Alto, CA
Population 866 · California
About Alto, CA
Alto is a small community located in California with a population of 866 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.4 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alto features a median home value of $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. This places Alto in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 402 total housing units, 46% are owner-occupied (179 units) and 54% are renter-occupied (213 units). The higher proportion of renters may reflect a transient population, younger demographics, or high housing costs relative to income.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alto shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 4.2%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alto have an average one-way commute time of 16.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
66.4% of Alto residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 10.3% Asian residents, with 11.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alto, CA
Compared to national averages, Alto has a median household income of $0 (100% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Alto's income is 100% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 206% above the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Alto, CA?
Alto offers rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 66.4% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 4.2%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 16.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($0) that falls below the national average, and a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $2,000,001. However, Alto’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alto has a population of 866 with a median age of 45.4 years. Compare Alto with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Alto
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lebec | 867 | $0 | $350,000 | Compare |
| Butte Valley | 870 | $94,531 | $492,400 | Compare |
| McCloud | 871 | $39,519 | $310,000 | Compare |
| Minkler | 872 | $63,947 | $577,600 | Compare |
| Independence | 875 | $64,063 | $268,400 | Compare |
| Lake Hughes | 875 | $110,438 | $519,400 | Compare |
| Lake of the Woods | 875 | $48,958 | $302,900 | Compare |
| Camanche North Shore | 877 | $60,467 | $356,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alto With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alto
What is the population of Alto, CA?
The population of Alto, CA is 866 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Alto?
The median household income in Alto, CA is $0 per year, which is 100% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alto?
The median home value in Alto, CA is $2,000,001, which is 717% above the national median of $244,900. A significant portion of residents rent their homes.
What is the average rent in Alto?
The median monthly rent in Alto, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alto?
The unemployment rate in Alto, CA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alto, CA a good place to live?
Alto offers a moderate cost of living, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 866 and a median age of 45.4, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Alto, CA?
66.4% of residents in Alto aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Alto?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alto, CA: median home value is $2,000,001 (717% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $0. The home-value-to-income ratio is Infinityx, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Alto?
The poverty rate in Alto, CA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Alto, CA?
Alto's population is 0.8% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 10.3% Asian, and 1.8% two or more races. 11.5% of residents are foreign-born.