Median Income
$36,694
51% lower than US avg
Home Value
$137,500
51% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.8%
71% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$389
67% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.2%
38% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
26.0%
110% higher than US avg
How Altoona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,211
Median Age41.0 yrs
Density263/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 95%
Economy
C+
Median Income$36,694
Per Capita$24,245
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty26.0%
County GDP$4,026M
Commute30 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$137,500
Rent$389
OwnershipN/A
Zillow$194,973
Health
Obesity44.2%
UninsuredN/A
Depression29.2%
Heart Disease7.4%
Climate
Avg Temp62°F
AQI41 (Good)
Rain56.8 in/yr
Elevation978 ft
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.8%
High School+85.0%
School Score4.40
Community
2024 VoteR 77% / D 22%
Commute30 min
Libraries11
Is Altoona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Altoona receives an overall livability score of 3.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Altoona offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Altoona is $36,694, 51% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. The poverty rate of 26.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Altoona is $137,500, 51% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $389 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. A price-to-income ratio of 3.7x indicates a reasonably affordable housing market.
Education
9.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Altoona enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 62°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 56.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Altoona has a population of 1,211 with a density of 263 people per square mile. The median age is 41.0 years, 5% older than the national median of 38.9. The city is predominantly White (95.3%), with 1.2% Hispanic, 1.2% Black.
Population
41.0yrs
Median Age
5% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
| English Only | 97.0% |
| 24% above US avg |
| Spanish | 3.0% |
| 78% below US avg |
The median household income in Altoona is $36,694, which is 51% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 26.0% of residents live below the poverty line. Workers commute an average of 30 minutes.
Income
| Median HH Income | $36,694 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $24,245 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $895 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $59,134 |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 26.0% |
| 110% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,439 |
| County GDP | $4,026M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 204 |
| Healthcare | 294 |
| Retail | 368 |
| Manufacturing | 91 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $1,980 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Effective Tax Rate | 1.44% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 29.6 min |
| Work from Home | 3.5% |
The median home value in Altoona is $137,500, 51% below the national average. Monthly rent averages $389 (67% below US avg). Zillow estimates the typical home value at $194,973.
Home Values
| Census Median | $137,500 |
| 51% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $194,973 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $389 |
| 67% below US avg |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $716 |
| 1 Bedroom | $772 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $936 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,206 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,381 |
Ownership & Property
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $1,980 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 1.44% |
In Altoona, 44.2% of adults are obese (above the 32.1% national rate). 29.2% report depression. 35.3% are physically inactive.
Health Metrics: Altoona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.2% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 13.9% |
| Heart Disease | 7.4% |
| High Blood Pressure | 41.1% |
| Asthma | 11.0% |
| COPD | 10.4% |
| Stroke | 4.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| |
| Binge Drinking | 15.4% |
| Physical Inactivity | 35.3% |
| Depression | 29.2% |
| Mental Distress | 21.8% |
| Physical Distress | 17.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 73.7% |
| |
| Checkup Rate | 76.5% |
| Premature Death | 14,706/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.3/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 294 |
Crime Rates: Altoona vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 21 |
Safety Score
Altoona has an average annual temperature of 62°F (17°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. Annual precipitation is 56.8 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 41.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 61.9°F |
| 15% above US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
Precipitation & Snow
| Annual Rainfall | 56.8 inches |
| 49% above US avg |
| Snowfall | 0.7 inches/yr |
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 41.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Geography
| Elevation | 978 ft (298 m) |
| Area | 4.6 sq mi (11.9 km²) |
| Population Density | 263/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 34.0400°N, 86.3052°W |
| County FIPS | 01055 |