Median Income
$61,563
18% lower than US avg
Home Value
$121,200
57% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
14.6%
57% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$521
55% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.8%
8% higher than US avg
Unemployment
9.7%
169% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.6%
79% lower than US avg
How Alanson Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population943
Median Age44.1 yrs
Density962/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans8.7%
Economy
B
Median Income$61,563
Per Capita$28,545
Unemployment9.7%
Poverty2.6%
County GDP$2,559M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$121,200
Rent$521
Ownership81.6%
Zillow$308,662
Housing Units484
Rent Burden31.0%
Health
Obesity34.8%
Uninsured14.1%
Smoking17.0%
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp43°F (6°C)
Rain30.0 in/yr
Elevation595 ft (181 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+14.6%
High School+91.4%
Graduate+1.0%
School Score6.05
Community
2024 VoteR 55% / D 44%
Commute21 min
Broadband91.5%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Alanson a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alanson receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, a high uninsured rate. Alanson offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alanson is $61,563, 18% below the national average of $75,149. At 9.7%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alanson is $121,200, 57% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $521 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
14.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alanson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.0 inches, including 120.2 inches of snow.
Alanson has a population of 943 with a density of 962 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 44.1 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.6% female and 55.4% male. The city is predominantly White (87.5%), with 1.5% Black, 1.2% Asian. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.3% of residents. 8.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
943
Total Population
2023 Census
44.1yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.3%
24% above US avg
Spanish
1.3%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Alanson is $61,563, which is 18% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,545 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,066, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 9.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,558 business establishments, including 145 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 4.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $61,563 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,545 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,066 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $92,368 |
| Gini Index | 0.463 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 9.7% |
| 169% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.6% |
| 79% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,558 |
| County GDP | $2,559M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 145 |
| Healthcare | 188 |
| Retail | 248 |
| Manufacturing | 59 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $10,226 |
| 192% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 8.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 4.2% |
The median home value in Alanson is $121,200, 57% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $308,662, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $521 (55% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $891 for a one-bedroom to $1,113 for a two-bedroom apartment. 81.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 484 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1981. The average annual property tax is $10,226 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 31.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $121,200 |
| 57% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $308,662 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $521 |
| 55% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 81.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 81.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 18.4% |
| Housing Units | 484 |
| Median Year Built | 1981 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $10,226 |
| 192% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 8.44% |
In Alanson, 34.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.0% have high blood pressure. 17.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.7% report binge drinking. 23.1% are physically inactive. 29.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.4% experience frequent mental distress. 14.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:856. The dentist ratio is 1:854. 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alanson vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.8% |
| 8% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.0% |
| Asthma | 12.3% |
| COPD | 7.6% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.1% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.4% |
| Physical Distress | 13.8% |
| Short Sleep | 32.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 85.9% |
| Uninsured | 14.1% |
| 64% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:856 |
| Dentists | 1:854 |
| Mental Health | 1:217 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 6,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 76.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 188 |
Alanson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 66°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 30.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 120.2 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. The city sits at an elevation of 595 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
66°F Jul (19°C)
| Annual Average | 42.6°F |
| 21% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 66°F (19°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 595 ft (181 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 962/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 45.4425°N, 84.7869°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Emmet County County |
| Nearest Airport | Pellston Regional/Emmet County (PLN)
9 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
30.0"
21% below US avg
Wettest Month (Oct)
4.22"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 38.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 31.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
72 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 3 fatalities, 65 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 20, 2022 |
EF3 |
53 km |
2 |
| Jul 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jul 31, 1977 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 19, 1975 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1964 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Sep 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1957 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 1, 2014 |
EF1 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 2012 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 2004 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2002 |
EF1 |
33 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1999 |
EF1 |
76 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1998 |
EF1 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
16 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: CRAWFORD15 (6,868 ac, 1990).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1990 |
CRAWFORD15 |
6,868 |
86 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
4,059 |
68 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
4,020 |
70 km |
| 2022 |
BLUE LAKES |
2,554 |
46 km |
| 1998 |
CAMP FAUNCE |
1,922 |
90 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,844 |
67 km |
| 2024 |
RANGE 30 24-03 RX |
1,523 |
82 km |
| 1985 |
CRAWFORD45 |
1,412 |
69 km |
| 2008 |
FOUR MILE |
1,348 |
89 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
1,267 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
MERIDIAN BOUNDARY COMPLEX (RANGE 9) |
1,202 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
HOWES LAKE |
839 |
82 km |
| 1999 |
MACKINAC3 |
741 |
81 km |
| 1996 |
HAGAMAN ROAD |
658 |
98 km |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
575 |
66 km |
| 1987 |
KALKASKA17 |
520 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.6 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
Driest |
| March |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| April |
40°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| June |
62°F (17°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| July |
66°F (19°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
65°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| September |
57°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| October |
46°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| November |
35°F (2°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Alanson has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 18°F in January to 66°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.0 inches, with October being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.1").
Average costs for common services in Alanson. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144-$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($192-$529) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$192 ($96-$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,116 ($770-$4,810) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72-$192) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144-$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24-$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48-$115) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$577 ($385-$962) |
| Battery Replacement |
$192 ($96-$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58-$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48-$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144-$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,734 ($3,848-$11,544) |
| Roof Repair |
$962 ($385-$1,924) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,658 ($5,291-$14,430) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,443 ($481-$3,367) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,430 ($4,810-$28,860) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,810 ($1,924-$9,620) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,443 ($770-$2,886) |
| Will Preparation |
$481 ($192-$962) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,405 ($962-$4,810) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29-$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72-$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14-$43) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24-$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48-$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.94 ($2.89-$5.29) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41-$4.81) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41-$5.29) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89-$6.25) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.29 ($3.85-$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58-$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77-$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$115) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($38-$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29-$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48-$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$192 ($72-$481) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,924 ($1,154-$3,367) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29-$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70-$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29-$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14-$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,154 ($577-$2,405) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$962 ($481-$1,924) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($192-$673) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24-$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$962 ($385-$2,405) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,025 ($4,810-$28,860) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48-$192) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29-$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19-$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144-$481) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$192 ($96-$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $577 |
| Toddler | $577 |
| Preschool | $577 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $586 |
| Toddler | $606 |
| Preschool | $606 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alanson
What is the population of Alanson?
Alanson has a population of 943 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 962 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.6% female and 55.4% male.
Is Alanson expensive to live in?
Alanson has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.2 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $61,563, 18% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $121,200 (57% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $521 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Alanson?
Alanson has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 43°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 66°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 30.0 inches, with 120.2 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Alanson?
The job market in Alanson faces challenges, with unemployment at 9.7% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,066. There are 1,558 business establishments in the area, including 145 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 4.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alanson?
The median home value in Alanson is $121,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $308,662. For renters, the median monthly rent is $521. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 81.6%. The average annual property tax is $10,226.
How are the schools in Alanson?
Schools in Alanson score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 14.6% of adults in Alanson hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.4% have completed high school. 1.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alanson?
The obesity rate in Alanson is 34.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.0% of adults are smokers. 23.1% are physically inactive. 29.2% of residents report depression. 14.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 76.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:856.
What is transportation like in Alanson?
The average commute in Alanson is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 4.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alanson?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alanson is 87.5% White, 1.5% Black or African American, 1.2% Asian. 97.3% of residents speak only English at home. 8.7% of the population are military veterans. 12.3% of residents have a disability. 85.9% have health insurance coverage.