Alpena, AR
Population 429 · Arkansas
About Alpena, AR
Alpena is a small community located in Arkansas with a population of 429 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 34.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alpena features a median home value of $102,500, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Alpena one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $765, 34% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 160 total housing units, 59% are owner-occupied (80 units) and 41% are renter-occupied (56 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alpena shows an unemployment rate of 2.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 15.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alpena have an average one-way commute time of 19.9 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.8% of Alpena residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.2% White, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 8.6% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alpena, AR
Compared to national averages, Alpena has a median household income of $47,500 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $102,500, which is 58% below the national median. Monthly rent at $765 is 34% below the US average of $1,163. Within Arkansas, Alpena's income is 9% below the state average of $52,241, and home values are 18% below the state median of $125,457.
Why Live in Alpena, AR?
Alpena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $102,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $765/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.9%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 19.9 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,500) that falls below the national average. However, Alpena’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alpena has a population of 429 with a median age of 34.7 years. Compare Alpena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Arkansas.
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Demographics
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Arkansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alpena
What is the population of Alpena, AR?
The population of Alpena, AR is 429 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Arkansas.
What is the median household income in Alpena?
The median household income in Alpena, AR is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alpena?
The median home value in Alpena, AR is $102,500, which is 58% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alpena?
The median monthly rent in Alpena, AR is $765, which is 34% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alpena?
The unemployment rate in Alpena, AR is 2.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alpena, AR a good place to live?
Alpena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 429 and a median age of 34.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Alpena, AR?
12.8% of residents in Alpena aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Alpena?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alpena, AR: median home value is $102,500 (58% below national), median rent is $765/month, and median household income is $47,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alpena?
The poverty rate in Alpena, AR is 15.7%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Alpena, AR?
Alpena's population is 0.2% White, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 8.6% Asian, and 0.7% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.