Median owner-occupied home value
$103,700
A broad benchmark for homes people own here—not a live asking price.
Data: 2024-12-31View source
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Complete relocation guide
Moving to Alton
Historic River City · housing, schools, commute, costs and everyday life
About this CityHub guideA Mississippi River city with a historic downtown, bluff-top neighborhoods, and direct Great River Road access.
The short version
Alton had an estimated 25,013 residents in 2025. Census data for 2020–2024 reports a $103,700 median owner-occupied home value, $1,015 median gross rent, $54,568 median household income and a 22.7-minute mean commute.
What stands out
Alton sits along the Mississippi River in Madison County, with an older downtown and Broadway commercial corridor below residential areas that rise onto the bluffs. The city maintains parks, an amphitheater, marina, and other civic amenities, while the Clark Bridge and Great River Road shape regional access and its riverfront identity.
The essentials
At a glance
The local picture
A feel for Alton
These local estimates and CityHub editorial ratings are for comparison and orientation. They are not verified statistics or current prices.
Local snapshot
Best for & local character
People seeking an established river cityMetro East residents wanting a traditional downtownHouseholds comparing lower-rent Illinois communitiesRiverfrontHistoricEstablishedMetro East
Highlights
- 2025 population estimate: 25,013
- Median owner-occupied home value: $103,700
- Median household income: $54,568
- 22.7-minute mean commute
How it scores
CityHub estimates, not official scores. Some ratings are generated from community characteristics.
Walkability · modeled56
Transit · modeled38
School context · modeled58
Nightlife & dining · modeled48
Parks & outdoors · modeled58
Arts & culture · modeled58
Quiet & peaceful · modeled65
The decision brief
Is Alton a good fit?
What stands out
Alton offers an established river city and traditional downtown for households who want Metro East services with that setting. Compare residential blocks by their actual access to downtown, work and the riverfront.
People seeking an established river city; Metro East residents wanting a traditional downtown; Households comparing lower-rent Illinois communities.
Things to check
Test your commute
The published mean travel time to work is 22.7 minutes. That describes residents’ trips, not the trip from a home you are considering. Test your destination during your usual travel hours.
SourceDoes this fit your actual move?
Compare Alton against your budget, commute, and priorities—or ask about a specific address.
Homes & housing
What does housing cost here?
Published Census estimates provide broad context where a reliable community-level figure is available. Check current homes or rentals for actual prices.
Owner-occupied homes
59.9%
The share of occupied homes lived in by their owners.
Data: 2024-12-31View source
Median gross rent
$1,015/mo
Useful renter context—not a substitute for current available rentals.
Data: 2024-12-31View source
Price is only part of the monthly payment
For a specific home, also account for the interest rate, property taxes, homeowners insurance, HOA fees, utilities, and condition. That’s why two homes with the same price tag can still cost very different amounts every month.
Plan the daily trip
Commute & getting around
U.S. 67, the Clark Bridge, Illinois 140, and Great River Road define access. Missouri-side jobs require bridge-dependent testing at actual travel times.
Schools
Which schools serve this address?
The address—not the city name—determines the schools
Alton CUSD 11 operates Alton Middle School and Alton High School, with elementary assignments distributed among East, Eunice Smith, Gilson Brown, Lewis & Clark, Lovejoy, North and West; Mark Twain provides another district program. The district extends beyond portions of the city, so use its boundary and Locate My School resources for the property. The practical comparison is the assigned elementary campus, transportation and the programs available along the shared middle- and high-school path.
1
Identify the district
Start with the property’s complete street address.
2
Check the boundary tool
Use the district’s official address or attendance lookup.
3
Confirm before deciding
Ask the district to verify the current assignment and enrollment details.
Illinois school district finder
Search by address to identify a district; the district must confirm the specific school assignment.
Official school and district resources
How people spend free time
Parks & recreation
Gordon Moore Park, the riverfront, marina, and Great River Road recreation provide a mix of local and regional outdoor access.
Errands, routines & convenience
Everyday life
Downtown, Broadway, Homer Adams Parkway, hospitals, and regional retail form distinct activity centers; the bluffs affect route choice.
Direct answers for movers
Questions about moving to Alton
What is it like to live in Alton?+
Alton sits along the Mississippi River in Madison County, with an older downtown and Broadway commercial corridor below residential areas that rise onto the bluffs. The city maintains parks, an amphitheater, marina, and other civic amenities, while the Clark Bridge and Great River Road shape regional access and its riverfront identity. People seeking an established river city; Metro East residents wanting a traditional downtown; Households comparing lower-rent Illinois communities.
What should I know about housing costs in Alton?+
The published median value of owner-occupied homes (data as of 2024-12-31) is $103,700 in Alton. That describes existing homes in a survey period, not current listings or the homes available within your budget. Compare actual properties and their condition.
SourceWhat should movers know about schools in Alton?+
Alton CUSD 11 operates Alton Middle School and Alton High School, with elementary assignments distributed among East, Eunice Smith, Gilson Brown, Lewis & Clark, Lovejoy, North and West; Mark Twain provides another district program. The district extends beyond portions of the city, so use its boundary and Locate My School resources for the property. The practical comparison is the assigned elementary campus, transportation and the programs available along the shared middle- and high-school path. Confirm the current school assignment and enrollment rules directly with the district for the specific address.
Use the Illinois district finderWhat is commuting from Alton like?+
U.S. 67, the Clark Bridge, Illinois 140, and Great River Road define access. Missouri-side jobs require bridge-dependent testing at actual travel times.
What costs should I consider before moving to Alton?+
The published median gross rent (data as of 2024-12-31) is $1,015/month in Alton. This is a survey measure, not a current rental quote. Check current offers, utilities, insurance and travel costs for the exact home.
SourceWhat should I verify before choosing a home in Alton?+
The published mean travel time to work is 22.7 minutes. That describes residents’ trips, not the trip from a home you are considering. Test your destination during your usual travel hours. Alton Marina is one documented local destination; check the route and current access from the home you are considering. Confirm school assignment, property condition and recurring costs for the exact address.
SourceKeep narrowing the decision
Put Alton in context.
The community guide tells you about this place. These guides help answer whether this is the right kind of place for your move.
If walkability matters
See how Alton fits into a broader St. Louis walkability search.
Read guideMissouri or Metro East?
Compare both sides of the river using the actual commute, housing and services you would use.
Read guideWhere should you live in St. Louis?
Start with the life you want and use that to narrow the region.
Read guideUnderstand the geography
Map of Alton
See where Alton sits in the St. Louis region, then open named local places for directions and surrounding context.
Mapped places in this guide
6 verified locationsAlton Marina1 Henry St, Alton, IL 62002National Great Rivers Museum2 Lock and Dam Way, Alton, IL 62002Gordon F. Moore Community Park4550 College Ave, Alton, IL 62002Alton Amphitheater1 Riverfront Dr, Alton, IL 62002Hayner Public Library — Downtown Library401 State St, Alton, IL 62002Alton City Hall101 E 3rd St, Alton, IL 62002
This map is for orientation. Confirm municipal, school, floodplain, and parcel boundaries with the appropriate official source.
Around town
Places to know
Parks, civic resources, recreation, and recognizable destinations that help explain everyday life in Alton.
Parks & outdoors
2 placesmarina
Alton Marina
A public marina on the Mississippi River near downtown Alton.
1 Henry St, Alton, IL 62002
Official details park
Gordon F. Moore Community Park
A large community park with trails, gardens and sports facilities.
4550 College Ave, Alton, IL 62002
Official details Family destinations
1 placelibraryNearby
Hayner Public Library — Downtown Library
The downtown public-library location serving Alton and nearby communities.
401 State St, Alton, IL 62002
Official details Arts & culture
2 placesmuseum
National Great Rivers Museum
A U.S. Army Corps museum interpreting the Mississippi River and Melvin Price Locks and Dam.
2 Lock and Dam Way, Alton, IL 62002
Official details outdoor venue
Alton Amphitheater
A Mississippi riverfront venue for concerts and community gatherings.
1 Riverfront Dr, Alton, IL 62002
Official details Civic & everyday
1 placegovernment
Alton City Hall
Alton's municipal offices and primary city-service contact point.
101 E 3rd St, Alton, IL 62002
Official details Don’t choose in a vacuum
Compare nearby alternatives
St. Charles
Compare for a Missouri-side historic river city with different regional geography.
Open community guideCollinsville
Compare for direct interstate access and a more compact Main Street.
Open community guideEdwardsville
Compare for university influence, newer growth, and trail connectivity.
Open community guideSources, dates & how we got here3 sources · expand
CityHub separates sourced facts from editorial guidance. Official data may describe different time periods; each fact shows its represented date when available.