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Alcona County

county

Alcona 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

Overview
Classification
County
FIPS Code
26001
Country
United States
County
Alcona County
Geography
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
Demographics
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).
Governance
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
Economy
Unemployment Rate
9.5%
Economic Profile
Tourism · Manufacturing · Healthcare
Employment Sectors
Manufacturing · Health Care & Social Assistance · Retail Trade
Education
Students
683
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
School Districts
Alcona Community Schools · Oscoda Area Schools · Fairview Area School District
Colleges & Universities
Alpena Community College
Infrastructure
Transportation
US-23 · County Roads
Utilities
Broadband access is being expanded
Major Facilities
Alcona County Courthouse · Alcona County Library
Recreation
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
History
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