Alpena, AR demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
510
18.9% year-over-year change
Median household income
$50,625/yr
6.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
202
26.2% year-over-year change

Alpena population

How many people live in Alpena

Alpena is home to 510 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44.1% of Alpena locals are male, and 55.9% are female.

Total population
510
18.9% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44.1%
225
Female
55.9%
285
Value Percent YoY change
Male 225 44.1% 17.8%
Female 285 55.9% 19.8%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Alpena is 38, with the population distributed as follows: about 19.4% are children under 15, then 17.6% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.9% of the population, while another 25.5% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 11.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
37.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
19.4%
15 to 24
17.6%
25 to 44
25.9%
45 to 64
25.5%
Over 65
11.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 99 19.4% 12.5%
15 to 24 90 17.6% 7.1%
25 to 44 132 25.9% 12.8%
45 to 64 130 25.5% 31.3%
Over 65 59 11.6% 43.9%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 18.2% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 509 99.8% 18.9%
Non-citizens 1 0.2% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
79.6%
Black or African American
1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.4%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
18.2%
Other
0.6%
Value Percent
White 406 79.6%
Black or African American 6 1.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 2 0.4%
Two or more races 93 18.2%
Other 3 0.6%

Households in Alpena

A peek inside Alpena households

Alpena has 169 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 67.5% are families, while the remaining 32.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
169
24.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
55
Family households
114
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 55 32.5% 37.5%
Family households 114 67.5% 18.8%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Alpena

The housing landscape of Alpena

Alpena's housing consists of 202 units, with 70.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.5% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 28.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
202
26.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 143 70.8%
1 unit, attached 1 0.5%
Mobile home 58 28.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alpena

In Alpena, the median construction year is 1976. About 25.7% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 52 25.7% 44.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 2 1% 0.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 13 6.4% -18.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 18 8.9% 38.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 28 13.9% 33.3%
Built between 1980 and 1989 37 18.3% 27.6%
Built between 1990 and 1999 27 13.4% -15.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 17 8.4% 70.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 8 4% 700.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Alpena occupancy rates

Out of the 169 occupied housing units in Alpena, 67.5% are owner-occupied, while 32.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
169
24.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
55
Owner occupied
114
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 55 32.5% -1.8%
Owner occupied 114 67.5% 42.5%
Unoccupied housing units
16.3%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Alpena housing costs

Housing costs in Alpena come to a median of $668 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $775.

Median housing costs per month
$668/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Alpena
$775/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Alpena

Alpena education at a glance

About 63.9% of the population in Alpena went to high school, while 19.3% pursued college studies. Another 1.4% earned an associate degree and 7.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 15 4.3% 15.4%
High school diploma 225 63.9% 19.7%
College diploma 68 19.3% 41.7%
Associate degree 5 1.4% -16.7%
Bachelor's degree 25 7.1% 0.0%
Graduate degree 14 4% 75.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Alpena

How much people earn in Alpena

The average annual household income in Alpena was $53,798 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $50,625, reflecting a +6.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alpena
$53,798/year
1.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alpena
$50,625/year
6.6% year-over-year change

Alpena income by age

In Alpena, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $58,750. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $52,708 overall. Overall, 81.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $58,750 -19.2%
45 - 64 $52,708 34.6%
Over 65 $40,313 0.0%
Above poverty level
414
Below poverty level
95
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 414 81.3% 16.0%
Below poverty level 95 18.7% 41.8%

Average renter income in Alpena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Alpena, their median household income was $70,673 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 13.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$70,673
Rent-to-income ratio
13.2%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Alpena

Workforce and job types in Alpena

The job market in Alpena is powered by 241 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 60.2% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 39.8% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 5.8% run their own businesses, 78.8% are employed by private companies, and 11.2% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
241
21.7% year-over-year change
White collar
145
Blue collar
96
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 145 60.2% 39.4%
Blue collar 96 39.8% 2.1%
Employer type
Self employees
5.8%
Private companies
78.8%
Governmental workers
11.2%
Not for profit companies
4.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 14 5.8% 0.0%
Private companies 190 78.8% 15.2%
Governmental workers 27 11.2% 125.0%
Not for profit companies 10 4.2% 42.9%
Unemployment rate
3.6%
50.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Alpena stands at 3.6%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Alpena

How people get around in Alpena

Commuting methods vary: 93.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.8% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 222 93.3% 33.7%
Bicycle 13 5.5% -40.9%
Walk 2 0.8% -33.3%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Alpena by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
72611 1,534 596 $42,361 $45,542

Explore more communities

FAQs about Alpena demographics 

What is the total population of Alpena?

Alpena has a total population of 510 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +18.9% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alpena?

The gender ratio in Alpena is as follows:
  • 44.1% males (225 residents)
  • 55.9% females (285 residents)

What is the median age in Alpena?

The median age in Alpena is 37.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alpena?

The age distribution in Alpena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 19.4% (99 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 17.6% (90 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.9% (132 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.5% (130 residents)
  • Over 65: 11.6% (59 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alpena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alpena is as follows:
  • White: 79.6% (406 residents)
  • Black or African American: 1.2% (6 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.4% (2 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 18.2% (93 residents)
  • Other: 0.6% (3 residents)

What percentage of the population in Alpena are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in Alpena.

How many housing units are there in Alpena?

There are 202 housing units in Alpena, reflecting a +26.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Alpena and what is the average household size?

Alpena has a total of 169 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alpena?

Alpena has a median household income of $50,625, representing a +6.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Alpena?

The employment rate is 96.4% in Alpena, with a workforce of 241 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 60.2% (145 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 39.8% (96 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 5.8% (14 residents)
  • Private companies: 78.8% (190 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 11.2% (27 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 4.2% (10 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025