Special Interest
Housing in Alpena County
Both Census and HUD figures represent gross rent — contract rent plus estimated utility costs for electricity, heat, water, and sewer.
Rent in Alpena County averages $673/month for a 2‑bedroom in 2024, compared to the Michigan median of $1,129 and the national median of $1,413. Local renters spend approximately 36% of household income on rent, above the national average of 32%.
HUD 2026 50th Percentile Rent Estimates for Alpena County FMR Area are $689 for a studio, $767 for 1‑bedroom, $973 for 2‑bedroom, $1,212 for 3‑bedroom, and $1,632 for 4‑bedroom.
HUD 2026 Rent Estimates reflect market movement since 2024 Census data — a $300 increase for a 2-bedroom in Alpena County shows a 45% rise over that period.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics annual unemployment rate for Alpena County was 5.3% in 2024, compared to Michigan at 4.7% and the national rate of 4.0%.
