga conhece campeão no Futsal |author=Prefeitura |date=2015-11-06 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707214816/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:YIxiu8o6F5wJ:ipatinga.mg.gov.br/Materia_especifica/42256/Jogos-Escolares-de-Ipatinga-conhece-campeao-no-Futsal+&cd=1&hl=pt-BR&ct=clnk&gl=br |archive-date=2016-07-07}} The same law applies to the organisation of other sporting events in the municipality, including those organised by the private sector.{{cite web |url=http://euamoipatinga.com.br/noticias/noticias.asp?codigo=2066 |title=Trânsito de veículos terá alterado neste domingo |author=Revista Ipatinga Cidade Jardim |date=2015-04-25 |publisher=Eu Amo Ipatinga |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707214502/http://euamoipatinga.com.br/noticias/noticias.asp?codigo=2066 |archive-date=2016-07-07}}

File:Foto Matheus Luan - Ipatinga Inter-22 (36689730493).jpg at night]]

The João Lamego Netto Municipal Stadium is the main stadium in Ipatinga and the Vale do Aço, with a capacity of up to 23,000 people. Known as Ipatingão, it is the home of Ipatinga Futebol Clube, the region's most successful soccer team, with participation in the top divisions of the Brazilian Football Championship and Minas Gerais Football Championship.{{cite web |url=http://www.plox.com.br/caderno/esportes/ipatinga-futebol-clube-comemora-14-anos-existencia |title=Ipatinga Futebol Clube comemora 14 anos de existência |author=Plox |date=2012-05-21 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160104145514/http://www.plox.com.br/caderno/esportes/ipatinga-futebol-clube-comemora-14-anos-existencia |archive-date=2016-01-04 |url-status=dead}} In 2010, during the renovation of the Governador Magalhães Pinto Stadium (Mineirão) in Belo Horizonte for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Ipatingão hosted matches for major Belo Horizonte teams (Cruzeiro and Atlético).{{cite web |url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/brasileirao-serie-a/noticia/2010/07/cbf-confirma-jogos-de-atletico-mg-e-cruzeiro-no-estadio-ipatingao.html |title=CBF confirma jogos de Atlético-MG e Cruzeiro no estádio Ipatingão |author=globoesporte.com |date=2010-07-29 |access-date=2010-11-29 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714121044/http://globoesporte.globo.com/futebol/brasileirao-serie-a/noticia/2010/07/cbf-confirma-jogos-de-atletico-mg-e-cruzeiro-no-estadio-ipatingao.html |archive-date=2012-07-14}} The Amaro Lanari Júnior Stadium, known as Usipa's stadium, opened on September 7, 1961, and its training center has been used by elite national and international clubs, including Atlético Mineiro, São Paulo, and San Lorenzo.{{cite web |url=http://www.plox.com.br/caderno/esportes/estadio-lanari-junior-comemora-50-anos-historia |title=Estádio Lanari Júnior comemora 50 anos de história |author=Plox |date=2011-09-05 |access-date=2016-07-07 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707214851/http://www.plox.com.br/caderno/esportes/estadio-lanari-junior-comemora-50-anos-historia |archive-date=2016-07-07 |url-status=dead}}

Another team from the city that gained prominence is Ideal Futebol Clube, which competed in the lower divisions of the Campeonato Mineiro and developed players for elite clubs.{{cite web |url=http://esportes.terra.com.br/futebol/estaduais/campeonato-mineiro/ipatinga-anuncia-cinco-reforcos-para-o-campeonato-mineiro,6ace319019a3d310VgnCLD200000bbcceb0aRCRD.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707215128/http://esportes.terra.com.br/futebol/estaduais/campeonato-mineiro/ipatinga-anuncia-cinco-reforcos-para-o-campeonato-mineiro,6ace319019a3d310VgnCLD200000bbcceb0aRCRD.html |archive-date=2016-07-07 |title=Ipatinga anuncia cinco reforços para o Campeonato Mineiro |author=Terra |date=2010-12-10 |access-date=2016-07-07}} The João Teotônio Ferreira Stadium (Ferreirão), owned by the municipality but managed by Ideal, has a capacity of approximately 3,000 people{{cite web |url=https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0063917-com-area-interditada-desde-2016-muro-do-estadio-ferreirao-desaba |archive-url=https://archive.today/20210103144335/https://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticia/0063917-com-area-interditada-desde-2016-muro-do-estadio-ferreirao-desaba |archive-date=2021-01-03 |title=Com área interditada desde 2016, muro do estádio Ferreirão desaba |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2018-11-28 |access-date=2021-01-03}} and has been used for matches in the lower divisions of the Campeonato Mineiro and for local amateur club derbies.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=60874 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160307003139/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=60874 |archive-date=2016-03-07 |title=Fernando Rocha estreia coluna no Diário do Aço domingo, 29 |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2012-01-27 |access-date=2016-07-07 |url-status=dead}} The Novo Esporte Clube Ipatinga, established in 2012, participated in the second division of the 2013 Campeonato Mineiro but was eliminated in the first phase.{{cite web |url=http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=75702 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131010211824/http://www.diariodoaco.com.br/noticias.aspx?cd=75702 |archive-date=2013-10-10 |title=Equipes da região decepcionam novamente |author=Jornal Diário do Aço |date=2013-10-10 |access-date=2016-07-07 |url-status=dead}} The Ipatinga Sports League oversees the municipality’s amateur football competitions across all age categories, which in some years involve more than 10,000 athletes.{{cite web |url=http://globoesporte.globo.com/mg/grande-minas-vales/noticia/2014/03/liga-desportiva-de-ipatinga-passa-funcionar-no-ipatingao.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707215407/http://globoesporte.globo.com/mg/grande-minas-vales/noticia/2014/03/liga-desportiva-de-ipatinga-passa-funcionar-no-ipatingao.html |archive-date=2016-07-07 |title=Liga Desportiva de Ipatinga passa a funcionar no Ipatingão |author=globoesporte.com |date=2014-03-17 |access-date=2016-07-07}}

In Ipatinga, there are three municipal holidays and eight national holidays, in addition to optional holidays. The municipal holidays are the city’s anniversary, celebrated on April 29; Corpus Christi, which in 2025 is observed on June 19; and the Assumption of Our Lady, on August 15.{{cite web |url=http://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/abrir_arquivo.aspx/CALENDARIO_DE_FERIADOS_MUNICIPAIS_-_2016.?cdLocal=2&arquivo=%7BD21EE521-82DE-AC44-4C84-46E76BC2ADED%7D.pdf |archive-url=https://archive.today/20160707195348/http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:KJsEHG-Ei-UJ:www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/abrir_arquivo.aspx/CALENDARIO_DE_FERIADOS_MUNICIPAIS_-_2016.%3FcdLocal%3D2%26arquivo%3D%257BD21EE521-82DE-AC44-4C84-46E76BC2ADED%257D.pdf+&cd=1&hl=pt-BR&ct=clnk&gl=br |archive-date=2016-07-07 |title=Feriados federais e municipais 2016 no município de Ipatinga |author=Prefeitura |access-date=2016-07-07}}

The municipality also has official symbols, namely the flag and the coat of arms. The flag consists of the municipal coat of arms centered on a rectangle with blue, red, and green colors, which are the city’s official colors. The coat of arms was established by Law No. 88 of September 6, 1967{{cite web |url=https://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/normas-juridicas/93?slug=institui-o-brasao-do-municipio-de-ipatinga |title=Law No. 88 of 06/09/1967 |author=Câmara Municipal |date=1967-09-06 |access-date=2025-02-27 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250227191655/https://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/normas-juridicas/93?slug=institui-o-brasao-do-municipio-de-ipatinga |archive-date=2025-02-27}} and amended by Law No. 2,541 of June 4, 2009.{{cite web |url=https://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/normas-juridicas/8413?slug=dispoe-sobre-a-forma-e-a-apresentacao-dos-simbolos-do-municipio-de-ipatinga-e-da-outras-providencias |title=Law No. 2,541 of 04/06/2009 |author=Câmara Municipal |date=2009-06-04 |access-date=2025-02-27 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250227191839/https://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/normas-juridicas/8413?slug=dispoe-sobre-a-forma-e-a-apresentacao-dos-simbolos-do-municipio-de-ipatinga-e-da-outras-providencias |archive-date=2025-02-27}} It features a crown symbolizing strength and authority, with a star representing Barra Alegre, the municipality’s only district. Below, a steel ladle in the shape of a shield symbolizes the steel industry, surrounded by two branches representing the laurels of victory. At the center of the emblem is a globe with two stylized human figures, symbolizing the unity of peoples and technology, and a ribbon bearing the motto "Trust, Work, and Progress."{{cite web |url=https://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/brasao |title=Coat of arms |author=Câmara Municipal |date=2024-04-23 |access-date=2025-02-27 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250227191905/https://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/brasao |archive-date=2025-02-27}}

Ipatinga currently has two sister cities:[https://www.camaraipatinga.mg.gov.br/normas-juridicas/623?slug=considera-kitakyushu-no-japao-cidade-irma-de-ipatinga Câmara Municipal de Ipatinga: Lei Nº618 de 24/07/1978 - "Considera Kitakyushu, no Japão, cidade irmã de Ipatinga".][http://www.euamoipatinga.com.br/historia/noticias.asp?video=Cidades Eu Amo Ipatinga: Cidades-irmãs][https://www.pousoeprosa.com.br/publico/curiosidade/visualiza/719/ Pouso & Prosa: CIDADES-IRMÃS]

• {{flagdeco|Japan}} – Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Japan since July 24, 1978
• {{flagdeco|United States}} - Marlborough, Massachusetts, United States of America since 2009

• Christian Carvalho (born 1980), Brazilian footballer
• Alberto Valerio (born 1985), racing driver

• List of municipalities in Minas Gerais
• Ipatinga massacre
• Ipanema Park

{{Reflist|20em}}

{{Refbegin|2}}

• {{Cite book |last=Arquitetura OG |year=2020 |title=Patrimônio Cultural |trans-title=Cultural Heritage |language=Portuguese |publisher=Prefeitura |url=https://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/salvar_arquivo.aspx?cdLocal=2&arquivo={BE75564E-BEC4-ADEE-2A88-E25544B8DCAE}.pdf |access-date=2023-09-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230715161202/https://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br/salvar_arquivo.aspx?cdLocal=2&arquivo={BE75564E-BEC4-ADEE-2A88-E25544B8DCAE}.pdf |archive-date=2023-07-15 }}
• {{Cite journal |last=Câmara Municipal |year=1990 |title=Ipatinga: Um Retrato Sócio Cultural |trans-title=Ipatinga: A Socio-Cultural Portrait |language=Portuguese |journal=Câmara Municipal de Ipatinga |volume=1 }}
• {{Cite journal|last=Centro Universitário Católica do Leste de Minas Gerais (Unileste) |year=2014a |title=Região Metropolitana do Vale do Aço - diagnóstico final (volume 1) |trans-title=Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region - final diagnosis (volume 1) |language=Portuguese |journal=Plano Diretor de Desenvolvimento Integrado (PDDI) |pages=1–269 |volume=1 |url=http://www.unilestemg.br/pddi/arq/doc/documentos-oficiais/2014/PDDI_DIAGNOSTICO_VOL1.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303184721/http://www.unilestemg.br/pddi/arq/doc/documentos-oficiais/2014/PDDI_DIAGNOSTICO_VOL1.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead |ref=PDDIv1}}
• {{Cite journal |last=Centro Universitário Católica do Leste de Minas Gerais (Unileste) |year=2014b |title=Região Metropolitana do Vale do Aço - diagnóstico final (volume 2) |trans-title=Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region - final diagnosis (volume 2) |language=Portuguese |journal=Plano Diretor de Desenvolvimento Integrado (PDDI) |pages=270–494 |volume=2 |url=http://www.unilestemg.br/pddi/arq/doc/documentos-oficiais/2014/PDDI_DIAGNOSTICO_VOL2.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015358/http://www.unilestemg.br/pddi/arq/doc/documentos-oficiais/2014/PDDI_DIAGNOSTICO_VOL2.pdf |archive-date=2015-11-17 |url-status=dead |ref=PDDIv2}}
• {{Cite journal |last=Centro Universitário Católica do Leste de Minas Gerais (Unileste) |year=2014c |title=Região Metropolitana do Vale do Aço - diagnóstico final (volume 3) |trans-title=Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region - final diagnosis (volume 3) |language=Portuguese |journal=Plano Diretor de Desenvolvimento Integrado (PDDI) |pages=495–825 |volume=3 |url=http://www.unilestemg.br/pddi/arq/doc/documentos-oficiais/2014/PDDI_DIAGNOSTICO_VOL3.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202222138/http://www.unilestemg.br/pddi/arq/doc/documentos-oficiais/2014/PDDI_DIAGNOSTICO_VOL3.pdf |archive-date=2016-02-02 |url-status=dead |ref=PDDIv3}}
• {{Cite journal |last=Centro Universitário Católica do Leste de Minas Gerais (Unileste) |year=2014d |title=Região Metropolitana do Vale do Aço - diagnóstico final (volume 4) |trans-title=Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region - final diagnosis (volume 4) |language=Portuguese |journal=Plano Diretor de Desenvolvimento Integrado (PDDI) |pages=826–1052 |volume=4 |url=http://www.unilestemg.br/pddi/arq/doc/documentos-oficiais/2014/PDDI_DIAGNOSTICO_VOL4.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160816141519/http://www.unilestemg.br/pddi/arq/doc/documentos-oficiais/2014/PDDI_DIAGNOSTICO_VOL4.pdf |archive-date=2016-08-16 |url-status=dead |ref=PDDIv4}}
• {{Cite book|last=Comitê da Bacia Hidrográfica do Rio Piracicaba (CBH-Piracicaba) |year=2015 |title=Plano Municipal de Saneamento Básico do Município de Ipatinga |trans-title=Municipal Basic Sanitation Plan of the Municipality of Ipatinga |language=Portuguese |url=https://www.cbhpiracicabamg.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1284-IBA-00-SA-RT-0008-R2_Tomo_I.pdf |access-date=2022-12-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221008164252/https://www.cbhpiracicabamg.org.br/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/1284-IBA-00-SA-RT-0008-R2_Tomo_I.pdf |archive-date=2022-10-08 |ref=CBHPiracicaba}}
• {{Cite book|last=Dias |first=Fabiana Correia |year=2011 |title=O tratamento dos espaços livres em uma cidade média planejada: o caso de Ipatinga/MG |trans-title=The treatment of open spaces in a medium-sized planned city: the case of Ipatinga/MG |language=Portuguese |publisher=Escola de Arquitetura da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG) |url=http://www.bibliotecadigital.ufmg.br/dspace/bitstream/handle/1843/MMMD-8TMSKX/disserta__o_fabiana_correia_dias.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160603211343/http://www.bibliotecadigital.ufmg.br/dspace/bitstream/handle/1843/MMMD-8TMSKX/disserta__o_fabiana_correia_dias.pdf |archive-date=2016-06-03 |url-status=dead }}
• {{Cite book|last=Farias |first=Rita de Cássia Pereira |year=2010 |title=Entre a igualdade e a distinção: a trama social de uma grande empresa |trans-title=Between equality and distinction: the social fabric of a large company |language=Portuguese |publisher=Instituto de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas (IFCH) |url=http://www.bibliotecadigital.unicamp.br/document/?down=000477102 |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160803173916/http://www.bibliotecadigital.unicamp.br/document/?down=000477102 |archive-date=2016-08-03 |url-status=dead }}
• {{Cite journal|last=Fernandes |first=Edvaldo |year=2013 |title=Massacre de Ipatinga Quadro a Quadro |trans-title=Ipatinga Massacre Frame by Frame |language=Portuguese |journal=Memória Operária do Vale do Aço (Movaço) |url=http://movaco.org.br/arquivos/LAB_Massacre%20Ipatinga.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303212607/http://movaco.org.br/arquivos/LAB_Massacre%20Ipatinga.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead }}
• {{Cite book|last=Giusti |first=Daniela Araújo |year=2013 |title=Reforma de banheiros no bairro Cariru: Por quê? |trans-title=Renovation of bathrooms in the Cariru neighborhood: Why? |language=Portuguese |publisher=Instituto de Pós-graduação e Graduação (IPOG) |url=http://www.ipog.edu.br/download-arquivo-site.sp?arquivo=reforma-de-banheiros-no-bairro-cariru-por-que-1554183.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160815011252/http://www.ipog.edu.br/download-arquivo-site.sp?arquivo=reforma-de-banheiros-no-bairro-cariru-por-que-1554183.pdf |archive-date=2016-08-15 |url-status=dead }}
• {{Cite journal |first=Romerito Valeriano|last= Da Silva |first2=Duval|last2= Magalhães Fernandes |first3=Elisângela|last3= Gonçalves Lacerda |year=2012 |title=Análise da Dinâmica Populacional na Região Metropolitana e no Colar Metropolitano do Vale do Aço (MG) entre 1970 e 2010 |trans-title=Analysis of Population Dynamics in the Vale do Aço Metropolitan Region and its Metropolitan Belt (MG) between 1970 and 2010 |language=Portuguese |journal=Associação Brasileira de Estudos Populacionais |url=http://www.abep.nepo.unicamp.br/xviii/anais/files/POSTER%5B188%5dABEP2012.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012132715/http://www.abep.nepo.unicamp.br/xviii/anais/files/POSTER%5B188%5dABEP2012.pdf |archive-date=2014-10-12 |url-status=dead |ref=Dinâmica}}
• {{Cite book|last=Sampaio |first=Aparecida Pires |year=2008 |title=A produção social do espaço urbano de Ipatinga-MG: da luta sindical à luta urbana |trans-title=The social production of urban space in Ipatinga-MG: from union struggle to urban struggle |language=Portuguese |publisher=Universidade Candido Mendes (UCAM) |url=http://cidades.ucam-campos.br/images/arquivos/dissertacoes/2008/aparecida-pires-2008.pdf |access-date=2016-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303203143/http://cidades.ucam-campos.br/images/arquivos/dissertacoes/2008/aparecida-pires-2008.pdf |archive-date=2016-03-03 |url-status=dead }}

{{Refend}}

• [http://www.ipatinga.mg.gov.br Official website]

{{Coord|19|30|S|42|32|W|region:BR_type:city|display=title}}

{{Municipalities of Minas Gerais}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:Municipalities in Minas Gerais