Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Alpena, MI
Considering Alpena, MI for your next move? With a population of just over 10,000, Alpena is a friendly, affordable lakeside community. The median home price is $120,500 and average rent for a 2-bedroom is just $770, making your dollar go further. Residents enjoy short commutes (13 minutes), a low violent crime rate of 220 per 100K, and access to solid healthcare and schools, including Alpena Community College. Alpena’s beautiful seasons, affordable living, and small-town charm make it an inviting place to call home.
Demographics - Alpena, MI
Demographics - Alpena, MI
Alpena, MI is a small city of just over 10,000 people with a predominantly White population and a median age of 43.9, reflecting a mature, close-knit community. The city has a slightly higher proportion of females and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, making it a welcoming but fairly homogenous place. Residents benefit from a comfortable population density and a stable local atmosphere.
Population:
10,197
Density:
1,250 per sq mi
Median Age:
43.9
Gender Ratio:
93 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.1%
Ethnic Composition
White:
95.4%
Black:
0.7%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
3.2%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Alpena, MI?
Alpena offers a notably affordable cost of living, with a median home value of $120,500 and average rent around $770 for a two-bedroom apartment. The city's cost of living index is well below the national average, helping residents stretch their budgets on housing, groceries, and utilities. State income tax is a flat 4.25%, making Alpena attractive for those seeking value and stability.
Median House Value:
$120,500
Gross Rent:
$770
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,240
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$375
State Taxes:
Low:
4.25%
|
High:
4.25%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
52.3
Utilities:
98.7
Transportation:
86.2
Health Care:
94.3
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Alpena, MI a safe place to live?
Alpena enjoys a relatively low violent crime rate of 220 per 100,000 residents, making it a safe place for families and individuals. Property crime is more common, but still at manageable levels, with a 1 in 63 chance annually. Overall, the city maintains a secure environment compared to larger urban areas.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,590
Crime Index:
1,810
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 63
Weather
What is the weather like in Alpena, MI year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 15°F and pleasantly warm summers peaking at 77°F. Alpena receives about 32 inches of annual rainfall and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. The local climate encourages a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
29°F
Spring
Min:
35°F
Max:
58°F
Summer
Min:
55°F
Max:
77°F
Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
63°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
32.1 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Alpena’s neighborhoods offer a modest median household income of about $41,800, with a higher-than-average poverty rate of 19.6%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a quick 13 minutes. The area is characterized by a tight-knit, hardworking community with strong local roots.
Median Income:
$29,400
Household Income:
$41,800
Family Income:
$56,900
Per Capita Income:
$24,200
Income Male:
$33,700
Income Female:
$25,400
Poverty Rate:
19.6%
Non English Speakers:
3.1%
Rent:
$770
Unemployment Rate:
6.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
13.2 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
90.9%
Bachelors or More:
18.5%
Education
How are the schools in Alpena, MI?
Alpena offers a solid educational landscape with several public and private schools, including Alpena High School and All Saints Catholic School, as well as Alpena Community College for higher education. Class sizes are moderate, and the community values education, with nearly 91% of adults holding at least a high school diploma. The city provides quality learning opportunities from elementary through college.
Public Schools
Name:
Alpena High School
Street:
3303 S 3rd Ave
Phone:
989-358-5200
Students:
1,020
Student Teacher Ratio:
22.1
Name:
Ella White Elementary School
Street:
201 N Ripley Blvd
Phone:
989-358-5900
Students:
480
Student Teacher Ratio:
19.5
Private Schools
Name:
All Saints Catholic School
Street:
500 N Second Ave
Phone:
989-354-4911
Students:
230
Colleges
Name:
Alpena Community College
City:
Alpena
State:
MI
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
1,500
Healthcare
Healthcare in Alpena is anchored by MyMichigan Medical Center, providing general, surgical, and emergency care. There are about 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents and nearly 94% of people have health insurance, ensuring good access to essential services. The city's healthcare index reflects reliable and accessible medical support for residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
MyMichigan Medical Center Alpena
Address:
1501 W Chisholm St, Alpena, MI 49707
Phone:
(989) 356-7390
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.8%
Health Care Index:
76.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Alpena, MI?
Alpena’s housing market is affordable and stable, with a median home price of $120,500 and an owner-occupied rate above 60%. Rental vacancies are moderate, and home values have shown healthy appreciation in the past year. The mix of affordability and growth makes Alpena appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$120,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$770
Owner Occupied Rate:
60.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
6.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.6%
DMV Information
Department of Motor Vehicles services in Alpena are provided by the Michigan Secretary of State office, conveniently located in the city. Residents can handle vehicle registration, licensing, and other state services locally or online. The office offers accessible support for all your driving and vehicle needs.
State:
Michigan
Department:
Michigan Secretary of State
Address:
100 E Chisholm St, Alpena, MI 49707
Phone:
1-888-767-6424
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.