Median Income
$57,647
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$124,000
56% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.3%
22% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,200
3% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.3%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.5%
80% lower than US avg
How Alma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population965
Median Age35.3 yrs
Density1,636/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$57,647
Per Capita$27,658
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty2.5%
County GDP$1,591M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$124,000
Rent$1,200
Ownership80.1%
Zillow$183,623
Housing Units354
Rent Burden38.1%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property132/100K
Health
Obesity35.3%
Uninsured5.9%
Smoking14.5%
Depression22.0%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain35.8 in/yr
Elevation1,098 ft (335 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.3%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+7.1%
School Score6.44
Community
2024 VoteR 73% / D 25%
Commute24 min
Broadband80.4%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Alma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alma receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, a low poverty rate. 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 $57,647, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. Only 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alma is $124,000, 56% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,200 per month. At just 2.2x 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 132 per 100,000, 93% below the national average.
Education
26.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 30°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches, including 16.5 inches of snow.
Alma has a population of 965 with a density of 1,636 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 35.3 years, 9% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 43.6% female and 56.4% male. The city is predominantly White (91.6%), with 6.3% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.1% of residents. 10.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 15.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 94.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
965
Total Population
2023 Census
35.3yrs
Median Age
9% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.1%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.4%
97% below US avg
The median household income in Alma is $57,647, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $27,658 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $989, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 2.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 747 business establishments, including 50 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,647 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $27,658 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $989 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $81,037 |
| Gini Index | 0.386 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.5% |
| 80% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 747 |
| County GDP | $1,591M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 50 |
| Healthcare | 64 |
| Retail | 86 |
| Manufacturing | 31 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,316 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.48% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.6% |
The median home value in Alma is $124,000, 56% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,623, higher than the Census estimate. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $149,000 with homes selling in an average of 4 days. Homes sell for 0% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $1,200 (3% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 80.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 354 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $4,316 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 38.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $124,000 |
| 56% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,623 |
| Redfin Median Sale | $149,000 |
| Median List Price | $325,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median Sale Price | $149,000 |
| Median List Price | $325,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $151 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Days on Market | 4 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 0.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 3 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,200 |
| 3% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 38.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 80.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 80.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 19.9% |
| Housing Units | 354 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,316 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.48% |
In Alma, 35.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.5% have high blood pressure. 14.5% are current smokers. 18.3% report binge drinking. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.0% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 5.9% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,357. The dentist ratio is 1:4,379. 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.3% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.8% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.5% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.5% |
| 4% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.0% |
| Depression | 22.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.7% |
| Short Sleep | 34.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.1% |
| Uninsured | 5.9% |
| 31% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,357 |
| Dentists | 1:4,379 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,638 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,314/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 45.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 64 |
Alma has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 132 per 100,000, 93% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 5 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 | 131.9/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 5 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 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 79°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 35.8 inches. The area receives 16.5 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,098 feet.
Temperature
30°F Jan (-1°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 55.0°F |
| 2% above US avg |
| January Average | 30°F (-1°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,098 ft (335 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,636/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0157°N, 96.2871°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pottawatomie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Manhattan Regional (MHK)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.8"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.27"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 30.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 84.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
71 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M3.3 on Aug 4, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
71 km |
| May 15, 2025 |
5 km NNW of Herington, Kansas |
M3.5 |
68 km |
| Oct 10, 2024 |
6 km WSW of Woodbine, Kansas |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Mar 12, 2020 |
6 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.5 |
72 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
114 km |
| Mar 24, 2020 |
8 km NNE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.3 |
72 km |
| Aug 3, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
113 km |
| Aug 4, 2025 |
5 km E of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.3 |
115 km |
| Apr 6, 2023 |
6 km N of Bennington, Kansas |
M3.3 |
112 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
2 km E of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
75 km |
| May 8, 2021 |
4 km ENE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.2 |
72 km |
| Jul 30, 2019 |
5 km NNE of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.2 |
100 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
90 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
82 km |
| Jul 4, 2020 |
5 km W of Kipp, Kansas |
M3.1 |
109 km |
| Jan 10, 2022 |
4 km ESE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.1 |
117 km |
| Mar 22, 2020 |
2 km WNW of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
79 km |
| Jan 15, 2022 |
5 km SW of Gypsum, Kansas |
M3.1 |
110 km |
| Jul 30, 2019 |
2 km ENE of New Cambria, Kansas |
M3.1 |
104 km |
| May 7, 2021 |
4 km NE of Hope, Kansas |
M3.1 |
73 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
620 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 96 fatalities, 1,245 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
34 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
93 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2016 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1974 |
EF4 |
67 km |
6 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
15 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
34 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
44 km |
1 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
26 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1984 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1983 |
EF3 |
38 km |
1 |
| Jun 19, 1981 |
EF3 |
88 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
95 km |
| 1998 |
ANNUAL BUR |
60,039 |
66 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
26,655 |
98 km |
| 2000 |
WEST SIDE MVD |
18,701 |
65 km |
| 2016 |
BURLEY HILL |
16,381 |
31 km |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
19 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
27 km |
| 2016 |
UNNAMED |
15,100 |
92 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,832 |
77 km |
| 2010 |
RANGE 51 |
13,760 |
42 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
12,063 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
97 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
91 km |
| 2001 |
TALLGRASS 01 |
10,737 |
68 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
9,081 |
79 km |
| 2009 |
MA-KILO |
8,935 |
54 km |
| 2024 |
AXELTON-BURKLUND |
8,831 |
63 km |
| 2019 |
2019-3238A |
8,632 |
45 km |
| 2018 |
ROCK WALL |
8,468 |
67 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
16 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
30°F (-1°C) |
0.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
34°F (1°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.0 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
44°F (6°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
33°F (1°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Alma has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 30°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.8 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (0.8").
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) |
$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 | $681 |
| Toddler | $641 |
| Preschool | $596 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $521 |
| Toddler | $424 |
| Preschool | $424 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alma
What is the population of Alma?
Alma has a population of 965 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,636 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 35.3 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 43.6% female and 56.4% male.
Is Alma expensive to live in?
Alma 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 $57,647, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $124,000 (56% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,200 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.2x, 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 132 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 79°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 35.8 inches, with 16.5 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Alma?
The job market in Alma is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $989. There are 747 business establishments in the area, including 50 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alma?
The median home value in Alma is $124,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,623. According to Redfin, the median sale price is $149,000, with homes typically selling within 4 days. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,200. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 80.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,316.
How are the schools in Alma?
Schools in Alma score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.3% of adults in Alma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 7.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alma?
The obesity rate in Alma is 35.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.5% of adults are smokers. 24.0% are physically inactive. 22.0% of residents report depression. 5.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 45.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,357.
What is transportation like in Alma?
The average commute in Alma is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alma is 91.6% White, 1% Black or African American, 6.3% Hispanic or Latino. 99.1% of residents speak only English at home. 10.7% of the population are military veterans. 15.7% of residents have a disability. 94.1% have health insurance coverage.