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Alton, TX

Frequently asked questions

Alton, TX

Alton is a city in Hidalgo County, Texas, United States. The population was 18,198 at the 2020 census. 

Alton is located at 26°17′4″N 98°18′21″W (26.284307, −98.305940). It is bordered to the south by Palmhurst and to the north and east by McAllen, although downtown McAllen is 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Alton. It is about 70 miles (110 km) north of Brownsville. 

According to the United States Census Bureau, Alton has a total area of 7.31 square miles (18.94 km2), of which 0.003 square miles (0.008 km2), or 0.04%, are water.   

Alton was founded in 1910 or 1911 by citizens and railroad officials of Alton, Illinois.

On September 21, 1989, the Alton bus crash occurred; a Dr. Pepper truck hit a Mission Consolidated Independent School District school bus and caused it to fall into a caliche pit, killing 21 students. 

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 18,198 people, 4,566 households, and 3,959 families residing in the city. As of the census of 2000, there were 4,384 people, 1,059 households, and 988 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,075.5 inhabitants per square mile (801.4/km2). There were 1,175 housing units at an average density of 556.3 per square mile (214.8/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 79.33% White, 0.05% African American, 0.32% Native American, 19.02% from other races, and 1.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 97.90% of the population. There were 1,059 households, out of which 58.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.7% were married couples living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 6.7% were non-families. 6.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 4.14 and the average family size was 4.29.

In terms of health and wellness, Alton takes pride in promoting the well-being of its residents. The Alton Community Health Center, part of the Nuestra Clinica Del Valle network, provides accessible and quality healthcare services to the community. This facility plays a crucial role in ensuring that residents have the necessary resources for maintaining good health. Explore the parks, facilities, and programs offered by the Alton Parks and Recreation Department. These spaces provide opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, sports, and picnicking. Join local fitness centers and gyms to participate in exercise programs, fitness classes, and strength training. Some popular options include SAGU and UTRGV. Discover the walking and biking trails in and around Alton, such as the Alton Park. This trail offers opportunities for outdoor exercise and enjoyment of nature.

Top sites in Alton, TX include Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park, Quinta Las 4 Lunas Waterpark, and Nuevo Santander Gallery. 

Population of 16,784 (2021). Elevation: 161 ft (49 m). Area: 7.31 sq mi (18.94 km2). ZIP Code being 78573. Area code 956.

FAQs

What is Alton, TX known for?

The City of Alton, Texas was founded by citizens and railroad officials of Alton, Illinois, and the Alton Illinois Railroad around 1910-1911. During that time, the small township was a stop on the San Benito and Rio Grande Valley Railway also called The Spider Web Railroad. Alton’s land area was well known for its “Caliche” (sedimentary rock) quarries that were excavated and shipped up north for a variety of construction projects.

What is the ethnicity of Alton, TX?

Alton, TX is home to a population of 18k people, of which 76.1% are citizens. As of 2021, 30.3% of Alton, TX residents were born outside of the country (5.45k people). In 2021, there were 1.65 times more White (Hispanic) residents (10.7k people) in Alton, TX than any other race or ethnicity. There were 6.5k Two+ (Hispanic) and 546 Other (Hispanic) residents, the second and third most common ethnic groups.

How far is Alton, TX from the Mexican border?

The City of Alton is located in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. It is four miles north of the City of Mission on SH 107 in Hidalgo County. It is fourteen miles north of the Mexico border and approximately eighty miles west of the Gulf of Mexico.

Sources

Wikipedia 

City of Alton

Alton Community Health Center

Nuestra Clinica Del Valle network

Alton Parks and Recreation Department

SAGU 

UTRGV

Alton Park

Bentsen-Rio Grande Valley State Park

Quinta Las 4 Lunas Waterpark

Nuevo Santander Gallery

History

DataUSA

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