Alpena County, Michigan Demographics 2026

Population Overview

Alpena County is located in Michigan with a total population of 28,908. It is the 50th most populous county out of 83 in Michigan. The county encompasses 1 Census-designated place.

Age Demographics

The median age in Alpena County is 47.6 years. This is 19% higher than the state median of 40.1 years. 10.2% of residents are 75 or older, suggesting a significant retirement-age population with implications for healthcare services and senior housing.

Economy, Income & Housing

The median household income in Alpena County is $51,909. This is 27% lower than the state median of $71,149. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 34% lower. The poverty rate stands at 17.0%. This is 30% higher than the state poverty rate of 13.1%. The unemployment rate is 7.1%. This is 22% higher than the state rate of 5.8%. The median home value is $137,800. Housing costs are 37% lower than the state median of $217,600. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 2.7x, Alpena County is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 9% higher than the state average of 72.9%.

Race & Ethnicity

Alpena County has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 93.0% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.6%. The Black or African American population (0.9%) is well below the state average of 13.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.6%) is well below the state average of 5.7%. The Asian population (0.5%) is well below the state average of 3.3%.

Education

17.7% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 44% lower than the state rate of 31.8%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 93.1%.