Median Income
$75,139
0% lower than US avg
Home Value
$115,700
59% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.7%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$957
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.6%
56% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Alpha Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population801
Median Age43.6 yrs
Density2,584/mi²
Male / Female57% / 43%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans13.7%
Economy
A+
Median Income$75,139
Per Capita$39,524
Unemployment1.6%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$2,048M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$115,700
Rent$957
Ownership84.6%
Zillow$151,445
Housing Units323
Rent Burden25.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property379/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking13.6%
Depression23.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation803 ft (245 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.7%
High School+94.1%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute20 min
Broadband88.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Alpha a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alpha 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, abundant sunshine. Alpha offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alpha is $75,139, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.6%. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alpha is $115,700, 59% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $957 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Alpha 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 379 per 100,000, 81% below the national average.
Education
20.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Alpha experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Alpha has a population of 801 with a density of 2,584 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age is 43.6 years, 12% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 42.8% female and 57.2% male. The city is predominantly White (83.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 96.8% of residents. 13.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 8.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.6yrs
Median Age
12% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
96.8%
23% above US avg
Spanish
3.2%
76% below US avg
The median household income in Alpha is $75,139, which is 0% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,524. The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.6% (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 1,020 business establishments, including 100 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). 1.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $75,139 |
| 0% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,524 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.6% |
| 56% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $2,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.5% |
The median home value in Alpha is $115,700, 59% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,445, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 91.9% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $957 (18% 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. 84.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 323 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. The average annual property tax is $5,739 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 25.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $115,700 |
| 59% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $151,445 |
| Median List Price | $65,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $65,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $106 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 91.9% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
| Inventory | 2 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $957 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 25.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 84.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.4% |
| Housing Units | 323 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.96% |
In Alpha, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.9% have high blood pressure. 13.6% are current smokers. 21.7% report binge drinking. 20.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.9% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446. The dentist ratio is 1:2,848. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alpha vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.9% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 6.0% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.6% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 20.5% |
| Depression | 23.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.9% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,446 |
| Dentists | 1:2,848 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,863 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.6% |
| Premature Death | 7,545/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Alpha has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 379 per 100,000, 81% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Alpha receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Alpha vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 379.4/100K |
| 81% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Alpha experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 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 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 803 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 803 ft (245 m) |
| Area | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 2,584/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1917°N, 90.3805°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 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 |
127 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
99 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
148 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
672 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 19 fatalities, 532 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
93 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
98 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
69 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
86 km |
1 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
92 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
60 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
61 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
61 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
60 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Alpha has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 37.7 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Alpha. 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 | $982 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $789 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alpha
What is the population of Alpha?
Alpha has a population of 801 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 2,584 people per square mile, spread across 0.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.6 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 42.8% female and 57.2% male.
Is Alpha expensive to live in?
Alpha has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $75,139, 0% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $115,700 (59% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $957 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alpha safe?
Alpha 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 379 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alpha receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alpha?
Alpha has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Alpha?
The job market in Alpha is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 1.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alpha?
The median home value in Alpha is $115,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $151,445. For renters, the median monthly rent is $957. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 84.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,739.
How are the schools in Alpha?
Schools in Alpha score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.7% of adults in Alpha hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.1% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alpha?
The obesity rate in Alpha is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.6% of adults are smokers. 20.5% are physically inactive. 23.8% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446.
What is transportation like in Alpha?
The average commute in Alpha is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 87.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alpha?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alpha is 83.3% White. 96.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 3.2% speak Spanish. 13.7% of the population are military veterans. 8.3% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
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