Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Ratings
Local residents have positive things to say about the proximity of restaurants, grocery stores, parks, public transit, friendliness of neighbors, sense of community and overall safety of the area.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Employment
A low score in the employment category could indicate that this area struggles with high unemployment rates and low household income and income per capita levels.
Schools
Lower than average education levels, poor reading and math scores, as well as the inaccessibility of local elementary and high schools could all be factors in the low schools score.
Alton, Illinois is a medium-sized city with a population of 26,490 residents. According to the most recent Census, 70% of Alton residents are White, 24% Black and 0% Asian. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Alton, only 46% of the population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Alton, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 24 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very intimidating task. However, it could also be a great experience if you are willing to get to know the town before actually living in Alton, Illinois. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. Using the livability score which includes data from categories like crime, commute, education, you can easily compare the best places to live in Alton and also determine if there are any nearby cities that might be a better match for your lifestyle. You can also compare Alton to Illinois and the national average.
Alton, IL receives 66/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #417 in Illinois and #9,402 in the USA. For each of the livability categories, we see that Alton ranks very well for housing (B). Alton does not rank well for the following: amenities (D-), crime (F), education (F) and employment (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Alton, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 20.43% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Alton an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
For home buyers, real estate will be the largest purchase they will ever make and it will also be their most valuable asset. For renters, the monthly rent paid on their Alton apartments will most likely be their largest expense. Based on tangible metrics like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates, housing in this area has received a score that is well above the average of every other US city. A thriving real estate market can also generate strong local economic activity and job creation.
Alton real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Alton. Median real estate prices in Alton come in at $80,400, which is 54% lower than the Illinois average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Alton, the home price to income ratio is 1.9, which is 36.7% lower than the Illinois average.
| Statistic | Alton | Illinois | National |
| Average one way commute | 24min | 29min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 80.0% | 73.4% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 10.9% | 8.3% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 1.3% | 9.2% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.6% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.4% | 3.1% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.5% | 4.4% | 4.6% |
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