Median Income
$50,500
33% lower than US avg
Home Value
$43,300
85% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
8.0%
76% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$483
58% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.7%
25% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
12.5%
1% higher than US avg
How Alma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population300
Median Age41.6 yrs
Density265/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 97%
Veterans10.4%
Economy
B+
Median Income$50,500
Per Capita$28,292
Unemployment2.7%
Poverty12.5%
County GDP$1,758M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$43,300
Rent$483
Ownership73.2%
Zillow$123,255
Housing Units179
Rent Burden24.6%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property527/100K
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured8.0%
Smoking16.3%
Depression25.6%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain45.9 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation626 ft (191 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+8.0%
High School+89.6%
Graduate+2.3%
School Score4.95
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 25%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.7%
EV Stations3
Libraries4
Is Alma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alma 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. Alma offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alma is $50,500, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.7%. 12.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alma is $43,300, 85% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $483 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 0.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Alma is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 527 per 100,000, 73% below the national average.
Education
8.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5/10.
Climate & Weather
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.9 inches, including 10.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Alma has a population of 300 with a density of 265 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age is 41.6 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.7% female and 49.3% male. The city is predominantly White (96.7%), with 2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 10.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 33.6% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.6yrs
Median Age
7% above 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 Alma is $50,500, which is 33% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,292 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $947, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.7% (below the 3.6% US average). 12.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 796 business establishments, including 86 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $50,500 |
| 33% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,292 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $947 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,886 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.7% |
| 25% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 12.5% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 796 |
| County GDP | $1,758M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 86 |
| Healthcare | 114 |
| Retail | 121 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 10.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 85.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.9% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Alma is $43,300, 85% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,255, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $483 (58% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 73.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 179 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1975. The average annual property tax is $4,526 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $43,300 |
| 85% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $123,255 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $483 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 73.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 73.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 26.8% |
| Housing Units | 179 |
| Median Year Built | 1975 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,526 |
| 29% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 10.45% |
In Alma, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.7% have high blood pressure. 16.3% are current smokers. 20.3% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,876. The dentist ratio is 1:2,840. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.7% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.1% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.3% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 25.6% |
| Mental Distress | 20.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 8.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,876 |
| Dentists | 1:2,840 |
| Mental Health | 1:248 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 63.4% |
| Premature Death | 12,320/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 66.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 114 |
Alma has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 527 per 100,000, 73% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 10 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alma receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Alma vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 527.2/100K |
| 73% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 10 |
| Traffic Accidents | 22 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.1 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 293 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 45.9 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 10.2 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 626 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.9°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 626 ft (191 m) |
| Area | 0.4 sq mi (1.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 265/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.7229°N, 88.9117°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Marion County County |
| Nearest Airport | St Louis Regional (ALN) 62 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.9"
21% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.25"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 77.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 68.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 96.5 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Moderate |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
66 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
94 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
95 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
129 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
95 km |
| Dec 7, 2000 |
7 km W of Evansville, Indiana |
M3.9 |
139 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
106 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
93 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
95 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
93 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
107 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
27 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
98 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
56 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
96 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
87 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
36 km |
| Dec 27, 1992 |
2 km E of Pocahontas, Missouri |
M3.2 |
149 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
68 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
42 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
87 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
518 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 45 fatalities, 487 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF5 |
77 km |
1 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
58 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
65 km |
1 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
51 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
76 km |
6 |
| Dec 10, 2021 |
EF3 |
100 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
93 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Nov 15, 1988 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
72 km |
2 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
82 km |
6 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF3 |
93 km |
4 |
| Mar 6, 1961 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
3.5 in |
|
Alma has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 30°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Alma. 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 | $713 |
| Toddler | $657 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $541 |
| Toddler | $541 |
| Preschool | $513 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alma
What is the population of Alma?
Alma has a population of 300 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 265 people per square mile, spread across 0.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.7% female and 49.3% male.
Is Alma expensive to live in?
Alma has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $50,500, 33% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $43,300 (85% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $483 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alma safe?
Alma is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 527 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alma receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alma?
Alma has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 30°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.9 inches, with 10.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Alma?
The job market in Alma is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.7% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $947. There are 796 business establishments in the area, including 86 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alma?
The median home value in Alma is $43,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $123,255. For renters, the median monthly rent is $483. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 73.2%. The average annual property tax is $4,526.
How are the schools in Alma?
Schools in Alma score 5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 8.0% of adults in Alma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.6% have completed high school. 2.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alma?
The obesity rate in Alma is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.3% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 25.6% of residents report depression. 8.0% lack health insurance. 66.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,876.
What is transportation like in Alma?
The average commute in Alma is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 85.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alma is 96.7% White, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 10.4% of the population are military veterans. 33.6% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.