Alton, MO — City Data & Statistics

Median Income $47,606

37% lower than US avg

Home Value $117,100

58% 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

Median Income$47,606

Per Capita$21,587

Unemployment1.4%

Poverty18.5%

Commute15 min

Housing

A+

Home Value$117,100

Rent$594

OwnershipN/A

Zillow$170,921

Housing Units343

Rent Burden28.9%

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%

Is Alton a Good Place to Live?

Based on current data, Alton receives an overall livability score of 3.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, 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.

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

647

Total Population

412

People / sq mi

37.2yrs

Median Age

4% below US avg

1.6mi²

Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 53.3%

Female 46.7%

Race & Ethnicity

Alton vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only	95.6%
	22% above US avg
Spanish	4.4%
	67% below US avg

Social Characteristics

Alton vs U.S. Average

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: Alton vs U.S.

Commute Mode

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

Business (County)

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%

Walkability

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. 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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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

Owner-Occupied	61.6%
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 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

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall	45.3 inches
	19% above US avg
Snowfall	2.6 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median	41.0
Rating	Good

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

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").

24.6% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 27% below the national average of 33.7%. 87.3% have completed high school. 13.1% hold a graduate or professional degree. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5 out of 10. In the 2024 presidential election, the county voted Republican with 76.6% of the vote, a 54.2-point margin. 76.0% of households have broadband internet access (below the 90.0% national rate). 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, while 4.6% use public transit.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%

D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+	24.6%
	27% below US avg
High School+	87.3%
Graduate Degree+	13.1%
School Test Score	5.51

C+ Education Grade (3.0/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density	412/sq mi
Total Area	1.6 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access	76.0%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute	15.2 min
Drive Alone	75.1%
Public Transit	4.6%
Work from Home	5.5%

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.

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.

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.

Nearby Cities

Thayer, MO 2,288 pop · 14.0 mi West Plains, MO 12,341 pop · 25.2 mi Mountain View, MO 2,648 pop · 26.7 mi Cherokee Village, AR 5,078 pop · 29.4 mi Van Buren, MO 1,146 pop · 29.8 mi Highland, AR 1,124 pop · 30.1 mi Doniphan, MO 2,220 pop · 32.3 mi Salem, AR 2,727 pop · 32.4 mi Ash Flat, AR 1,309 pop · 33.7 mi Willow Springs, MO 2,015 pop · 37.7 mi Horseshoe Bend, AR 2,458 pop · 37.9 mi Pocahontas, AR 7,475 pop · 38.1 mi Ellington, MO 1,104 pop · 44.7 mi Cabool, MO 2,460 pop · 48.8 mi

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