Median Income
$83,551
11% higher than US avg
Home Value
$322,200
14% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
1,103/100K
190% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
30.3%
10% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,213
4% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
30.1%
6% lower than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.5%
72% lower than US avg
How Alva Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population3,279
Median Age52.8 yrs
Density188/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans9.3%
Economy
A+
Median Income$83,551
Per Capita$43,192
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty3.5%
County GDP$54,160M
Commute33 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$322,200
Rent$1,213
Ownership93.4%
Zillow$379,910
Housing Units1,319
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent1,103/100K
Property3,121/100K
Health
Obesity30.1%
Uninsured11.6%
Smoking14.2%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease5.8%
Climate
Avg Temp75°F (24°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain53.4 in/yr
Sunny Days330/yr
Elevation10 ft (3 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+30.3%
High School+94.9%
Graduate+10.0%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 35%
Commute33 min
Broadband91.2%
EV Stations5
Libraries16
Is Alva a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Alva receives an overall livability score of 3.4 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates. Alva offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Alva is $83,551, 11% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Alva is $322,200, 14% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $1,213 per month. A price-to-income ratio of 3.9x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
With 1,103 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern / this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,121 per 100,000, 59% above the national average.
Education
30.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Climate & Weather
Alva has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F. Winters average 65°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July. With 330 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Alva has a population of 3,279 with a density of 188 people per square mile, spread across 18.4 square miles. The median age is 52.8 years, 36% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (90.3%), with 1.4% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.3% of residents, while 8.7% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 9.8% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
52.8yrs
Median Age
36% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.3%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.7%
35% below US avg
The median household income in Alva is $83,551, which is 11% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $43,192 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,184, 17% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 28,954 business establishments, including 1,636 restaurants. The cost of living index is 103.4, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 33 minutes (longer than the 28-minute US average). 15.3% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $83,551 |
| 11% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $43,192 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,184 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $108,048 |
| Gini Index | 0.480 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.5% |
| 72% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 28,954 |
| County GDP | $54,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 1,636 |
| Healthcare | 2,112 |
| Retail | 2,648 |
| Manufacturing | 389 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $9,664 |
| 176% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 103.40 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.00% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 33.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 15.3% |
The median home value in Alva is $322,200, 14% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $379,910, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $1,213 (4% above the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,296 for a one-bedroom to $1,526 for a two-bedroom apartment. 93.4% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,319 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $9,664 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $322,200 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $379,910 |
| Median List Price | $1,014,950 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $1,014,950 |
| $/Sq Ft | $268 |
| Homes Sold | 5 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.0% |
| Price Drops | 36.4% |
| Inventory | 22 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,213 |
| 4% above US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $2,462 |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,212 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,296 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,526 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,971 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,261 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 93.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 93.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 6.6% |
| Housing Units | 1,319 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $9,664 |
| 176% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.00% |
In Alva, 30.1% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 9.6% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.8% of residents. 30.3% have high blood pressure. 14.2% are current smokers. 18.8% report binge drinking. 21.9% are physically inactive. 21.4% report depression. 18.7% experience frequent mental distress. 11.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,504. The dentist ratio is 1:1,886. 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Alva vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 30.1% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.8% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.3% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 8.2% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.2% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.9% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 34.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 94.9% |
| Uninsured | 11.6% |
| 35% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,504 |
| Dentists | 1:1,886 |
| Mental Health | 1:681 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 64.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,494/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 85.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 2,112 |
Alva has a violent crime rate of 1,103 per 100,000 residents, 190% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 3,121 per 100,000, 59% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 128 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Alva receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Alva vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 1,103.0/100K |
| 190% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 3,121.2/100K |
| 59% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 128 |
| Traffic Accidents | 408 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.0 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Alva has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winters average 65°F in January while summers reach 83°F in July / relatively mild seasonal variation. The area gets 330 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 53.4 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 10 feet, near sea level.
Temperature
65°F Jan (18°C)
83°F Jul (28°C)
| Annual Average | 75.0°F |
| 39% above US avg |
| January Average | 65°F (18°C) |
| July Average | 83°F (28°C) |
| Sunny Days | 330 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 10 ft (3 m) |
| Area | 18.4 sq mi (47.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 188/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 26.7215°N, 81.6243°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Lee County County |
| Nearest Airport | Southwest Florida International (RSW)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
53.4"
41% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
9.02"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively High |
| Risk Score | 99.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 67.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 8.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very High |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Moderate |
| Flood |
Relatively High |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
No Rating |
| Lightning |
Very High |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Very High |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Hurricane History
20 hurricanes (Cat 1+) within 500 km since 1980.
Strongest: Category 5. Most recent: Milton (2024, Cat 4).
| Year |
Name |
Category |
Closest |
| 2024 |
Milton |
Category 4 |
123 km |
| 2024 |
Debby |
Category 1 |
281 km |
| 2022 |
Ian |
Category 5 |
38 km |
| 2022 |
Nicole |
Category 1 |
163 km |
| 2021 |
Elsa |
Category 1 |
157 km |
| 2020 |
Eta |
Category 1 |
249 km |
| 2017 |
Irma |
Category 4 |
12 km |
| 2016 |
Matthew |
Category 4 |
219 km |
| 2005 |
Katrina |
Category 3 |
140 km |
| 2005 |
Wilma |
Category 3 |
85 km |
| 2004 |
Charley |
Category 4 |
51 km |
| 2004 |
Jeanne |
Category 3 |
101 km |
| 2004 |
Frances |
Category 2 |
106 km |
| 2000 |
Gordon |
Category 1 |
255 km |
| 1999 |
Irene |
Category 1 |
123 km |
| 1998 |
Georges |
Category 2 |
248 km |
| 1995 |
Erin |
Category 1 |
151 km |
| 1992 |
Andrew |
Category 5 |
123 km |
| 1987 |
Floyd |
Category 1 |
213 km |
| 1982 |
Alberto |
Category 1 |
278 km |
Source: NOAA IBTrACS (Cat 1+, 1980–2026)
Tornado History
527 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF3. Total: 13 fatalities, 234 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 17, 1985 |
EF3 |
94 km |
2 |
| Oct 19, 1958 |
EF3 |
95 km |
1 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
32 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
97 km |
0 |
| Oct 9, 2024 |
EF2 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jan 16, 2022 |
EF2 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jan 9, 2016 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 2006 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 2004 |
EF2 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 1993 |
EF2 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1989 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Nov 4, 1988 |
EF2 |
25 km |
0 |
| Aug 9, 1986 |
EF2 |
37 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1983 |
EF2 |
61 km |
0 |
| Mar 21, 1983 |
EF2 |
98 km |
0 |
| Feb 2, 1983 |
EF2 |
84 km |
1 |
| Sep 26, 1982 |
EF2 |
94 km |
1 |
| Jun 17, 1982 |
EF2 |
81 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 1982 |
EF2 |
12 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BICY COMPLEX (60,644 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BICY COMPLEX |
60,644 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
MOONSHINE BAY |
38,664 |
60 km |
| 2008 |
MYAKKA CUT |
36,877 |
61 km |
| 2018 |
116TH AVE SE (11) |
29,269 |
77 km |
| 2006 |
BERG FIRE |
28,992 |
86 km |
| 2021 |
BOBCAT |
28,849 |
96 km |
| 2017 |
THREE MILE |
26,683 |
86 km |
| 2001 |
BEARISLAND |
24,213 |
71 km |
| 2014 |
L 4 CUTOUT |
23,068 |
86 km |
| 2017 |
COWBELL |
21,781 |
82 km |
| 2007 |
FROG LIGHT |
20,174 |
77 km |
| 2009 |
DEEP FIRE |
20,073 |
71 km |
| 2013 |
HUCKABEE |
19,723 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
ELLISON |
19,387 |
93 km |
| 2017 |
IPP 17 TRT 2 AIRPLANE RXS |
19,112 |
84 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
19,103 |
95 km |
| 2007 |
BALSA |
16,278 |
67 km |
| 1990 |
UNNAMED |
16,253 |
57 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
16,145 |
22 km |
| 1989 |
WALK IN |
15,816 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
65°F (18°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| February |
64°F (18°C) |
2.2 in |
Coldest |
| March |
68°F (20°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| April |
72°F (22°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| May |
76°F (25°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
80°F (27°C) |
9.0 in |
Wettest |
| July |
83°F (28°C) |
7.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
82°F (28°C) |
8.1 in |
|
| September |
81°F (27°C) |
6.7 in |
|
| October |
77°F (25°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| November |
71°F (21°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| December |
66°F (19°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
Alva has a seasonal temperature swing of 19°F / from 64°F in February to 83°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 51.2 inches, with June being the wettest month (9.0") and December the driest (1.5").
Average costs for common services in Alva. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$259 ($155–$414) |
| Specialist Visit |
$362 ($207–$569) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$207 ($103–$362) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,275 ($827–$5,170) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$134 ($78–$207) |
| Dental Filling |
$259 ($155–$414) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$47 ($26–$78) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$78 ($52–$124) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Tire Rotation |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$620 ($414–$1,034) |
| Battery Replacement |
$207 ($103–$362) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$103 ($62–$155) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$93 ($52–$145) |
| HVAC Repair |
$414 ($155–$827) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,238 ($4,136–$12,408) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,034 ($414–$2,068) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,306 ($5,687–$15,510) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,551 ($517–$3,619) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,510 ($5,170–$31,020) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,170 ($2,068–$10,340) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,551 ($827–$3,102) |
| Will Preparation |
$517 ($207–$1,034) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,585 ($1,034–$5,170) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Women's Haircut |
$57 ($31–$103) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$155 ($78–$259) |
| Manicure |
$26 ($16–$47) |
| Pedicure |
$41 ($26–$67) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$83 ($52–$134) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.24 ($3.10–$5.69) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.62 ($2.59–$5.17) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.93 ($2.59–$5.69) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.65 ($3.10–$6.72) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.69 ($4.14–$7.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.03 ($0.62–$1.86) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$145 ($83–$259) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$155) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$124) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$72 ($41–$103) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$67 ($31–$103) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$88 ($52–$155) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$207 ($78–$517) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,068 ($1,241–$3,619) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$72 ($31–$134) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.27–$26) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$103 ($31–$259) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$31 ($16–$78) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,241 ($620–$2,585) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,034 ($517–$2,068) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$414 ($207–$724) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$52 ($26–$103) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,034 ($414–$2,585) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,925 ($5,170–$31,020) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$103 ($52–$207) |
| Dog Grooming |
$62 ($31–$103) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$41 ($21–$78) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$310 ($155–$517) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$207 ($103–$414) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $866 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $650 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $650 |
| Toddler | $563 |
| Preschool | $541 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alva
What is the population of Alva?
Alva has a population of 3,279 residents and is located in Florida. The population density is 188 people per square mile, spread across 18.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 52.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Alva expensive to live in?
Alva has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 103.4 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $83,551, 11% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $322,200 (14% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,213 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 3.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Alva safe?
Public safety is a concern in Alva, with a violent crime rate of 1,103 per 100,000 / significantly above the national average of 380. However, crime tends to concentrate in certain areas, and many neighborhoods remain relatively safe. Property crime occurs at a rate of 3,121 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Alva receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Alva?
Alva has a warm climate with an average annual temperature of 75°F (24°C). Winter temperatures average 65°F in January, while summers reach an average of 83°F in July. The area receives 330 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 53.4 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in Alva?
The job market in Alva is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,184. There are 28,954 business establishments in the area, including 1,636 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 33 minutes, and 15.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Alva?
The median home value in Alva is $322,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $379,910. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,213. Fair market rent is $1,296 for a 1-bedroom and $1,526 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 93.4%. The average annual property tax is $9,664.
How are the schools in Alva?
Schools in Alva score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 30.3% of adults in Alva hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.9% have completed high school. 10.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Alva?
The obesity rate in Alva is 30.1% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 14.2% of adults are smokers. 21.9% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 11.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 85.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,504.
What is transportation like in Alva?
The average commute in Alva is 33 minutes, longer than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 15.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Alva?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Alva is 90.3% White, 1.4% Hispanic or Latino. 91.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.7% speak Spanish. 9.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.8% of residents have a disability. 94.9% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
