Alger
Michigan

What stands out

Against every county in America, Alger County is unusual in three ways: the overdose death rate is among the lowest in America (-999 per 100,000), unemployment is among the highest in America (7.4%), and natural-hazard risk is among the safest in America (1 of 100). Within Michigan it ranks 2nd of 83 counties for the overdose death rate, counting from the bottom.

Where you are

You live in Alger County, Michigan. 8,866 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population held steady at 0.2% last year, and more Americans moved in than out (net +30).

Michigan has a flat income tax just over 4% and has never taxed Social Security. It restored a broad exemption for pension and retirement income in 2023, phasing in over four years. Home prices are below the national average nearly everywhere except the lakeshore counties and the Ann Arbor area. Detroit's population is growing again for the first time since the 1950s.

Money

The typical household here brings in $55,528 a year, lower than 66% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $49,474. Unemployment runs 7.4%, higher than almost every county in America. 9% of workers work from home.

Michigan takes 4.3% of that median income in state income tax, about $2,360 a year.

Home

The median home costs $222K, cheaper than 55% of American counties, about 2.3 years of the median household's income. A two-bedroom rents for around $826 a month. Property tax is 1.00% of home value, roughly $1,572 a year on that median home, higher than 60% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 3.8 per 1,000 residents, lower than 53% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 79.5 years, longer than 88% of American counties. There are 6 active physicians in the county, about 6.8 per 10,000 people. 5.0% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

Local students test at grade level 2.83 where 3.0 is national grade level, lower than 81% of American counties. 94% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 19 points. 67% of eligible voters turned out. Under Michigan law you can get a concealed-carry permit on request, abortion is protected by state law, and marijuana is legal for adults.

Weather and risk

The year averages 42°F, highs near 51 and lows near 32, colder than 97% of American counties. About 36 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 1 out of 100, safer than almost every county in America; the county has had 5 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 55 Mbps down, slower than 98% of American counties. There are 2 airports in the county, counting general aviation. For a night or a weekend out: 1.2 full-service restaurants per 1,000 people, 1 brewery, 1 National Park Service site.