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West Alton, MO

Missouri

West Alton is a small town in Missouri with a population of 511. Residents earn $128,438 per year, which is 71% above the national average.

4.2 /5.0
A Great
511 Population 18/sq mi density
$128,438 Median Income $35,919 per capita
$156,300 Home Value $203,845 Zillow
$1,313 Median Rent 11.8% income on rent
54°F Avg Temperature 267 sunny days/yr
A
Overall
4.2 / 5.0
Great overall score based on economy, affordability, safety and education
A+
Economy
4.9 / 5.0
$128,438 median income, 2.4% unemployment
A+
Affordability
5.0 / 5.0
$156,300 home value, $1,313/mo rent
C+
Education
2.8 / 5.0
21.9% bachelor's degree or higher
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

511
Total Population
18
People / sq mi
36.7yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
28.8mi²
Land Area

Gender Distribution

Male 49.1%
Female 50.9%

Race & Ethnicity

West Alton vs U.S. Average

Language Spoken at Home

English Only99.6%
27% above US avg
Spanish0.4%
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.

Commute Mode

Income

Median HH Income$128,438
71% above US avg
Per Capita Income$35,919

Employment & Poverty

Unemployment2.4%
33% below US avg
Poverty Rate0.8%
94% below US avg

Business (County)

Tax & Cost of Living

Cost of Living90.80 (100=avg)

Commute & Transportation

Commute Time28.9 min
Drive Alone89.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.3%

Walkability

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 Value Sources

Ownership Split

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 Burden11.8%

HUD Fair Market Rent

Studio$732
1 Bedroom$775
2 Bedrooms$970
3 Bedrooms$1,265
4 Bedrooms$1,457

Ownership & Property

Owner-Occupied94.3%
Renter-Occupied5.7%
Housing Units223
Median Year Built1961

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

Obesity37.9%
18% above US avg
Diabetes10.4%
Heart Disease6.1%
High Blood Pressure31.2%
Asthma10.4%
COPD7.0%
Cancer7.3%
Stroke3.1%

Behaviors & Mental Health

Smoking17.9%
28% above US avg
Binge Drinking21.0%
Physical Inactivity27.3%
Depression24.7%
Mental Distress18.5%
Physical Distress13.7%
Short Sleep42.3%

Healthcare Access

Insurance Rate95.3%
Uninsured9.0%
5% above US avg
Checkup Rate73.8%
Dental Visits59.6%

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 Average54.2°F
0% below US avg
January Average28°F (-3°C)
July Average77°F (25°C)
Sunny Days267 days/yr

Precipitation & Snow

Annual Rainfall38.2 inches
0% below US avg
Snowfall6.8 inches/yr

Air Quality

AQI Median41.0
RatingGood

Geography

Elevation433 ft (132 m)
Area28.8 sq mi (74.6 km²)
Population Density18/sq mi
Coordinates38.8653°N, 90.2225°W
TimezoneAmerica/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").

21.9% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher, 35% below the national average of 33.7%. 93.6% have completed high school. 2.5% hold a graduate or professional degree (below the 13.1% national rate). 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. 87.4% of households have broadband internet access. 89.4% of workers drive alone to work.

2024 Presidential Election (County)

R 76.6%
D 22.4%

Winner: Republican by 54.2 points

Education

Bachelor's Degree+21.9%
35% below US avg
High School+93.6%
Graduate Degree+2.5%
School Test Score5.51
C+ Education Grade (2.8/5.0)

Urban-Rural Classification

Population Density18/sq mi
Total Area28.8 sq mi

Infrastructure & Services

Broadband Access87.4%

Safety & Disasters

Commute & Transportation

Avg Commute28.9 min
Drive Alone89.4%
Public Transit0.0%
Work from Home10.3%

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.

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