Alpena County's composite score of 71.8 places it in the 72nd percentile nationally, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by more than 40%. The county ranks among the top third of U.S. counties on overall livability measures.
2 / 5
Above Michigan State Average
With a score of 71.8 compared to Michigan's 68.7 average, Alpena ranks comfortably above the state median. The county's performance reflects a balance of tax reasonableness and housing affordability that appeals broadly.
3 / 5
Exceptional Housing Affordability
Alpena boasts the highest cost score (86.3) in this group, with the lowest median home value ($137,800) and monthly rent ($660). This extraordinary affordability makes Alpena uniquely accessible for cost-conscious families and fixed-income households.
4 / 5
Incomes Trail State and Regional Peers
Alpena's income score of just 17.3 reflects a median household income of $51,909, among the lowest in this county collection. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors means the full livability story cannot yet be told.
5 / 5
Perfect for Retirees on Tight Budgets
Alpena is tailor-made for retirees and low-income households seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden in a small-town setting. The county's rock-bottom housing costs make it Michigan's most accessible choice for those with limited means.
Alpena County's composite score of 71.8 places it in the 72nd percentile nationally, exceeding the national median of 50.0 by more than 40%. The county ranks among the top third of U.S. counties on overall livability measures.
Above Michigan State Average
With a score of 71.8 compared to Michigan's 68.7 average, Alpena ranks comfortably above the state median. The county's performance reflects a balance of tax reasonableness and housing affordability that appeals broadly.
Exceptional Housing Affordability
Alpena boasts the highest cost score (86.3) in this group, with the lowest median home value ($137,800) and monthly rent ($660). This extraordinary affordability makes Alpena uniquely accessible for cost-conscious families and fixed-income households.
Incomes Trail State and Regional Peers
Alpena's income score of just 17.3 reflects a median household income of $51,909, among the lowest in this county collection. Limited data on safety, health, schools, and environmental factors means the full livability story cannot yet be told.
Perfect for Retirees on Tight Budgets
Alpena is tailor-made for retirees and low-income households seeking maximum affordability and minimal tax burden in a small-town setting. The county's rock-bottom housing costs make it Michigan's most accessible choice for those with limited means.
Score breakdown
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🏛70.5
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.