Median Income
$47,500
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,500
64% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
430/100K
13% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.8%
62% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$765
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.9%
47% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Alpena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population429
Median Age34.7 yrs
Density323/mi²
Male / Female45% / 56%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans4.9%
Economy
B+
Median Income$47,500
Per Capita$17,714
Unemployment1.9%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$1,934M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$102,500
Rent$765
Ownership58.8%
Zillow$229,271
Housing Units141
Rent Burden16.8%
Crime
F
Violent430/100K
Property3,013/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking18.0%
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.5 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation1,248 ft (380 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+82.5%
Graduate+3.1%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute20 min
Broadband80.2%
EV Stations1
Libraries1
Is Alpena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alpena receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Alpena has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alpena is $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.9%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alpena is $102,500, 64% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 430 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,013 per 100,000, 54% above the national average.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alpena enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F. Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Alpena has a population of 429 with a density of 323 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.5% female and 44.5% male. The city is predominantly White (77.9%), with 10.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.2% of residents. 4.9% of the population are veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
34.7yrs
Median Age
11% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.2%
25% above US avg
Spanish
1.8%
87% below US avg
The median household income in Alpena is $47,500, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $17,714 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $930, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 989 business establishments, including 77 restaurants. The cost of living index is 86.9, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,714 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $930 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,830 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.9% |
| 47% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 989 |
| County GDP | $1,934M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 77 |
| Healthcare | 136 |
| Retail | 155 |
| Manufacturing | 41 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,460 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 86.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.40% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Alpena is $102,500, 64% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,271, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $765 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $751 for a one-bedroom to $944 for a two-bedroom apartment. 58.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 141 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1972. The average annual property tax is $2,460 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 16.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $102,500 |
| 64% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $229,271 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $765 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 16.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $700 |
| 1 Bedroom | $751 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $944 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,239 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,406 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 58.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 58.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 41.2% |
| Housing Units | 141 |
| Median Year Built | 1972 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,460 |
| 30% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.40% |
In Alpena, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.6% of residents. 35.4% have high blood pressure. 18.0% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.3% report binge drinking. 30.4% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.9% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 21.1% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,645. The dentist ratio is 1:1,740. 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.6 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alpena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 35.4% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.0% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
| Short Sleep | 40.7% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,645 |
| Dentists | 1:1,740 |
| Mental Health | 1:664 |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Dental Visits | 48.3% |
| Premature Death | 10,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 136 |
Alpena has a violent crime rate of 430 per 100,000 residents, 13% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,013 per 100,000, 54% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alpena receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alpena vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 430.4/100K |
| 13% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,012.9/100K |
| 54% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 12 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alpena enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,248 feet.
Temperature
37°F Jan (3°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 58.3°F |
| 8% above US avg |
| January Average | 37°F (3°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,248 ft (380 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 323/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2927°N, 93.3036°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Boone County County |
| Nearest Airport | Marion County Regional (FLP)
40 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.5"
17% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 62.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 45.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 36.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Very High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
220 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.7. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 23, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.7 |
143 km |
| May 4, 2001 |
8 km NNW of Holland, Arkansas |
M4.3 |
148 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
141 km |
| Feb 18, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
3 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
143 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
124 km |
| Feb 17, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
83 km |
| Apr 7, 2011 |
2 km NE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
143 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
30 km |
| Feb 28, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
141 km |
| Feb 20, 2011 |
3 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
142 km |
| Feb 16, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| Mar 9, 2011 |
1 km NW of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Nov 15, 1990 |
16 km NNW of Hector, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
80 km |
| Feb 25, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 3, 2011 |
0 km N of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
143 km |
| Apr 8, 2011 |
2 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
142 km |
| May 22, 2013 |
16 km WSW of Center Ridge, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
123 km |
| Feb 19, 2011 |
4 km NNE of Greenbrier, Arkansas |
M3.4 |
141 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
441 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 30 fatalities, 634 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 29, 1991 |
EF4 |
90 km |
2 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
56 km |
1 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
26 km |
4 |
| Mar 30, 2022 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1996 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Nov 18, 1985 |
EF3 |
58 km |
3 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1980 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 6, 1974 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
21 km |
1 |
| Dec 14, 1971 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
83 km |
3 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF3 |
51 km |
3 |
| Apr 14, 1960 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1954 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 24, 1954 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (14,993 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,993 |
69 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
14,774 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
DEAD HORSE |
10,389 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
LOWER WILD |
10,034 |
77 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
9,368 |
69 km |
| 2018 |
UNNAMED |
9,226 |
70 km |
| 2013 |
LOWER WILDERNESS RX |
8,699 |
77 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
8,286 |
73 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
7,919 |
73 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
7,804 |
73 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
7,415 |
92 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
7,344 |
73 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
6,931 |
63 km |
| 2021 |
SYL BIRMINGHAM |
6,803 |
91 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
6,686 |
60 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
6,457 |
75 km |
| 2010 |
BRUSHY/CLAYTON |
6,401 |
64 km |
| 2020 |
BIG CREEK |
6,399 |
60 km |
| 2001 |
UNNAMED |
6,354 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
SPUD ROCK CENTRAL |
6,117 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
37°F (3°C) |
2.3 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
40°F (4°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| December |
38°F (4°C) |
3.4 in |
|
Alpena has a seasonal temperature swing of 42°F / from 37°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.5 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Alpena. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$217 ($130–$348) |
| Specialist Visit |
$304 ($174–$478) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$174 ($87–$304) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,912 ($695–$4,345) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$113 ($65–$174) |
| Dental Filling |
$217 ($130–$348) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$39 ($22–$65) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$65 ($43–$104) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$521 ($348–$869) |
| Battery Replacement |
$174 ($87–$304) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$87 ($52–$130) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$78 ($43–$122) |
| HVAC Repair |
$348 ($130–$695) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,083 ($3,476–$10,428) |
| Roof Repair |
$869 ($348–$1,738) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,821 ($4,780–$13,035) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,304 ($435–$3,042) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,035 ($4,345–$26,070) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,345 ($1,738–$8,690) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,304 ($695–$2,607) |
| Will Preparation |
$435 ($174–$869) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,173 ($869–$4,345) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$87) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$130 ($65–$217) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$39) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$56) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($43–$113) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.56 ($2.61–$4.78) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.04 ($2.17–$4.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.30 ($2.17–$4.78) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.91 ($2.61–$5.65) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.78 ($3.48–$6.52) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.87 ($0.52–$1.56) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$122 ($70–$217) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$130) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$104) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$87) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$56 ($26–$87) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$74 ($43–$130) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$174 ($65–$435) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,738 ($1,043–$3,042) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$113) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($6.95–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$87 ($26–$217) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$65) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,043 ($521–$2,173) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$869 ($435–$1,738) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$348 ($174–$608) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$43 ($22–$87) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$869 ($348–$2,173) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,863 ($4,345–$26,070) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$87 ($43–$174) |
| Dog Grooming |
$52 ($26–$87) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($17–$65) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$261 ($130–$435) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$174 ($87–$348) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Alpena
What is the population of Alpena?
Alpena has a population of 429 residents and is located in Arkansas. The population density is 323 people per square mile, spread across 1.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 34.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.5% female and 44.5% male.
Is Alpena expensive to live in?
Alpena is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 86.9 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $47,500, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $102,500 (64% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $765 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alpena safe?
The violent crime rate in Alpena is 430 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,013 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Alpena receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alpena?
Alpena enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winter temperatures average 37°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Alpena?
The job market in Alpena is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.9% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $930. There are 989 business establishments in the area, including 77 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alpena?
The median home value in Alpena is $102,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,271. For renters, the median monthly rent is $765. Fair market rent is $751 for a 1-bedroom and $944 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 58.8%. The average annual property tax is $2,460.
How are the schools in Alpena?
Schools in Alpena score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.8% of adults in Alpena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. 3.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alpena?
The obesity rate in Alpena is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.0% of adults are smokers. 30.4% are physically inactive. 27.9% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 45.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,645.
What is transportation like in Alpena?
The average commute in Alpena is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alpena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alpena is 77.9% White, 0.7% Black or African American, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino. 98.2% of residents speak only English at home. 4.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.9% of residents have a disability. 90.6% have health insurance coverage.
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