Alva, OK
Population 5,009 · Oklahoma
About Alva, OK
Alva is a small town located in Oklahoma with a population of 5,009 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $41,728 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 28.6 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 Alva features a median home value of $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Alva one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $826, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,543 total housing units, 51% are owner-occupied (1,030 units) and 49% are renter-occupied (983 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alva shows an unemployment rate of 6.5%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 22.7%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alva have an average one-way commute time of 11.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
37.9% of Alva residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 9.6% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 2.6% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alva, OK
Compared to national averages, Alva has a median household income of $41,728 (44% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $132,500, which is 46% below the national median. Monthly rent at $826 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Alva's income is 26% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 10% above the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Alva, OK?
Alva offers affordable housing with a median home value of $132,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $826/month, and a well-educated community where 37.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 11.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($41,728) that falls below the national average. However, Alva’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alva has a population of 5,009 with a median age of 28.6 years. Compare Alva with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Alva
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kingfisher | 4,964 | $66,000 | $219,400 | Compare |
| Lone Grove | 5,070 | $71,787 | $184,400 | Compare |
| Sulphur | 4,900 | $57,531 | $116,300 | Compare |
| Hinton | 4,886 | $61,622 | $173,600 | Compare |
| Hugo | 5,184 | $31,694 | $96,100 | Compare |
| Sayre | 5,216 | $41,813 | $77,800 | Compare |
| Vinita | 5,229 | $41,140 | $92,200 | Compare |
| Verdigris | 5,502 | $81,406 | $215,400 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oklahoma
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alva With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alva
What is the population of Alva, OK?
The population of Alva, OK is 5,009 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in Alva?
The median household income in Alva, OK is $41,728 per year, which is 44% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alva?
The median home value in Alva, OK is $132,500, which is 46% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alva?
The median monthly rent in Alva, OK is $826, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alva?
The unemployment rate in Alva, OK is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alva, OK a good place to live?
Alva offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,009 and a median age of 28.6, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Alva, OK?
37.9% of residents in Alva 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 Alva?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alva, OK: median home value is $132,500 (46% below national), median rent is $826/month, and median household income is $41,728. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alva?
The poverty rate in Alva, OK is 22.7%, 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 Alva, OK?
Alva's population is 9.6% White, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.4% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 1.7% two or more races. 2.6% of residents are foreign-born.