Alton, Texas: A Guide to the City’s Growth, Demographics, and Local Resources

Alton is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas, located just northwest of McAllen and bordered to the south by Palmhurst. Founded in 1910 by railroad officials from Alton, Illinois, the city has grown into one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the county.
Population and Growth
The 2020 U.S. Census recorded Alton’s population at 18,198, a 47.5% increase from 2010. That growth trajectory has continued: U.S. Census Bureau population estimates placed Alton’s population near 19,673 by the end of 2022, and more recent projections estimate the city’s population is now in the low-to-mid 20,000s. Alton’s population density is roughly 2,490 people per square mile, and the city continues to outpace both Hidalgo County and statewide growth rates.
Demographics
Alton is a young, majority-Hispanic community. Roughly 97% of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. The median age is about 26 — nearly nine years younger than the Texas median — with close to 36% of residents under age 18. Households average 3 to 3.7 people, and married couples head about 64% of them.
Income and Employment
According to recent American Community Survey estimates, the median household income is approximately $48,777, though figures vary by data source and survey year, ranging from roughly $31,000 to $53,000 depending on methodology and year measured. The city’s poverty rate has declined significantly over the past decade, with more recent estimates placing it between 27% and 33%, down from over 40% in earlier census data. About 91% of the local workforce is employed, with the majority working in professional or administrative roles.
Given the range across sources, anyone citing exact income or poverty figures for this city should reference the specific U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) release and year, since single-year and 5-year estimates are not directly comparable.
Local Services
Residents have access to several pharmacy and retail options in and around Alton, including CVS locations that accept Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance for prescriptions and over-the-counter health products. Walmart is also a common option for residents seeking both pharmacy services and general shopping in one stop.
Points of Interest
- Domino’s Pizza — 306 E Main Ave Ste 4, Alton, TX 78573
- Alton Recreation Center — 349 Dawes Ave, Alton, TX 78573
- Taqueria Don Felipe — 220 W Main Ave, Alton, TX 78573
- Sgt. Bradley Espinoza Park — Alton, TX 78573
- Taqueria El Tacayito — 1923 E Main Ave, Alton, TX 78573
Getting to Fix-A-Crack Windshield Repair & Replacement in McAllen, TX
From Taqueria El Tacayito, Fix-A-Crack Windshield Repair & Replacement, LLC in McAllen is a short drive southeast via E Main Ave and connecting roads toward McAllen. Residents needing windshield repair or replacement can reach the McAllen location easily from most points in Alton, typically within a 10–15 minute drive depending on traffic and route.
Have you ever wanted to visit this beautiful city in Texas? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are moving to Alton for various reasons, and the city is certainly one of those places. Located in Hidalgo County, Alton has a population of 12,298 at the 2010 census and is expected to grow to nearly 19 thousand by 2020. But what makes Alton Texas so special? Read on to find out.
While there is a high concentration of Hispanic residents, the city’s overall poverty rate is only 32.1%. Of the total population of 17.4k people, only 5.45k are non-Hispanic. The median household income in Alton, TX is $30,975. This means that for every $100 of household income, two people live in a household that makes more than that amount. As for the unemployment rate, it’s a staggering thirteen percent among people 16 and older. The government accounts for about nine percent of the total population. Good things about Doffing
For everyday care, the city offers several CVS pharmacies. CVS has 14 locations in Alton, so you can conveniently pick up your prescriptions there and stay on top of your health insurance plan. These pharmacies are excellent places that accept Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial insurance. You can also shop for over-the-counter products at CVS. The convenience of these stores is unmatched. However, if you do not want to spend time shopping for prescriptions, you can opt to visit the local Wal-Mart.
There are a lot of great places to visit and see in Alton, TX. We compiled a quick list here.
Point Of Interest #1 Domino’s Pizza, 306 E Main Ave Ste 4, TX 78573
Point Of Interest #2 Alton Recreation Center, 349 Dawes Ave, TX 78573
Point Of Interest #3 Taqueria Don Felipe, 220 W Main Ave, TX 78573
Point Of Interest #4 Sgt. Bradley Espinoza Park, TX 78573
Point Of Interest #5 Taqueria El Tacayito, 1923 E Main Ave, Alton, TX 78573
Driving/Walking Directions From POI #5 to Fix-A-Crack Windshield Repair & Replacement, LLC – McAllen, TX
Driving Directions To The Next Nearby Town/Suburb/Village/CDP/Unincorporated Area