Alpena, SD
Population 349 · South Dakota
About Alpena, SD
Alpena is a small community located in South Dakota with a population of 349 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $65,417 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alpena features a median home value of $46,100, which is 81% 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 $867, 25% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 150 total housing units, 91% are owner-occupied (137 units) and 9% are renter-occupied (13 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alpena shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 18.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alpena have an average one-way commute time of 13.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.3% 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 4.0% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 30.1% Asian residents, with 14.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alpena Ranks in South Dakota
Cost of Living in Alpena, SD
Compared to national averages, Alpena has a median household income of $65,417 (13% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $46,100, which is 81% below the national median. Monthly rent at $867 is 25% below the US average of $1,163. Within South Dakota, Alpena's income is 1% above the state average of $64,650, and home values are 68% below the state median of $143,757.
Why Live in Alpena, SD?
Alpena offers affordable housing with a median home value of $46,100, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $867/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 13.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($65,417) 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 349 with a median age of 36 years. Compare Alpena with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in South Dakota.
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Demographics
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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, SD?
The population of Alpena, SD is 349 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in South Dakota.
What is the median household income in Alpena?
The median household income in Alpena, SD is $65,417 per year, which is 13% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alpena?
The median home value in Alpena, SD is $46,100, which is 81% 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, SD is $867, which is 25% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alpena?
The unemployment rate in Alpena, SD is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alpena, SD a good place to live?
Alpena offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 349 and a median age of 36, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Alpena, SD?
8.3% 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, SD: median home value is $46,100 (81% below national), median rent is $867/month, and median household income is $65,417. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alpena?
The poverty rate in Alpena, SD is 18.3%, 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 Alpena, SD?
Alpena's population is 4.0% White, 11.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 30.1% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 14.3% of residents are foreign-born.