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 distinguished by its share of foreign-born residents, 12.2% of the population. Alpena County is a county in Michigan with a population of 28,908. It ranks #50 among counties in Michigan by population.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $51,909, below the US median of $78,538. About 11.5% of residents live below the federal poverty level, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $137,800, with typical rent around $660.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 17.7%, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.1% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 18 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+
Largest cities in Michigan
Other counties in Michigan
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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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Statewide data for Michigan
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.