In 1803, most of modern Kansas was secured by the United States as part of the Louisiana Purchase.

[6] In 1887, the Chicago, Kansas and Nebraska Railway built a main line from Topeka through Alma to Herington.

This line of the former Rock Island Railroad was sold to the Southern Pacific Railroad and later merged into the Union Pacific that operates and owns the line today.

[9] Alma is part of the Topeka, Kansas Metropolitan Statistical Area.

The 2020 United States census counted 802 people, 324 households, and 199 families in Alma.

33.0% of households consisted of individuals and 17.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

[19][20] As of the census[21] of 2010, there were 832 people, 342 households, and 212 families residing in the city.

34.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

As of the census[22] of 2000, there were 797 people, 315 households, and 208 families residing in the city.

31.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The community is served by Wabaunsee USD 329 public school district.

USD 329 was formed by school unification that consolidated Alma, Maple Hill, McFarland, and Paxico.

The Alma High School mascot was Blue Devils.