Alpena, MI demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
10,154
-0.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$47,545/yr
-0.1% year-over-year change
Housing units
5,610
3.0% year-over-year change

Alpena population

How many people live in Alpena

Alpena is home to 10,154 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.3% of Alpena locals are male, and 50.7% are female.

Total population
10,154
-0.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.3%
5,007
Female
50.7%
5,147
Value Percent YoY change
Male 5,007 49.3% 3.0%
Female 5,147 50.7% -3.2%
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 46, with the population distributed as follows: about 11.7% are children under 15, then 10.7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 26.3% of the population, while another 28.1% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.2% are 65 or older.

Median age
46
Age breakdown
Under 15
11.7%
15 to 24
10.7%
25 to 44
26.3%
45 to 64
28.1%
Over 65
23.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 1,184 11.7% -13.4%
15 to 24 1,084 10.7% -1.4%
25 to 44 2,669 26.3% 2.7%
45 to 64 2,856 28.1% -1.4%
Over 65 2,361 23.2% 6.5%
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

In Alpena, 98.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 1.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 6.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
1.2%
Non-citizens
0.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 9,980 98.3% -0.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 120 1.2% 16.5%
Non-citizens 54 0.5% -10.0%
Racial breakdown
White
91.2%
Black or African American
2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
6.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 9,266 91.2%
Black or African American 216 2.1%
American Indian and Alaska Native 18 0.2%
Asian 3 0%
Two or more races 651 6.4%

Households in Alpena

A peek inside Alpena households

Alpena has 5,088 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 44.9% are families, while the remaining 55.1% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
5,088
4.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
2,805
Family households
2,283
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 2,805 55.1% 10.7%
Family households 2,283 44.9% -1.7%
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 5,610 units, with 70% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.4% 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 0.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
5,610
3.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 3,928 70%
1 unit, attached 23 0.4%
2 units 311 5.5%
3 or 4 units 544 9.7%
5 to 9 units 184 3.3%
10 to 19 units 136 2.4%
20 to 49 units 276 4.9%
50 or more units 191 3.4%
Mobile home 17 0.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alpena

In Alpena, the median construction year is 1955. About 29% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 11.9% 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 1,629 29% 6.2%
Built between 1940 and 1949 669 11.9% -5.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 1,039 18.5% -3.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 723 12.9% 9.4%
Built between 1970 and 1979 627 11.2% -10.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 377 6.7% 32.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 207 3.7% -1.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 199 3.6% 34.5%
Built between 2010 and 2019 140 2.5% 18.6%
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 5,088 occupied housing units in Alpena, 66% are owner-occupied, while 34% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
5,088
4.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,728
Owner occupied
3,360
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,728 34% 1.8%
Owner occupied 3,360 66% 6.4%
Unoccupied housing units
9.3%
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 $666 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $625.

Median housing costs per month
$666/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
$625/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 41% of the population in Alpena went to high school, while 23.7% pursued college studies. Another 18.1% earned an associate degree and 8.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 6.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 187 2.2% 29.9%
High school diploma 3,493 41% -2.9%
College diploma 2,021 23.7% 0.1%
Associate degree 1,541 18.1% 6.1%
Bachelor's degree 722 8.5% 1.7%
Graduate degree 563 6.6% 19.8%
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 $67,200 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +2.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $47,545, reflecting a -0.1% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alpena
$67,200/year
2.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alpena
$47,545/year
-0.1% 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 $54,561. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,681 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $39,286, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $41,776 in earnings. Overall, 78.8% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $39,286 -29.1%
25 - 44 $54,561 6.4%
45 - 64 $53,681 7.0%
Over 65 $41,776 -3.4%
Above poverty level
7,786
Below poverty level
2,098
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 7,786 78.8% -2.7%
Below poverty level 2,098 21.2% 10.4%

Average renter income in Alpena

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Alpena, their median household income was $19,521 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$19,521
Rent-to-income ratio
38.4%
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 4,555 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 76.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 23.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.5% run their own businesses, 76.4% are employed by private companies, and 9.1% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
4,555
4.3% year-over-year change
White collar
3,467
Blue collar
1,088
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 3,467 76.1% 3.5%
Blue collar 1,088 23.9% 6.8%
Employer type
Self employees
6.5%
Private companies
76.4%
Governmental workers
9.1%
Not for profit companies
8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 298 6.5% 14.2%
Private companies 3,482 76.4% 8.1%
Governmental workers 413 9.1% -4.4%
Not for profit companies 362 8% -20.4%
Unemployment rate
6.4%
-26.9% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Alpena stands at 6.4%, 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

In Alpena, the average commute time is 11 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 84.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.4% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
11 min
-5.9% year-over-year change
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 3,806 84.6% 2.9%
Taxicab 21 0.5% 10.5%
Bus or trolleybus 108 2.4% 96.4%
Motorcycle 43 1% 34.4%
Bicycle 39 0.9% -46.6%
Walk 65 1.4% -26.1%
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
49707 21,881 10,231 $51,396 $71,712

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FAQs about Alpena demographics 

What is the total population of Alpena?

Alpena has a total population of 10,154 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 -0.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alpena?

The gender ratio in Alpena is as follows:
  • 49.3% males (5,007 residents)
  • 50.7% females (5,147 residents)

What is the median age in Alpena?

The median age in Alpena is 46.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alpena?

The age distribution in Alpena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 11.7% (1,184 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 10.7% (1,084 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 26.3% (2,669 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 28.1% (2,856 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.2% (2,361 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alpena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alpena is as follows:
  • White: 91.2% (9,266 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.1% (216 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (18 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 6.4% (651 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.3% of the population in Alpena.

How many housing units are there in Alpena?

There are 5,610 housing units in Alpena, reflecting a +3.0% 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 5,088 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alpena?

Alpena has a median household income of $47,545, representing a -0.1% 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 93.6% in Alpena, with a workforce of 4,555 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 76.1% (3,467 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 23.9% (1,088 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.5% (298 residents)
  • Private companies: 76.4% (3,482 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 9.1% (413 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 8% (362 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