Median Income
$50,506
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$108,100
62% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
226/100K
41% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
28.5%
15% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$791
32% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.6%
17% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.3%
19% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Alma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population9,421
Median Age32.5 yrs
Density1,575/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans4.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$50,506
Per Capita$26,194
Unemployment4.3%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$1,982M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$108,100
Rent$791
Ownership64.1%
Zillow$158,260
Housing Units3,797
Rent Burden31.9%
Crime
F
Violent226/100K
Property1,229/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault147/100K
Burglary135/100K
Health
Obesity37.6%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking16.9%
Depression29.1%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain34.5 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation720 ft (219 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+28.5%
High School+93.9%
Graduate+9.6%
School Score5.20
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute23 min
Broadband90.3%
EV Stations6
Libraries6
Is Alma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alma receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Alma offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alma is $50,506, 33% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.3%, indicating a healthy job market. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alma is $108,100, 62% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $791 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Alma is below the national average at 226 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,229 per 100,000, 37% below the national average.
Education
28.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches, including 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Alma has a population of 9,421 with a density of 1,575 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age is 32.5 years, 16% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.8% female and 47.2% male. The city is predominantly White (88.6%), with 2.8% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.7% of residents, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
32.5yrs
Median Age
16% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.7%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.3%
46% below US avg
The median household income in Alma is $50,506, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,194 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,055, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 794 business establishments, including 73 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes. 10.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,506 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,194 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,055 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,876 |
| Gini Index | 0.445 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 794 |
| County GDP | $1,982M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 73 |
| Healthcare | 106 |
| Retail | 124 |
| Manufacturing | 47 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.20 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.66% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 1.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.7% |
The median home value in Alma is $108,100, 62% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,260, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.8% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $791 (32% 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. 64.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 3,797 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $3,958. 31.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $108,100 |
| 62% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $158,260 |
| Median List Price | $149,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $149,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $117 |
| Homes Sold | 9 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.8% |
| Price Drops | 23.7% |
| Inventory | 38 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $791 |
| 32% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 31.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $891 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,113 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,419 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,588 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 64.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 64.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 35.9% |
| Housing Units | 3,797 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,958 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.66% |
In Alma, 37.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 32.6% have high blood pressure. 16.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.6% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 29.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077. The dentist ratio is 1:2,418. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.6% |
| 17% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.5% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.6% |
| Asthma | 11.8% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.7% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.9% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 29.1% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 14.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,077 |
| Dentists | 1:2,418 |
| Mental Health | 1:426 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.6% |
| Dental Visits | 66.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,638/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 69.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 106 |
Alma has a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 residents, 41% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 146.6 per 100,000, robbery at 22.6, rape at 56.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,229 per 100,000, 37% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,060, burglary at 135, vehicle theft at 34 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 5 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alma receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 225.6/100K |
| 41% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 56.4/100K |
| Robbery | 22.6/100K |
| Assault | 146.6/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,229.4/100K |
| 37% below US avg |
| Burglary | 135.4/100K |
| Theft | 1,060.2/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 33.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 26 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 34.5 inches. The area receives 39.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 720 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 47.0°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 720 ft (219 m) |
| Area | 6.0 sq mi (15.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,575/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3803°N, 84.6544°W |
| Timezone | America/Detroit |
| County | Gratiot County County |
| Nearest Airport | Mbs International (MBS) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
34.5"
9% below US avg
Wettest Month (Sep)
3.78"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 54.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively High |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.3 on Jun 30, 2015.
| May 2, 2015 |
5 km S of Galesburg, Michigan |
M4.2 |
142 km |
| Sep 2, 1994 |
5 km SSW of DeWitt, Michigan |
M3.5 |
65 km |
| Jun 30, 2015 |
5 km NNE of Burlington, Michigan |
M3.3 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
329 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 129 fatalities, 1,121 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF5 |
72 km |
116 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| May 12, 1956 |
EF4 |
90 km |
3 |
| Aug 24, 2007 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
87 km |
1 |
| Jul 2, 1997 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Aug 8, 1984 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 30, 1976 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1968 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2024 |
EF2 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2023 |
EF2 |
86 km |
2 |
| Mar 14, 2019 |
EF2 |
70 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF2 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF2 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 2007 |
EF2 |
90 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: ROSCOMMON4 (2,109 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
ROSCOMMON4 |
2,109 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| June |
66°F (19°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
2.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
68°F (20°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
3.8 in |
Wettest |
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Alma has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 22°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.6 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.8") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Alma. 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 | $614 |
| Toddler | $614 |
| Preschool | $578 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $636 |
| Toddler | $636 |
| Preschool | $577 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alma
What is the population of Alma?
Alma has a population of 9,421 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 1,575 people per square mile, spread across 6.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 32.5 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 52.8% female and 47.2% male.
Is Alma expensive to live in?
Alma 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 $50,506, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $108,100 (62% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $791 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alma safe?
Alma is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 226 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,229 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alma receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alma?
Alma has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 34.5 inches, with 39.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Alma?
Alma has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,055. There are 794 business establishments in the area, including 73 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 10.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alma?
The median home value in Alma is $108,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,260. For renters, the median monthly rent is $791. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 64.1%. The average annual property tax is $3,958.
How are the schools in Alma?
Schools in Alma score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 28.5% of adults in Alma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.9% have completed high school. 9.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alma?
The obesity rate in Alma is 37.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.9% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 29.1% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 69.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,077.
What is transportation like in Alma?
The average commute in Alma is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alma is 88.6% White, 2.8% Black or African American. 92.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.3% speak Spanish. 4.6% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.