Alcona County
countyAlcona County, located in the northeastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan, is a predominantly rural county with a population estimated at 10,846 in 2026. Known as the "First of 83" due to its alphabetical position among Michigan counties, Alcona County offers a tranquil environment characterized by its extensive forests, numerous inland lakes, and a significant shoreline along Lake Huron. The county seat is Harrisville. Alcona County's economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, healthcare, and retail trade. Major employers contribute to the local job market, while the county also benefits from tourism related to its natural attractions. The county provides essential services such as law enforcement, emergency medical services, and infrastructure maintenance. What sets Alcona County apart is its rich natural landscape, offering abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation. From the Au Sable State Forest to the shores of Lake Huron and numerous inland lakes, the county is a haven for fishing, hunting, hiking, and water sports. The Alcona Historical Society preserves the county's history through its museums and educational programs.
Alcona County, Michigan
- Classification
- County
- FIPS Code
- 26001
- Country
- United States
- County
- Alcona County
- Region
- Northern Michigan
- Total Area
- 1,791 sq mi
- Land Area
- 675 sq mi
- Water Area
- 1,116 sq mi
- Latitude
- 44.71
- Longitude
- -83.27
- Climate
- The climate in Alcona County is characterized by warm summers and cold, snowy winters, typical of Northern Michigan.
- Notable Features
- Lake Huron shoreline · Au Sable River · Hubbard Lake · Au Sable State Forest
- Neighboring Areas
- Alpena County · Iosco County · Ogemaw County · Oscoda County
- Population (2020)
- 10,167
- Est. Population (2024)
- 10,624
- Median Age
- 59.7
- Median Income
- $53,568
- Poverty Rate
- 14.3%
- Owner-Occupied
- 89.6%
- Racial & Ethnic Composition
- The racial makeup of the county is 93.9% White, 2.09% Two Races Excluding Other & Three or More Races, 0.951% Two Races Including Other, 0.563% American Indian & Alaska Native, and 0.504% Other (Hispanic).
- Government Type
- County Commission
- Governing Body
- Board of Commissioners
- School District
- Alcona Community Schools
- Municipal Services
- Building Department · County Clerk · Circuit Court · Emergency Medical Services · Sheriff Department · Treasurer's Office
- Unemployment Rate
- 9.5%
- Economic Profile
- Tourism · Manufacturing · Healthcare
- Employment Sectors
- Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
- Students
- 683
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 10:1
- School Districts
- Alcona Community Schools · Oscoda Area Schools · Fairview Area School District
- Colleges & Universities
- Alpena Community College
- Transportation
- US-23 · County Roads
- Utilities
- Broadband access is being expanded
- Major Facilities
- Alcona County Courthouse · Alcona County Library
- Outdoor Access
- Yes
- Major Recreation Areas
- Lake Huron · Hubbard Lake · Harrisville State Park · Au Sable State Forest · Sturgeon Point Lighthouse & Museum
- Parks & Trails
- Alcona County Recreation Area · Braille Nature Trail
- Founded
- 1840
- Incorporated
- 1869
- Named After
- Derived from Native American, Arabic, Greek, and Latin words meaning 'fine or excellent plain'.
- Historical Significance
- Alcona County's history is tied to the lumber industry and its strategic location on Lake Huron.
- Key Events
- Established as Negwegon County in 1840 · Renamed Alcona County in 1843 · County government organized in 1869
