Alpena, SD demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
317
-9.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$66,667/yr
1.9% year-over-year change
Housing units
135
-10.0% year-over-year change

Alpena population

How many people live in Alpena

Alpena is home to 317 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 52.7% of Alpena locals are male, and 47.3% are female.

Total population
317
-9.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
52.7%
167
Female
47.3%
150
Value Percent YoY change
Male 167 52.7% 1.8%
Female 150 47.3% -18.9%
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 35, with the population distributed as follows: about 25.6% are children under 15, then 9.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 27.8% of the population, while another 21.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.5% are 65 or older.

Median age
35.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
25.6%
15 to 24
9.5%
25 to 44
27.8%
45 to 64
21.8%
Over 65
15.5%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 81 25.6% -5.8%
15 to 24 30 9.5% -9.1%
25 to 44 88 27.8% -12.0%
45 to 64 69 21.8% 6.2%
Over 65 49 15.5% -24.6%
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, 84.2% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 12.3% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 4.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
84.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3.5%
Non-citizens
12.3%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 267 84.2% -9.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 11 3.5% -31.2%
Non-citizens 39 12.3% 0.0%
Racial breakdown
White
72.9%
Black or African American
0%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.7%
Other
22.4%
Value Percent
White 231 72.9%
Two or more races 15 4.7%
Other 71 22.4%

Households in Alpena

A peek inside Alpena households

Alpena has 130 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 71.5% are families, while the remaining 28.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
130
-13.3% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
37
Family households
93
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 37 28.5% -13.9%
Family households 93 71.5% -13.1%
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 135 units, with 83% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% 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 16.3% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
135
-10.0% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 112 83%
1 unit, attached 1 0.7%
Mobile home 22 16.3%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alpena

In Alpena, the median construction year is 1945. About 37% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 25.9% 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 50 37% -25.4%
Built between 1940 and 1949 35 25.9% 52.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 15 11.1% 25.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 1 0.7% -87.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 6 4.4% 0.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 2 1.5% N/A
Built between 1990 and 1999 23 17% -28.1%
Built between 2000 and 2009 3 2.2% 50.0%
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 130 occupied housing units in Alpena, 78.5% are owner-occupied, while 21.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 3.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
130
-13.3% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
28
Owner occupied
102
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 28 21.5% 115.4%
Owner occupied 102 78.5% -25.6%
Unoccupied housing units
3.7%
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 $632 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $925.

Median housing costs per month
$632/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
$925/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 51.1% of the population in Alpena went to high school, while 31.9% pursued college studies. Another 4.8% earned an associate degree and 3.5% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 14 6.1% -17.6%
High school diploma 117 51.1% -7.9%
College diploma 73 31.9% -1.4%
Associate degree 11 4.8% 22.2%
Bachelor's degree 8 3.5% -20.0%
Graduate degree 6 2.6% -45.5%
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 $122,978 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +16.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $66,667, reflecting a +1.9% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alpena
$122,978/year
16.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alpena
$66,667/year
1.9% 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 $80,938. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $68,594 overall. Overall, 93.3% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $80,938 -8.2%
45 - 64 $68,594 21.9%
Over 65 $44,896 6.8%
Above poverty level
292
Below poverty level
21
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 292 93.3% 3.5%
Below poverty level 21 6.7% -65.0%

Employment in Alpena

Workforce and job types in Alpena

The job market in Alpena is powered by 173 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 49.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 50.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.9% run their own businesses, 83.2% are employed by private companies, and 8.7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
173
13.1% year-over-year change
White collar
85
Blue collar
88
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 85 49.1% 7.6%
Blue collar 88 50.9% 18.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6.9%
Private companies
83.2%
Governmental workers
8.7%
Not for profit companies
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 12 6.9% -7.7%
Private companies 144 83.2% 13.4%
Governmental workers 15 8.7% 25.0%
Not for profit companies 2 1.2% 100.0%

Transportation in Alpena

How people get around in Alpena

Commuting methods vary: 91.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 0.6% 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 157 91.8% 19.9%
Walk 1 0.6% -50.0%
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
57312 596 219 $91,688 $135,616

Explore more communities

FAQs about Alpena demographics 

What is the total population of Alpena?

Alpena has a total population of 317 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 -9.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alpena?

The gender ratio in Alpena is as follows:
  • 52.7% males (167 residents)
  • 47.3% females (150 residents)

What is the median age in Alpena?

The median age in Alpena is 35.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alpena?

The age distribution in Alpena is as follows:
  • Under 15: 25.6% (81 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.5% (30 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 27.8% (88 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 21.8% (69 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.5% (49 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alpena?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alpena is as follows:
  • White: 72.9% (231 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0% (0 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.7% (15 residents)
  • Other: 22.4% (71 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 84.2% of the population in Alpena.

How many housing units are there in Alpena?

There are 135 housing units in Alpena, reflecting a -10.0% 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 130 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alpena?

Alpena has a median household income of $66,667, representing a +1.9% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Alpena?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 49.1% (85 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 50.9% (88 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.9% (12 residents)
  • Private companies: 83.2% (144 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.7% (15 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 1.2% (2 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