Alton, IA
Population 1,350 · Iowa
About Alton, IA
Alton is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,350 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $86,136 per year, which is 15% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 32.7 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alton features a median home value of $204,600, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Alton in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $750, 36% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 618 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (479 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (85 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alton shows an unemployment rate of 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 3.0%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alton have an average one-way commute time of 15.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
21.9% of Alton 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 8.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 3.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alton, IA
Compared to national averages, Alton has a median household income of $86,136 (15% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $204,600, which is 16% below the national median. Monthly rent at $750 is 36% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Alton's income is 27% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 55% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Alton, IA?
Alton offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $86,136, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $204,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $750/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a low poverty rate of 3.0%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 15.3 minutes.
Alton has a population of 1,350 with a median age of 32.7 years. Compare Alton with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Alton
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut | 1,339 | $65,278 | $97,900 | Compare |
| Logan | 1,362 | $79,167 | $144,400 | Compare |
| Avoca | 1,369 | $70,552 | $165,700 | Compare |
| Dunlap | 1,318 | $54,609 | $115,600 | Compare |
| Walford | 1,318 | $116,477 | $274,500 | Compare |
| Bedford | 1,389 | $57,031 | $88,900 | Compare |
| Greene | 1,390 | $54,298 | $125,200 | Compare |
| Nora Springs | 1,394 | $72,083 | $126,300 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alton With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alton
What is the population of Alton, IA?
The population of Alton, IA is 1,350 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Alton?
The median household income in Alton, IA is $86,136 per year, which is 15% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alton?
The median home value in Alton, IA is $204,600, which is 16% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alton?
The median monthly rent in Alton, IA is $750, which is 36% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alton?
The unemployment rate in Alton, IA is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alton, IA a good place to live?
Alton offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,350 and a median age of 32.7, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Alton, IA?
21.9% of residents in Alton 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 Alton?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alton, IA: median home value is $204,600 (16% below national), median rent is $750/month, and median household income is $86,136. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.4x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alton?
The poverty rate in Alton, IA is 3.0%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Alton, IA?
Alton's population is 8.0% White, 0.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 2.7% two or more races. 3.5% of residents are foreign-born.