Median Income
$47,606
37% lower than US avg
Home Value
$117,100
58% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
0/100K
100% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
24.6%
27% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$594
49% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
41.7%
30% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.4%
61% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.5%
49% higher than US avg
How Alton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population647
Median Age37.2 yrs
Density412/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
B
Median Income$47,606
Per Capita$21,587
Unemployment1.4%
Poverty18.5%
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$117,100
Rent$594
Ownership61.6%
Zillow$170,921
Housing Units343
Rent Burden28.9%
Crime
C+
Violent0/100K
Property385/100K
Health
Obesity41.7%
Uninsured11.8%
Smoking24.3%
Depression28.4%
Heart Disease7.2%
Climate
Avg Temp56°F (14°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain45.3 in/yr
Sunny Days254/yr
Elevation797 ft (243 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+24.6%
High School+87.3%
Graduate+13.1%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute15 min
Broadband76.0%
EV Stations4
Is Alton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alton 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 an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Alton offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alton is $47,606, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.4%. The poverty rate of 18.5% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alton is $117,100, 58% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $594 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Alton 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 385 per 100,000, 80% below the national average.
Education
24.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Alton enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. With 254 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Alton has a population of 647 with a density of 412 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 37.2 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 46.7% female and 53.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92.9%), with 1.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95.6% of residents. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 80.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.2yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.6%
22% above US avg
Spanish
4.4%
67% below US avg
The median household income in Alton is $47,606, which is 37% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,587 (below the $39,052 national figure). The unemployment rate is 1.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 18.5% of residents live below the poverty line, higher 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 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $47,606 |
| 37% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,587 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.4% |
| 61% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.5% |
| 49% above US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 4.6% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Alton is $117,100, 58% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,921, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $594 (49% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $775 for a one-bedroom to $970 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 343 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1969. 28.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $117,100 |
| 58% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $170,921 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $594 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.4% |
| Housing Units | 343 |
| Median Year Built | 1969 |
Property Tax
In Alton, 41.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.5% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 7.2% of residents, above the national average. 36.3% have high blood pressure. 24.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 16.6% report binge drinking. 35.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 28.4% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 22.0% experience frequent mental distress. 11.8% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate).
Health Metrics: Alton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 41.7% |
| 30% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.5% |
| Heart Disease | 7.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 36.3% |
| Asthma | 11.5% |
| COPD | 10.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 3.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 24.3% |
| 74% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 16.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.1% |
| Depression | 28.4% |
| Mental Distress | 22.0% |
| Physical Distress | 17.3% |
| Short Sleep | 39.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 80.7% |
| Uninsured | 11.8% |
| 37% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 47.6% |
Food & Exercise
Alton has a violent crime rate of 0 per 100,000 residents, 100% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 385 per 100,000, 80% below the U.S. average. Overall, Alton receives a safety grade of C+.
Crime Rates: Alton vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 384.6/100K |
| 80% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | C+ |
| Safety Score | 2.5 / 5.0 |
Alton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 78°F in July. The area gets 254 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 45.3 inches. The area receives 2.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 797 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
78°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.4°F |
| 4% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 78°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 254 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 797 ft (243 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 412/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 36.6945°N, 91.3996°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| Nearest Airport | Sharp County Regional (CKK) 31 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
45.3"
19% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Earthquake History
108 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.5. Most recent: M2.9 on Jun 27, 2025.
| May 4, 1991 |
2 km NNW of Risco, Missouri |
M4.5 |
141 km |
| May 1, 2005 |
5 km SSE of Manila, Arkansas |
M4.2 |
148 km |
| Feb 10, 2005 |
3 km NNW of Etowah, Arkansas |
M4.1 |
147 km |
| Oct 21, 1999 |
9 km NW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
45 km |
| Jul 7, 1991 |
11 km ENE of Brandsville, Missouri |
M3.9 |
15 km |
| Aug 22, 2000 |
19 km WNW of Maynard, Arkansas |
M3.9 |
36 km |
| Jun 4, 2014 |
3 km ESE of Fairfield Bay, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
145 km |
| Sep 17, 1997 |
2 km E of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.8 |
141 km |
| Sep 12, 2019 |
13 km N of Big Flat, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Feb 23, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.7 |
141 km |
| Aug 16, 2003 |
5 km W of Thomasville, Missouri |
M3.7 |
21 km |
| Oct 15, 2017 |
6 km SE of Manila, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
150 km |
| Sep 22, 2011 |
6 km E of Grandin, Missouri |
M3.6 |
60 km |
| Jun 11, 2017 |
6 km NNE of Bergman, Arkansas |
M3.6 |
146 km |
| Aug 20, 1994 |
4 km NE of Black Rock, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
69 km |
| Jan 8, 1993 |
6 km WSW of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.5 |
149 km |
| Feb 6, 1993 |
6 km NNW of Catron, Missouri |
M3.3 |
149 km |
| Jan 20, 2010 |
4 km WNW of Lynn, Arkansas |
M3.3 |
76 km |
| Jul 17, 2013 |
7 km SW of Trumann, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
141 km |
| Apr 23, 1994 |
7 km W of Gosnell, Arkansas |
M3.2 |
146 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
379 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 32 fatalities, 608 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Apr 24, 2002 |
EF4 |
48 km |
0 |
| Jan 21, 1999 |
EF4 |
89 km |
0 |
| Dec 24, 1982 |
EF4 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF4 |
75 km |
2 |
| Apr 22, 1981 |
EF4 |
88 km |
1 |
| May 21, 1957 |
EF4 |
35 km |
7 |
| May 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
50 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2011 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2009 |
EF3 |
52 km |
0 |
| Mar 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Apr 2, 2006 |
EF3 |
65 km |
2 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
94 km |
1 |
| Mar 1, 1997 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 1996 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 18, 1984 |
EF3 |
14 km |
1 |
| Dec 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Apr 2, 1982 |
EF3 |
71 km |
2 |
| Apr 11, 1979 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Feb 21, 1976 |
EF3 |
82 km |
1 |
| May 7, 1973 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: HANDY (12,818 ac, 2012).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2012 |
HANDY |
12,818 |
29 km |
| 2011 |
UNNAMED |
9,641 |
30 km |
| 2022 |
CEDAR BLUFF |
9,617 |
28 km |
| 2020 |
BIG BARREN CREEK |
8,150 |
31 km |
| 2022 |
STEGALL MOUNTAIN |
6,979 |
47 km |
| 2010 |
WYLIE KING 1 |
6,077 |
78 km |
| 2015 |
15 STEGAL MOUNTAIN |
5,112 |
47 km |
| 2021 |
ROCK PILE |
5,067 |
63 km |
| 2011 |
MINNINGHAW |
4,792 |
86 km |
| 2024 |
BRIDGES RX |
4,781 |
33 km |
| 2009 |
STEGAL MTN. COMPLEX |
4,717 |
46 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
4,602 |
85 km |
| 2021 |
MILLER KING |
4,130 |
76 km |
| 1999 |
STEGALL99 |
3,415 |
46 km |
| 2013 |
UNNAMED |
3,313 |
72 km |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
3,252 |
83 km |
| 2021 |
VICTORY 1-7 |
3,237 |
79 km |
| 2024 |
WOLF MOUNTAIN RX |
3,140 |
27 km |
| 1988 |
HANES 1 |
3,139 |
25 km |
| 2011 |
MUD POND |
3,030 |
29 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
2.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
4.6 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| May |
65°F (18°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
78°F (26°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
77°F (25°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| September |
69°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| October |
58°F (15°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
47°F (8°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| December |
37°F (3°C) |
4.2 in |
|
Alton has a seasonal temperature swing of 46°F / from 32°F in January to 78°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 45.3 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (2.6").
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) |
$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 Alton
What is the population of Alton?
Alton has a population of 647 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 412 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.2 years. The population is 46.7% female and 53.3% male.
Is Alton expensive to live in?
Alton 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 $47,606, 37% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $117,100 (58% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $594 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alton safe?
Alton 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 385 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Alton receives a safety grade of C+ based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alton?
Alton enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 56°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 78°F in July. The area receives 254 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 45.3 inches, with 2.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Alton?
The job market in Alton is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alton?
The median home value in Alton is $117,100. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $170,921. For renters, the median monthly rent is $594. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.6%.
How are the schools in Alton?
Schools in Alton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 24.6% of adults in Alton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alton?
The obesity rate in Alton is 41.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 24.3% of adults are smokers. 35.1% are physically inactive. 28.4% of residents report depression. 11.8% lack health insurance (above the national rate).
What is transportation like in Alton?
The average commute in Alton is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, 4.6% use public transit, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alton is 92.9% White, 1.1% Black or African American, 0.8% Hispanic or Latino. 95.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 4.4% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.7% of residents have a disability. 80.7% have health insurance coverage.