Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Alto, GA
Thinking of moving to Alto, GA? With a small-town population of about 1,200, Alto offers affordable living—median home prices near $185,000 and average rents around $850. The area enjoys mild winters, 63% sunny days, and a reasonable average commute of 27 minutes. Crime rates are below the state average, and residents benefit from nearby quality schools and access to regional healthcare in Gainesville and Demorest. If you’re looking for a friendly, budget-conscious community with Southern charm, Alto is a great option.
Demographics - Alto, GA
Alto, Georgia is a close-knit community of about 1,200 residents, with a median age of 33.2 years and a balanced gender ratio. The town has a predominantly White population, but also features a mix of Black, Asian, and other ethnic groups, and roughly 10% of the community speaks a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density fosters a welcoming small-town atmosphere ideal for families and individuals alike.
Population:
1,200
Density:
470 per sq mi
Median Age:
33.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
10.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
75.0%
Black:
8.0%
Asian:
2.0%
Others:
15.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Alto, GA?
Living in Alto is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $185,000. Monthly rents are typically about $850, and other essentials like groceries and utilities are attractively priced. State taxes are moderate, making Alto appealing for budget-minded residents.
Median House Value:
$185,000
Gross Rent:
$850
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$125
Auto Insurance:
$1,450
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,120
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
1.0%
|
High:
5.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.6
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
62.0
Utilities:
89.0
Transportation:
96.0
Health Care:
88.0
Miscellaneous:
90.5
Crime
Is Alto, GA a safe place to live?
Alto experiences lower crime rates than many areas, with violent crime affecting fewer than 1 in 470 residents each year. Property crime is more common but still manageable, resulting in an overall safe environment for families and individuals. Residents benefit from the small-town atmosphere and a strong sense of community security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
212
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,850
Crime Index:
2,062
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 472
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 54
Weather
What is the weather like in Alto, GA year-round?
Alto enjoys a mild climate with winters rarely dipping below 32°F and summers averaging highs near 89°F. The area receives ample rainfall—almost 55 inches annually—and enjoys sunshine about 63% of the year. Seasonal changes are pleasant, making outdoor activities appealing most of the year.
Winter
Min:
32°F
Max:
52°F
Spring
Min:
48°F
Max:
74°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
89°F
Fall
Min:
50°F
Max:
75°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
54.9 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
63%
Neighbors
Household incomes in Alto average around $54,500, and the town has a relatively low unemployment rate of 3.8%. While about 18% of residents live below the poverty line, most adults have completed high school, and the community enjoys a typical commute time of under 27 minutes. The area maintains a small-town feel with limited public transportation use.
Median Income:
$32,000
Household Income:
$54,500
Family Income:
$60,000
Per Capita Income:
$22,400
Income Male:
$35,500
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
18.2%
Non English Speakers:
10.5%
Rent:
$850
Unemployment Rate:
3.8%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
26.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
81.7%
Bachelors or More:
14.2%
Education
How are the schools in Alto, GA?
Alto offers families access to quality public and private schools, with reasonable student-teacher ratios and dedicated staff. For higher education, options like Piedmont University and the University of North Georgia are located within a short drive, making continued learning accessible. The community values education, reflected in high school completion rates and nearby college opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Baldwin Elementary School
Street:
836 GA-384, Baldwin, GA 30511
Phone:
706-778-6435
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.8
Name:
South Habersham Middle School
Street:
237 Old Athens Hwy, Cornelia, GA 30531
Phone:
706-778-7121
Students:
500
Student Teacher Ratio:
14.9
Private Schools
Name:
Habersham Christian Learning Center
Street:
1781 Old Hwy 197 S, Mt Airy, GA 30563
Phone:
706-776-9400
Students:
120
Colleges
Name:
Piedmont University
City:
Demorest
State:
GA
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
2,500
Name:
University of North Georgia - Gainesville
City:
Oakwood
State:
GA
Distance:
23 miles
Students:
8,900
Healthcare
Residents of Alto have access to major hospitals in nearby Gainesville and Demorest, ensuring quality general and emergency medical services. With about 1.6 physicians per 1,000 people and over 84% of residents covered by health insurance, healthcare needs are well supported in the region. The healthcare index indicates reliable and accessible care for families and individuals.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Northeast Georgia Medical Center - Gainesville
Address:
743 Spring St NE, Gainesville, GA 30501
Phone:
(770) 219-9000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Habersham Medical Center
Address:
541 Historic Hwy 441 N, Demorest, GA 30535
Phone:
(706) 754-2161
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.6
Health Insurance Coverage:
84.5%
Health Care Index:
65.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Alto, GA?
The housing market in Alto is affordable and stable, with median home prices around $185,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom at $850. Most residents own their homes, contributing to a homeownership rate of over 70%, and the area has seen healthy appreciation in property values. Rental vacancies are moderate, making it possible to find both rental and ownership opportunities.
Median Home Price:
$185,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$850
Owner Occupied Rate:
71.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
7.2%
New Construction Rate:
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Driver services for Alto are managed by the Georgia Department of Driver Services, located in Conyers. Residents can easily access licensing, registration, and other DMV needs through the state’s official website or by visiting the main office. The process is straightforward and designed for convenience.
State:
Georgia
Department:
Georgia Department of Driver Services
Address:
2206 East View Parkway, Conyers, GA 30013
Phone:
678-413-8400
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.