Moving to Alton, New Hampshire

The current estimated population of Alton is 5,400, with 50% male and 50% female. The population has grown moderately, supported by tourism and small businesses.

City Facts

• Year founded: 1796
• County: Belknap County
• Land area: 82.1 square miles
• Population density: 66 people per square mile
• Area code: 603
• Zip code: 03809

Geography and Location

Alton is located in central New Hampshire, in Belknap County, on the southern shore of Lake Winnipesaukee. The town is a popular tourist destination, known for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including boating, fishing, and hiking. Alton is located along New Hampshire Route 11, providing access to nearby cities like Laconia and Rochester. The town experiences a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm summers.

Demographics

Median resident age: 41.4 years
Median household income: $43,451
Median house value: $127,700

Population by Race

Races in Alton:

• White Non-Hispanic (98.3%)
• American Indian (0.6%)
• Hispanic (0.5%)

Ancestries: English (27.2%), Irish (16.7%), French (11.9%), German (10.2%), United States (8.7%), Italian (6.2%).

Elevation: 563 feet

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Alton

• High school or higher: 87.9%
• Bachelor’s degree or higher: 21.5%
• Graduate or professional degree: 5.3%
• Unemployed: 3.7%
• Mean travel time to work: 31.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Alton town

• Never married: 18.0%
• Now married: 64.8%
• Separated: 1.1%
• Widowed: 5.9%
• Divorced: 10.2%

3.0% Foreign born (1.5% Europe, 1.2% North America, 0.3% Asia).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Alton:

• HUGGINS HOSPITAL (about 11 miles; WOLFEBORO, NH)
• LAKES REGION GENERAL HOSPITAL (about 17 miles; LACONIA, NH)
• FRISBIE MEMORIAL HOSPITAL (about 19 miles; ROCHESTER, NH)

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Alton:

• PEASE INTERNATIONAL TRADEPORT (about 39 miles; PORTSMOUTH, NH; Abbreviation: PSM)
• MANCHESTER (about 39 miles; MANCHESTER, NH; Abbreviation: MHT)
• PORTLAND INTL JETPORT (about 65 miles; PORTLAND, ME; Abbreviation: PWM)

Other public-use airports nearest to Alton:

• ALTON BAY (about 2 miles; ALTON BAY, NH; Abbreviation: B18)
• LAKES REGION (about 10 miles; WOLFEBORO, NH; Abbreviation: 8B8)
• LACONIA MUNI (about 16 miles; LACONIA, NH; Abbreviation: LCI)

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Alton:

• UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE-MAIN CAMPUS (about 29 miles; DURHAM, NH; Full-time enrollment: 12,586)
• NEW HAMPSHIRE COLLEGE (about 32 miles; MANCHESTER, NH; Full-time enrollment: 3,251)
• PLYMOUTH STATE COLLEGE (about 37 miles; PLYMOUTH, NH; Full-time enrollment: 3,542)
• NORTHERN ESSEX COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 47 miles; HAVERHILL, MA; Full-time enrollment: 3,388)
• SAINT JOSEPHS COLLEGE (about 50 miles; STANDISH, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,376)
• UNIVERSITY OF NEW ENGLAND-UNIVERSITY CAMPUS (about 53 miles; BIDDEFORD, ME; Full-time enrollment: 2,251)
• MERRIMACK COLLEGE (about 54 miles; NORTH ANDOVER, MA; Full-time enrollment: 2,384)

Schools

Public high school in Alton:

• ALTON CENTRAL SCHOOL (HIGH) (Students: 204; Location: SCHOOL ST PO BOX 910; Grades: 09 – 12)

Public primary/middle schools in Alton:

• ALTON CENTRAL SCHOOL (ELEM) (Students: 578; Location: SCHOOL ST PO BOX 910; Grades: PK – 08)
• PROSPECT MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL (Location: PO BOX 120; Grades: N – N )

Libraries

Library in Alton:

• GILMAN LIBRARY (Operating income: $71,814; Location: MAIN STREET; 17,628 books; 843 audio materials; 1,132 video materials; 82 serial subscriptions)