Alton, Illinois Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Alton, Illinois is 25,430 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 87th-largest city in Illinois. The median household income is $53,005, the median home value is $99,500, and the median age is 38.4.
The population has declined 10.5% since 2010 (27,898 → 24,967).
25,430
Population
1623
People / sq mi
$53,005
Median Income
$99,500
Median Home Value
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Alton covers 15.7 sq mi of land at 1623 people per square mile.
About Alton, IL
In Alton, home values do the distinguishing — a median of $99,500. With 25,430 residents, Alton is a city in Illinois.
Earnings trail the nation, with the median household making $53,005, below the US median of $78,538. Poverty is among the highest of comparable US cities: 17.7%, above the national 12.4%. Real estate is inexpensive, with a typical home worth only $99,500, with typical rent around $948.
Fewer adults hold degrees here than in most comparable places — 21.2%, below the national 35.0%. Around 8.4% of workers work from home, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Alton city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Alton city had a population of 27,898 in 2010 and 24,967 in 2024, a -10.5% growth over 14 years. The peak was 27,898 in 2010. Average annual growth rate: -0.79%.
24,967
Population (2024)
27,898
Population (2010)
27,898
Peak (2010)
-0.79%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 27,898 |
| 2011 | 27,702 |
| 2012 | 27,505 |
| 2013 | 27,380 |
| 2014 | 27,194 |
| 2015 | 27,001 |
| 2016 | 26,865 |
| 2017 | 26,707 |
| 2018 | 26,467 |
| 2019 | 26,208 |
| 2020 | 25,636 |
| 2021 | 25,454 |
| 2022 | 25,250 |
| 2023 | 25,094 |
| 2024 | 24,967 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 66.7% |
| Black or African American | 24.2% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$53,005
Median Household Income
$28,970
Per Capita Income
17.7%
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$99,500
Median Home Value
$948
Median Rent
57.1%
Owner-Occupied
Education
90.8%
High School+
21.2%
Bachelor's+
Commute
1.6%
Drive Alone
76.1%
Public Transit
8.4%
Work From Home
23.7 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
27.2%
Foreign Born
96.3%
Non-English at Home
8.7%
Veterans
21.7%
With Disability
93.6%
Health Insurance
92.7%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 25.2% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 11.7% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.0% |
| Manufacturing | 9.3% |
| Retail Trade | 6.8% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 5.7% |
| Construction | 5.6% |
| Public Administration | 4.1% |
| Information | 3.9% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.3% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.8% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Alton, Illinois has a population of 25,430 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 87th-largest city in Illinois.
The median household income in Alton, Illinois is $53,005, with 17.7% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Alton, Illinois is $99,500, with median monthly rent at $948 and a homeownership rate of 57.1%.
The median age in Alton, Illinois is 38.4 years. The population is 48.0% male and 52.0% female.
The population has declined 10.5% since 2010 (27,898 → 24,967).
Where to stay in Alton
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.