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+
Largest cities in Michigan
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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.
Alger County, MI Climate
Alger County, MI has an average annual temperature of 5.3°C (42°F) and receives about 848 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is August and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
5.3°C
Avg Temp
848
Precip (mm/yr)
Aug
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 71 mm |
| February | -7° / 20° | 44 mm |
| March | -3° / 27° | 51 mm |
| April | 3° / 38° | 43 mm |
| May | 9° / 48° | 67 mm |
| June | 14° / 57° | 73 mm |
| July | 18° / 64° | 77 mm |
| August | 18° / 64° | 80 mm |
| September | 14° / 57° | 97 mm |
| October | 8° / 47° | 91 mm |
| November | 2° / 35° | 77 mm |
| December | -4° / 25° | 77 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Alger County, MI
The most comfortable months to visit Alger County, MI are typically August, July and June, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is August (around 23°C high). The coldest is January (near -11°C low). September is usually the wettest month.
Where to stay near Alger County
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Top-rated places to stay near Alger County
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.