Alpena County, Michigan Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates · 50th-largest in Michigan
The population of Alpena County, Michigan is 28,908 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 50th-largest county in Michigan. The median household income is $51,909, the median home value is $137,800, and the median age is 47.6.
The population of Alpena County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (29,511 → 28,903), a -0.15% annualized rate.
28,908
Population
-0.15%
Annual growth
51
People / sq mi
$51,909
Median Income
$137,800
Median Home Value
Alpena County covers 572 sq mi of land at 50.5 people per square mile.
About Alpena County, MI
Alpena County is a county in Michigan with a population of 28,908. It ranks #50 among counties in Michigan by population. The median age is 47.6, older than the national median. The population is 49.9% male and 50.1% female.
The median household income in Alpena County is $51,909, below the US median of $74,580. 11.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level. Home values sit at a median of $137,800, with monthly rent averaging $660. The homeownership rate of 79.4% is higher than the national rate of 64.8%.
Educational attainment in Alpena County reflects 17.7% of adults 25 and older holding a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 34.3%. Roughly 8.1% of workers primarily work from home, below the national work-from-home rate of 14.2%. The average commute is 17.6 minutes each way.
Alpena County Population History (2010-2024)
The county of Alpena County had a population of 29,511 in 2010 and 28,903 in 2024, a -2.1% growth over 14 years. The peak was 29,511 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.15%.
28,903
Population (2024)
29,511
Population (2010)
29,511
Peak (2010)
-0.15%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 29,511 |
| 2011 | 29,342 |
| 2012 | 29,168 |
| 2013 | 28,964 |
| 2014 | 28,888 |
| 2015 | 28,728 |
| 2016 | 28,670 |
| 2017 | 28,434 |
| 2018 | 28,422 |
| 2019 | 28,391 |
| 2020 | 28,879 |
| 2021 | 28,933 |
| 2022 | 28,813 |
| 2023 | 28,870 |
| 2024 | 28,903 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 93.3% |
| Black or African American | 0.9% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.4% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Age & Sex
47.6
Median Age
50.1%
Female
49.9%
Male
24.5%
Age 65+
Age Distribution
Children (under 15): 15.2% · Seniors (65+): 24.5%
Income & Poverty
| Median household income | $51,909$-19,240 vs state |
| Mean household income | $72,874 |
| Per-capita income | $33,093 |
| Poverty rate | 11.5%+2.7% vs state |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% |
| Employment-to-population | 49.6% |
Top Industries by Employment
The largest employment sector in Alpena County is professional & business services, accounting for 25.5% of workers.
How residents commute
0.8%
Drive alone
2.0%
Carpool
77.5%
Public transit
8.1%
Work from home
17.6 min
Avg commute
Housing
$137,800$-79,800 vs state
Median home value
$660
Median rent
79.4%
Homeownership rate
15,674
Total housing units
81.2%
Occupied
18.8%
Vacant
20.6%
Renter-occupied
Social & access
94.9%
With health insurance
90.0%
With broadband internet
12.2%
Foreign-born
10.1%
Veterans (18+)
21.6%
With a disability
97.4%
Speak language other than English at home
Education
93.1%
High School+
17.7%
Bachelor's+
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County rankings
Frequently Asked Questions
Alpena County, Michigan has a population of 28,908 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 50th-largest county in Michigan. Population density is 51 people per square mile.
The population of Alpena County has declined 2.1% since 2010 (29,511 → 28,903), a -0.15% annualized rate.
The median household income in Alpena County, Michigan is $51,909, with mean (average) household income of $72,874 and per-capita income of $33,093. 11.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level.
In Alpena County, the largest racial and ethnic groups are White (93.3%), Hispanic or Latino (1.4%), Black or African American (0.9%). Figures are from the US Census Bureau's 2023 ACS 5-year estimates and reflect self-reported responses.
The median age in Alpena County, Michigan is 47.6 years. Residents are 50.1% female and 49.9% male.
The median home value in Alpena County is $137,800 and median monthly rent is $660. 79.4% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. The county has 15,674 total housing units, 18.8% of which are vacant.
The largest employment sector in Alpena County, Michigan is professional, scientific, and management services, employing 25.5% of workers. The unemployment rate is 3.8%.
Detroit is among the largest cities associated with Alpena County, Michigan, with a population of 636,644.
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Population, race, income, age, and trends across Michigan
Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.