Alma, IL
Population 300 · Illinois
About Alma, IL
Alma is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 300 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,500 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alma features a median home value of $43,300, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Alma one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $483, 58% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 182 total housing units, 73% are owner-occupied (104 units) and 27% are renter-occupied (38 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alma shows an unemployment rate of 4.7%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 15.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alma have an average one-way commute time of 19.5 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
8.0% of Alma residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.3% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alma Ranks in Illinois
Cost of Living in Alma, IL
Compared to national averages, Alma has a median household income of $50,500 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $43,300, which is 82% below the national median. Monthly rent at $483 is 58% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Alma's income is 33% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 74% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Alma, IL?
Alma offers affordable housing with a median home value of $43,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $483/month, and short commute times averaging just 19.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,500) that falls below the national average. However, Alma’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alma has a population of 300 with a median age of 41.6 years. Compare Alma with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alma
What is the population of Alma, IL?
The population of Alma, IL is 300 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Alma?
The median household income in Alma, IL is $50,500 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alma?
The median home value in Alma, IL is $43,300, which is 82% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alma?
The median monthly rent in Alma, IL is $483, which is 58% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alma?
The unemployment rate in Alma, IL is 4.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alma, IL a good place to live?
Alma offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 300 and a median age of 41.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Alma, IL?
8.0% of residents in Alma aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Alma?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alma, IL: median home value is $43,300 (82% below national), median rent is $483/month, and median household income is $50,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 0.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alma?
The poverty rate in Alma, IL is 15.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Alma, IL?
Alma's population is 0.0% White, 2.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.3% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.