Median Income
$57,708
23% lower than US avg
Home Value
$24,000
91% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
210/100K
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
3.8%
89% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
39.3%
22% higher than US avg
Unemployment
10.4%
189% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.1%
43% lower than US avg
How Alton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population126
Median Age29.7 yrs
Density406/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans96.0%
Economy
C+
Median Income$57,708
Per Capita$33,536
Unemployment10.4%
Poverty7.1%
County GDP$184M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$24,000
Ownership63.8%
Zillow$87,044
Housing Units62
Rent Burden9.0%
Crime
F
Violent210/100K
Property315/100K
Health
Obesity39.3%
Uninsured8.4%
Smoking17.1%
Depression22.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp53°F (12°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain28.6 in/yr
Sunny Days326/yr
Elevation1,648 ft (502 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+3.8%
High School+98.8%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.29
Community
2024 VoteR 83% / D 15%
Commute24 min
Broadband47.0%
Libraries2
Is Alton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alton receives an overall livability score of 2.6 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Alton has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alton is $57,708, 23% below the national average of $75,149. At 10.4%, unemployment is notably high. Only 7.1% 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 Alton is $24,000, 91% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 0.4x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Alton is below the national average at 210 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 315 per 100,000, 84% below the national average.
Education
3.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.3/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Alton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 53°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 326 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.6 inches, including 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Alton has a population of 126 with a density of 406 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 29.7 years, 24% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (98.4%), with 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 96.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.4% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
29.7yrs
Median Age
24% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Alton is $57,708, which is 23% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,536 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $797, 44% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 10.4% (above the 3.6% US average). 7.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 169 business establishments, including 5 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. 15.6% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $57,708 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,536 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $797 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $58,684 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 10.4% |
| 189% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.1% |
| 43% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 169 |
| County GDP | $184M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Healthcare | 15 |
| Retail | 21 |
| Manufacturing | 4 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 46.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.6% |
The median home value in Alton is $24,000, 91% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $87,044, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 63.8% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 62 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. 9.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 0.4x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $24,000 |
| 91% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $87,044 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 63.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 63.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 36.2% |
| Housing Units | 62 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
In Alton, 39.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.7% have high blood pressure. 17.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 18.8% report binge drinking. 26.2% are physically inactive. 22.4% report depression. 18.3% experience frequent mental distress. 8.4% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,498. The dentist ratio is 1:1,745. 41.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 39.3% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.1% |
| 22% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 26.2% |
| Depression | 22.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.7% |
| Short Sleep | 33.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 96.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,498 |
| Dentists | 1:1,745 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,142 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.1% |
| Dental Visits | 60.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,625/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 41.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 15 |
Alton has a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 residents, 45% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 315 per 100,000, 84% below the U.S. average. Overall, Alton receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 210.2/100K |
| 45% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 315.3/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 326 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 28.6 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 17.6 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,648 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 53.2°F |
| 1% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 326 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,648 ft (502 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 406/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.4678°N, 98.9486°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Osborne County County |
| Nearest Airport | Hays Regional (HYS)
47 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.6"
25% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 21.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 51.1 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 62.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
165 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.6. Most recent: M2.5 on Aug 25, 2025.
| Jun 22, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M4.6 |
50 km |
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
89 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
8 km NNE of Jewell, Kansas |
M3.7 |
78 km |
| Jun 12, 2017 |
5 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.7 |
74 km |
| Jun 13, 2017 |
6 km SE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.6 |
74 km |
| May 6, 2021 |
5 km S of Formoso, Kansas |
M3.6 |
87 km |
| Aug 9, 2021 |
Kansas |
M3.5 |
56 km |
| Jun 1, 2025 |
9 km S of Hill City, Kansas |
M3.5 |
79 km |
| May 30, 1991 |
5 km SE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
49 km |
| May 31, 2019 |
2 km SSE of Zurich, Kansas |
M3.5 |
50 km |
| Aug 2, 2025 |
6 km ENE of Assaria, Kansas |
M3.4 |
148 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
88 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
95 km |
| Apr 4, 2017 |
3 km SSE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
73 km |
| May 21, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.4 |
77 km |
| Jun 25, 2025 |
10 km NW of Woodston, Kansas |
M3.4 |
21 km |
| Jul 29, 2021 |
11 km SSE of Esbon, Kansas |
M3.3 |
57 km |
| Jul 15, 1992 |
19 km WNW of Schoenchen, Kansas |
M3.3 |
94 km |
| Apr 7, 2017 |
7 km ESE of Mankato, Kansas |
M3.3 |
77 km |
| Sep 16, 2016 |
8 km N of Ellis, Kansas |
M3.3 |
74 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
646 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 7 fatalities, 167 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF4 |
63 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1985 |
EF4 |
39 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1955 |
EF4 |
36 km |
0 |
| Jun 27, 1951 |
EF4 |
94 km |
5 |
| May 27, 2013 |
EF3 |
56 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2008 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1999 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1998 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1993 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
| Jun 15, 1992 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1991 |
EF3 |
41 km |
0 |
| Sep 18, 1986 |
EF3 |
98 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
19 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FOUR COUNTY (122,971 ac, 2021).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2021 |
FOUR COUNTY |
122,971 |
44 km |
| 2022 |
NORTH BRANCH |
10,926 |
77 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
6,328 |
52 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
4,972 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
GORHAM |
4,054 |
61 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
3,330 |
81 km |
| 2009 |
ROSEBROOK |
2,968 |
91 km |
| 2017 |
FELLHOELTER |
1,664 |
39 km |
| 2024 |
CODELL RD |
1,609 |
54 km |
| 2009 |
CRAIG NALER |
1,464 |
58 km |
| 2010 |
H-RX-F KIR NON NFP |
1,435 |
29 km |
| 2022 |
KIRWIN SOUTHEAST RX |
1,367 |
28 km |
| 2020 |
PRAIRIE DOG |
1,257 |
96 km |
| 2016 |
KSKIR RX WUI FY16 RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BURNS |
1,123 |
33 km |
| 2011 |
W-RX-F NON FUNDED TREATMENT_KSKIR |
1,083 |
33 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
1,057 |
15 km |
| 1993 |
UNNAMED |
1,029 |
78 km |
| 2008 |
H RX F BOTTOMS |
1,009 |
26 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
1,009 |
61 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
32°F (0°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
42°F (5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
52°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
3.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| December |
31°F (-0°C) |
0.6 in |
|
Alton has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 28°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 24.6 inches, with May being the wettest month (3.7") and January the driest (0.5").
Average costs for common services in Alton. 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 | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alton
What is the population of Alton?
Alton has a population of 126 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 406 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 29.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Alton expensive to live in?
Alton 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 $57,708, 23% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $24,000 (91% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 0.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alton safe?
Alton is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 210 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 315 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alton receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alton?
Alton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 53°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 326 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.6 inches, with 17.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Alton?
The job market in Alton faces challenges, with unemployment at 10.4% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $797. There are 169 business establishments in the area, including 5 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 15.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alton?
The median home value in Alton is $24,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $87,044. The homeownership rate is 63.8%.
How are the schools in Alton?
Schools in Alton score 6.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 3.8% of adults in Alton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 98.8% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alton?
The obesity rate in Alton is 39.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.1% of adults are smokers. 26.2% are physically inactive. 22.4% of residents report depression. 8.4% lack health insurance. 41.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,498.
What is transportation like in Alton?
The average commute in Alton is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 46.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alton is 98.4% White, 1.6% Black or African American. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 96.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.4% of residents have a disability. 96.7% have health insurance coverage.
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