Median Income
$50,662
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$87,000
69% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
17.5%
48% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$843
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.6%
23% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.8%
78% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.3%
23% higher than US avg
How Alba Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population654
Median Age27.8 yrs
Density1,982/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 85%
Veterans12.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,662
Per Capita$20,500
Unemployment0.8%
Poverty15.3%
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$87,000
Rent$843
Ownership71.1%
Zillow$241,880
Housing Units292
Rent Burden42.2%
Crime
C
Violent254/100K
Property0/100K
Health
Obesity39.6%
Uninsured10.0%
Smoking19.6%
Depression27.3%
Heart Disease6.0%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain44.7 in/yr
Sunny Days255/yr
Elevation994 ft (303 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+17.5%
High School+79.2%
Graduate+0.5%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute33 min
Broadband82.0%
EV Stations1
Is Alba a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alba receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Alba offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alba is $50,662, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.8%. The poverty rate of 15.3% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alba is $87,000, 69% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $843 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Alba is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000, 100% below the national average.
Education
17.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Alba enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 255 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.7 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Alba has a population of 654 with a density of 1,982 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 27.8 years, 29% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (85.3%), with 6.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 12.2% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 84.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
27.8yrs
Median Age
29% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Alba is $50,662, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $20,500 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 0.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.3% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The cost of living index is 90.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,662 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $20,500 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.8% |
| 78% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.3% |
| 23% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 32.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 93.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Alba is $87,000, 69% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,880, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $843 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 71.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 292 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1977. 42.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $87,000 |
| 69% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $241,880 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $127 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 50.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $843 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 42.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 71.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 71.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 28.9% |
| Housing Units | 292 |
| Median Year Built | 1977 |
Property Tax
In Alba, 39.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.0% of residents. 34.2% have high blood pressure. 19.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.4% report binge drinking. 30.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 27.3% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 10.0% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: Alba vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.2% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 8.5% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.6% |
| 40% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.7% |
| Depression | 27.3% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.2% |
| Short Sleep | 41.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 84.9% |
| Uninsured | 10.0% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 55.0% |
Food & Exercise
Alba has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 0 per 100,000, 100% below the U.S. average. Overall, Alba receives a safety grade of C.
Crime Rates: Alba vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.5/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C |
| Safety Score | 2.0 / 5.0 |
Alba enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 255 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 44.7 inches. The area receives 1.7 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 994 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (-0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.7°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (-0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 255 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 994 ft (303 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,982/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.2384°N, 94.4174°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Joplin Regional (JLN) 5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.7"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.31"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
142 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
123 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
134 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
145 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
100 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
138 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
101 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
605 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 226 fatalities, 2,160 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
26 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
69 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
64 km |
4 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
48 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
18 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
38 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
50 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
40 km |
7 |
| May 4, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 29, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
1 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
23 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (3,427 ac, 1986).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
42 km |
| 2002 |
ROUNDTPCOX |
2,248 |
93 km |
| 2021 |
EAST FORK |
2,134 |
93 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
2,043 |
69 km |
| 2024 |
EAST FORK RX |
1,956 |
93 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,956 |
89 km |
| 2013 |
ROCK CREEK RX |
1,888 |
89 km |
| 2022 |
ROCK CREEK |
1,867 |
89 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
1,539 |
84 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,523 |
60 km |
| 2010 |
NO TORCH |
1,356 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,356 |
89 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,346 |
51 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
1,280 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
21 TOUR ROAD NORTH |
1,203 |
93 km |
| 2007 |
HAYFIELD RECLAMATION RX07 |
1,152 |
94 km |
| 1996 |
ABOUT TIME |
1,074 |
92 km |
| 2006 |
GRAND |
1,067 |
83 km |
| 1984 |
RESIDENT |
1,048 |
36 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
953 |
92 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| May |
65°F (19°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
5.2 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
Alba has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 44.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.7").
Average costs for common services in Alba. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$227 ($136–$363) |
| Specialist Visit |
$318 ($182–$499) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$182 ($91–$318) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,998 ($726–$4,540) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$118 ($68–$182) |
| Dental Filling |
$227 ($136–$363) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$109) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$545 ($363–$908) |
| Battery Replacement |
$182 ($91–$318) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$91 ($54–$136) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$82 ($45–$127) |
| HVAC Repair |
$363 ($136–$726) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,356 ($3,632–$10,896) |
| Roof Repair |
$908 ($363–$1,816) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,172 ($4,994–$13,620) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,362 ($454–$3,178) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,620 ($4,540–$27,240) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,540 ($1,816–$9,080) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,362 ($726–$2,724) |
| Will Preparation |
$454 ($182–$908) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,270 ($908–$4,540) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$91) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$136 ($68–$227) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$73 ($45–$118) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.72 ($2.72–$4.99) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.18 ($2.27–$4.54) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.45 ($2.27–$4.99) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.09 ($2.72–$5.90) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.99 ($3.63–$6.81) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.91 ($0.54–$1.63) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$127 ($73–$227) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$136) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$109) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$64 ($36–$91) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$91) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$136) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$182 ($68–$454) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,816 ($1,090–$3,178) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$64 ($27–$118) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.26–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$91 ($27–$227) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,090 ($545–$2,270) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$908 ($454–$1,816) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$363 ($182–$636) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$91) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$908 ($363–$2,270) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,350 ($4,540–$27,240) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$91 ($45–$182) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$91) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$272 ($136–$454) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$182 ($91–$363) |
View all 9 services
Frequently Asked Questions About Alba
What is the population of Alba?
Alba has a population of 654 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,982 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 27.8 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Alba expensive to live in?
Alba is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $50,662, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $87,000 (69% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $843 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alba safe?
Alba is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 0 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alba receives a safety grade of C based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alba?
Alba enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 255 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.7 inches, with 1.7 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Alba?
The job market in Alba is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alba?
The median home value in Alba is $87,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $241,880. For renters, the median monthly rent is $843. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 71.1%.
How are the schools in Alba?
Schools in Alba score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 17.5% of adults in Alba hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 79.2% have completed high school. 0.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alba?
The obesity rate in Alba is 39.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.6% of adults are smokers. 30.7% are physically inactive. 27.3% of residents report depression. 10.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Alba?
The average commute in Alba is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 93.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alba?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alba is 85.3% White, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 12.2% of the population are military veterans. 13.0% of residents have a disability. 84.9% have health insurance coverage.