Alpena County, MI Property Tax: $1,556/yr (2026)
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The effective property tax rate in Alpena County is 1.13% of assessed home value. On a home at the county median value of $137,800, that works out to about $1,557 per year, or $130 per month. Alpena County is located in eastern Michigan, and is home to approximately 28,908 residents.
About Alpena County
Alpena County covers approximately 571.9 square miles in Michigan. The county is home to about 28,908 residents living in roughly 15,674 housing units, of which 64.5% are owner-occupied. The median household income is $51,909, and the median home was built in 1968.
Alpena County borders Alcona County, Montmorency County, Oscoda County, Presque Isle County — useful comparisons if you're considering nearby areas with potentially different tax rates.
How Property Taxes Work in Michigan
Property taxes in Michigan are administered at the county level. Each county sets a millage rate applied to the assessed value of real property — the effective rate above accounts for any partial assessments and exemptions already built into the local tax base. Assessed value can differ meaningfully from current market value depending on how often the county reassesses and what fraction of market value it uses.
Most counties in Michigan offer exemptions that reduce the taxable assessed value: homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior exemptions, disability exemptions, and veteran exemptions are common. These reduce your effective rate below the county-wide average shown here. Contact the Alpena County Assessor's office to learn which exemptions apply to your property and when to file.
Alpena County vs. Neighboring Counties
| Location | Eff. Rate | Median Home | Annual Tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpena County, MI | 1.13% | $137,800 | $1,557 |
| Michigan state average | 1.17% | — | $1,612* |
| Alcona County | 0.84% | $157,500 | $1,322 |
| Montmorency County | 0.92% | $142,000 | $1,309 |
| Oscoda County | 0.94% | $126,000 | $1,182 |
| Presque Isle County | 1.02% | $135,200 | $1,382 |
| US national average | 1.10% | $281,900 | $3,101 |
*State average annual tax computed at Alpena County's median home value of $137,800. Source: US Census ACS 2023 5-year estimates.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Alpena County's property tax rate compare to the rest of Michigan?
At 1.13%, Alpena County is lower than the Michigan state average of 1.17%. On a home at the county median of $137,800, that means about $1,557 per year — versus $1,612 at the state average rate, a difference of $55 per year. Compared to the national average of 1.10%, Alpena County is above average.
What's a typical annual property tax bill in Alpena County?
For a home at the county median value of $137,800, the annual property tax in Alpena County is approximately $1,557 — or about $130 per month. For a home worth $206,700, expect around $2,336 per year. For a $275,600 home, approximately $3,114 per year. Use the calculator above to estimate taxes for any assessed value.
Where do I appeal a Alpena County property tax assessment?
Property assessment appeals in Alpena County are handled by the Alpena County Assessor's office. Most jurisdictions require filing within 30–90 days of receiving your assessment notice — confirm the specific deadline with the assessor's office before submitting, as deadlines and procedures vary by county. A successful appeal can reduce your assessed value and lower your tax bill for the current and future tax years.
What exemptions are available in Alpena County?
Michigan counties commonly offer homestead exemptions for owner-occupied primary residences, senior citizen exemptions for qualifying homeowners aged 65 and older, exemptions for disabled residents, and veterans' exemptions. Each exemption reduces your assessed taxable value, which in turn reduces your effective tax rate below the county-wide 1.13% shown here. Contact the Alpena County Assessor's office to confirm which exemptions are available and the application deadlines.
Data sources: US Census Bureau ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates, US Census Gazetteer (2024), County Adjacency File