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. Allendale has seen a significant amount of newer housing growth in recent years. Quite often, new home construction is the result of new residents moving in who are middle class or wealthier, attracted by jobs, a healthy local economy, or other amenities as they leave nearby or far away areas for greener pastures. This seems to be the case in Allendale, where the median household income is $68,449.00.

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.

Telecommuters are a relatively large percentage of the workforce: 8.64% of people work from home. While this number may seem small overall, as a fraction of the total workforce it is high relative to the nation. 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.

Allendale is one of the most well-educated cities in the nation. 42.88% of adults in Allendale have at least a bachelor's degree. Compare that to the average community in America, which has just 21.84% with a bachelor's degree or higher.

The per capita income in Allendale in 2022 was $25,657, which is low income relative to Michigan and the nation. This equates to an annual income of $102,628 for a family of four. However, Allendale contains both very wealthy and poor people as well. Allendale also has one of the higher rates of people living in poverty in the nation, with 30.61% of its population below the federal poverty line.

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 Italian.