Median Income
$38,750
48% lower than US avg
Home Value
$49,300
83% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
87/100K
77% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
37.9%
12% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.1%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.3%
47% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
5.3%
57% lower than US avg
How Alden Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population110
Median Age58.5 yrs
Density688/mi²
Male / Female41% / 59%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans87.0%
Economy
B
Median Income$38,750
Per Capita$24,417
Unemployment5.3%
Poverty5.3%
County GDP$949M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$49,300
Ownership87.7%
Zillow$162,558
Housing Units84
Rent Burden19.0%
Crime
F
Violent87/100K
Property2,358/100K
Health
Obesity40.1%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking15.6%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.6%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain29.0 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,680 ft (512 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+37.9%
High School+89.7%
Graduate+12.1%
School Score6.10
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 21%
Commute17 min
Broadband57.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Alden a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alden receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Alden offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alden is $38,750, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.3% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. Only 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alden is $49,300, 83% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Alden is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,358 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 37.9% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 89.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alden enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.0 inches, including 9.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Alden has a population of 110 with a density of 688 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age is 58.5 years, 50% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 59.1% female and 40.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.1%), with 10.9% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 87.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
58.5yrs
Median Age
50% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Alden is $38,750, which is 48% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $24,417 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $972, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.3% (above the 3.6% US average). 5.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 356 business establishments, including 23 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $38,750 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,417 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $972 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $64,022 |
| Gini Index | 0.420 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.3% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 5.3% |
| 57% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 356 |
| County GDP | $949M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 23 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,058 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 16.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.9% |
The median home value in Alden is $49,300, 83% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,558, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 84 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $3,058. 19.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $49,300 |
| 83% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $162,558 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.3% |
| Housing Units | 84 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,058 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.20% |
In Alden, 40.1% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.6% of residents. 31.8% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 25.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 17.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,878. The dentist ratio is 1:3,136. 70.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.9 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alden vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.1% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.6% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.8% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 6.5% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.8% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 17.4% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 82.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,878 |
| Dentists | 1:3,136 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,323 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.0% |
| Dental Visits | 61.1% |
| Premature Death | 8,472/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.9/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Alden has a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents, 77% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,358 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 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 | 87.3/100K |
| 77% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,358.1/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winters average 31°F in January while summers reach 81°F in July. The area gets 326 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.0 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 9.3 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,680 feet.
Temperature
31°F Jan (-1°C)
81°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 55.5°F |
| 3% above US avg |
| January Average | 31°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 81°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,680 ft (512 m) |
| Area | 0.2 sq mi (0.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 688/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.2438°N, 98.3117°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Rice County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hutchinson Regional (HUT)
27 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.0"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.06"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 28.5 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 25.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 64.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
627 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
145 km |
| Jan 19, 2020 |
2 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.5 |
38 km |
| Feb 19, 2021 |
6 km SW of Manchester, Oklahoma |
M4.2 |
144 km |
| Aug 16, 2019 |
3 km W of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.2 |
38 km |
| Jun 5, 2015 |
3 km SW of Danville, Kansas |
M4.1 |
114 km |
| Aug 18, 2019 |
5 km WSW of South Hutchinson, Kansas |
M4.1 |
37 km |
| May 23, 2015 |
6 km NNW of Sun City, Kansas |
M4.0 |
107 km |
| Sep 6, 2016 |
6 km N of Wakita, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| Sep 20, 2016 |
6 km NNE of Wakita, Oklahoma |
M3.9 |
150 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
139 km |
| Mar 3, 2015 |
4 km W of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
122 km |
| Dec 16, 2013 |
10 km SE of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.8 |
133 km |
| Mar 6, 2018 |
3 km WNW of Byron, Oklahoma |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Mar 16, 2014 |
3 km WSW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
123 km |
| Nov 2, 2017 |
Oklahoma |
M3.7 |
148 km |
| Mar 24, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
139 km |
| May 4, 2017 |
3 km NNW of Freeport, Kansas |
M3.7 |
120 km |
| Jan 23, 2015 |
8 km NNW of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
140 km |
| Jun 10, 2017 |
6 km SSE of Harper, Kansas |
M3.7 |
116 km |
| Aug 9, 2017 |
10 km N of Caldwell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
139 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
816 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 18 fatalities, 303 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
59 km |
1 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF5 |
78 km |
1 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2001 |
EF4 |
50 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
75 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
58 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1969 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1950 |
EF4 |
35 km |
1 |
| May 4, 1950 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| May 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| Oct 6, 2016 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 2015 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| May 6, 2015 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 19, 2012 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2012 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 23, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (14,832 ac, 1988).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
64 km |
| 2016 |
BURMAC |
10,668 |
59 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
8,987 |
30 km |
| 2022 |
GARFIELD |
8,650 |
77 km |
| 1988 |
SMOKY HILL AIR FORCE RANGE |
7,665 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
HIGHLANDS |
7,418 |
35 km |
| 2022 |
COTTONWOOD COMPLEX |
6,487 |
55 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
6,406 |
11 km |
| 2006 |
TWELTH STREET |
6,282 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
RICE COUNTY |
5,504 |
32 km |
| 2011 |
JORDEN SPRINGS |
5,488 |
14 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
5,168 |
80 km |
| 2020 |
WHEAT STATE |
4,847 |
61 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
4,558 |
13 km |
| 2021 |
BOILING SPRINGS |
4,299 |
22 km |
| 1989 |
SLEEPER |
4,269 |
17 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
4,113 |
67 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
97 km |
| 2010 |
BIG SALT MARSH |
3,960 |
20 km |
| 1991 |
ROAD 484 |
3,626 |
19 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
31°F (-1°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
35°F (2°C) |
0.9 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
81°F (27°C) |
3.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| September |
70°F (21°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
58°F (14°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
43°F (6°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
0.9 in |
|
Alden has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 31°F in January to 81°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 27.5 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (0.6").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alden
What is the population of Alden?
Alden has a population of 110 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 688 people per square mile, spread across 0.2 square miles. The median age of residents is 58.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 59.1% female and 40.9% male.
Is Alden expensive to live in?
Alden is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $38,750, 48% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $49,300 (83% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alden safe?
Alden is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 87 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,358 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Alden receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alden?
Alden enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 31°F in January, while summers reach an average of 81°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.0 inches, with 9.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Alden?
The unemployment rate in Alden is 5.3%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $972. There are 356 business establishments in the area, including 23 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 2.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alden?
The median home value in Alden is $49,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $162,558. The homeownership rate is 87.7%. The average annual property tax is $3,058.
How are the schools in Alden?
Schools in Alden score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 37.9% of adults in Alden hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 89.7% have completed high school. 12.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alden?
The obesity rate in Alden is 40.1% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 25.8% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 70.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,878.
What is transportation like in Alden?
The average commute in Alden is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 74.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alden?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alden is 89.1% White, 10.9% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 87.0% of the population are military veterans. 11.8% of residents have a disability. 82.7% have health insurance coverage.
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