Everything You Should Know Before Moving to East Alton, IL
Thinking of moving to East Alton, IL? With a small-town population of 5,800, East Alton offers affordable living—median home prices are around $93,000 and average rent just $790. Residents enjoy a moderate cost of living, quick 22-minute commutes, and access to local healthcare and schools. While property crime rates are higher than average, the community boasts a friendly atmosphere and a typical Midwestern climate with 56% sunny days each year. Explore East Alton’s cost of living, housing, schools, and more to see if it fits your lifestyle!
Demographics - East Alton, IL
Demographics - East Alton, IL
East Alton is a close-knit community of about 5,800 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a population density of 2,100 people per square mile. The city is predominantly White, and roughly 2.8% of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting a mainly English-speaking environment.
Population:
5,800
Density:
2,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
2.8%

Ethnic Composition
White:
94.0%
Black:
1.2%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
4.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in East Alton, IL?
Living in East Alton is budget-friendly, with a median home value of $93,000 and average rent at $790 per month. The overall cost of living index is 79.0, well below the national average, making it an affordable choice for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$93,000
Gross Rent:
$790
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,060
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,040
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
79.0
Grocery:
93.5
Housing:
48.2
Utilities:
96.2
Transportation:
97.1
Health Care:
93.3
Miscellaneous:
95.4
Crime
Is East Alton, IL a safe place to live?
East Alton experiences a higher-than-average rate of property crime, with a 1 in 39 chance of being affected each year, while violent crime remains relatively low at 254 incidents per 100,000 residents. Residents should take standard precautions but can enjoy a generally safe small-town environment.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
254
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,560
Crime Index:
2,814
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 394
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 39
Weather
What is the weather like in East Alton, IL year-round?
The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with warm, humid summers reaching up to 89°F and cold winters dipping to 23°F. East Alton sees about 40 inches of annual rainfall and experiences sunny weather 56% of the year, offering plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

Winter
Min:
23°F
Max:
39°F

Spring
Min:
45°F
Max:
69°F

Summer
Min:
65°F
Max:
89°F

Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Households in East Alton have a median income of $50,200, and the typical commute is just over 22 minutes. While the poverty rate is 14.4% and unemployment is 5.2%, most residents have completed high school, contributing to a stable and friendly local community.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$50,200
Family Income:
$63,700
Per Capita Income:
$24,600
Income Male:
$37,400
Income Female:
$28,900
Poverty Rate:
14.4%
Non English Speakers:
2.8%
Rent:
$790
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
22.4 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
13.1%
Education
How are the schools in East Alton, IL?
East Alton offers several public and private school options, with manageable student-to-teacher ratios and a supportive learning environment. For higher education, Lewis and Clark Community College is located just 6 miles away, making continued education easily accessible.

Public Schools
Name:
Eastwood Elementary School
Street:
1035 Washington Ave
Phone:
618-433-2080
Students:
310
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.4
Name:
East Alton Middle School
Street:
1000 Third St
Phone:
618-433-2051
Students:
380
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.8

Private Schools
Name:
Our Lady Queen of Peace School
Street:
618 N. Wood River Ave, Wood River, IL 62095
Phone:
618-377-6401
Students:
180

Colleges
Name:
Lewis and Clark Community College
City:
Godfrey
State:
IL
Distance:
6 miles
Students:
12,000
Healthcare
East Alton residents have convenient access to major hospitals in nearby Alton, with 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people and over 93% health insurance coverage. The healthcare system is reliable, providing emergency services and general care within a short drive.

Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF Saint Anthony's Health Center
Address:
1 St Anthony's Way, Alton, IL 62002
Phone:
(618) 465-2571
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Alton Memorial Hospital
Address:
1 Memorial Dr, Alton, IL 62002
Phone:
(618) 463-7311
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.5%
Health Care Index:
78.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in East Alton, IL?
The local housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $93,000 and 66.7% of homes owner-occupied. Rental options are available, and the market has shown modest growth with a 4% appreciation rate over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$93,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$790
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.7%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.0%
New Construction Rate:
0.5%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
DMV services for East Alton are provided by the Illinois Secretary of State at a nearby facility in Edwardsville. Residents can handle licensing, registration, and other vehicle needs conveniently, with information and services accessible online and by phone.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services Facility
Address:
432 S. Buchanan St., Edwardsville, IL 62025
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
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.