Alton, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,929
-13.2% year-over-year change
Median household income
$42,841/yr
7.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,081
-7.9% year-over-year change

Alton population

How many people live in Alton

Alton is home to 1,929 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 51.8% of Alton locals are male, and 48.2% are female.

Total population
1,929
-13.2% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
51.8%
999
Female
48.2%
930
Value Percent YoY change
Male 999 51.8% -10.4%
Female 930 48.2% -16.1%
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 Alton is 57, with the population distributed as follows: about 14.2% are children under 15, then 14.9% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 9.3% of the population, while another 27.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 33.9% are 65 or older.

Median age
56.6
Age breakdown
Under 15
14.2%
15 to 24
14.9%
25 to 44
9.3%
45 to 64
27.7%
Over 65
33.9%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 274 14.2% -3.2%
15 to 24 288 14.9% -8.9%
25 to 44 179 9.3% -13.5%
45 to 64 534 27.7% -19.9%
Over 65 654 33.9% -12.8%
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 Alton, 97% of the population are US-born citizens, while 3% have gained naturalized citizenship. There’s also a share of 7.3% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
97%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
3%
Non-citizens
0%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,872 97% -13.6%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 57 3% 3.6%
Racial breakdown
White
64.3%
Black or African American
28.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
7.3%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 1,239 64.3%
Black or African American 549 28.5%
Two or more races 140 7.3%

Households in Alton

A peek inside Alton households

Alton has 914 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 63.5% are families, while the remaining 36.5% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
914
-8.0% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
334
Family households
580
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 334 36.5% -10.0%
Family households 580 63.5% -6.8%
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 Alton

The housing landscape of Alton

Alton's housing consists of 1,081 units, with 64.8% 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 34.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,081
-7.9% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 700 64.8%
1 unit, attached 8 0.7%
Mobile home 373 34.5%
Homes built since 2020
6
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alton

In Alton, the median construction year is 1986. About 11.6% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 7.9% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 18% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 4.8% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.6% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 126 11.6% 27.3%
Built between 1940 and 1949 85 7.9% 150.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 122 11.3% -0.8%
Built between 1960 and 1969 84 7.8% -28.2%
Built between 1970 and 1979 51 4.7% -37.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 113 10.4% -35.4%
Built between 1990 and 1999 248 22.9% 7.4%
Built between 2000 and 2009 195 18% -20.7%
Built between 2010 and 2019 52 4.8% -24.6%
Built in 2020 or later 6 0.6% N/A
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.

Alton occupancy rates

Out of the 914 occupied housing units in Alton, 77.6% are owner-occupied, while 22.4% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 15.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
914
-8.0% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
205
Owner occupied
709
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 205 22.4% 0.0%
Owner occupied 709 77.6% -10.0%
Unoccupied housing units
15.4%
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.

Alton housing costs

Housing costs in Alton come to a median of $727 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $756.

Median housing costs per month
$727/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 Alton
$756/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 Alton

Alton education at a glance

About 36.9% of the population in Alton went to high school, while 29.9% pursued college studies. Another 6.8% earned an associate degree and 19.1% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 2.4% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 74 4.7% -13.9%
High school diploma 577 36.9% -20.7%
College diploma 467 29.9% -13.2%
Associate degree 107 6.8% 15.1%
Bachelor's degree 299 19.1% -4.5%
Graduate degree 38 2.4% -24.0%
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 Alton

How much people earn in Alton

The average annual household income in Alton was $50,338 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +4.7% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $42,841, reflecting a +7.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alton
$50,338/year
4.7% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alton
$42,841/year
7.7% year-over-year change

Alton income by age

Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $44,737 overall. Overall, 83.6% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
45 - 64 $44,737 -20.9%
Over 65 $37,738 38.4%
Above poverty level
1,613
Below poverty level
316
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,613 83.6% -12.6%
Below poverty level 316 16.4% -16.2%

Employment in Alton

Workforce and job types in Alton

75.6% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 24.4% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 24.6% run their own businesses, 55.6% are employed by private companies, and 16.3% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

White collar
663
Blue collar
214
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 663 75.6% -21.0%
Blue collar 214 24.4% 58.5%
Employer type
Self employees
24.6%
Private companies
55.6%
Governmental workers
16.3%
Not for profit companies
3.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 216 24.6% -1.8%
Private companies 488 55.6% -9.5%
Governmental workers 143 16.3% -21.4%
Not for profit companies 30 3.4% -9.1%

Transportation in Alton

How people get around in Alton

Commuting methods vary: 96.3% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 2.7% 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 738 96.3% -13.4%
Bus or trolleybus 7 0.9% N/A
Walk 21 2.7% N/A
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 Alton by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24520 1,931 915 $42,841 $50,338

Explore more communities

FAQs about Alton demographics 

What is the total population of Alton?

Alton has a total population of 1,929 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 -13.2% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alton?

The gender ratio in Alton is as follows:
  • 51.8% males (999 residents)
  • 48.2% females (930 residents)

What is the median age in Alton?

The median age in Alton is 56.6.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alton?

The age distribution in Alton is as follows:
  • Under 15: 14.2% (274 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 14.9% (288 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 9.3% (179 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 27.7% (534 residents)
  • Over 65: 33.9% (654 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alton?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alton is as follows:
  • White: 64.3% (1,239 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.5% (549 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% ( residents)
  • Asian: 0% ( residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% ( residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.3% (140 residents)
  • Other: 0% ( residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 97% of the population in Alton.

How many housing units are there in Alton?

There are 1,081 housing units in Alton, reflecting a -7.9% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Alton has a total of 914 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alton?

Alton has a median household income of $42,841, representing a +7.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the job market overview for Alton?

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 75.6% (663 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 24.4% (214 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 24.6% (216 residents)
  • Private companies: 55.6% (488 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 16.3% (143 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 3.4% (30 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