Alton Housing Update: Prices Down Year Over Year, Inventory Active Heading Into Spring
Alton, IL – March 8, 2026 – Home prices are down year over year while listings remain active, with steady sales and rising rents shaping early spring trends.
Alton Housing Market Snapshot
- Median sale price: $113K in January, down 27.8% year over year.
- 18 homes sold in January; median 56 days on market.
- Median listing price around $120K.
- Rents up 9.63% over the past year.
The Alton housing market entered 2026 with lower sale prices compared to a year ago. In January, the median sale price was $113,167, a 27.8% decline year over year. Homes sold in a median of 56 days, slightly faster than last year, with 18 closings recorded for the month.
Listing activity remains steady. Realtor.com shows a median listing price near $119,900, keeping Alton among the more affordable markets in the Metro East region. Redfin also reports the median price per square foot at $96, down modestly from last year.
What’s for Sale
Current inventory ranges from smaller single-family homes priced under $100K to move-in-ready properties in the $150K–$250K range. There are also options under $400K for buyers seeking larger homes or updated interiors. Entry-level pricing continues to attract first-time buyers and investors looking at long-term holds.
Rental & Regional Outlook
Rental pressure is building. Recent market data shows average rents in Alton have increased 9.63% over the past year, suggesting tightening conditions for tenants even as for-sale prices soften.
At the state level, Illinois Realtors’ fourth-quarter outlook projected modest sales declines and indicated prices in early 2026 could trend lower year over year in parts of the state. Local figures align with that cooling pattern, though affordability remains a relative strength for buyers compared to many Illinois metros.
As spring approaches, watch for whether new listings pick up and whether lower prices translate into stronger sales volume. Are you seeing more open house signs or price reductions in your neighborhood?
Sources
https://www.redfin.com/city/285/IL/Alton/housing-market
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-search/Alton_IL
https://www.rentcafe.com/average-rent-market-trends/us/il/alton/
https://www.illinoisrealtors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ILRealtors2025Q4Report.pdf