Median Income
$71,875
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$130,600
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
11.5%
66% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
15.0%
21% higher than US avg
How Alston Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population158
Median Age55.7 yrs
Density55/mi²
Male / Female53% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans13.0%
Economy
A
Median Income$71,875
Per Capita$22,422
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty15.0%
County GDP$214M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$130,600
Ownership96.2%
Zillow$183,655
Housing Units116
Rent Burden35.0%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property168/100K
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured14.0%
Smoking17.7%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp67°F (19°C)
AQI44 (Good)
Rain47.2 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation249 ft (76 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+11.5%
High School+99.3%
Graduate+7.4%
School Score4.29
Community
2024 VoteR 76% / D 23%
Commute22 min
Broadband52.0%
EV Stations4
Libraries1
Is Alston a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alston receives an overall livability score of 3.4 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 a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Alston offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alston is $71,875, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. The poverty rate of 15.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alston is $130,600, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Alston 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 168 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
11.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Alston enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F. Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44.
Alston has a population of 158 with a density of 55 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age is 55.7 years, 43% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.5% female and 52.5% male. The city is predominantly White (91.1%), with 8.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.8% of residents, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 23.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
55.7yrs
Median Age
43% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.8%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.2%
46% below US avg
The median household income in Alston is $71,875, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,422 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $768, 46% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 15.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 147 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 96.3, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 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 | $71,875 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,422 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $768 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $54,849 |
| Gini Index | 0.509 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 15.0% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 147 |
| County GDP | $214M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 8 |
| Retail | 20 |
| Manufacturing | 5 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,162 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 96.30 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.42% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.7 min |
| Drive Alone | 98.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
The median home value in Alston is $130,600, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,655, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 105% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Fair market rent ranges from $1,023 for a one-bedroom to $1,203 for a two-bedroom apartment. 96.2% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 116 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1976. The average annual property tax is $3,162. 35.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $130,600 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,655 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| $/Sq Ft | $60 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 105.0% |
| Price Drops | 0.0% |
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $979 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,023 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,203 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,524 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,775 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 96.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 96.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 3.8% |
| Housing Units | 116 |
| Median Year Built | 1976 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,162 |
| 10% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.42% |
In Alston, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.2% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 36.7% have high blood pressure. 17.7% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 15.0% report binge drinking. 30.0% are physically inactive, above the national average. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 20.6% experience frequent mental distress. 14.0% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alston vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.2% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.7% |
| Asthma | 11.3% |
| COPD | 7.7% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.7% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 15.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.0% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 20.6% |
| Physical Distress | 15.1% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.8% |
| Uninsured | 14.0% |
| 63% above US avg |
| Mental Health | 1:1,460 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.1% |
| Dental Visits | 52.4% |
| Premature Death | 13,468/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 8 |
Alston has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 168 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Alston receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Alston vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 167.8/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Alston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winters average 50°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. The area gets 308 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 47.2 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 44. The city sits at an elevation of 249 feet.
Temperature
50°F Jan (10°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 66.8°F |
| 24% above US avg |
| January Average | 50°F (10°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 249 ft (76 m) |
| Area | 2.9 sq mi (7.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 55/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 32.0866°N, 82.4802°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Montgomery County County |
| Nearest Airport | Vidalia Regional (VDI)
10 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
47.2"
24% above US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
5.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 44.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 7.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 77.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 28.4 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
12 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.9. Most recent: M3.9 on Jun 18, 2022.
| Jun 18, 2022 |
7 km E of Stillmore, Georgia |
M3.9 |
52 km |
| Jul 13, 2003 |
6 km N of Cobbtown, Georgia |
M3.6 |
42 km |
| Jan 18, 2000 |
11 km SSE of Gray, Georgia |
M3.5 |
131 km |
| Dec 7, 2009 |
4 km WNW of Deepstep, Georgia |
M3.2 |
116 km |
| Apr 4, 2009 |
15 km N of Milledgeville, Georgia |
M3.1 |
143 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.7 |
141 km |
| Jul 4, 2012 |
11 km NNE of Deepstep, Georgia |
M2.7 |
122 km |
| Apr 23, 1993 |
14 km E of Mount Zion, Georgia |
M2.7 |
148 km |
| May 3, 2011 |
6 km WNW of Mitchell, Georgia |
M2.6 |
131 km |
| Apr 6, 2017 |
6 km WSW of Sparta, Georgia |
M2.5 |
141 km |
| Mar 4, 1996 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
31 km |
| May 17, 1997 |
9 km SW of Soperton, Georgia |
M2.5 |
31 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Hurricane History
15 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 4. Most recent: Helene (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Helene |
Category 4 |
117 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
259 km |
| 2023 |
Idalia |
Category 3 |
135 km |
| 2020 |
Isaias |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2019 |
Dorian |
Category 3 |
283 km |
| 2018 |
Michael |
Category 5 |
134 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 3 |
186 km |
| 2016 |
Hermine |
Category 1 |
246 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 1 |
237 km |
| 2004 |
Gaston |
Category 1 |
288 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 1989 |
Hugo |
Category 4 |
257 km |
| 1985 |
Kate |
Category 2 |
116 km |
| 1985 |
Bob |
Category 1 |
187 km |
| 1984 |
Diana |
Category 1 |
294 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
367 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 18 fatalities, 340 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
78 km |
1 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 1998 |
EF3 |
85 km |
2 |
| Jan 13, 1972 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1957 |
EF3 |
62 km |
1 |
| Apr 24, 2021 |
EF2 |
86 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2017 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Feb 9, 2017 |
EF2 |
91 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 2014 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 2011 |
EF2 |
82 km |
1 |
| Dec 2, 2009 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Oct 27, 2009 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
81 km |
2 |
| May 11, 2008 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
33 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 15, 2007 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Apr 14, 2007 |
EF2 |
58 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE (20,916 ac, 2011).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2011 |
SESSOM COMMUNITY FIRE |
20,916 |
75 km |
| 2011 |
SWEAT FARM AGAIN |
19,698 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
12,186 |
78 km |
| 2007 |
UNNAMED |
10,963 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
10,163 |
88 km |
| 2007 |
ROUNDABOUT SWAMP FIRE |
5,791 |
100 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,291 |
67 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
4,021 |
85 km |
| 2011 |
ELIM CHURCH RD. FIRE |
3,850 |
83 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
3,116 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,768 |
96 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,748 |
94 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,650 |
90 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,475 |
89 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,463 |
96 km |
| 1985 |
UNNAMED |
2,335 |
86 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,150 |
99 km |
| 2008 |
UNNAMED |
2,149 |
100 km |
| 2007 |
DREGGERS FIRE |
1,918 |
62 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,859 |
100 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
50°F (10°C) |
4.3 in |
Coldest |
| February |
52°F (11°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| March |
59°F (15°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| April |
65°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| May |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| June |
79°F (26°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
5.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
80°F (27°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
76°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
67°F (19°C) |
2.3 in |
Driest |
| November |
58°F (15°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
Alston has a seasonal temperature swing of 33°F / from 50°F in January to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (5.4") and October the driest (2.3").
Average costs for common services in Alston. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$241 ($144–$385) |
| Specialist Visit |
$337 ($193–$530) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$193 ($96–$337) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,119 ($770–$4,815) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$125 ($72–$193) |
| Dental Filling |
$241 ($144–$385) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$43 ($24–$72) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$72 ($48–$116) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Tire Rotation |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$578 ($385–$963) |
| Battery Replacement |
$193 ($96–$337) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$96 ($58–$144) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$87 ($48–$135) |
| HVAC Repair |
$385 ($144–$770) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,741 ($3,852–$11,556) |
| Roof Repair |
$963 ($385–$1,926) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,667 ($5,297–$14,445) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,445 ($482–$3,371) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,445 ($4,815–$28,890) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,815 ($1,926–$9,630) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,445 ($770–$2,889) |
| Will Preparation |
$482 ($193–$963) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,408 ($963–$4,815) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Women's Haircut |
$53 ($29–$96) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$144 ($72–$241) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$43) |
| Pedicure |
$39 ($24–$63) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$77 ($48–$125) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.95 ($2.89–$5.30) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.37 ($2.41–$4.82) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.66 ($2.41–$5.30) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.33 ($2.89–$6.26) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.30 ($3.85–$7.22) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.96 ($0.58–$1.73) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$135 ($77–$241) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$144) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$116) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$67 ($39–$96) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$63 ($29–$96) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$82 ($48–$144) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$193 ($72–$482) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,926 ($1,156–$3,371) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$67 ($29–$125) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.70–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$96 ($29–$241) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$29 ($14–$72) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,156 ($578–$2,408) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$963 ($482–$1,926) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$385 ($193–$674) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$48 ($24–$96) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$963 ($385–$2,408) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,038 ($4,815–$28,890) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$96 ($48–$193) |
| Dog Grooming |
$58 ($29–$96) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$39 ($19–$72) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$289 ($144–$482) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$193 ($96–$385) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $470 |
| Toddler | $442 |
| Preschool | $442 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $420 |
| Preschool | $420 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alston
What is the population of Alston?
Alston has a population of 158 residents and is located in Georgia. The population density is 55 people per square mile, spread across 2.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 55.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.5% female and 52.5% male.
Is Alston expensive to live in?
Alston has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 96.3 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $71,875, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $130,600 (54% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alston safe?
Alston 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 168 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alston receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alston?
Alston enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 67°F (19°C). Winter temperatures average 50°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 47.2 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 44.
How is the job market in Alston?
The job market in Alston is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $768. There are 147 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 0.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alston?
The median home value in Alston is $130,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,655. The homeownership rate is 96.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,162.
How are the schools in Alston?
Schools in Alston have an average test score of 4.3 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 11.5% of adults in Alston hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 99.3% have completed high school. 7.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alston?
The obesity rate in Alston is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.7% of adults are smokers. 30.0% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 14.0% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Alston?
The average commute in Alston is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 98.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 0.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alston?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alston is 91.1% White, 8.2% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 92.8% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.2% speak Spanish. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 23.4% of residents have a disability. 90.8% have health insurance coverage.
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