Allendale is a medium-sized town located in the state of Michigan. With a population of 27,073 people and five associated neighborhoods, Allendale is the 52nd largest community in Michigan. Much of the housing stock in Allendale was built relatively recently. The construction of new real estate can often be taken as an indication that the local Allendale economy is robust, and that jobs or other amenities are attracting an influx of new residents. This seems to be the case in Allendale, where the median household income is $70,150.00.

Allendale real estate is some of the most expensive in Michigan, although Allendale house values don't compare to the most expensive real estate in the U.S.

One interesting thing about the economy is that relatively large numbers of people worked from their home: 8.63% of the workforce. While this number may seem small overall, as a fraction of the total workforce this is high compared to the rest of the county. These workers are often telecommuters who work in knowledge-based, white-collar professions. For example, Silicon Valley has large numbers of people who telecommute. Other at-home workers may be self-employed people who operate small businesses out of their homes.

Because Allendale has a very large number of students who are 18 years or older and in college, it is thought of as a college town. This has a major influence on local Allendale lifestyle, entertainment, and culture in general. Life in Allendale is very much tied to the academic calendar: when students return from the summer break in the fall, one will notice them out and about, buying groceries, out with friends, and generally getting re-acquainted with each other. In Allendale people study hard and play hard, and there is ample opportunity to do both.

Allendale, while not large, also appears to be attractive to some younger, educated professionals, who help shape the character of the town.

The education level of Allendale ranks among the highest in the nation. Of the 25-and-older adult population in Allendale, 42.58% have at least a bachelor's degree. The typical US community has just 21.84% of its adults holding a bachelor's degree or graduate degree.

The per capita income in Allendale in 2022 was $27,090, which is lower middle income relative to Michigan and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $108,360 for a family of four. However, Allendale contains both very wealthy and poor people as well.

Allendale is a somewhat ethnically-diverse town. The people who call Allendale home describe themselves as belonging to a variety of racial and ethnic groups. The greatest number of Allendale residents report their race to be White, followed by Black or African-American. Important ancestries of people in Allendale include German, Dutch, Irish, Polish, and English.

The most common language spoken in Allendale is English. Other important languages spoken here include Polish and Spanish.