Alpha, MI
Population 222 · Michigan
About Alpha, MI
Alpha is a small community located in Michigan with a population of 222 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $38,879 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 58.4 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 Alpha features a median home value of $33,300, which is 86% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Alpha one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $633, 46% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 153 total housing units, 87% are owner-occupied (106 units) and 13% are renter-occupied (16 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alpha shows an unemployment rate of 4.4%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 20.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alpha have an average one-way commute time of 17.6 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
6.2% of Alpha 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 0.0% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alpha Ranks in Michigan
Cost of Living in Alpha, MI
Compared to national averages, Alpha has a median household income of $38,879 (48% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $33,300, which is 86% below the national median. Monthly rent at $633 is 46% below the US average of $1,163. Within Michigan, Alpha's income is 41% below the state average of $66,017, and home values are 82% below the state median of $183,391.
Why Live in Alpha, MI?
Alpha offers affordable housing with a median home value of $33,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $633/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.6 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($38,879) that falls below the national average. However, Alpha’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alpha has a population of 222 with a median age of 58.4 years. Compare Alpha with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Michigan.
Similar Cities Near Alpha
Cities in Michigan with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McBride | 222 | $57,750 | $90,000 | Compare |
| Three Lakes | 222 | $105,833 | $258,300 | Compare |
| Lake Leelanau | 223 | $60,500 | $307,700 | Compare |
| Loomis | 221 | $65,000 | $87,500 | Compare |
| Brutus | 220 | $67,159 | $207,100 | Compare |
| Elm Hall | 224 | $19,688 | $79,000 | Compare |
| Tustin | 220 | $88,750 | $108,600 | Compare |
| Copper City | 226 | $48,750 | $85,600 | 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 Alpha With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alpha
What is the population of Alpha, MI?
The population of Alpha, MI is 222 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Michigan.
What is the median household income in Alpha?
The median household income in Alpha, MI is $38,879 per year, which is 48% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alpha?
The median home value in Alpha, MI is $33,300, which is 86% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alpha?
The median monthly rent in Alpha, MI is $633, which is 46% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alpha?
The unemployment rate in Alpha, MI is 4.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alpha, MI a good place to live?
Alpha offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 222 and a median age of 58.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Alpha, MI?
6.2% of residents in Alpha 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 Alpha?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alpha, MI: median home value is $33,300 (86% below national), median rent is $633/month, and median household income is $38,879. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alpha?
The poverty rate in Alpha, MI is 20.3%, 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 Alpha, MI?
Alpha's population is 0.0% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.