Median Income
$21,629
71% lower than US avg
Home Value
$95,000
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
172/100K
55% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
5.1%
85% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$1,013
13% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
37.2%
16% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.6%
28% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
31.9%
157% higher than US avg
How Altona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population603
Median Age43.1 yrs
Density353/mi²
Male / Female84% / 16%
Largest GroupWhite 65%
Veterans1.4%
Economy
D
Median Income$21,629
Per Capita$10,471
Unemployment4.6%
Poverty31.9%
County GDP$4,929M
Commute23 min
Housing
A
Home Value$95,000
Rent$1,013
Ownership38.7%
Zillow$132,122
Housing Units159
Rent Burden51.0%
Crime
F
Violent172/100K
Property2,328/100K
Health
Obesity37.2%
Uninsured10.7%
Smoking16.0%
Depression17.6%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp44°F (6°C)
AQI36 (Good)
Rain35.7 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation647 ft (197 m)
Education
F
Bachelor's+5.1%
High School+59.6%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.34
Community
2024 VoteR 51% / D 49%
Commute23 min
Broadband88.2%
EV Stations2
Libraries9
Is Altona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Altona receives an overall livability score of 2.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes. Altona has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Altona is $21,629, 71% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.6%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 31.9% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Altona is $95,000, 66% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 4.4x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Altona is below the national average at 172 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,328 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
5.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Altona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.7 inches, including 107.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36.
Altona has a population of 603 with a density of 353 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age is 43.1 years, 11% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 16.1% female and 83.9% male. The city is predominantly White (64.5%), with 19.2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 90.6% of residents, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 1.4% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 9.5% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
43.1yrs
Median Age
11% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
90.6%
15% above US avg
Spanish
9.4%
30% below US avg
The median household income in Altona is $21,629, which is 71% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $10,471 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,145, 20% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.6% (above the 3.6% US average). 31.9% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 1,948 business establishments, including 187 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107.9, slightly above the national baseline of 100. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.8% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $21,629 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $10,471 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,145 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,473 |
| Gini Index | 0.437 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.6% |
| 28% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 31.9% |
| 157% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 1,948 |
| County GDP | $4,929M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 187 |
| Healthcare | 211 |
| Retail | 323 |
| Manufacturing | 77 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,549 |
| 116% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.90 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.95% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 42.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.8% |
The median home value in Altona is $95,000, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,122, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $1,013 (13% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $1,315 for a one-bedroom to $1,579 for a two-bedroom apartment. 38.7% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 159 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $7,549 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 51.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $95,000 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $132,122 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,013 |
| 13% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 51.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,215 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,315 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,579 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,976 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,193 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 38.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 38.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 61.3% |
| Housing Units | 159 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,549 |
| 116% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.95% |
In Altona, 37.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 11.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 34.8% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 18.2% report binge drinking. 29.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 17.6% report depression. 16.7% experience frequent mental distress. 10.7% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,244. The dentist ratio is 1:1,544. 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.3 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Altona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 37.2% |
| 16% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 11.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.8% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 6.6% |
| Cancer | 6.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 18.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.1% |
| Depression | 17.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.7% |
| Physical Distress | 13.5% |
| Short Sleep | 39.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 98.0% |
| Uninsured | 10.7% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,244 |
| Dentists | 1:1,544 |
| Mental Health | 1:275 |
| Checkup Rate | 77.4% |
| Dental Visits | 56.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,270/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 72.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 211 |
Altona has a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 residents, 55% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,328 per 100,000, 19% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 6 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Altona receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Altona vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 172.2/100K |
| 55% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,328.1/100K |
| 19% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 6 |
| Traffic Accidents | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Altona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 68°F in July. The area gets 270 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 35.7 inches. The area receives 107.1 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 36. The city sits at an elevation of 647 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
68°F Jul (20°C)
| Annual Average | 43.5°F |
| 19% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 68°F (20°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 647 ft (197 m) |
| Area | 1.7 sq mi (4.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 353/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8901°N, 73.6596°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Clinton County County |
| Nearest Airport | Plattsburgh International (PBG)
19 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.7"
6% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
3.86"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 36.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 68.8 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 39.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 77.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
96 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M5.3. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 1, 2025.
| Apr 20, 2002 |
8 km NNW of Au Sable Forks, New York |
M5.3 |
42 km |
| Mar 14, 1996 |
7 km WNW of Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard, Canada |
M4.5 |
136 km |
| May 17, 1991 |
7 km WNW of Rigaud, Canada |
M4.4 |
89 km |
| May 24, 1997 |
6 km W of Saint-Adolphe-d'Howard, Canada |
M4.2 |
135 km |
| Oct 31, 1999 |
7 km SW of Morin-Heights, Canada |
M4.2 |
119 km |
| Apr 18, 1998 |
4 km N of Plantagenet, Canada |
M4.1 |
129 km |
| Nov 17, 1992 |
16 km ENE of Saint-André-Avellin, Canada |
M4.0 |
135 km |
| Feb 25, 2006 |
4 km NE of Thurso, Canada |
M4.0 |
146 km |
| Oct 10, 2012 |
7 km ESE of Verchères, Canada |
M3.9 |
101 km |
| Jul 30, 1993 |
1 km NE of Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Canada |
M3.9 |
55 km |
| Mar 16, 2011 |
6 km ENE of Hawkesbury, Canada |
M3.9 |
106 km |
| Sep 18, 2011 |
1 km E of Thurso, Canada |
M3.8 |
147 km |
| Oct 6, 2000 |
1 km WSW of Ormstown, Canada |
M3.8 |
39 km |
| Jul 5, 1991 |
7 km WSW of Sainte-Martine, Canada |
M3.8 |
42 km |
| Nov 16, 1993 |
5 km SSE of Saint-Édouard, Canada |
M3.8 |
35 km |
| Sep 23, 1993 |
11 km SE of La Conception, Canada |
M3.8 |
150 km |
| Sep 1, 2024 |
5 km SE of Pierreville, Canada |
M3.8 |
146 km |
| Feb 11, 2002 |
2 km WNW of Notre-Dame-des-Prairies, Canada |
M3.8 |
131 km |
| Apr 20, 2000 |
7 km WSW of Newcomb, New York |
M3.8 |
115 km |
| Nov 6, 2012 |
Ontario-Quebec border region, Canada |
M3.7 |
110 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
27 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 8 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 8, 1983 |
EF2 |
57 km |
0 |
| Aug 3, 1970 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Jul 4, 1963 |
EF2 |
36 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF2 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1961 |
EF2 |
44 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1960 |
EF2 |
67 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1957 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Sep 19, 1954 |
EF2 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1952 |
EF2 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2022 |
EF1 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 2008 |
EF1 |
69 km |
0 |
| Jul 26, 1986 |
EF1 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 1973 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 1973 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1972 |
EF1 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1965 |
EF1 |
95 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1962 |
EF1 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 18, 1961 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
| Oct 16, 1958 |
EF1 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 21, 1953 |
EF1 |
45 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: FLAT ROCK FIRE (658 ac, 2018).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2018 |
FLAT ROCK FIRE |
658 |
3 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.8 in |
Coldest |
| February |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.5 in |
Driest |
| March |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| April |
42°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| June |
64°F (18°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
68°F (20°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
67°F (19°C) |
3.9 in |
Wettest |
| September |
58°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| October |
47°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
22°F (-5°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Altona has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 16°F in January to 68°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.6 inches, with August being the wettest month (3.9") and February the driest (1.5").
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) |
$270 ($162–$432) |
| Specialist Visit |
$378 ($216–$593) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$216 ($108–$378) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,374 ($863–$5,395) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$140 ($81–$216) |
| Dental Filling |
$270 ($162–$432) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$49 ($27–$81) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$81 ($54–$129) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$647 ($432–$1,079) |
| Battery Replacement |
$216 ($108–$378) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$108 ($65–$162) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$97 ($54–$151) |
| HVAC Repair |
$432 ($162–$863) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,553 ($4,316–$12,948) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,079 ($432–$2,158) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,711 ($5,935–$16,185) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,619 ($540–$3,777) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,185 ($5,395–$32,370) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,395 ($2,158–$10,790) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,619 ($863–$3,237) |
| Will Preparation |
$540 ($216–$1,079) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,698 ($1,079–$5,395) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32–$108) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$162 ($81–$270) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16–$49) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27–$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54–$140) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.42 ($3.24–$5.93) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.78 ($2.70–$5.40) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.10 ($2.70–$5.93) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.86 ($3.24–$7.01) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.93 ($4.32–$8.09) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.08 ($0.65–$1.94) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$151 ($86–$270) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$162) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$129) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$76 ($43–$108) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32–$108) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$92 ($54–$162) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$216 ($81–$540) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,158 ($1,295–$3,777) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$76 ($32–$140) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.63–$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$108 ($32–$270) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16–$81) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,295 ($647–$2,698) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,079 ($540–$2,158) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$432 ($216–$755) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27–$108) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,079 ($432–$2,698) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,488 ($5,395–$32,370) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$108 ($54–$216) |
| Dog Grooming |
$65 ($32–$108) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($22–$81) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$324 ($162–$540) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$216 ($108–$432) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,070 |
| Toddler | $996 |
| Preschool | $866 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $823 |
| Toddler | $779 |
| Preschool | $758 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Altona
What is the population of Altona?
Altona has a population of 603 residents and is located in New York. The population density is 353 people per square mile, spread across 1.7 square miles. The median age of residents is 43.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 16.1% female and 83.9% male.
Is Altona expensive to live in?
Altona is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107.9 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $21,629, 71% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $95,000 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,013 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 4.4x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Altona safe?
Altona is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 172 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,328 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Altona receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Altona?
Altona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 44°F (6°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 68°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.7 inches, with 107.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 36.
How is the job market in Altona?
Altona has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.6%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,145. There are 1,948 business establishments in the area, including 187 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 6.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Altona?
The median home value in Altona is $95,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $132,122. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,013. Fair market rent is $1,315 for a 1-bedroom and $1,579 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 38.7%. The average annual property tax is $7,549.
How are the schools in Altona?
Schools in Altona score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 5.1% of adults in Altona hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 59.6% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Altona?
The obesity rate in Altona is 37.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 29.1% are physically inactive. 17.6% of residents report depression. 10.7% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 72.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,244.
What is transportation like in Altona?
The average commute in Altona is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 42.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Altona?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Altona is 64.5% White, 19.2% Black or African American, 0.7% Hispanic or Latino. 90.6% of residents speak only English at home, while 9.4% speak Spanish. 1.4% of the population are military veterans. 9.5% of residents have a disability. 98.0% have health insurance coverage.
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