Alto ZIP Codes — Kent County, MI

There is one unique ZIP code in Alto, Michigan and it is 49302. Area code: 616/269.

ZIP codes

50.00

sq mi land

0.87

sq mi water

616/269

area code

Alto, MI ZIP code map

About Alto, MI

Alto, Michigan, is a small, unincorporated community located in the heart of Kent County. Known for its rural charm and close-knit environment, Alto offers a peaceful atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. This quaint area is primarily characterized by its suburban lifestyle, making it an attractive place for families and those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of larger cities.

Location & geography

Alto is strategically positioned in Kent County, which is in the western part of Michigan. It lies just 15 miles southeast of Grand Rapids and is approximately 20 miles from both Kalamazoo and Holland, making it accessible to a range of urban amenities. The community is spread over a land area of 50.00 square miles, accompanied by a small water area of 0.87 square miles, creating a predominantly rural terrain with scenic landscapes.

Community & economy

The character of Alto is deeply rooted in its agricultural background, with various farms and open spaces contributing to its picturesque environment. Residents often enjoy a strong sense of community, engaging in local events and outdoor activities that foster connections among neighbors. The daily life here revolves around local businesses, educational institutions, and a commitment to preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Transportation

Alto is accessible via several main roads, including M-37 and M-44, which provide convenient transportation to nearby cities and attractions. The nearest airport is Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located just 18 miles northwest, offering both domestic and international flights. Public transit options are limited, so most residents rely on personal vehicles for commuting.

History

Alto was founded in the mid-19th century, primarily fueled by agriculture and farming as key industries in the region. Over the years, the community has maintained its rural character while adapting to modern developments, contributing to its unique small-town appeal. Notable events in Alto's history include local fairs and community gatherings that celebrate its agricultural heritage and foster local pride.

Did you know?

A surprising fact about Alto is that it is home to the beautiful Gainey Conference Center, which serves as a retreat and conference facility nestled in a natural wooded area. This center attracts not only local visitors but also people from outside the region looking for a peaceful getaway.

ZIP codes for Alto, MI (1)

ZIP code	City	County	Map
49302	Alto	Kent	View map

Demographics & statistics

9,582

Population

37.0

Median age

$115,647

Median household income

$42,042

Per capita income

$353,600

Median home value

$1,059

Median monthly rent

97.1%

Home ownership

2.4%

Poverty rate

4.5%

Unemployment

3,053

Housing units

44.6%

Bachelor's or higher

Age distribution

Male Female

407

Under 5

327

615

5–9

493

413

10–14

331

363

15–19

292

259

20–24

208

474

25–34

380

707

35–44

568

771

45–54

618

350

55–59

280

385

60–64

309

364

65–74

293

173

75–84

139

85+

← Male

Female →

Age summary

Group	Count	%
Under 18	2,986	31.2%
18 and over	6,596	68.8%
65 and over	1,032	10.8%
Median age	37.0 years

Race & ethnicity

White 96%

Two or more races 1.4%

Hispanic or Latino 1.3%

Asian 0.8%

Other race 0.3%

Black or African American 0.2%

Group	Count	%
White	9,322	96%
Two or more races	133	1.4%
Hispanic or Latino	126	1.3%
Asian	80	0.8%
Other race	31	0.3%
Black or African American	16	0.2%

Household income

Under $10k 1.5%

$10k–$15k 1.1%

$15k–$25k 1.1%

$25k–$35k 4.6%

$35k–$50k 11.7%

$50k–$75k 12.7%

$75k–$100k 11.4%

$100k–$150k 23.1%

$150k–$200k 22.1%

$200k+ 10.7%

Range	% of households
Under $10k	1.5%
$10k–$15k	1.1%
$15k–$25k	1.1%
$25k–$35k	4.6%
$35k–$50k	11.7%
$50k–$75k	12.7%
$75k–$100k	11.4%
$100k–$150k	23.1%
$150k–$200k	22.1%
$200k+	10.7%
Median income	$115,647

Housing

Home values

Under $50k 1.7%

$50k–$100k 2.0%

$100k–$150k 6.1%

$150k–$200k 4.6%

$200k–$300k 23.2%

$300k–$500k 47.1%

$500k–$1M 13.9%

$1M+ 1.5%

Housing overview

Metric	Value
Median home value	$353,600
Median rent / month	$1,059
Owner occupied	97.1%
Renter occupied	2.9%
Vacant	4.2%
Single-family detached	98.5%
Large apartment buildings	0.0%
Mobile homes	0.8%
Median rooms	7.3
Avg household size (owned)	3.21

Year built

Era	%
2020 or later	0.9%
2010–2019	9.0%
2000–2009	16.9%
1990–1999	23.1%
1980–1989	13.5%
1970–1979	12.4%
1960–1969	7.7%
1950–1959	3.7%
1940–1949	0.5%
1939 or earlier	12.2%

Bedrooms

Size	% of units
No bedroom (studio)	0.2%
1 bedroom	0.6%
2 bedrooms	11.5%
3 bedrooms	43.1%
4 bedrooms	30.8%
5+ bedrooms	13.9%

Vehicles per household

Vehicles	% of households
No vehicle	1.5%
1 vehicle	10.8%
2 vehicles	53.4%
3 or more	34.2%

Heating fuel

Fuel type	%
Utility gas	68.2%
Electricity	5.4%
Propane / LP gas	16.1%
Fuel oil	1.9%
Wood	7.2%
No fuel used	0.5%

Households & families

Household type	Count	%
Married-couple family	2,524	83.9%
Cohabiting couple	54	1.8%
Male householder, no spouse	280	9.3%
Female householder, no spouse	151	5.0%
Households with children under 18	1,404	46.7%
Households with seniors (65+)	638	21.2%
Average household size	3.17

Marital status

Status	Male	Female
Never married	24.8%	17.2%
Married	70.0%	75.4%
Separated	0.0%	0.1%
Widowed	0.6%	3.2%
Divorced	4.5%	4.1%

Education

Less than 9th grade 0.3%

Some HS, no diploma 1.8%

HS graduate 23.5%

Some college, no degree 19.8%

Associate's degree 10.1%

Bachelor's degree 25.7%

Graduate / professional 18.8%

Metric	%
HS diploma or higher	98.0%
Bachelor's or higher	44.6%

School enrollment (ages 3–17)

Type	Count	%
Nursery / preschool	144	5.1%
Kindergarten	172	6.1%
Elementary school	1,499	53.5%
High school	620	22.1%
College / grad school	369	13.2%

Employment

Industry of employment

Education & healthcare 21.4%

Manufacturing 21.3%

Professional & management 12.8%

Construction 8.4%

Wholesale trade 7.1%

Retail trade 7.1%

Arts, food & hospitality 6.3%

Finance & real estate 5.8%

Other services 4.4%

Transportation & utilities 2.5%

Public administration 1.6%

Information 0.6%

Agriculture & mining 0.5%

Occupation

Category	%
Management, business & arts	51.2%
Service	9.9%
Sales & office	17.1%
Natural resources & construction	8.4%
Production & transportation	13.3%

Employment type

Type	%
Private sector	84.8%
Government	6.4%
Self-employed	8.8%
Unpaid family workers	0.0%

Commute

Method	%
Drive alone	77.5%
Carpool	3.7%
Public transit	0.1%
Walk	0.1%
Other means	2.3%
Avg commute (minutes)	23.8

Poverty

All people 2.4%

Under 18 years 0.2%

18 and over 3.4%

Married-couple families 1.7%

Female-led households 0.0%

Income support

Source	% of households
Social Security	23.0%
Retirement income	18.2%
Supplemental Security	2.6%
Cash public assistance	0.6%
Food stamps / SNAP	1.9%

Health indicators

Condition	%
High blood pressure	28.5%
High cholesterol	32.2%
Heart disease	4.8%
Stroke	2.2%
Asthma	9.9%
Arthritis	23.9%
Kidney disease	2.2%
Pulmonary disease	5.4%
Cancer	6.1%

Behavior / access	%
Binge drinking	22.6%
No physical activity	13.4%
Less than 7 hrs sleep	30.2%
Fair or poor health	9.7%
Poor mental health	14.4%
Poor physical health	8.3%
No health insurance	7.3%
Visited doctor (checkup)	73.0%
Visited dentist	76.2%
Cholesterol screening	92.9%
Teeth loss	7.7%

Veterans & disability

Veterans	Count	%
Civilian veterans	391	5.9%

Disability	%
Any disability	8.5%
Under 18	1.6%
18–64 years	6.8%
65 and over	37.4%

Health insurance coverage

Type	%
Private insurance	84.2%
Public insurance	18.1%
Uninsured under 19	6.8%

Language & origin

Language spoken at home (age 5+)

Language	Count	%
English only	8,848	92.3%
Spanish	74	0.8%
Other Indo-European	29	0.3%
Asian & Pacific Islander	6	0.1%
Other languages	6	0.1%

Place of birth & citizenship

Origin	Count	%
Native born (US)	9,404	98.1%
Born in same state	9,365	97.7%
Born in different state	7,782	81.2%
Foreign born	39	0.4%
Naturalized citizen	178	1.9%
Not a US citizen	112	62.9%

Ancestry

Ancestry	Count	%
English	1,531	16%
French	889	9.3%
Italian	759	7.9%
Dutch	330	3.4%

Ancestry	Count	%
German	167	1.7%
Arab	155	1.6%
Polish	89	0.9%
Irish	31	0.3%

Technology access

Metric	% of households
Computer access	31.4%
Internet access	97.6%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2025 estimates.

Frequently asked questions

What ZIP codes does Alto, MI have?

Alto, MI has one ZIP code: 49302. Each ZIP code serves a distinct delivery area within the city and surrounding region.