Albion Life Today

Sometimes the simplest way to see a place is through the numbers that define it. Even those who’ve spent a lifetime in Albion might be surprised by just how much there is to uncover. Founded in 1835, Albion is home to just over 7,500 people, 17 public parks, and nearly 4 miles of the Kalamazoo River riverbed winding right through downtown. From blocks of historic buildings to growing businesses and changing streets, these figures give a quick snapshot of the city we call home.

Demographics & Community

The City of Albion hosts a resident population of about 7,608 people across 4.4 square miles of land, according to the 2023 American Community Survey. The median age for Albion residents is about 25.6.

While this number seems low, it’s likely skewed by the large population of children and teenagers, as seen below, with 38% of Albion’s population sitting at age 19 or younger. On the flipside, only 19% of residents in Albion are age 60 or older.

Women make up a modest majority of Albion’s residents (54%), giving the community a slightly higher ratio of female voices than the state and national averages.

Racially, Albion is also distinct: 56% of residents identify as White and 32% as Black, creating a cultural mix that is more diverse than many Michigan communities.

Albion maintains a strong base of education, with about 88% of residents holding a high school diploma – only slightly below the national average of 90%. With a little over 18% of Albion residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher as of 2022, the city has a nice foothold of college-educated adults.

While these numbers are below state and national averages, it establishes a foundation on which to build. If targeted efforts to increase attainment can raise this to the 20–25% range, Albion would become more competitive in attracting higher-skilled employers.

Albion College

A cornerstone of the city since 1835, Albion College has helped shaped the identity of Albion for nearly two centuries. Almost 1,400 students call the campus home each semester – filling classrooms, concert halls, and sports fields while connecting with the community through local events and volunteer work. From research partnerships to Friday night football games, the college’s presence ripples through local neighborhoods, adding a fresh chapter to Albion’s story every semester.

And while the campus itself offers forest trails, farmland, and history-rich buildings, the numbers behind the college tell an even deeper story:

There are currently 59 majors and 51 minors for students to choose from at the college. These programs are managed across 23 different college departments. With an 11:1 student–faculty ratio, Albion College offers smaller classes and closer connections than the national average of about 15:1 — giving students the benefit of experiential learning opportunities and a tighter-knit community.

Albion College has a beautiful outdoor scene, with 140+ acres of trails, forest, and farmland tucked away on campus. A large portion of this comes from the locally cherished Whitehouse Nature Center, which is home to around 5 miles of trails, 400+ plant species, and 170 species of bird. The college is also home to a 340+ acre Equestrian Center, with a capacity for around 78 horses.

Numerical Fun Facts:

Beyond the numbers, Albion shines through its unique landmarks, community traditions, and outdoor spaces. From historic murals to annual festivals, here are a few fun facts and highlights that make Albion stand out:

Festival of the Forks: A tradition now marking its 58th year, the Festival of the Forks has been celebrating Albion’s heritage annually since 1967 – bringing together food, music, and family every September.

Historic Downtown: Albion’s downtown is rooted in architectural history. Along Superior Street, about 92 buildings make up the core of the city’s business district — and 75 of them are part of the Superior Street Commercial Historic District, which is proudly listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

World’s Largest Coca-Cola Mural: Superior Street is also home to a 36 ft × 40 ft Coca-Cola mural, with an unofficial claim as the largest of its kind in the world. While there is no official record to confirm the claim, we have yet to find a source that proves otherwise – leaving Albion’s mural a proud and unique landmark in the region.

Nestled in Nature: Albion is truly nestled in nature, with 17 parks spread across nearly 90 acres and the Kalamazoo River winding more than 4 miles within city limits alone. The 1.6-mile Albion River Trail ties it all together, offering a perfect path for walkers, bikers, and runners to explore the city’s green spaces.

Victory Park Disc Golf: Victory Park’s disc golf course is well known to locals, but what many don’t realize is that it’s ranked #31 in Michigan and #218 nationally by DiscGolfScene.com — an impressive distinction for a small-town course.

From 92 historic downtown buildings to 58 years of the Festival of the Forks, the numbers reveal a city rich in character and full of life. Yet beyond the stats, they represent people, traditions, and stories that continue to shape Albion. It’s more than just numbers — it’s a place where every number tells a story.