Median Income
$44,107
41% lower than US avg
Home Value
$50,200
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
83/100K
78% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
9.4%
72% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$706
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.3%
64% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.0%
5% higher than US avg
How Altoona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population409
Median Age39.6 yrs
Density772/mi²
Male / Female46% / 54%
Largest GroupWhite 88%
Veterans7.1%
Economy
B+
Median Income$44,107
Per Capita$22,501
Unemployment1.3%
Poverty13.0%
County GDP$389M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$50,200
Rent$706
Ownership86.1%
Zillow$95,577
Housing Units205
Rent Burden36.3%
Crime
F
Violent83/100K
Property2,120/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured9.8%
Smoking19.4%
Depression23.7%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain41.8 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation828 ft (252 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+9.4%
High School+88.2%
Graduate+0.8%
School Score5.32
Community
2024 VoteR 80% / D 18%
Commute21 min
Broadband74.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries3
Is Altoona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Altoona receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Altoona has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Altoona is $44,107, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.3%. 13.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Altoona is $50,200, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Altoona is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,120 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
9.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.3/10.
Climate & Weather
Altoona enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 41.8 inches, including 6.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Altoona has a population of 409 with a density of 772 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age is 39.6 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.3% female and 45.7% male. The city is predominantly White (88%), with 6.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 7.1% of the population are veterans. 31.9% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.6yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Altoona is $44,107, which is 41% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $22,501 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $933, 35% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 13.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 236 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.2% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $44,107 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $22,501 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $933 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $56,309 |
| Gini Index | 0.479 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.3% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.0% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 236 |
| County GDP | $389M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 33 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,738 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 5.45% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 89.5% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.2% |
The median home value in Altoona is $50,200, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $95,577, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $706 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 86.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 205 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1965. The average annual property tax is $2,738 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 36.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $50,200 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $95,577 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $706 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 36.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 86.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 86.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 13.9% |
| Housing Units | 205 |
| Median Year Built | 1965 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,738 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 5.45% |
In Altoona, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 33.6% have high blood pressure. 19.4% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.2% report binge drinking. 28.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.6% experience frequent mental distress. 9.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,131. The dentist ratio is 1:2,874. 34.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Altoona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.6% |
| Asthma | 11.1% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.4% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.3% |
| Depression | 23.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.6% |
| Physical Distress | 14.0% |
| Short Sleep | 38.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 87.5% |
| Uninsured | 9.8% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,131 |
| Dentists | 1:2,874 |
| Mental Health | 1:8,382 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 54.4% |
| Premature Death | 11,658/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 34.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Altoona has a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, 78% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,120 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Altoona receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Altoona vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 83.1/100K |
| 78% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,119.7/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Altoona enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 80°F in July. The area gets 305 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 41.8 inches. The area receives 6.5 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 828 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
80°F Jul (27°C)
| Annual Average | 56.8°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 80°F (27°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 828 ft (252 m) |
| Area | 0.5 sq mi (1.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 772/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.5245°N, 95.6615°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wilson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO)
60 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
41.8"
10% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.24"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.0 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 18.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 48.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
33 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.6 on Apr 21, 2025.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
143 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.5 |
140 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.4 |
140 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 |
4 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.2 |
140 km |
| Jun 4, 2023 |
13 km SE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M3.2 |
143 km |
| Sep 16, 2019 |
11 km E of Marion, Kansas |
M3.2 |
142 km |
| Mar 15, 2021 |
3 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.1 |
140 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
9 km ENE of Marion, Kansas |
M3.1 |
146 km |
| Mar 14, 2021 |
1 km N of Eastborough, Kansas |
M3.0 |
143 km |
| Jul 24, 2001 |
2 km NW of Augusta, Kansas |
M3.0 |
120 km |
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Sep 9, 2016 |
7 km NNE of Rose Hill, Kansas |
M2.8 |
128 km |
| Jan 29, 2020 |
11 km SSE of Lincolnville, Kansas |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Apr 10, 2020 |
4 km SE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.8 |
145 km |
| Jun 10, 2021 |
5 km NE of Eastborough, Kansas |
M2.8 |
139 km |
| Aug 10, 2016 |
7 km NNE of Rose Hill, Kansas |
M2.7 |
128 km |
| Sep 25, 2024 |
6 km NE of Cedar Point, Kansas |
M2.7 |
131 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
111 km |
| Apr 21, 2025 |
7 km ESE of Marion, Kansas |
M2.6 |
143 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
505 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 40 fatalities, 593 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
74 km |
21 |
| Feb 28, 2007 |
EF4 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
51 km |
4 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
73 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
83 km |
1 |
| Jun 26, 2018 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 2016 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
67 km |
1 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF3 |
45 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
59 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
60 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Oct 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| Mar 18, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: RD 80 (63,061 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
RD 80 |
63,061 |
96 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
60,976 |
82 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
77 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
32,901 |
91 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
29 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
20,347 |
89 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
76 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
77 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
85 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
84 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
14,661 |
60 km |
| 2018 |
18-85 |
14,632 |
39 km |
| 2016 |
FERGUSON RANCH |
13,625 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
32 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
13,063 |
81 km |
| 1989 |
UNNAMED |
12,241 |
82 km |
| 2002 |
WEST UNIT |
11,187 |
95 km |
| 1992 |
UNNAMED |
11,123 |
98 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
10,911 |
90 km |
| 2002 |
UNNAMED |
8,678 |
43 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest |
| February |
37°F (3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
47°F (8°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
5.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
80°F (27°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
71°F (22°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
1.7 in |
|
Altoona has a seasonal temperature swing of 48°F / from 32°F in January to 80°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 39.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.2") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Altoona. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Altoona
What is the population of Altoona?
Altoona has a population of 409 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 772 people per square mile, spread across 0.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.6 years. The population is 54.3% female and 45.7% male.
Is Altoona expensive to live in?
Altoona is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $44,107, 41% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $50,200 (82% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $706 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Altoona safe?
Altoona is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 83 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,120 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Altoona receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Altoona?
Altoona enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 80°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 41.8 inches, with 6.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Altoona?
The job market in Altoona is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $933. There are 236 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 7.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona is $50,200. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $95,577. For renters, the median monthly rent is $706. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 86.1%. The average annual property tax is $2,738.
How are the schools in Altoona?
Schools in Altoona score 5.3 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 9.4% of adults in Altoona hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 88.2% have completed high school. 0.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Altoona?
The obesity rate in Altoona is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.4% of adults are smokers. 28.3% are physically inactive. 23.7% of residents report depression. 9.8% lack health insurance. 34.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,131.
What is transportation like in Altoona?
The average commute in Altoona is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 89.5% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Altoona?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Altoona is 88% White, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 7.1% of the population are military veterans. 31.9% of residents have a disability. 87.5% have health insurance coverage.
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