countyscore
52.2
County Score
Water Quality 86Cost of Living 82.1Soil Quality 72.6

County Report Card

About Alpena County, Michigan

Slightly Above National Median

Alpena County earns a composite score of 52.2, positioning it just above the national median of 50.0. This reflects a generally stable environment with a mix of high affordability and moderate development.

Solid Performance in Michigan

With a score of 52.2, Alpena outperforms the Michigan state average of 47.1. It provides a more balanced profile than many counties across the state.

Affordable Living and Clean Water

The county shines in housing affordability with a Cost Score of 82.1 and a median gross rent of $660. Environmental health is another high point, evidenced by a Water Score of 86.0.

Education and Income Gaps

The School Score of 21.3 and Income Score of 18.3 suggest significant room for improvement in local infrastructure and wages. The median household income of $51,909 trails behind state and national norms.

Ideal for Budget-Conscious Renters

Alpena County is an excellent fit for individuals seeking extreme affordability and reliable environmental quality. It serves as a practical choice for those whose jobs are not tied to the local wage market.

Score breakdown

Tax29.2Cost82.1Safety48.7Health70.9Schools21.3Income18.3Risk71.7Water86Weather49.1
🏛29.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠82.1
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼18.3
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡48.7
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤70.9
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓21.3
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡71.7
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧86
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤49.1
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨72.6
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱59.7
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Nearby counties

Alcona County
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62.1
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Presque Isle County
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70.1
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Deep Dives

Alpena County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Alpena County

via TaxByCounty

Alpena taxes slightly above US median

At 1.129%, Alpena's effective tax rate sits just 3% above the national median of 1.1%, placing it near the 52nd percentile. The $1,556 median tax is roughly 42% below the national median of $2,690, reflecting the county's lower home values.

Just below Michigan's average rate

Alpena's 1.129% effective rate sits marginally below Michigan's 1.166% average, positioning it in the lower half of the state's tax landscape. At $1,556 in median annual taxes, residents pay $546 less than the state median.

Higher taxes than Alcona, lower than Arenac

Alpena's 1.129% falls between Alcona County (0.839%) and Arenac County (1.299%) in the northeast Michigan region. The county represents a middle ground in the area's tax structure.

What your $137,800 home costs

An Alpena County homeowner with a $137,800 property pays about $1,556 annually in taxes. That translates to roughly $46,680 over 30 years—a manageable burden for the region.

Reassessments worth checking in declining markets

Rural Michigan counties like Alpena often face shifting market conditions that assessments lag behind. Reviewing your assessment against recent comparable sales takes minutes, and a successful appeal can yield immediate savings.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Alpena County

via CostByCounty

Alpena's affordability beats national picture

Alpena County renters spend just 15.3% of income on housing, well below the 30% affordability ceiling and comfortably lower than Michigan's 16.3% state average. Though median household income lags at $51,909 versus the national $74,755, modest rents of $660 monthly make housing genuinely accessible.

Among Michigan's most affordable rental markets

Alpena ranks near the top of Michigan counties for housing affordability, with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio and median rent of just $660—$213 below the state average. The county's strength lies in keeping housing costs low despite incomes that fall below state averages.

Lowest rents in the northern cluster

Alpena's $660 monthly rent is the lowest among this sample of eight counties, even below Baraga's $557 for renters versus owner costs. On incomes of $51,909, Alpena renters carry the smallest burden relative to peers in Alcona and Arenac.

Bargain rents anchor strong affordability

Renters pay just $660 monthly while homeowners carry $681 in costs, with a median home value of $137,800 that keeps ownership within reach. Combined housing costs claim roughly 15% of the $51,909 median income, delivering genuine affordability on modest earnings.

Northern Michigan's affordability champion

Alpena County delivers the lowest rents in Michigan's far north alongside tight housing costs—a powerful draw for budget-conscious newcomers and retirees. The combination of rock-bottom rents and modest home prices creates breathing room that's rare in today's housing market.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Alpena County

via IncomeByCounty

Alpena income well below national average

Alpena County's median household income of $51,909 trails the U.S. median of $74,755 by $22,846—a significant 31% shortfall. The county's lower income reflects its small-town economy and limited access to high-wage employment centers.

Lowest in Michigan's northeast region

At $51,909, Alpena ranks below Michigan's county average of $64,304 and represents one of the state's lower-income counties. The county's per capita income of $33,093 also falls notably below the state average of $35,451.

Trailing peers in surrounding counties

Alpena's $51,909 median income lags both Alcona County ($53,568) and Arenac County ($56,989), its immediate neighbors. All three counties face similar economic pressures from industrial decline and limited diversification.

Housing remains affordable despite low wages

Alpena's rent-to-income ratio of 15.3% keeps housing costs manageable, and its median home value of $137,800 remains among the state's most affordable. This affordability cushion provides essential financial stability for lower-income households.

Strategic savings unlock future opportunity

While median incomes are tight, Alpena's affordable housing creates space to build emergency savings and modest investments. Focus on employer 401(k) matches, low-cost index funds, and incremental savings goals—small, consistent steps compound over time.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Alpena County

via CrimeByCounty

Alpena County Offers High National Safety

Alpena County features a total crime rate of 1,151.8 per 100K, less than half the national average of 2,385.5. This earns the county a safety score of 98.2. It is a consistently safe environment compared to the broader United States.

A Strong Performer in Michigan

Alpena's safety score of 98.2 exceeds the Michigan state average of 97.8. Its total crime rate of 1,151.8 is also better than the state-wide average of 1,371.8. The county remains a safe haven within the state's northern regions.

Local Comparison with Alcona County

Alpena’s total crime rate of 1,151.8 is higher than neighboring Alcona’s 840.0. However, Alpena remains very competitive when compared to other regional hubs in Michigan. It manages to balance a larger population center with an impressive safety record.

Analyzing Violent and Property Crimes

Violent crime in Alpena is 259.4 per 100K, while property crime is 892.4 per 100K. Both figures are significantly lower than national averages, with property crime being nearly three times lower than the US norm. Residents benefit from low rates of both serious and minor offenses.

Secure Your Property in Alpena

Most crime in the county involves property, making home security a smart investment. Simple measures like locking doors and installing motion-activated lights can prevent opportunistic theft. These habits help maintain the high level of safety Alpena is known for.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Alpena County

via HealthByCounty

Life expectancy near national average

Alpena residents live to 77.0 years, slightly below the U.S. average of 80.1 years. With 17.8% reporting poor or fair health, the county faces more prevalent health challenges than the nation overall.

Slightly above state average

At 77.0 years, Alpena's life expectancy edges past Michigan's state average of 76.3 years by 0.7 years. The county ranks in Michigan's middle tier for longevity.

Mid-range health outcomes locally

Alpena's 77.0-year life expectancy sits between Alcona County (75.1 years) and Allegan County (77.5 years). Its 6.2% uninsured rate is close to the state average of 6.4%.

Exceptional mental health capacity

Alpena stands out with 422 mental health providers per 100,000 residents—nearly 4 times the national average—reflecting strong regional psychiatric services. With 76 primary care providers per 100,000 and 6.2% uninsured, the county supports access to both primary and behavioral health.

Leverage mental health resources

Alpena's exceptional mental health infrastructure is a community asset; health insurance ensures you can access these vital services. Verify your coverage at healthcare.gov and confirm your plan includes mental and behavioral health benefits.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Alpena County

via SchoolsByCounty

Centralized Education in Northern Michigan

Alpena County services 3,710 students through 10 public schools, almost entirely managed by a single large district. The infrastructure includes six elementary schools and Alpena High School, one of the region's largest facilities.

Solid Performance Above State Standards

The county maintains an 83% graduation rate, which edges out the Michigan state average of 82.5%. While the per-pupil spending of $6,471 is lower than the state average, the county continues to support a large student population effectively.

The Dominance of Alpena Public Schools

Alpena Public Schools is the primary educational driver, enrolling 3,672 of the county's 3,710 total students. There are no charter schools in the county, as the community centers its resources on the traditional public school model.

Large Campus Feel in a Regional Hub

Alpena High School is a major regional center with 1,101 students, creating a more diverse environment than typical rural schools. The county splits its schools evenly between town and rural locales, with an average school size of 371 students.

Living Near a Regional Education Hub

Families looking for the resources of a large high school within a close-knit town setting should explore Alpena County. Consider homes near Thunder Bay Junior High or Alpena High to stay close to the county's academic core.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Alpena County

via RiskByCounty

Alpena well below national risk baseline

Alpena County scores 28.34 on the composite risk scale, earning a Very Low rating that sits comfortably below the national average. The county maintains relatively modest disaster exposure across most hazard types.

Safer than Michigan's average county

With a score of 28.34, Alpena ranks well below Michigan's state average of 49.56, placing it among the state's safer counties. The Very Low rating reflects below-average vulnerability.

Moderate risk for the northeast region

Alpena scores 28.34, higher than nearby Alcona at 17.75 but similar to Antrim County at 25.76. The county sits in the middle tier of its regional peers.

Flood risk dominates, tornado secondary

Alpena's primary concern is flood risk at 51.02, exceeding the state average and reflecting Great Lakes proximity. Tornado risk follows at 24.94, with wildfire and earthquake presenting minimal threats at 15.62 and 16.16 respectively.

Flood insurance critical for waterfront

Alpena residents should strongly consider flood insurance given the county's 51.02 flood risk score, especially those near water bodies. Standard homeowners coverage handles wind and tornado protection adequately.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Alpena County

via WeatherByCounty

Lakeside Cold in the Great North

Alpena County maintains an average temperature of 44.0°F, sitting well below the national median of approximately 54°F. Its climate is heavily influenced by Lake Huron, which brings both moisture and temperature moderation.

A Typical Northern Lower Peninsula Climate

Alpena’s 44.0°F average is nearly two degrees cooler than the state average of 45.7°F. While it isn't the coldest county in Michigan, it represents the brisk climate typical of the state's northern coastline.

Warmer Than Its Southern Neighbor

Interestingly, Alpena’s 44.0°F average is warmer than Alcona County directly to the south, which averages 42.8°F. It experiences more annual snowfall (68.5 inches) than Alcona (46.8 inches), likely due to increased lake-effect interaction.

Significant Snow and Mild Summers

The county receives 68.5 inches of snow annually, making winter recreation a local staple. July is pleasant with an average of 68.0°F, and the county typically sees 7 days of heat at or above 90°F.

Prepare for Snowy Coastal Winters

Homeowners should invest in high-quality insulation and snow removal tools to handle the 68.5 inches of annual snow. Winter temperatures average 22.1°F, necessitating a reliable and efficient primary heating source.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Alpena County

via SoilByCounty

Middle-of-the-Road Michigan pH

Alpena County features an average soil pH of 5.34, which is nearly identical to the Michigan state average of 5.30. Like most of the state, it is more acidic than the national 6.5 median. This acidity level is manageable for most gardeners with minor soil adjustments.

Diverse Grain Sizes for Better Structure

The soil contains 53.3% sand and 26.6% silt, offering a more balanced texture than the purely sandy counties to the south. With 15.5% clay, this soil has a better capacity for nutrient ion exchange than most Michigan soils. It provides a solid foundation for both drainage and workability.

Rich Organic Matter Beats State Average

At 22.06%, the organic matter content in Alpena exceeds the Michigan state average of 19.76%. This high level of decayed material supports a healthy available water capacity of 0.209 in/in. These metrics indicate a naturally fertile soil that supports vigorous plant growth with less intervention.

Naturally Regulated Moisture Flow

While official drainage classes are not listed, the relatively high clay and silt percentages for Michigan suggest a more controlled moisture release. The soil is unlikely to drain as excessively fast as pure sands, providing a more stable environment for roots. This makes it a reliable choice for consistent agricultural output.

Zone 5a's Productive Potential

Alpena is in Hardiness Zone 5a, where hardy vegetables and cool-season grasses thrive. The balanced texture and high organic matter make it excellent for root vegetables like carrots and parsnips. Use this fertile ground to build a self-sustaining home garden this season.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Alpena County

via LawnByCounty

Alpena matches Michigan's statewide average

Alpena County earns a 59.7 lawn difficulty score, nearly identical to the Michigan average of 60.1. This Hardiness Zone 5a county offers a reliable environment for homeowners looking to maintain a standard cool-season lawn.

Stable temperatures protect local turf

Alpena sees 7 extreme heat days annually, aligning with the state average and preventing excessive summer wilt. Annual precipitation of 30.8 inches stays within the ideal range, supporting the 2,004 growing degree days available for grass growth.

Mixed soil textures require balance

With 53.3% sand and 15.5% clay, Alpena soils offer better moisture retention than some neighboring sandy counties. However, the pH of 5.34 remains acidic, suggesting that lawns will benefit from lime to optimize nutrient availability.

Consistently hydrated through the year

The county experienced only 4 weeks of drought over the past year and currently reports no abnormally dry areas. This consistent moisture allows for a more predictable maintenance schedule with less reliance on intensive irrigation systems.

Establish lawns before October frost

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescue are the best performers for this 5a zone. Seeding should occur after the May 13th spring frost to take advantage of the growing season before the first fall frost on October 3rd.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alpena County's county score?
Alpena County, Michigan has a composite county score of 52.2 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Alpena County rank among counties in Michigan?
Alpena County ranks #25 among all counties in Michigan on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Alpena County, Michigan?
The median annual property tax in Alpena County is $1,556, with an effective tax rate of 1.13%. This earns Alpena County a tax score of 29.2/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Alpena County?
The median household income in Alpena County, Michigan is $51,909 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Alpena County earns an income score of 18.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Alpena County, Michigan a good place to live?
Alpena County scores 52.2/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #25 in Michigan. The best way to evaluate Alpena County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Alpena County with other counties side by side.

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🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.