| Statistic | Alton | Illinois | National |
| Population | 27,407 | 13,081,969 | 336,919,644 |
| Population density (sq mi) | 1,772 | 236 | 91 |
| Median age | 38.1 | 37.4 | 37.7 |
| Male/Female ratio | 0.9:1 | 1.0:1 | 1.0:1 |
| Married (15yrs & older) | 46% | 55% | 55% |
| Families w/ Kids under 18 | 46% | 44% | 43% |
| Speak English | 97% | 77% | 79% |
| Speak Spanish | 1% | 13% | 13% |
Alton demographics provide invaluable insights into the composition, dynamics and needs of urban and rural areas, enabling them to plan, develop, and govern in ways that promote prosperity, equity and well-being for all residents. The Alton population is 27,407 and has a population density of 1,772 people per square mile, compared to the national average of 91. The median age of all residents is 38.1, 46% of people 15 years of age or older are married and 46% have kids under the age of 18. In Alton, 27% of households have a median income that is below $25,000 and 9% of households report a median income above $150,000.
The Alton racial demographics and ethnicity breakdown could be indispensable tools for recognizing and rectifying systemic inequities, fostering social justice and inclusion and cultivating resilient communities. In Alton, the racial breakdown reveals 69.9% White, 24.3% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 0% American Indian and 0% Native Hawaiian, with 1.9% of the population identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Of all households, 97.2% reported speaking English only, while 1.3% reported speaking Spanish only. Moreover, 1.5% of residents were classified as foreign-born.
Alton could serve as a prime example of how areas with higher-than-average population density can champion environmental sustainability by reducing per capita energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions and land use. Embracing compact urban development, these densely populated areas promote energy-efficient buildings and encourages walking, cycling and public transit use, fostering sustainable lifestyles and minimizing environmental impact. Moreover, densely populated regions are renowned for their vibrant social and cultural scenes, driven by a diverse population that organizes an array of cultural events, festivals and community activities. This cultural diversity ignites creativity, innovation and cross-cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of the community. The Alton population density is 1,772, surpassing the national average of 91 per square miles, positioning itself to capitalize on the advantages of dense urban living.
Policy Planning: Demographic data and statistics play a fundamental role in informing policy and decision-making processes across government entities, organizations and businesses. Through the analysis and interpretation of Alton demographic data, policymakers, government officials, and organizational leaders can pinpoint areas of concern, allocate resources efficiently, and devise policies and initiatives tailored to the specific needs and preferences of distinct demographic groups. The utilization of demographics in Alton can be crucial in policy planning, facilitating evidence-based decision-making, identifying key priorities, forecasting future trends, monitoring policy outcomes and advancing principles of equity and inclusion. By harnessing this data effectively, policymakers can develop policies that are targeted, effective and inclusive, thus meeting the diverse needs of communities.
Understanding Populations: The examination and analysis of Alton demographic data can offer valuable insights into the composition and traits of populations, including age, gender, race, ethnicity, income, education and various socio-economic factors. This understanding is essential for addressing the varied needs, preferences, and challenges faced by different demographic groups within communities. Demographics hold significant importance in understanding populations, guiding decision-making processes and promoting equity, inclusion, and overall well-being for all individuals and communities. The Alton population data serves as a cornerstone for addressing social, economic and environmental challenges, while also fostering the well-being and resilience of societies.
Urban Development: Urban planners can leverage demographics data in Alton to design and develop areas that cater to residents' needs, spanning housing, transportation, and public services, while prioritizing sustainability and enhancing quality of life. Demographic changes can contribute to gentrification and neighborhood evolution, whether in urban or rural contexts. As neighborhoods attract new residents with diverse income levels and lifestyle preferences, property values may appreciate, potentially displacing longstanding residents and reshaping the neighborhood's identity. Understanding population density, age distribution, household size and income levels is essential for guiding decisions on zoning, transportation infrastructure, housing development and public amenities. Incorporating Alton demographics data into planning and implementing affordable housing initiatives can help mitigate displacement risks.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Race | Alton | Illinois | National |
| White | 69.89% | 72.14% | 73.35% |
| Black | 24.34% | 14.30% | 12.63% |
| Asian | 0.43% | 5.10% | 5.22% |
| American Indian | 0.05% | 0.23% | 0.82% |
| Native Hawaiian | 0.00% | 0.03% | 0.18% |
| Mixed race | 4.68% | 2.34% | 3.06% |
| Other race | 0.61% | 5.86% | 4.75% |
Here are the best places to live in Illinois
See the best places to live in Alton
Most Dangerous Cities In The US
Most Dangerous States In The US