Allendale Monument Slave Child, 2020
Allendale Township’s story
177 years in pictures
The archive holds 11 old photos and papers going back to 2005 and 2 maps from 1958 on.
- 1849Allendale Township is organized
Allendale TownshipMI
A town of 27,519, organized in 1849.
6 bordering townsMap →
Photo: Gpwitteveen · CC BY-SA 3.0
Population
27,519
2025 Census estimate · +3.5% since 2020
Typical home
$417K
+5.2% in a year
Household income
$82K
median
Median age
22.1
years
Jobs based here
6,404
A commuter town
TownGrade
A
#104 of 697 in MI
Is Allendale Township a good place to live?
Allendale Township grades A overall, 104th among Michigan's 697 graded towns, with clear strengths and some subjects that lag. Its public schools beat 82% of Michigan towns on state tests and graduation and the median household earns $82K. It also does better than most on health: CDC estimates put its residents' health ahead of 68% of the country. Its lowest everyday mark is in cost of living: homes are expensive, about $417K for a typical one and 5 times the Grand Rapids metro’s $83K median household income. 6.5% of residents are 65 or older in Allendale Township, below both the Michigan town median (19%) and the median of U.S. towns (18%). On walkability, just 15 of Michigan’s 1,279 towns do better. Allendale Township is home to Grand Valley State University.
What makes Allendale Township stand out
Where Allendale Township beats most towns.
WalkabilityA
More walkable than 93% of U.S. towns
9.4% of workers walk, bike or ride transit
EPA National Walkability Index; Census ACS.
Allendale Public Schools
| School | Grades | Students |
|---|---|---|
| Evergreen Elementary | PK–3 | 573 |
| Oakwood Intermediate | K–5 | 347 |
| Allendale Early Childhood Center | PK–K | 279 |
SchoolsA−
On state tests and graduation
NCES · EDFacts.
Natural hazardsA−
Low risk of storm and flood damage
FEMA National Risk Index.
A growing town
Allendale Township has grown 33% since 2010
20,708 counted in 2010 and 26,582 in 2020; an estimated 27,519 in 2025.
U.S. Census 2010 & 2020 counts · Census Bureau estimate, July 1, 2025
How Allendale Township grades
Each subject compared with towns across the country (schools within Michigan), ordered by how far Allendale Township is from typical.
WalkabilityEPA walkability 9.8 of 20; 2.5% of households have no carAOpen →SchoolsA−Open →Hazard riskFEMA risk higher than 20% of U.S. communities; inland flooding tops the listA−Open →Jobs & incomeA−Open →Cost of livingCOpen →HealthCorewell Health Zeeland Hospital 11 miles awayB+Open →
Character Graded, but not part of the overall grade.
Outdoors4% conserved landB+Open →HistoryOrganized 1849C+Open →Civic life1.9 community nonprofits per 1,000 residentsC+Open →
Described, not graded Taste, not quality: snow or an older crowd is neither good nor bad.
Climate–Open →Housing market16 days on market–Open →Who lives here40% of adults have a four-year degree–Open →
How TownRatings grades towns →
Getting set up
The full setup list →Moving to Allendale Township: who provides what
Who provides power, water and the rest in Allendale Township, and how to reach them.
PowerDTE20.2¢/kWh · EIA 2025HIFLD · EIA
WaterAllendale Township water systemNo health-based violations in 5 years · EPAEPA
Internet7 providers100% of addresses get 100/20 MbpsFCC
Trash & dumpNot on file yetWe don’t have Allendale Township’s trash rules yet
Register to voteOnlineIn Michigan you can register online until 15 days before Election Day, in person up to and including Election Day, or by mail (postmarked 15 days before).vote.govWho runs elections hereAllendale Township ClerkThe town itself; contacts on the Handbook page.FVAP, Oct 2024
ZIP code4940149401 100%Census 2020
EPA SDWIS (Oct 9, 2026) · HIFLD + EIA-861 2025 · Census 2020 ZCTAs · NCES 2024–25 · registration: vote.gov, updated Sep 12, 2025.
The data
Ordered by what stands out in Allendale Township.
Allendale Township is shaped by its college students, but it has many renters stretched by housing costs.
Who lives here
Allendale Township stands out in Michigan and nationally, with the median age lower than most
35.1% of residents are enrolled in college, against 6.1% statewide, which pulls the median age down.
The median age in Allendale Township is 22.1 years. Allendale Township has grown 3.5% since 2020, to 27,519 residents in the Census Bureau’s 2025 estimate. 17% of residents are under 18 in Allendale Township.
22.1median age · MI 40.2
| Allendale Township | Michigan towns | U.S. towns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median age | 22.1 years | 42.5 years | 40.5 years |
| Bachelor’s degree or more, 25+ | 40% | 26% | 29% |
| Under 18 | 17% | 21% | 22% |
Allendale TownshipMichiganUnited States
Ages · share of residents
42%
Education · adults 25 and older
No diploma2%
High school25%
Some college22%
Associate’s10%
Bachelor’s27%
Graduate13%
Women and men · all residents
53% women, 47% men
About 87 men for every 100 women (the survey’s margin: ±2.7 points). Across Michigan, 50.4% of residents are women. Among residents 18 to 24, 60% are women (MI 49%). Median age: women 21.5, men 23.0.
| Allendale Township | MI | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 10 | 8.5% | 11.2% | 11.6% |
| 10 to 17 | 8.9% | 10.1% | 10.3% |
| 18 to 24 | 42.2% | 9.2% | 9.1% |
| 25 to 34 | 9.9% | 13.2% | 13.7% |
| 35 to 44 | 8.2% | 12.2% | 13.2% |
| 45 to 54 | 6.8% | 12% | 12.2% |
| 55 to 64 | 8.9% | 13.6% | 12.7% |
| 65 to 74 | 4.4% | 11.2% | 10.2% |
| 75 and older | 2% | 7.4% | 7% |
| No diploma | 2.2% | 7.9% | 10.4% |
| High school | 25% | 28% | 26% |
| Some college | 22.1% | 21.9% | 19.1% |
| Associate’s | 10.3% | 9.8% | 8.8% |
| Bachelor’s | 27.1% | 19.7% | 21.6% |
| Graduate | 13.3% | 12.7% | 14.1% |
Census population estimates, 2025 · U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2020-2024 5-year estimates
SchoolsA−
Allendale Township’s grade for schools is an A−
Its public schools are run by the Allendale Public Schools. Three of its 8 schools are below, each with why it’s listed. The largest public high school is Allendale High School, with 737 students.
82%of MI districts it outscoresA−School Grade
| School | Level | Students | Letter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Evergreen ElementaryLargest public elementary schoolGrades PK–3 | Grades PK–3 | 573 | A |
| Allendale High SchoolLargest public high schoolGrades 8–12 | Grades 8–12 | 737 | A− |
| Ottawa Area CenterTop results in townGrades PK–12 | Grades PK–12 | 87 | A |
NCES · EDFacts · graded within MI on state tests and graduation
HousingCost of living grade C
Allendale Township’s grade for cost of living is a C
65.6% of renter households pay 30% or more of their income for housing, against 50.4% across Michigan.
64% of Allendale Township households own their home. Typical home values rose 5.2% in the year to September 2026. Allendale Township’s median rent is $1,274 a month.
$417KZillow home value
| Allendale Township | Michigan towns | U.S. towns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Households that own their home | 64% | 84% | 73% |
| Median rent | $1,274 a month | $1,045 a month | $1,185 a month |
Typical home value
Allendale Township$417K
Michigan$264K
Market temperature
16
days on market
99.1%
sale-to-list price
+5.2%
value change, 1 year
20
homes sold in May
Census ACS, 2020–24 · Zillow Home Value Index · Redfin Data Center
OutdoorsB+
Conserved land covers 3.9% of Allendale Township
16 miles of trail in 5 parks and preserves. The biggest place to walk is Bass River Recreation Area, 1,268 acres with 4.2 miles of trail.
#266for trails in MI
| Allendale Township | Michigan towns | U.S. towns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miles of trail per square mile | 0.5 miles per square mile | 0.3 | 0.4 |
| Conserved land | 3.9% | 4.4% | 4.3% |
3.9%
conserved · 792 of 20,395 acres
16 mi
of trails · 0.5 per sq mi
| Biggest places to walk | Trails | Acres |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Bass River Recreation Area | 4.2 mi | 1,268 |
| 2. Eastmanville Bayou Park | 1.6 mi | 139 |
| 3. VanSteeland Arboretum | 0.7 mi | 6 |
Trails & parks © OpenStreetMap contributors · Conserved land: USGS PAD-US
Natural hazardsHazard risk grade A−
Allendale Township faces a low natural-hazard risk, led by inland flooding
Expected storm and flood damage is lower than in 80% of U.S. communities. Since 1985, 2 flood insurance claims have been paid out in Allendale Township.
20risk score of 100
FEMA risk score
Inland floodingTornadoesStrong wind
2
paid flood claims since 1985
1
federal disasters paid out here
FEMA flood insurance claims · FEMA National Risk Index · OpenFEMA
Work & commuteJobs & income grade A−
With 0.7 jobs for every working resident, most of Allendale Township’s workers commute out
Most working residents leave Allendale Township for work: only 11% work in town. Since 2011, Allendale Township has added 446 jobs, to 6,404 in 2021. The top destinations are Grand Rapids (15%), Walker (5%) and Wyoming (5%).
11%work in town
| Allendale Township | Michigan towns | U.S. towns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below the poverty line | 21% | 8.9% | 9.6% |
| Average trip to work | 22 minutes | 25 minutes | 25 minutes |
| Working residents who work in town | 11% | 5.9% | 8% |
| Work from home | 9.4% | 10% | 11% |
Where working residents work
In Allendale Township11%
Grand Rapids15%
Walker5%
Wyoming5%
Zeeland4%
14 mi
median commute distance
6,404
jobs based in Allendale Township
A commuter town
jobs vs. working residents
A
Walkability grade: more walkable than 92% of U.S. towns
Census LEHD 2021 · ACS
HealthB+
Compared with most of Michigan and the rest of the country, fewer of Allendale Township’s adults have diabetes
Of the 701 Michigan towns we compare, none has a lower share of adults who have diabetes than Allendale Township. Allendale Township beats the Michigan average on 8 of 32 CDC measures and trails it on 13. Only 1 of the 701 Michigan towns we compare have a lower share of adults who have high blood pressure than Allendale Township.
68%healthier than U.S. townsB+Health Grade
| Allendale Township | Michigan towns | U.S. towns | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diabetes (CDC PLACES) | 5.2% | 12% | 12% |
| Frequent mental distress (CDC PLACES) | 26% | 18% | 17% |
| Depression (CDC PLACES) | 35% | 27% | 23% |
| High blood pressure (CDC PLACES) | 21% | 36% | 35% |
32 measures vs. Michigan
8 better11 too close to call13 worse
| What stands out | Allendale Township | MI |
|---|---|---|
| Fewer adults who have had cancer | 3.8% | 8.9% |
| Fewer adults who have had a stroke | 1.6% | 3.7% |
| More adults without reliable transportation | 16.1% | 8.3% |
Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital
11 mi away · emergency room
1 of 3
care shortages: primary care
69th
percentile among MI towns
CDC PLACES 2025 · modeled estimates for adults · CMS · HRSA
Climate
Snowy winters and pleasant summers in Allendale Township
Allendale Township has chilly, snowy winters and pleasant summers. July afternoons reach 83°, January nights drop to 18° and about 78 inches of snow falls in a winter.
78″snow a winter
Typical low → high °F
Winter20–34°
Spring36–57°
Summer58–81°
Fall41–61°
Oct 21
typical first frost
Apr 28
typical last frost
+1.5°
vs. the 20th-century average
NOAA U.S. Climate Normals, 1991–2020
Nearby attractions
All 22 attractions →Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and 13 more within 40 miles
Museums, parks, gardens and other places to visit around Allendale Township. Close and well known come first.
14 mi MuseumGerald R. Ford Presidential Museum30 mi Theme parkMichigan's Adventure
32 mi Park & preserveNorth Country Trail
19 mi MuseumFrederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park14 mi TheatreAcrisure Amphitheater
13 mi Zoo & aquariumJohn Ball ZooSources: National Park Service · ski areas © OpenSkiMap / OpenStreetMap contributors · Wikidata · Wikipedia readership · photos via Wikimedia Commons
Photo credits
Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum: Staff of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, Public domain · North Country Trail: Huron-Manistee National Forests, Public domain · Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: User Jeffness on en.wikipedia, CC BY-SA 2.5 · John Ball Zoo: Gpwitteveen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Keep exploring
Everything we know about Allendale Township
18pages on Allendale Township
The big questions
Out and about
The story
After high school
Colleges nearby
4 within 15 miles of the center of Allendale Township
Grand Valley State UniversityUniversity or college · Public · Allendale TownshipIn town$15,140 in-state tuitionGrace Christian UniversityUniversity or college · Private nonprofit · Wyoming14.1 mi$18,690 tuitionGrand Rapids Community CollegeCommunity college · Public · Grand Rapids14.8 mi$4,179 in-state tuition
College town 35 of every 100 Allendale Township residents are enrolled in college, against 6 across Michigan.
College town
35% of Allendale Township is in college
College Scorecard · IPEDS
About Allendale Township
Census-designated place & unincorporated community in Michigan, United States
Allendale is a census-designated place (CDP) in Ottawa County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 27,073 at the 2020 census. It is located within Allendale Charter Township, occupying approximately the northern two-thirds of the township, from the eastern boundary with the Grand River west along Pierce St., north along 75th Ave., then west along Lake Michigan Drive (M-45) to the western boundary of the township. It is a part of the Grand Rapids-Muskegon-Holland, Michigan combined statistical area, and is an exurb of Grand Rapids, due to its major commuter routes into the city (M-45 and I-96). The CDP's ZIP code 49401 serves most of the township, as well as portions of Blendon.…
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0 · facts via Wikidata (CC0)
- Area
- 24 sq mi
- Elevation
- 653 ft
- ZIP code
- 49401
Allendale Township’s neighbors
6 towns share a border with Allendale Township.
Polkton TownshipTallmadge TownshipLamontRobinson TownshipBlendon TownshipGeorgetown TownshipAllendale Township
How the neighbors grade
| Town | MI rank | Overall | Cost | Safety | Schools | Health |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allendale Township | #104 | A | C | — | A− | B+ |
| Polkton Township | #307 | B | C+ | — | A− | B |
| Tallmadge Township | #181 | A− | C | — | A | A− |
| Lamont | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Robinson Township | #50 | A | B+ | — | A | A− |
| Blendon Township | #27 | A+ | C+ | — | A | A |
| Georgetown Township | #23 | A+ | C+ | — | A+ | A |
Allendale Township, Polkton Township, Tallmadge Township, Robinson Township, Blendon Township and Georgetown Township report no FBI crime data of their own. Lamont isn’t graded (fewer than 1,000 residents, or not enough data). Compare Allendale Township with a neighbor →
Questions about Allendale Township
Short answers, built from the data on this page.
Is Allendale Township, MI a good place to live?
By most measures, yes. Allendale Township grades A overall, better than 87% of U.S. towns and #104 of 697 in Michigan. It grades B+ for health and A− for schools.
Is Allendale Township, MI expensive?
Cost of living, which also weighs rents, property taxes and how many households pay 30% or more of their income for housing, grades C.