Violent Crime
109/100K
71% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.7%
50% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
33.2%
3% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Alden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population36
Median Age68.1 yrs
Density277/mi²
Male / Female61% / 39%
Largest GroupWhite 75%
Veterans36.0%
Economy
Per Capita$46,206
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$15,983M
Housing
Ownership68.2%
Zillow$303,220
Rent Burden30.3%
Crime
F
Violent109/100K
Property1,118/100K
Health
Obesity33.2%
Uninsured7.4%
Smoking14.4%
Depression26.1%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp48°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,006 ft (307 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.7%
High School+100.0%
School Score6.18
Community
2024 VoteR 52% / D 47%
Broadband22.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries13
Is Alden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alden receives an overall livability score of 1.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of D. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Alden faces significant challenges across several quality-of-life categories.
Economy & Jobs
The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Safety & Crime
Alden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the national average.
Education
16.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alden experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 48°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Alden has a population of 36 with a density of 277 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 68.1 years, 75% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 38.9% female and 61.1% male. The city is predominantly White (75%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 0% of residents, while 100% speak Spanish. 36.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 0.0% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 63.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
68.1yrs
Median Age
75% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
0.0%
100% below US avg
Spanish
100.0%
646% above US avg
Per capita income is $46,206 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,060, 26% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 7,928 business establishments, including 645 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $46,206 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,060 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $93,804 |
| Gini Index | 0.411 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 7,928 |
| County GDP | $15,983M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 645 |
| Healthcare | 846 |
| Retail | 816 |
| Manufacturing | 432 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 100.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $303,220. Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 68.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. The average annual property tax is $8,712 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 30.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 68.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 68.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 31.8% |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $8,712 |
| 149% above US avg |
In Alden, 33.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 20.1% report binge drinking. 21.6% are physically inactive. 26.1% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,450. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 33.2% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 6.3% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.6% |
| Depression | 26.1% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 63.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.4% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,450 |
| Mental Health | 1:360 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.2% |
| Premature Death | 5,730/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 93.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 846 |
Alden has a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents, 71% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,118 per 100,000, 43% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 18 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alden receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alden vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 108.5/100K |
| 71% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,117.5/100K |
| 43% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 18 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alden experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 30.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,006 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.2°F |
| 11% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,006 ft (307 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 277/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.4586°N, 88.5185°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | McHenry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southern Wisconsin Regional (JVL) 29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0484 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.1 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 90.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
7 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M3.1 on Jul 15, 2024.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
115 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
55 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
111 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
93 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
92 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
33 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
52 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
571 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 77 fatalities, 1,723 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
88 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF4 |
59 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
98 km |
2 |
| Sep 28, 1972 |
EF4 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
40 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
42 km |
24 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
29 km |
6 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jan 7, 2008 |
EF3 |
19 km |
0 |
| Aug 18, 2005 |
EF3 |
91 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1992 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 1976 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1963 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2024 |
EF2 |
52 km |
0 |
| Feb 8, 2024 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Nov 22, 2010 |
EF2 |
40 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
3 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: IBSP SOUTH F1 RX (690 ac, 2024).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2024 |
IBSP SOUTH F1 RX |
690 |
58 km |
| 2024 |
RX-HWY Y - SOUTH |
553 |
59 km |
| 2009 |
COLD SPRINGS |
552 |
94 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
58°F (15°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (17°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| December |
24°F (-4°C) |
2.0 in |
|
Alden has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.1 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.2") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Alden. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,366 |
| Toddler | $1,108 |
| Preschool | $1,217 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $900 |
| Toddler | $917 |
| Preschool | $910 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alden
What is the population of Alden?
Alden has a population of 36 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 277 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 68.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 38.9% female and 61.1% male.
Is Alden expensive to live in?
Alden has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100).
Is Alden safe?
Alden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 109 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,118 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alden?
Alden has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 48°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 30.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Alden?
The job market in Alden is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,060. There are 7,928 business establishments in the area, including 645 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Alden?
Schools in Alden score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.7% of adults in Alden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school.
How healthy is Alden?
The obesity rate in Alden is 33.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 21.6% are physically inactive. 26.1% of residents report depression. 7.4% lack health insurance. 93.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What are the demographics of Alden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alden is 75% White. 0% of residents speak only English at home, while 100% speak Spanish. 36.0% of the population are military veterans. 0.0% of residents have a disability. 63.1% have health insurance coverage.