IncomeBy County

Alpena County, Michigan

Income Data

U.S. Census Bureau ACS
-19% vs. Michigan average
$51,909
Median Household Income
$33,093
Per Capita Income

At a Glance

Median Household Income
$51,909
-19% vs. state avg
Per Capita Income
$33,093
-16% vs. national
Income-to-Housing Ratio
37.7%
income as % of home value
Rank in Michigan
#76 / 83
by median household income

Economic Indicators

Unemployment Rate
N/A
Labor Force Participation
N/A

How Alpena County Compares

Alpena County$51,909
Michigan Average$64,304
National Median$74,755

Detailed Income Statistics

$51,909
Median Household Income
$33,093
Per Capita Income
$137,800
Median Home Value
37.7%
Income-to-Housing Ratio

Income Advisory: Alpena County

Income Verdict

Alpena County has a median household income of $51,909 and per capita income of $33,093 — a gap of $18,816, suggesting a higher share of single-earner or non-family households.

Housing Affordability

With median gross rent at $660/month and a median household income of $51,909, rent consumes approximately 15.3% of monthly income — well within affordable thresholds.

Economic Context

With a median household income of $51,909, residents of Alpena County likely face budget constraints in higher-cost regions but may find cost of living manageable locally. Per capita income of $33,093 is in line with national norms for individual earners.

Neighbor Context

Alpena County earns approximately 19.3% below the Michigan state median household income of $64,304.

Data Story

About Household Income in Alpena County, Michigan

Alpena income well below national average

Alpena County's median household income of $51,909 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $22,846—a significant 31% shortfall. The county's lower income reflects its small-town economy and limited access to high-wage employment centers.

Lowest in Michigan's northeast region

At $51,909, Alpena ranks below Michigan's county average of $64,304 and represents one of the state's lower-income counties. The county's per capita income of $33,093 also falls notably below the state average of $35,451.

Trailing peers in surrounding counties

Alpena's $51,909 median income lags both Alcona County ($53,568) and Arenac County ($56,989), its immediate neighbors. All three counties face similar economic pressures from industrial decline and limited diversification.

Housing remains affordable despite low wages

Alpena's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% keeps housing costs manageable, and its median home value of $137,800 remains among the state's most affordable. This affordability cushion provides essential financial stability for lower-income households.

Strategic savings unlock future opportunity

While median incomes are tight, Alpena's affordable housing creates space to build emergency savings and modest investments. Focus on employer 401(k) matches, low-cost index funds, and incremental savings goals—small, consistent steps compound over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the median household income in Alpena County, Michigan?
The median household income in Alpena County, Michigan is $51,909, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. This represents the midpoint of all household incomes in the county.
How much do people earn in Alpena County?
The per capita income in Alpena County is $33,093, which represents the average income per person across the entire county population. The median household income — which accounts for all earners in a household — is $51,909.
How does Alpena County compare to the Michigan average?
Alpena County's median household income of $51,909 is lower than the Michigan state average of $64,304. The per capita income is $33,093, compared to the state average of $35,451.
What is the per capita income in Alpena County, Michigan?
The per capita income in Alpena County, Michigan is $33,093, according to U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates. Per capita income is calculated by dividing total personal income by total population, providing an average income figure per resident.
Is Alpena County a low-income area in Michigan?
Alpena County's median household income of $51,909 is below the Michigan average of $64,304. The per capita income of $33,093 is also lower than the state average of $35,451. Lower incomes can reflect the local economic base, rural vs. urban location, and employment opportunities available in the area.
How does Alpena County rank for income in Michigan?
Alpena County ranks #76 out of 83 counties in Michigan by median household income (1 = highest). With a median household income of $51,909 and per capita income of $33,093, it falls in the bottom third of counties statewide.

Income Comparison Calculator

See how your household income compares in Alpena County

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Your income is above the Alpena County median

County median: $51,909 per year

vs. County Median

+0%

vs. State Average

-19%

vs. National Median

-31%

vs. Alpena County MedianAbout equal
vs. Michigan Average▼ 19% below
vs. National Median▼ 31% below

Income Adequacy

Monthly income covers median rent6.6x

Your monthly income ($4,326) vs. median rent ($660/mo). A ratio of 3.3x or higher means rent is under 30% of income.

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Counties with Similar Income Levels

Mitchell County
Georgia
$51,908
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Franklin County
Arkansas
$51,919
+0%
McCulloch County
Texas
$51,919
+0%
Washington County
Missouri
$51,886
+0%
Duplin County
North Carolina
$51,880
+0%
Marshall County
Mississippi
$51,875
+0%
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By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

Data: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.

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