City Town Info

Alma, MI


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Alma, Michigan

Introduction to Alma, Michigan

Alma, Michigan, in Gratiot county, is 35 miles W of Saginaw, Michigan (center to center) and 109 miles NW of Detroit, Michigan. There are an estimated 9,275 people in the city.

Alma History

Alma, established by Ralph Ely in 1853, was officially incorporated in 1872. Formerly named Elyton, Alma received status as a city in 1905. Some believe that the city is named after the wife of a local industrialist, but others claim that it was named for a battlefield in the Crimean War. The town of Alma is located on the Pine River.

Alma and Nearby Attractions

  • Ionia State Recreation Area
  • St. Charles Museum and Historical Society
  • Flat River Historical Museum
  • Chippewassee City Park
  • Dow Gardens

Things To Do In Alma

Alma has a number of recreational opportunities for visitors. The Splash Park at Ridge is an exciting outing for children. The Chippewassee City Park and Plymouth Park are popular picnic sites, and the Ionia State Recreation Area has picnic areas, hiking trails, and camp grounds, as well as swimming areas. Founder’s Day, Gratiot County Fair and the Highland Festival are popular local festivals.

Alma Transportation

Flights are available from MBS International Airport.

Alma Higher Education

Alma College is the local college. Nearby colleges include Central Michigan University, Northwood University and Michigan State University.

High Points

Alma strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Michigan):

CategoryTrophy
Walking and Biking to Work
(vs. Peers)
Top 5%trophyAlma Walking and Biking to Work
Short Commute Times
(vs. Peers)
Top 13%Alma Short Commute Times
Affordability of Rents
(vs. Peers)
Top 17%Alma Affordability of Rents

Comparative Profile of Alma, MI

Comparing Alma to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Michigan (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Female Share of the Population1010
Senior Citizens88
Well-Paid Single Women67
Racial Diversity48
Well-Paid Single Men33
Children Under 5 Years Old33
Age of the Population23
Male Share of the Population11

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Average Household Size45
Portion of People Married34

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
College Educated Adults68
Median Family Income55
People Above Poverty44
People in Middle Class or Better44

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Walking and Biking to Work1010
Short Commute Times99
Working at Home66
Public Transportation Use25

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Affordability of Rents98
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals88
People Living Alone76
Seasonal and Vacation Housing76
Affordability of Property Taxes78
Housing Recently Built36

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers
Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime88
Low Property Crime87
Detailed pages on related topics: Colleges in Alma

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Alma colleges and trade schools.

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Historic Alma

photo

Alma College (Wright Hall) between 1895 and 1910

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Alma College (Wright Hall) between 1895 and 1910

Alma College ca. 1900

Entrance (Sanitarium Park) between 1895 and 1910

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Large City Map

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