Choose Country

Alpha, MI

Michigan · Iron County

Alpha is a small town in Michigan with a population of 222. Residents earn $38,879 per year, which is 48% below the national average.

3.4 /5.0
B Good
222 Population 236/sq mi density
$38,879 Median Income $26,583 per capita
$33,300 Home Value
$633 Median Rent 26.0% income on rent
39°F Avg Temperature 249 sunny days/yr
B
Overall
3.4 / 5.0
Good overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
B+
Economy
3.7 / 5.0
$38,879 median income, 2.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$33,300 home value, $633/mo rent
F
Education
1.5 / 5.0
6.2% bachelor's degree or higher
Median Income $38,879
48% lower than US avg
Home Value $33,300
88% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+ 6.2%
82% lower than US avg
Median Rent $633
46% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate 38.0%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment 2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate 4.8%
61% lower than US avg

How Alpha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)

People

Population222
Median Age58.4 yrs
Density236/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Veterans18.6%

Economy

B+
Median Income$38,879
Per Capita$26,583
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty4.8%
County GDP$420M
Commute18 min

Housing

A+
Home Value$33,300
Rent$633
OwnershipN/A
Housing Units164
Rent Burden26.0%

Health

Obesity38.0%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking17.1%
Depression26.5%
Heart Disease6.2%

Climate

Avg Temp39°F (4°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain31.4 in/yr
Sunny Days249/yr
Elevation1,429 ft (436 m)

Education

F
Bachelor's+6.2%
High School+89.3%
Graduate+1.1%
School Score5.01

Community

2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute18 min
Broadband58.2%
Libraries3

Is Alpha a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Alpha receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Alpha offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.

Economy & Jobs

The median household income in Alpha is $38,879, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.

Cost of Living & Housing

The median home value in Alpha is $33,300, 88% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $633 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.

Education

6.2% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.

Climate & Weather

Alpha has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F. Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.

Alpha has a population of 222 with a density of 236 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 58.4 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 55.4% female and 44.6% male. The city is predominantly White (95%), with 5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 18.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 26.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.8% have health insurance coverage.

Population

222
Total Population
236
People / sq mi
58.4yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
0.9mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 44.6%
Female 55.4%

Race & Ethnicity

Alpha vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish1.0%
93% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Alpha vs U.S. Average

The median household income in Alpha is $38,879, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,583 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $864, 40% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 392 business establishments, including 38 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.2, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).

Income: Alpha vs U.S.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$38,879
48% below US avg
Per Capita Income$26,583
Avg Weekly Wage$864
IRS Avg AGI$53,815

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.4%
33% below US avg
Poverty Rate4.8%
61% below US avg
Establishments (County)392
County GDP$420M

Business (County)

Restaurants38
Healthcare28
Retail50
Manufacturing17

Tax & Cost of Living

Property Tax (IRS)$4,533
30% above US avg
Cost of Living96.20 (100=avg)
Effective Tax Rate13.61%

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time17.6 min
Drive Alone79.6%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home7.4%

Walkability

The median home value in Alpha is $33,300, 88% below the national median of $281,900. Monthly rent averages $633 (46% 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. There are 164 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1943. The average annual property tax is $4,533 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.

Home Value Sources

Ownership Split

Home Values

Census Median$33,300
88% below US avg

Real Estate Market (Redfin)

Rental Costs

Census Median Rent$633
46% below US avg
Rent Burden26.0%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$807
1 Bedroom$891
2 Bedrooms$1,113
3 Bedrooms$1,419
4 Bedrooms$1,588

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied86.9%
Renter-Occupied13.1%
Housing Units164
Median Year Built1943

Property Tax

Avg Tax (IRS)$4,533
30% above US avg
Effective Rate13.61%
In Alpha, 38.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.1% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.3% report binge drinking. 24.3% are physically inactive. 26.5% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,454. The dentist ratio is 1:2,906. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.

Health Metrics: Alpha vs U.S. Average (%)

Chronic Conditions

Obesity38.0%
18% above US avg
Diabetes9.9%
Heart Disease6.2%
High Blood Pressure33.1%
Asthma10.7%
COPD7.6%
Cancer7.7%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking17.1%
22% above US avg
Binge Drinking19.3%
Physical Inactivity24.3%
Depression26.5%
Mental Distress18.8%
Physical Distress13.7%
Short Sleep36.1%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate93.8%
Uninsured8.0%
7% below US avg
Primary Care1:1,454
Dentists1:2,906
Mental Health1:839
Checkup Rate75.5%
Dental Visits63.1%
Premature Death10,774/100K

Food & Exercise

Food Environment7.1/10
Exercise Access82.3%
Healthcare Facilities28
Alpha has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winters average 11°F in January while summers reach 65°F in July. The area gets 249 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 31.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 1,429 feet.

Temperature

11°F Jan (-12°C) 65°F Jul (18°C)
Annual Average38.9°F
28% below US avg
January Average11°F (-12°C)
July Average65°F (18°C)
Sunny Days249 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall31.4 inches
18% below US avg

Air Quality

AQI Median38.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation1,429 ft (436 m)
Area0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²)
Population Density236/sq mi
Coordinates46.0440°N, 88.3784°W
TimezoneAmerica/Detroit
CountyIron County County
County FIPS26071

Monthly Weather

Month Avg Temperature Precipitation Summary
January 11°F (-12°C) 1.2 in Coldest
February 14°F (-10°C) 0.9 in Driest
March 25°F (-4°C) 1.8 in
April 38°F (4°C) 2.2 in
May 52°F (11°C) 3.2 in
June 61°F (16°C) 3.7 in
July 65°F (18°C) 3.5 in Warmest
August 63°F (17°C) 3.7 in
September 55°F (13°C) 3.7 in Wettest
October 44°F (7°C) 2.8 in
November 30°F (-1°C) 2.1 in
December 17°F (-8°C) 1.4 in

Alpha has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F — from 11°F in January to 65°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.1 inches, with September being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (0.9").

Alpha is located in Iron County. It is classified as Nonmetro — Rural, a rural community. 6.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 82% below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). Area schools have an average test score of 5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 64.1% of the vote, a 29.3-point margin. 58.2% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). There are 3 public libraries serving the community. 28 healthcare facilities operate in the area. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 64.1%
D 34.7%

Winner: Republican by 29.3 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+6.2%
82% below US avg
High School+89.3%
Graduate Degree+1.1%
School Test Score5.01
F Education Grade (1.5/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

RUCC Code 9Nonmetro — Rural
Population Density236/sq mi
Total Area0.9 sq mi
CountyIron County County

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access58.2%
Public Libraries3
Healthcare Facilities28
Restaurants38
Retail Stores50

Safety & Disasters

Fatal Crashes (County/yr)1

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute17.6 min
Drive Alone79.6%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home7.4%

Frequently Asked Questions About Alpha

What is the population of Alpha?

Alpha has a population of 222 residents and is located in Michigan. The population density is 236 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.4 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 55.4% female and 44.6% male.

Is Alpha expensive to live in?

Alpha 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 $38,879, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $33,300 (88% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $633 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.

What is the weather like in Alpha?

Alpha has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 39°F (4°C). Winter temperatures average 11°F in January, while summers reach an average of 65°F in July. The area receives 249 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall totals 31.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.

How is the job market in Alpha?

The job market in Alpha is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $864. There are 392 business establishments in the area, including 38 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 7.4% of workers work from home.

How much does housing cost in Alpha?

The median home value in Alpha is $33,300. For renters, the median monthly rent is $633. Fair market rent is $891 for a 1-bedroom and $1,113 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The average annual property tax is $4,533.

How are the schools in Alpha?

Schools in Alpha score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 6.2% of adults in Alpha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.3% have completed high school. 1.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.

How healthy is Alpha?

The obesity rate in Alpha is 38.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 24.3% are physically inactive. 26.5% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 82.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,454.

What is transportation like in Alpha?

The average commute in Alpha is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.6% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.4% work from home.

What are the demographics of Alpha?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alpha is 95% White, 5% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 18.6% of the population are military veterans. 26.7% of residents have a disability. 93.8% have health insurance coverage.

Nearby Cities

Crystal Falls, MI 1,734 pop · 4.2 mi Iron River, MI 3,009 pop · 12.9 mi Kingsford, MI 5,138 pop · 21.2 mi Iron Mountain, MI 7,508 pop · 21.5 mi Quinnesec, MI 1,150 pop · 24.8 mi Niagara, WI 1,386 pop · 25.7 mi Norway, MI 2,835 pop · 28.0 mi Crandon, WI 1,499 pop · 41.3 mi Eagle River, WI 1,508 pop · 43.0 mi West Ishpeming, MI 2,714 pop · 44.1 mi Ishpeming, MI 6,173 pop · 44.7 mi Gwinn, MI 1,268 pop · 47.8 mi Negaunee, MI 4,641 pop · 48.9 mi L'Anse, MI 1,916 pop · 49.1 mi
Compare Alpha with another city: