Alger County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 77th-largest in Michigan
The population of Alger County, Michigan is 8,813 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 77th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $59,406, the median home value is $165,700, and the median age is 48.8.
The population of Alger County has declined 9.2% since 2010 (9,578 → 8,695), a -0.69% annualized rate.
8,813
Population
-0.69%
Annual growth
10
People / sq mi
$59,406
Median Income
$165,700
Median Home Value
Alger County covers 915 sq mi of land at 9.6 people per square mile.
About Alger County, MI
Homeownership is the standout figure in Alger County: 84.3% of homes are owner-occupied, higher than the national rate. With 8,813 residents, Alger County is a county in Michigan.
Household earnings are middling, with a median of $59,406 — below the US median of $78,538. Only 5.6% of residents live in poverty, below the national 12.4%. Median home value is $165,700, with typical rent around $712.
Roughly 20.3% of adults have a bachelor’s, below the national 35.0%. Remote work is below the national 14.0% at 8.6%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
The ownership rate anchors the housing story in Alger County, and tends to move with the age structure and home-value figures above.
Alger County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Alger County had a population of 9,578 in 2010 and 8,695 in 2024, a -9.2% growth over 14 years. The peak was 9,578 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.69%.
8,695
Population (2024)
9,578
Population (2010)
9,578
Peak (2010)
-0.69%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 9,578 |
| 2011 | 9,516 |
| 2012 | 9,456 |
| 2013 | 9,445 |
| 2014 | 9,370 |
| 2015 | 9,265 |
| 2016 | 9,138 |
| 2017 | 9,152 |
| 2018 | 9,105 |
| 2019 | 9,078 |
| 2020 | 8,839 |
| 2021 | 8,770 |
| 2022 | 8,767 |
| 2023 | 8,740 |
| 2024 | 8,695 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 82.1% |
| Black or African American | 7.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 6.6% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
48.8
Median Age
43.3%
Female
56.7%
Male
26.6%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 11.6% · Seniors (65+): 26.6%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $59,406$-11,743 vs state |
| Mean household income | $69,972 |
| Per-capita income | $28,250 |
| Poverty rate | 5.6%-3.2% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 2.6% |
| Employment-to-population | 38.1% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Alger County is professional & business services, accounting for 22.2% of workers.
How residents commute
0.4%
Drive alone
4.4%
Carpool
73.5%
Public transit
8.6%
Work from home
24.1 min
Avg commute
Housing
$165,700$-51,900 vs state
Median home value
$712
Median rent
84.3%
Homeownership rate
6,205
Total housing units
56.2%
Occupied
43.8%
Vacant
15.7%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
90.6%
With broadband internet
18.8%
Foreign-born
9.0%
Veterans (18+)
19.7%
With a disability
97.5%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.6%
High School+
20.3%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Alger County, Michigan has a population of 8,813 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 77th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 10 people per square mile.
The population of Alger County has declined 9.2% since 2010 (9,578 → 8,695), a -0.69% annualized rate.
The median household income in Alger County, Michigan is $59,406, with mean (average) household income of $69,972 and per-capita income of $28,250. 5.6% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Alger County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (82.1%), Black or African American (7.9%), Hispanic or Latino (6.6%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Alger County, Michigan is 48.8 years. Residents are 43.3% female and 56.7% male.
The median home value in Alger County is $165,700 and median monthly rent is $712. 84.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 6,205 total housing units, 43.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Alger County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 22.2% of workers. The unemployment rate is 2.6%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Alger County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.