Median Income
$67,125
11% lower than US avg
Home Value
$89,200
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.0%
44% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$944
19% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
35.2%
10% higher than US avg
Unemployment
19.6%
444% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
2.3%
81% lower than US avg
How Altona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population519
Median Age40.4 yrs
Density552/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans6.8%
Economy
B
Median Income$67,125
Per Capita$37,904
Unemployment19.6%
Poverty2.3%
County GDP$2,048M
Commute22 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$89,200
Rent$944
Ownership92.6%
Zillow$132,685
Housing Units252
Rent Burden18.1%
Health
Obesity35.2%
Uninsured4.2%
Smoking13.0%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease4.9%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
Rain39.4 in/yr
Elevation761 ft (232 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.0%
High School+95.0%
Graduate+3.9%
School Score5.50
Community
2024 VoteR 61% / D 37%
Commute22 min
Broadband83.7%
EV Stations1
Libraries9
Is Altona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Altona receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include affordable housing, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Altona offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Altona is $67,125, 11% below the national average of $75,149. At 19.6%, unemployment is notably high. Only 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Altona is $89,200, 68% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $944 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
19.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.5/10.
Climate & Weather
Altona experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches, including 26.8 inches of snow.
Altona has a population of 519 with a density of 552 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 40.4 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.2% female and 51.8% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 99% of residents. 6.8% of the population are veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.
Population
519
Total Population
2023 Census
40.4yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
99.0%
26% above US avg
Spanish
0.8%
94% below US avg
The median household income in Altona is $67,125, which is 11% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,904. The average weekly wage is $980, 32% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 19.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 2.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,020 business establishments, including 100 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 22 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 1.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $67,125 |
| 11% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,904 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $980 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $74,616 |
| Gini Index | 0.436 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 19.6% |
| 444% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 2.3% |
| 81% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,020 |
| County GDP | $2,048M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 100 |
| Healthcare | 90 |
| Retail | 148 |
| Manufacturing | 46 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 6.43% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 1.8% |
The median home value in Altona is $89,200, 68% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,685, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $944 (19% 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. 92.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 252 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $5,739 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 18.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $89,200 |
| 68% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $132,685 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $944 |
| 19% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 18.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 92.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 92.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 7.4% |
| Housing Units | 252 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,739 |
| 64% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 6.43% |
In Altona, 35.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.9% of residents, below the national average. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 13.0% are current smokers. 21.6% report binge drinking. 19.7% are physically inactive, below the national average. 23.0% report depression. 17.5% experience frequent mental distress. 4.2% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446. The dentist ratio is 1:2,848. 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Altona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 35.2% |
| 10% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.5% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.0% |
| 7% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.6% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.7% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 17.5% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.8% |
| Uninsured | 4.2% |
| 51% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:4,446 |
| Dentists | 1:2,848 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,863 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 66.0% |
| Premature Death | 7,545/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 78.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 90 |
Altona experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 39.4 inches. The area receives 26.8 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 761 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.0°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 761 ft (232 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 552/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1151°N, 90.1648°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Henry County County |
| Nearest Airport | Quad Cities International (MLI)
29 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.4"
4% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.21"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 57.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 14.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 83.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
112 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
91 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
135 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
140 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
674 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 17 fatalities, 515 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Nov 17, 2013 |
EF4 |
74 km |
3 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1981 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
49 km |
0 |
| Apr 4, 2023 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
71 km |
0 |
| Jun 1, 2007 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
76 km |
8 |
| May 10, 2003 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 13, 1995 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1988 |
EF3 |
87 km |
0 |
| Aug 15, 1978 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Mar 4, 1976 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
61 km |
2 |
| Jul 23, 1975 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1975 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNIT 3 (1,206 ac, 1999).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 1999 |
UNIT 3 |
1,206 |
78 km |
| 2002 |
HSB 03 2 |
1,130 |
78 km |
| 2000 |
DESTRUST A |
756 |
78 km |
| 2006 |
HSB 003 |
674 |
78 km |
| 2004 |
HSB 009 |
608 |
78 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
26°F (-4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
|
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
Warmest |
| August |
71°F (21°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (4°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
Altona has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 21°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.2") and January the driest (1.8").
Average costs for common services in Altona. 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 | $982 |
| Toddler | $888 |
| Preschool | $789 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $686 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $608 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Altona
What is the population of Altona?
Altona has a population of 519 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 552 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.4 years. The population is 48.2% female and 51.8% male.
Is Altona expensive to live in?
Altona has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $67,125, 11% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $89,200 (68% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $944 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Altona?
Altona has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 39.4 inches, with 26.8 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Altona?
The job market in Altona faces challenges, with unemployment at 19.6% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $980. There are 1,020 business establishments in the area, including 100 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 22 minutes, and 1.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Altona?
The median home value in Altona is $89,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,685. For renters, the median monthly rent is $944. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 92.6%. The average annual property tax is $5,739.
How are the schools in Altona?
Schools in Altona score 5.5 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.0% of adults in Altona hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.0% have completed high school. 3.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Altona?
The obesity rate in Altona is 35.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.0% of adults are smokers. 19.7% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 4.2% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 78.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:4,446.
What is transportation like in Altona?
The average commute in Altona is 22 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89% of workers drive alone to work, and 1.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Altona?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Altona is 98.5% White, 1% Hispanic or Latino. 99% of residents speak only English at home. 6.8% of the population are military veterans. 12.1% of residents have a disability. 95.8% have health insurance coverage.