Median Income
$72,656
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$134,900
52% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.4%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$842
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.4%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
9.6%
23% lower than US avg
How Alma Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population466
Median Age40.0 yrs
Density1,664/mi²
Male / Female46% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans9.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$72,656
Per Capita$36,920
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty9.6%
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$134,900
Rent$842
Ownership87.2%
Zillow$221,962
Housing Units216
Rent Burden51.0%
Health
Obesity35.4%
Uninsured5.2%
Smoking15.7%
Depression26.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
Rain40.6 in/yr
Elevation797 ft (243 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.4%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+22.3%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute24 min
Broadband65.0%
EV Stations1
Is Alma a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alma receives an overall livability score of 4.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Alma stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alma is $72,656, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 9.6% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alma is $134,900, 52% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
30.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches, including 13.7 inches of snow.
Alma has a population of 466 with a density of 1,664 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 40.0 years, 3% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.5% female and 45.5% male. The city is predominantly White (94%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 9.1% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
466
Total Population
2023 Census
40.0yrs
Median Age
3% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.5%
96% below US avg
The median household income in Alma is $72,656, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $36,920. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 9.6% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 24 minutes. 2.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,656 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $36,920 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 9.6% |
| 23% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.1% |
The median home value in Alma is $134,900, 52% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,962, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $842 (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. 87.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 216 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. 51.0% 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 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $134,900 |
| 52% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $221,962 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $842 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.8% |
| Housing Units | 216 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
In Alma, 35.4% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.1% have high blood pressure. 15.7% are current smokers. 18.6% report binge drinking. 25.4% are physically inactive. 26.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 5.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Alma vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.4% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.1% |
| Asthma | 10.8% |
| COPD | 6.4% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.7% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.4% |
| Depression | 26.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.8% |
| Short Sleep | 38.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.8% |
| Uninsured | 5.2% |
| 40% below US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 63.9% |
Food & Exercise
Alma experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 40.6 inches. The area receives 13.7 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 797 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
78°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.6°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (25°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,664/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0953°N, 93.5452°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sedalia Regional (DMO)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
40.6"
7% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.29"
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jul 15, 2025.
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
80 km |
| Jul 31, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
82 km |
| Mar 30, 2001 |
1 km SW of Hermitage, Missouri |
M3.1 |
131 km |
| Jan 21, 1992 |
5 km SE of Linn Creek, Missouri |
M3.1 |
144 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
100 km |
| Feb 8, 2004 |
6 km SSW of Stoutsville, Missouri |
M2.9 |
150 km |
| Apr 4, 2015 |
3 km ESE of Clinton, Missouri |
M2.6 |
84 km |
| Jul 15, 2025 |
3 km W of Hale, Missouri |
M2.5 |
58 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
427 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 14 fatalities, 289 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
99 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF4 |
77 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1973 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 1970 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Mar 12, 2006 |
EF3 |
95 km |
4 |
| Nov 27, 1990 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 12, 1980 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
34 km |
1 |
| Apr 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (2,089 ac, 2006).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2006 |
UNNAMED |
2,089 |
86 km |
| 2022 |
WOOLDRIDGE FIRE |
1,323 |
92 km |
| 2012 |
HIGHWAY E |
897 |
57 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
644 |
95 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| March |
44°F (7°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
74°F (23°C) |
5.1 in |
|
| July |
78°F (25°C) |
4.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| September |
69°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| December |
34°F (1°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Alma has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 29°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 40.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.3") and January the driest (1.4").
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) |
$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 Alma
What is the population of Alma?
Alma has a population of 466 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 1,664 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.0 years. The population is 54.5% female and 45.5% male.
Is Alma expensive to live in?
Alma 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 $72,656, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $134,900 (52% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $842 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
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 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 40.6 inches, with 13.7 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Alma?
Alma has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 2.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alma?
The median home value in Alma is $134,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $221,962. For renters, the median monthly rent is $842. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 87.2%.
How are the schools in Alma?
Schools in Alma score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.4% of adults in Alma hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 22.3% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alma?
The obesity rate in Alma is 35.4% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.7% of adults are smokers. 25.4% are physically inactive. 26.7% of residents report depression. 5.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate).
What is transportation like in Alma?
The average commute in Alma is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alma?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alma is 94% White. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 9.1% of the population are military veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 94.8% have health insurance coverage.