The story of this market
The typical home in ZIP 49839 sells for about $385,000, or $351 per square foot.
Homes take about 180 days to sell, which is slow. HUD's fair market rent for a two-bedroom is $1,070 a month.
ZIP 49839
The housing market in 49839 is characterized by extremely low transaction volume and a high share of vacant, likely seasonal, housing units. Current data shows limited inventory and a reliance on rural, non-metropolitan market dynamics. Figures for specific metrics like price cuts and days on market are not widely published due to the small sample size of closed sales.
This ZIP is best suited for retirees or those seeking a quiet, rural lifestyle with access to outdoor recreation, as it lacks the employment base and infrastructure for commuters or families requiring urban amenities.
Median prices moved sideways 0.0% year over year.
Homes spend a median of 180 days on market with 22.0 months of supply — a slower-moving market.
0% of listings have cut prices · homes sell at 98% of asking — demand is running ahead of supply.
no recorded foreclosure-ledger notices (0.0 per 10,000 residents) · unemployment 5.0% · poverty 8.0% — a stable, low-distress profile.
versus the prior ACS vintage
ZCTA 49839, Alger County, MI
The area is subject to seasonal weather risks typical of the Upper Peninsula, including heavy winter snowfall and potential wind exposure.
Economic momentum is limited, characterized by a small, rural population base with minimal large-scale infrastructure or corporate development.
Composed from the ARED governance burden registry — tier-native tax structure (state + county + city + special districts), never averaged. State (Michigan) — Disabled Veterans Homestead Exemption: Provides an exemption from property taxes levied for school operating purposes and potentially other local taxes depending on eligibility. State (Michigan) — General Property Tax Act: Property is assessed at 50% of true cash value (State Equalized Value). Taxable value is capped at the lesser of the state equalized value or the previous year's taxable value adjusted by the consumer price index (up to 5%), unless a transfer of ownership occurs.
The area is highly car-dependent with no public transit; residents rely on personal vehicles for all essential travel.
The area offers significant natural amenities, including proximity to Lake Superior, local parks, and outdoor trails, though commercial shopping and dining options are sparse.
The rental market is limited with a high vacancy rate, largely driven by seasonal housing usage rather than traditional long-term rental demand.
The local economy is primarily driven by tourism and seasonal activities, with limited major industrial or corporate employers.
Property insurance premiums are influenced by the area's rural nature and exposure to severe winter weather conditions.
Data retrieved from U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-year estimates for ZCTA 49839.
Public schools whose reported address is in this area (NCES). Not attendance boundaries — schools that serve residents may sit outside it. Check the district's address locator for assignment. Source: NCES EDGE public school locations 2023-24.
Provides significant recreational access and scenic value to the region.
Key-figure check: no independent anchor retained yet — first-researched cycles establish the anchor baseline this pass.