 According to the 2001 population census conducted by INDEC its population was 7917 inhabitants.The town was officially founded in 1863, in the shadow of the "Ombú Protector", a tree that is immortalized in the community coat of arms.The name is believed to derive from General Carlos de Alvear, who was born in the province of Corrientes and was honored by the members of Congress by naming the fledgling town Alvear after him.