Median Income
$128,438
71% higher than US avg
Home Value
$156,300
45% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.9%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,313
13% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.9%
18% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.8%
94% lower than US avg
How West Alton Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population511
Median Age36.7 yrs
Density18/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 98%
Veterans6.9%
Economy
A+
Median Income$128,438
Per Capita$35,919
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty0.8%
Commute29 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$156,300
Rent$1,313
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$203,845
Housing Units223
Rent Burden11.8%
Health
Obesity37.9%
Uninsured9.0%
Smoking17.9%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease6.1%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI41 (Good)
Rain38.2 in/yr
Sunny Days267/yr
Elevation433 ft (132 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.9%
High School+93.6%
Graduate+2.5%
School Score5.51
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute29 min
Broadband87.4%
Is West Alton a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, West Alton receives an overall livability score of 4.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. West Alton stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in West Alton is $128,438, which is significantly higher than the national average — 71% above $75,149. This places West Alton among higher-income communities. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 29 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in West Alton is $156,300, 45% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,313 per month. At just 1.2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
21.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
West Alton experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 267 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.2 inches, including 6.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
West Alton has a population of 511 with a density of 18 people per square mile, spread across 28.8 square miles. The median age is 36.7 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (98%), with 1.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.6% of residents. 6.9% of the population are veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 95.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
West Alton vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 99.6% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Spanish | 0.4% |
| 97% below US avg |
Social Characteristics
West Alton vs U.S. Average
The median household income in West Alton is $128,438, which is 71% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,919. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 0.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower 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 29 minutes. 10.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: West Alton vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $128,438 |
| 71% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,919 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.8% |
| 94% below US avg |
Tax & Cost of Living
| |
| Cost of Living | 90.80 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 28.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 10.3% |
The median home value in West Alton is $156,300, 45% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,845, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,313 (13% above 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 223 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1961. 11.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $156,300 |
| 45% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $203,845 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,313 |
| 13% above US avg |
| Rent Burden | 11.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $732 |
| 1 Bedroom | $775 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $970 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,265 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,457 |
Ownership & Property
| Owner-Occupied | 94.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 5.7% |
| Housing Units | 223 |
| Median Year Built | 1961 |
Property Tax
In West Alton, 37.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.4% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.1% of residents. 31.2% have high blood pressure. 17.9% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 21.0% report binge drinking. 27.3% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 18.5% experience frequent mental distress. 9.0% of residents lack health insurance.
Health Metrics: West Alton vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.9% |
| 18% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.4% |
| Heart Disease | 6.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.2% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 7.0% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 17.9% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 27.3% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.5% |
| Physical Distress | 13.7% |
| Short Sleep | 42.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.3% |
| Uninsured | 9.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Checkup Rate | 73.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.6% |
Food & Exercise
West Alton experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 267 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 38.2 inches. The area receives 6.8 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41. The city sits at an elevation of 433 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-3°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.2°F |
| 0% below US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-3°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 267 days/yr |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 38.2 inches |
| 0% below US avg |
| Snowfall | 6.8 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 433 ft (132 m) |
| Area | 28.8 sq mi (74.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 18/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 38.8653°N, 90.2225°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-3°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
55°F (13°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (24°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
57°F (14°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
2.9 in |
|
West Alton has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F — from 28°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.2 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.1") and January the driest (1.9").
Frequently Asked Questions About West Alton
What is the population of West Alton?
West Alton has a population of 511 residents and is located in Missouri. The population density is 18 people per square mile, spread across 28.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.7 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is West Alton expensive to live in?
West 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 $128,438, 71% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $156,300 (45% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,313 per month, above the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in West Alton?
West Alton has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 267 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches, with 6.8 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 41.
How is the job market in West Alton?
The job market in West Alton is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% — well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average commute time is 29 minutes, and 10.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in West Alton?
The median home value in West Alton is $156,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $203,845. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,313. Fair market rent is $775 for a 1-bedroom and $970 for a 2-bedroom apartment.
How are the schools in West Alton?
Schools in West Alton score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.9% of adults in West Alton hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is West Alton?
The obesity rate in West Alton is 37.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 17.9% of adults are smokers. 27.3% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 9.0% lack health insurance.
What is transportation like in West Alton?
The average commute in West Alton is 29 minutes. 89.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 10.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of West Alton?
The racial and ethnic makeup of West Alton is 98% White, 1.6% Black or African American. 99.6% of residents speak only English at home. 6.9% of the population are military veterans. 10.3% of residents have a disability. 95.3% have health insurance coverage.