Median Income
$47,500
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$102,500
64% lower 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
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$229,271
Rent Burden16.8%
Health
Obesity40.1%
UninsuredN/A
Depression27.9%
Heart Disease6.6%
Climate
Avg Temp58°F (15°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.5 in/yr
Elevation1,248 ft (380 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+12.8%
High School+82.5%
School Score4.91
Community
2024 VoteR 82% / D 17%
Commute20 min
Broadband80.2%
Libraries1
Is Alpena a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alpena receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Alpena offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
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.
Education
12.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 82.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
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. 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. The median age is 34.7 years, 11% younger than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (77.9%), with 10.5% Hispanic.
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. The unemployment rate is 1.9% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,500 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $17,714 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $930 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,830 |
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 |
| 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 average. Monthly rent averages $765 (34% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $229,271.
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
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 32.1% national rate). 27.9% report depression. 30.4% are physically inactive.
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% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 16.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.4% |
| Depression | 27.9% |
| Mental Distress | 21.1% |
| Physical Distress | 15.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.6% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.2% |
| Premature Death | 10,889/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.6/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 136 |
Alpena has an average annual temperature of 58°F (15°C). Winters average 37°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation is 44.5 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
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) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 44.5 inches |
| 17% above US avg |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,248 ft (380 m) |
| Area | 1.3 sq mi (3.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 323/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.2927°N, 93.3036°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County FIPS | 05009 |