Median Income
$76,198
1% higher than US avg
Home Value
$132,200
53% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
132/100K
65% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.6%
45% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$898
23% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.0%
9% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.5%
86% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.2%
18% lower than US avg
How Altamont Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population2,500
Median Age38.0 yrs
Density1,623/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 96%
Veterans11.7%
Economy
A
Median Income$76,198
Per Capita$33,297
Unemployment0.5%
Poverty10.2%
County GDP$3,084M
Commute25 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$132,200
Rent$898
Ownership78.0%
Zillow$167,330
Housing Units1,018
Rent Burden19.2%
Crime
F
Violent132/100K
Property922/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault0/100K
Burglary176/100K
Health
Obesity35.0%
Uninsured7.7%
Smoking15.6%
Depression24.8%
Heart Disease5.4%
Climate
Avg Temp54°F (12°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain44.0 in/yr
Sunny Days293/yr
Elevation618 ft (188 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.6%
High School+93.0%
Graduate+2.6%
School Score5.98
Community
2024 VoteR 79% / D 19%
Commute25 min
Broadband87.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Altamont a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Altamont receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Altamont offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Altamont is $76,198, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.5%. 10.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Altamont is $132,200, 53% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $898 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Altamont is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 922 per 100,000, 53% below the national average.
Education
18.6% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Altamont experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 54°F. Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. With 293 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches, including 14.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Altamont has a population of 2,500 with a density of 1,623 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 38.0 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.8% female and 49.2% male. The city is predominantly White (96.4%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99.7% of residents. 11.7% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 17.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.0yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.7%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.3%
98% below US avg
The median household income in Altamont is $76,198, which is 1% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,297 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,020, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.2% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,237 business establishments, including 125 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 25 minutes. 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $76,198 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,297 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,020 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $85,897 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.5% |
| 86% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.2% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,237 |
| County GDP | $3,084M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 125 |
| Healthcare | 159 |
| Retail | 195 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,557 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.96% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 25.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 74.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.4% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Altamont is $132,200, 53% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,330, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 93.1% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $898 (23% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,018 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1970. The average annual property tax is $6,557 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $132,200 |
| 53% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $167,330 |
| Median List Price | $179,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $179,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $152 |
| Homes Sold | 1 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.1% |
| Price Drops | 27.3% |
| Inventory | 11 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $898 |
| 23% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 19.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 22.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,018 |
| Median Year Built | 1970 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,557 |
| 87% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.96% |
In Altamont, 35.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.4% of residents. 30.8% have high blood pressure. 15.6% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 24.8% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.3% experience frequent mental distress. 7.7% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,275. The dentist ratio is 1:563. 58.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.5 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Altamont vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.0% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.8% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 6.9% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.9% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 15.6% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 24.8% |
| Mental Distress | 19.3% |
| Physical Distress | 13.0% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 7.7% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,275 |
| Dentists | 1:563 |
| Mental Health | 1:386 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.3% |
| Dental Visits | 65.7% |
| Premature Death | 6,573/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.5/10 |
| Exercise Access | 58.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 159 |
Altamont has a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, 65% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 0.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 131.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 922 per 100,000, 53% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 702, burglary at 176, vehicle theft at 44 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 7 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Altamont receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Altamont vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 131.7/100K |
| 65% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 131.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 0.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 921.9/100K |
| 53% below US avg |
| Burglary | 175.6/100K |
| Theft | 702.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 43.9/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 7 |
| Traffic Accidents | 33 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.9 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Altamont experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winters average 29°F in January while summers reach 77°F in July. The area gets 293 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 44.0 inches. The area receives 14.6 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 618 feet.
Temperature
29°F Jan (-2°C)
77°F Jul (25°C)
| Annual Average | 54.4°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 29°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 77°F (25°C) |
| Sunny Days | 293 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 618 ft (188 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,623/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.0561°N, 88.7469°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Effingham County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrenceville-Vincennes International (LWV)
65 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.0"
16% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 53.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 95.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
54 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Aug 9, 2025.
| Apr 18, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M5.2 |
101 km |
| Apr 18, 2008 |
9 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.7 |
101 km |
| Jun 18, 2002 |
6 km SW of Parkers Settlement, Indiana |
M4.6 |
146 km |
| Apr 21, 2008 |
7 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M4.0 |
101 km |
| Sep 19, 2017 |
4 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.8 |
101 km |
| Nov 11, 1991 |
3 km W of Flat Rock, Illinois |
M3.8 |
91 km |
| Apr 25, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.7 |
101 km |
| Nov 20, 2012 |
7 km N of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.6 |
99 km |
| Jan 2, 2006 |
3 km NNE of Eldorado, Illinois |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Mar 2, 1990 |
9 km NW of Vernon, Illinois |
M3.4 |
43 km |
| May 30, 2015 |
4 km ENE of Geff, Illinois |
M3.4 |
74 km |
| Jun 5, 2008 |
8 km WNW of Mount Carmel, Illinois |
M3.4 |
103 km |
| May 1, 2008 |
8 km NNE of Bellmont, Illinois |
M3.3 |
102 km |
| May 13, 2025 |
7 km SSW of Lerna, Illinois |
M3.3 |
50 km |
| Apr 6, 1994 |
2 km NE of Tamaroa, Illinois |
M3.2 |
108 km |
| May 2, 2003 |
10 km ENE of Thompsonville, Illinois |
M3.2 |
122 km |
| Oct 24, 1990 |
5 km ENE of Woodlawn, Illinois |
M3.2 |
81 km |
| Jan 29, 1993 |
7 km WNW of Brownstown, Illinois |
M3.2 |
25 km |
| Jul 1, 2017 |
9 km SSE of Mulberry Grove, Illinois |
M3.1 |
48 km |
| Jan 23, 1991 |
3 km WSW of Logan, Illinois |
M3.1 |
125 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
554 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 28 fatalities, 533 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
93 km |
2 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 2, 1990 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Dec 18, 1957 |
EF4 |
91 km |
1 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
62 km |
6 |
| Dec 1, 2018 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2002 |
EF3 |
79 km |
1 |
| Jun 1, 1999 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Apr 19, 1996 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Aug 21, 1977 |
EF3 |
42 km |
6 |
| Jul 28, 1976 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 20, 1976 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Aug 10, 1974 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Apr 1, 1974 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 22, 1963 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
29°F (-2°C) |
2.1 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
31°F (-0°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| March |
42°F (6°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| April |
53°F (12°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
63°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
77°F (25°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
75°F (24°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
56°F (13°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
44°F (7°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| December |
33°F (0°C) |
3.3 in |
|
Altamont has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 29°F in January to 77°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (2.1").
Average costs for common services in Altamont. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $655 |
| Toddler | $611 |
| Preschool | $541 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $570 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $542 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Altamont
What is the population of Altamont?
Altamont has a population of 2,500 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,623 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.0 years. The population is 50.8% female and 49.2% male.
Is Altamont expensive to live in?
Altamont has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $76,198, 1% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $132,200 (53% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $898 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Altamont safe?
Altamont is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 132 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 922 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Altamont receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Altamont?
Altamont has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 54°F (12°C). Winter temperatures average 29°F in January, while summers reach an average of 77°F in July. The area receives 293 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.0 inches, with 14.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Altamont?
The job market in Altamont is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,020. There are 1,237 business establishments in the area, including 125 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 25 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Altamont?
The median home value in Altamont is $132,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $167,330. For renters, the median monthly rent is $898. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.0%. The average annual property tax is $6,557.
How are the schools in Altamont?
Schools in Altamont score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.6% of adults in Altamont hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.0% have completed high school. 2.6% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Altamont?
The obesity rate in Altamont is 35.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 15.6% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 24.8% of residents report depression. 7.7% lack health insurance. 58.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,275.
What is transportation like in Altamont?
The average commute in Altamont is 25 minutes. 74.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Altamont?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Altamont is 96.4% White, 1% Black or African American. 99.7% of residents speak only English at home. 11.7% of the population are military veterans. 17.2% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
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