Accurate values of electric dipole (E1) amplitudes along with their uncertainties for a number of transitions among low-lying states of Mg$^+$, Ca$^+$, Sr$^+$, and Ba$^+$ are listed by carrying out calculations using a relativistic all-order many-body method. By combining experimental wavelengths with these amplitudes, we quote transition probabilities, oscillator strengths and lifetimes of many short-lived excited states of the above ions. The uncertainties in these radiative properties are also quoted. We also give electric quadrupole (E2) and magnetic dipole (M1) amplitudes of the metastable states of the Ca$^+$, Sr$^+$, and Ba$^+$ ions by performing similar calculations. Using these calculated E1, E2 and M1 matrix elements, we have estimated the transition probabilities, oscillator strengths and lifetimes of a number of allowed and metastable states. These quantities are further compared with the values available from the other theoretical studies and experimental data in the literature. These data will be immensely useful for the astrophysical observations, laboratory analysis and simulations of spectral properties in the above considered alkaline-earth metal ions.