Alger County

As of the 2020 Census, Alger County, MI, has a population of approximately 8,842. The racial composition is predominantly White (95.1%), followed by Native American (2.0%), Black or African American (0.7%), Asian (0.4%), and two or more races (1.6%). Hispanic or Latino of any race make up 1.4%. The median household income is around $43,080, with about 15.6% of the population living below the poverty line. The county covers an area of 5,048 square miles, including significant forested and rural regions.

As of the latest data, Alger County, MI, has a median home value of approximately $142,000. The median rent is around $696 per month. Owner-occupied housing units make up 78.5% of the market, with a vacancy rate of 20%. The average household size in owned units is 2.38, while renter-occupied units have an average size of 1.88. The county experiences a moderate housing cost burden, with about 22% of households spending 30% or more of their income on housing. These values provide an overview of the housing landscape in Alger County.

As of the most recent 2022 elections in Alger County, MI, here are some key details:

• County Commissioners: Alger County is divided into five districts, each electing a commissioner.
• Sheriff: Current Sheriff Todd Brock was re-elected.
• Prosecuting Attorney: Robert Steinhoff continues his tenure.
• Clerk/Register of Deeds: Katie Bergdahl re-elected.

In Nov. 2022, voter turnout was 60.8% with 4,500 of 7,400 registered voters participating. Key races:

• Governor: Gretchen Whitmer (D) versus Tudor Dixon (R); state results: Whitmer won.
• U.S. House 1st District: Incumbent Jack Bergman (R) faced Bob Lorinser (D); Bergman retained his seat.
• State Legislature: Jenn Hill (D) won the 109th State House district.

Local matters often include millage renewals for schools and public services. Refer to Alger County's official website and local news for updates.

As of the most recent data, Alger County, MI, showcases certain key educational statistics. About 90.3% of residents aged 25 and older have at least a high school diploma, which is close to the national average of around 88%. However, only about 17.6% hold a bachelor's degree or higher, which lags behind the national average of roughly 33%. Michigan's state averages are similarly benchmarked, with about 91.8% of residents having at least a high school diploma and approximately 29.1% holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

Therefore, while Alger County matches the country and state in high school education attainment, it significantly trails in higher education achievements. These figures provide insight into the educational landscape in Alger County compared to broader metrics.

As of the latest data, Alger County, MI, had an unemployment rate of approximately 5.1%, slightly above the national average of 3.9% and the state average of 4.3%. Employment in the county is concentrated in several key sectors:

1. Tourism and Hospitality: Driven by the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, this sector plays a major role.
2. Forestry and Logging: Traditional industries still vital to the local economy.
3. Healthcare and Social Assistance: Employment in healthcare services has grown.
4. Retail Trade: Serving locals and tourists alike.
5. Manufacturing: Less prominent compared to state average but still present.

Nationally, top industries include healthcare, retail trade, and professional services, while Michigan also emphasizes automotive and advanced manufacturing more heavily. Comparatively, Alger County's economy leans more on tourism and natural resources, reflecting regional characteristics.

As of the latest available data, Alger County, MI, has an average (mean) household income of approximately $52,000 per year. In comparison, the median household income for the state of Michigan is about $59,500, and the national median household income is around $68,700. These figures show that Alger County's average household income is below both state and national averages.

Alger County's income levels reflect its largely rural nature and economic reliance on industries such as forestry and tourism, which typically pay less than urban-based industries.

As of the most recent data available, Alger County, MI, has a relatively low crime rate compared to both state and national averages. The crime rate per 1,000 residents is approximately 11.8, with the following breakdown:

Violent crimes are notably lower in Alger County compared to urban areas. The majority of reported crimes are property-related, with larceny-theft being the most frequent. Effective community policing and local law enforcement contribute to maintaining these lower crime rates.