Median Income
$65,417
13% lower than US avg
Home Value
$46,100
84% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
386/100K
1% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.3%
75% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$867
25% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.0%
21% higher than US avg
How Alpena Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population349
Median Age36.0 yrs
Density214/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 67%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$65,417
Per Capita$44,124
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty15.0%
County GDP$172M
Commute14 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$46,100
Rent$867
Ownership91.3%
Zillow$228,113
Housing Units174
Rent Burden26.9%
Crime
F
Violent386/100K
Property2,427/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured13.9%
Smoking14.2%
Depression19.4%
Heart Disease5.3%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI35 (Good)
Rain24.6 in/yr
Sunny Days276/yr
Elevation1,321 ft (403 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.3%
High School+86.5%
Graduate+5.6%
School Score4.93
Community
2024 VoteR 71% / D 28%
Commute14 min
Broadband91.3%
EV Stations2
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 a high uninsured rate. Alpena has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alpena is $65,417, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 15.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alpena is $46,100, 84% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,427 per 100,000, 24% above the national average.
Education
8.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Alpena experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 276 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 24.6 inches, including 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35.
Alpena has a population of 349 with a density of 214 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age is 36.0 years, 7% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53% female and 47% male. The city is predominantly White (66.5%), with 11.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 82.9% of residents, while 17.1% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.0yrs
Median Age
7% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
82.9%
6% above US avg
Spanish
17.1%
28% above US avg
The median household income in Alpena is $65,417, which is 13% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $44,124 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $915, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 106 business establishments, including 9 restaurants. The cost of living index is 88.6, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 14 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 11.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $65,417 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $44,124 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $915 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,554 |
| Gini Index | 0.532 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 106 |
| County GDP | $172M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 9 |
| Healthcare | 6 |
| Retail | 10 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 88.60 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 13.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.8% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 11.9% |
The median home value in Alpena is $46,100, 84% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,113, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $867 (25% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $784 for a one-bedroom to $990 for a two-bedroom apartment. 91.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 174 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1947. 26.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $46,100 |
| 84% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $228,113 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $867 |
| 25% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $691 |
| 1 Bedroom | $784 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $990 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,295 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,540 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 91.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 91.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 8.7% |
| Housing Units | 174 |
| Median Year Built | 1947 |
Property Tax
In Alpena, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.2% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.3% of residents. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 24.9% are physically inactive. 19.4% report depression. 15.2% experience frequent mental distress. 13.9% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:413. 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alpena vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.2% |
| Heart Disease | 5.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.4% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.9% |
| Depression | 19.4% |
| Mental Distress | 15.2% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.1% |
| Uninsured | 13.9% |
| 62% above US avg |
| Dentists | 1:413 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,660 |
| Checkup Rate | 72.9% |
| Dental Visits | 68.1% |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 68.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 6 |
Alpena has a violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000 residents, 1% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,427 per 100,000, 24% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 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 | 385.6/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,427.2/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alpena experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 276 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 24.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 26.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 35. The city sits at an elevation of 1,321 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.5°F |
| 16% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 276 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,321 ft (403 m) |
| Area | 0.0 sq mi (0.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 214/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.1834°N, 98.3684°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jerauld County County |
| Nearest Airport | Huron Regional (HON)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
24.6"
35% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
3.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 35.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 9.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 50.5 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
10 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.7. Most recent: M2.5 on Apr 27, 2025.
| Jun 4, 2021 |
10 km NE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.7 |
134 km |
| Oct 25, 1990 |
8 km N of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M3.6 |
44 km |
| Jun 4, 2021 |
9 km ENE of Anoka, Nebraska |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Jul 26, 2002 |
0 km WSW of Huron, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
23 km |
| Jan 4, 2021 |
5 km N of Tyndall, South Dakota |
M3.1 |
133 km |
| Aug 15, 2017 |
8 km E of Agar, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
146 km |
| Feb 7, 2014 |
11 km NE of Bijou Hills, South Dakota |
M3.0 |
86 km |
| Jul 3, 1995 |
9 km SSW of Fort Thompson, South Dakota |
M2.8 |
93 km |
| Apr 27, 2025 |
9 km NE of Burke, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
125 km |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
9 km NE of Plankinton, South Dakota |
M2.5 |
46 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
465 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 8 fatalities, 235 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 18, 2014 |
EF4 |
17 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1998 |
EF4 |
73 km |
6 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 5, 2007 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Aug 24, 2006 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 2003 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1984 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jul 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jul 9, 1971 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 3, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 1968 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| May 21, 1962 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| May 14, 1962 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
6 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HOLIDAY (2,936 ac, 2022).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2022 |
HOLIDAY |
2,936 |
76 km |
| 2000 |
GANN VALLEY |
2,534 |
44 km |
| 2011 |
HIGHWAY 47 |
1,800 |
92 km |
| 2005 |
CHAOS |
1,539 |
84 km |
| 2023 |
SDLDR-HFR-FY23-RX-BROKEN ARROW UNITS B-C-D-E-G-H-I |
1,185 |
83 km |
| 2009 |
TAHOHPI WUI RX |
1,166 |
22 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.6 in |
|
| March |
33°F (0°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
2.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
1.5 in |
|
| November |
32°F (-0°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.4 in |
|
Alpena has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 20.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (3.3") and January the driest (0.4").
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) |
$222 ($133–$354) |
| Specialist Visit |
$310 ($177–$487) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$177 ($89–$310) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,949 ($709–$4,430) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$115 ($66–$177) |
| Dental Filling |
$222 ($133–$354) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$106) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$532 ($354–$886) |
| Battery Replacement |
$177 ($89–$310) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$89 ($53–$133) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$80 ($44–$124) |
| HVAC Repair |
$354 ($133–$709) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,202 ($3,544–$10,632) |
| Roof Repair |
$886 ($354–$1,772) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,974 ($4,873–$13,290) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,329 ($443–$3,101) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,290 ($4,430–$26,580) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,430 ($1,772–$8,860) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,329 ($709–$2,658) |
| Will Preparation |
$443 ($177–$886) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,215 ($886–$4,430) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$49 ($27–$89) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$133 ($66–$222) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$58) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$71 ($44–$115) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.63 ($2.66–$4.87) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.10 ($2.22–$4.43) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.37 ($2.22–$4.87) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.99 ($2.66–$5.76) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.87 ($3.54–$6.65) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.89 ($0.53–$1.59) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$124 ($71–$222) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$133) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$106) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$62 ($35–$89) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$58 ($27–$89) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$133) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$177 ($66–$443) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,772 ($1,063–$3,101) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$62 ($27–$115) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.09–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$89 ($27–$222) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,063 ($532–$2,215) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$886 ($443–$1,772) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$354 ($177–$620) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$89) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$886 ($354–$2,215) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,075 ($4,430–$26,580) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$89 ($44–$177) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($27–$89) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$266 ($133–$443) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$177 ($89–$354) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $520 |
| Toddler | $520 |
| Preschool | $494 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $433 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alpena
What is the population of Alpena?
Alpena has a population of 349 residents and is located in South Dakota. The population density is 214 people per square mile, spread across 0.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.0 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 53% female and 47% male.
Is Alpena expensive to live in?
Alpena is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 88.6 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $65,417, 13% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $46,100 (84% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $867 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alpena safe?
The violent crime rate in Alpena is 386 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 2,427 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 has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 276 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 24.6 inches, with 26.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 35.
How is the job market in Alpena?
The job market in Alpena is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $915. There are 106 business establishments in the area, including 9 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 14 minutes, and 11.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alpena?
The median home value in Alpena is $46,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $228,113. For renters, the median monthly rent is $867. Fair market rent is $784 for a 1-bedroom and $990 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 91.3%.
How are the schools in Alpena?
Schools in Alpena have an average test score of 4.9 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 8.3% of adults in Alpena hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 86.5% have completed high school. 5.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alpena?
The obesity rate in Alpena is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 24.9% are physically inactive. 19.4% of residents report depression. 13.9% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 68.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What is transportation like in Alpena?
The average commute in Alpena is 14 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.8% of workers drive alone to work, and 11.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alpena?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alpena is 66.5% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino. 82.9% of residents speak only English at home, while 17.1% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 14.0% of residents have a disability. 92.1% have health insurance coverage.
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