East Alton, IL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
5,689
-0.7% year-over-year change
Median household income
$48,815/yr
4.0% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,995
-5.2% year-over-year change

East Alton population

How many people live in East Alton

East Alton is home to 5,689 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 46.1% of East Alton locals are male, and 53.9% are female.

Total population
5,689
-0.7% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
46.1%
2,621
Female
53.9%
3,068
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,621 46.1% -10.9%
Female 3,068 53.9% 10.1%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in East Alton is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.9% are children under 15, then 9.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.3% of the population, while another 34.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.2
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.9%
15 to 24
9.4%
25 to 44
25.3%
45 to 64
34.8%
Over 65
15.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 846 14.9% 0.9%
15 to 24 534 9.4% -10.8%
25 to 44 1,439 25.3% 3.5%
45 to 64 1,980 34.8% 3.8%
Over 65 890 15.6% -10.5%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 8.7% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 5,678 99.8% -0.5%
Non-citizens 11 0.2% -50.0%
Racial breakdown
White
90.2%
Black or African American
0.8%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
8.7%
Other
0.3%
Value Percent
White 5,131 90.2%
Black or African American 45 0.8%
Two or more races 497 8.7%
Other 16 0.3%

Households in East Alton

A peek inside East Alton households

East Alton has 2,699 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 62.8% are families, while the remaining 37.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,699
-1.8% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,005
Family households
1,694
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,005 37.2% -6.9%
Family households 1,694 62.8% 1.6%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in East Alton

The housing landscape of East Alton

East Alton's housing consists of 2,995 units, with 85.4% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.8% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,995
-5.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,559 85.4%
2 units 204 6.8%
3 or 4 units 75 2.5%
20 to 49 units 36 1.2%
50 or more units 79 2.6%
Mobile home 25 0.8%
Boat, RV, van, etc. 17 0.6%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in East Alton

In East Alton, the median construction year is 1956. About 20% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 10.8% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 599 20% 19.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 322 10.8% -31.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 913 30.5% -20.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 329 11% 3.5%
Built between 1970 and 1979 609 20.3% 30.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 46 1.5% 7.0%
Built between 1990 and 1999 27 0.9% -81.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 105 3.5% 183.8%
Built between 2010 and 2019 45 1.5% 25.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

East Alton occupancy rates

Out of the 2,699 occupied housing units in East Alton, 56.5% are owner-occupied, while 43.5% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 9.9% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,699
-1.8% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,173
Owner occupied
1,526
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,173 43.5% 14.0%
Owner occupied 1,526 56.5% -11.2%
Unoccupied housing units
9.9%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

East Alton housing costs

Housing costs in East Alton come to a median of $885 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $881.

Median housing costs per month
$885/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in East Alton
$881/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in East Alton

East Alton education at a glance

About 46.3% of the population in East Alton went to high school, while 26.8% pursued college studies. Another 8.8% earned an associate degree and 10% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 5.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 128 2.8% -1.5%
High school diploma 2,140 46.3% -2.8%
College diploma 1,242 26.8% 3.5%
Associate degree 408 8.8% 2.3%
Bachelor's degree 463 10% 8.2%
Graduate degree 245 5.3% -9.9%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in East Alton

How much people earn in East Alton

The average annual household income in East Alton was $60,052 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -5.3% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $48,815, reflecting a +4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in East Alton
$60,052/year
-5.3% year-over-year change
Median household income in East Alton
$48,815/year
4.0% year-over-year change

East Alton income by age

In East Alton, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $48,965. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $53,262 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $45,357, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $47,841 in earnings. Overall, 79.2% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $45,357 7.3%
25 - 44 $48,965 -12.2%
45 - 64 $53,262 3.1%
Over 65 $47,841 52.3%
Above poverty level
4,508
Below poverty level
1,181
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 4,508 79.2% -7.9%
Below poverty level 1,181 20.8% 42.0%

Average renter income in East Alton

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in East Alton, their median household income was $24,049 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 44%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$24,049
Rent-to-income ratio
44%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in East Alton

Workforce and job types in East Alton

The job market in East Alton is powered by 2,959 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 85.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 14.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 14.2% run their own businesses, 64% are employed by private companies, and 8.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,959
0.8% year-over-year change
White collar
2,518
Blue collar
441
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 2,518 85.1% 6.0%
Blue collar 441 14.9% -21.2%
Employer type
Self employees
14.2%
Private companies
64%
Governmental workers
8.9%
Not for profit companies
12.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 421 14.2% 12.0%
Private companies 1,895 64% 2.8%
Governmental workers 264 8.9% -11.1%
Not for profit companies 379 12.8% -9.6%
Unemployment rate
3.3%
-3.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in East Alton stands at 3.3%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in East Alton

How people get around in East Alton

In East Alton, the average commute time is 22 minutes. Commuting methods vary: 81.7% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 3.2% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Commute time
22 min
Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,417 81.7% -4.6%
Walk 95 3.2% 18.8%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in East Alton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
62024 9,493 4,223 $56,761 $71,436

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FAQs about East Alton demographics 

What is the total population of East Alton?

East Alton has a total population of 5,689 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by -0.7% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in East Alton?

The gender ratio in East Alton is as follows:
  • 46.1% males (2,621 residents)
  • 53.9% females (3,068 residents)

What is the median age in East Alton?

The median age in East Alton is 45.2.

What is the age distribution of the population in East Alton?

The age distribution in East Alton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.9% (846 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 9.4% (534 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.3% (1,439 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 34.8% (1,980 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.6% (890 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of East Alton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of East Alton is as follows:
  • White: 90.2% (5,131 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.8% (45 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 8.7% (497 residents)
  • Other: 0.3% (16 residents)

What percentage of the population in East Alton are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.8% of the population in East Alton.

How many housing units are there in East Alton?

There are 2,995 housing units in East Alton, reflecting a -5.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in East Alton and what is the average household size?

East Alton has a total of 2,699 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in East Alton?

East Alton has a median household income of $48,815, representing a +4.0% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for East Alton?

The employment rate is 96.7% in East Alton, with a workforce of 2,959 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 85.1% (2,518 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 14.9% (441 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 14.2% (421 residents)
  • Private companies: 64% (1,895 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 8.9% (264 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 12.8% (379 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025