Alpena, MI
Population 10,178 · Michigan
About Alpena, MI
Alpena is a mid-sized city located in Michigan with a population of 10,178 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,604 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alpena features a median home value of $110,400, which is 55% 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 $599, 48% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,444 total housing units, 65% are owner-occupied (3,159 units) and 35% are renter-occupied (1,697 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 8.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 19.2%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alpena have an average one-way commute time of 11.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
15.2% 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 2.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, and 0.1% Asian residents, with 0.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alpena, MI
Compared to national averages, Alpena has a median household income of $47,604 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $110,400, which is 55% below the national median. Monthly rent at $599 is 48% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Alpena's income is 28% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 40% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Alpena, MI?
Alpena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $110,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $599/month, and short commute times averaging just 11.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,604) 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 10,178 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Alpena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Alpena
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Howell | 10,074 | $57,122 | $240,700 | Compare |
| Comstock Park | 10,306 | $54,871 | $216,600 | Compare |
| Grosse Pointe Farms | 9,957 | $160,589 | $418,600 | Compare |
| Cadillac | 10,404 | $50,512 | $117,500 | Compare |
| Marysville | 9,942 | $69,661 | $185,500 | Compare |
| Flat Rock | 10,418 | $73,288 | $201,400 | Compare |
| Muskegon Heights | 9,902 | $33,780 | $55,800 | Compare |
| Beverly Hills | 10,507 | $175,460 | $488,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Michigan
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alpena With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alpena
What is the population of Alpena, MI?
The population of Alpena, MI is 10,178 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Alpena?
The median household income in Alpena, MI is $47,604 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, MI is $110,400, which is 55% 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, MI is $599, which is 48% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alpena?
The unemployment rate in Alpena, MI is 8.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alpena, MI a good place to live?
Alpena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 10,178 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Alpena, MI?
15.2% 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, MI: median home value is $110,400 (55% below national), median rent is $599/month, and median household income is $47,604. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alpena?
The poverty rate in Alpena, MI is 19.2%, 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, MI?
Alpena's population is 2.5% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.8% Black or African American, 0.1% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 0.7% of residents are foreign-born.