Alva, OK demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
4,982
-0.5% year-over-year change
Median household income
$40,709/yr
-2.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
2,617
2.9% year-over-year change

Alva population

How many people live in Alva

Alva is home to 4,982 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 49.6% of Alva locals are male, and 50.4% are female.

Total population
4,982
-0.5% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
49.6%
2,471
Female
50.4%
2,511
Value Percent YoY change
Male 2,471 49.6% 0.9%
Female 2,511 50.4% -1.9%
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 Alva is 28, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 31.4% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21.4% of the population, while another 15% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 15.8% are 65 or older.

Median age
28.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
31.4%
25 to 44
21.4%
45 to 64
15%
Over 65
15.8%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 817 16.4% -10.1%
15 to 24 1,563 31.4% 9.3%
25 to 44 1,066 21.4% -8.2%
45 to 64 750 15% -1.4%
Over 65 786 15.8% 5.1%
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

In Alva, 97.8% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 87.1% of locals are Caucasian, 2.6% are African American and 0.1% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 5.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.2%
Non-citizens
2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 4,873 97.8% -0.0%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 9 0.2% -57.1%
Non-citizens 100 2% -11.5%
Racial breakdown
White
87.1%
Black or African American
2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
2.2%
Asian
0.1%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
5.9%
Other
2.2%
Value Percent
White 4,341 87.1%
Black or African American 128 2.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native 107 2.2%
Asian 3 0.1%
Two or more races 292 5.9%
Other 111 2.2%

Households in Alva

A peek inside Alva households

Alva has 2,135 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 48.2% are families, while the remaining 51.8% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
2,135
6.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
1,107
Family households
1,028
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 1,107 51.8% 13.1%
Family households 1,028 48.2% -0.6%
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 Alva

The housing landscape of Alva

Alva's housing consists of 2,617 units, with 88.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.7% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 0.7% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
2,617
2.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 2,323 88.8%
1 unit, attached 18 0.7%
2 units 14 0.5%
3 or 4 units 19 0.7%
5 to 9 units 18 0.7%
10 to 19 units 51 2%
20 to 49 units 103 3.9%
50 or more units 53 2%
Mobile home 18 0.7%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alva

In Alva, the median construction year is 1955. About 33.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 8.7% 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 869 33.2% -4.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 228 8.7% 17.5%
Built between 1950 and 1959 406 15.5% 28.1%
Built between 1960 and 1969 549 21% 4.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 231 8.8% -14.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 60 2.3% -24.1%
Built between 1990 and 1999 155 5.9% 9.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 41 1.6% 41.4%
Built between 2010 and 2019 78 3% -4.9%
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.

Alva occupancy rates

Out of the 2,135 occupied housing units in Alva, 50.1% are owner-occupied, while 49.9% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
2,135
6.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
1,066
Owner occupied
1,069
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 1,066 49.9% 8.4%
Owner occupied 1,069 50.1% 3.8%
Unoccupied housing units
18.4%
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.

Alva housing costs

Housing costs in Alva come to a median of $896 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $877.

Median housing costs per month
$896/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 Alva
$877/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 Alva

Alva education at a glance

About 24.2% of the population in Alva went to high school, while 34.4% pursued college studies. Another 9.4% earned an associate degree and 17.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 11.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 104 2.6% -36.6%
High school diploma 961 24.2% -9.0%
College diploma 1,365 34.4% 8.4%
Associate degree 373 9.4% 23.1%
Bachelor's degree 703 17.7% -9.3%
Graduate degree 462 11.6% 19.1%
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 Alva

How much people earn in Alva

The average annual household income in Alva was $61,355 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a -7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $40,709, reflecting a -2.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alva
$61,355/year
-7.0% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alva
$40,709/year
-2.4% year-over-year change

Alva income by age

In Alva, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $53,898. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $41,064 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $22,560, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $60,750 in earnings. Overall, 73.7% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $22,560 -5.0%
25 - 44 $53,898 2.6%
45 - 64 $41,064 1.8%
Over 65 $60,750 -0.3%
Above poverty level
3,213
Below poverty level
1,145
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 3,213 73.7% -4.8%
Below poverty level 1,145 26.3% 12.6%

Average renter income in Alva

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Alva, their median household income was $27,383 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 38.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$27,383
Rent-to-income ratio
38.4%
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 Alva

Workforce and job types in Alva

The job market in Alva is powered by 2,602 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 73.9% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 26.1% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 10.5% run their own businesses, 57.5% are employed by private companies, and 26% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
2,602
-2.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,923
Blue collar
679
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,923 73.9% -0.1%
Blue collar 679 26.1% -7.1%
Employer type
Self employees
10.5%
Private companies
57.5%
Governmental workers
26%
Not for profit companies
6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 274 10.5% 16.6%
Private companies 1,495 57.5% -12.1%
Governmental workers 676 26% 12.5%
Not for profit companies 157 6% 31.9%
Unemployment rate
4.9%
-27.2% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Alva stands at 4.9%, 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 Alva

How people get around in Alva

Commuting methods vary: 87.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 11% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 2,274 87.6% 0.5%
Walk 287 11% -18.2%
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 Alva by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
73717 6,852 2,779 $51,165 $69,284

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FAQs about Alva demographics 

What is the total population of Alva?

Alva has a total population of 4,982 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 -0.5% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alva?

The gender ratio in Alva is as follows:
  • 49.6% males (2,471 residents)
  • 50.4% females (2,511 residents)

What is the median age in Alva?

The median age in Alva is 28.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alva?

The age distribution in Alva is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (817 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 31.4% (1,563 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21.4% (1,066 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 15% (750 residents)
  • Over 65: 15.8% (786 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alva?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alva is as follows:
  • White: 87.1% (4,341 residents)
  • Black or African American: 2.6% (128 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 2.2% (107 residents)
  • Asian: 0.1% (3 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 5.9% (292 residents)
  • Other: 2.2% (111 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97.8% of the population in Alva.

How many housing units are there in Alva?

There are 2,617 housing units in Alva, reflecting a +2.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Alva has a total of 2,135 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alva?

Alva has a median household income of $40,709, representing a -2.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Alva?

The employment rate is 95.1% in Alva, with a workforce of 2,602 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 73.9% (1,923 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 26.1% (679 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 10.5% (274 residents)
  • Private companies: 57.5% (1,495 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 26% (676 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6% (157 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