Median Income
$95,000
26% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.3%
23% higher than US avg
Obesity Rate
32.3%
1% higher than US avg
Unemployment
27.8%
672% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Altoona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population46
Median Age69.7 yrs
Density9/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 91%
Veterans13.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$95,000
Per Capita$82,265
Unemployment27.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$133M
Housing
Ownership100.0%
Zillow$380,890
Housing Units25
Rent Burden46.2%
Health
Obesity32.3%
Uninsured0.0%
Smoking11.5%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease5.1%
Climate
Avg Temp52°F (11°C)
Rain103.5 in/yr
Elevation532 ft (162 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.3%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score5.64
Community
2024 VoteR 58% / D 39%
Broadband100.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries1
Is Altoona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Altoona receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, a highly educated population, a low poverty rate, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Altoona stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Altoona is $95,000, 26% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. At 27.8%, unemployment is notably high. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.3% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 100.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.6/10.
Climate & Weather
Altoona experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 52°F. Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 103.5 inches.
Altoona has a population of 46 with a density of 9 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age is 69.7 years, 79% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50% female and 50% male. The city is predominantly White (91.3%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 13.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 21.7% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46
Total Population
2023 Census
69.7yrs
Median Age
79% 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 $95,000, which is 26% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $82,265 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $867, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 27.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 132 business establishments, including 11 restaurants. The cost of living index is 107, slightly above the national baseline of 100. 0.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $95,000 |
| 26% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $82,265 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $867 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,181 |
| Gini Index | 0.428 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 27.8% |
| 672% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 132 |
| County GDP | $133M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 11 |
| Healthcare | 3 |
| Retail | 12 |
| Manufacturing | 8 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,483 |
| 28% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 107.00 (100=avg) |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 46.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 0.0% |
Zillow estimates the typical home value at $380,890. Fair market rent ranges from $1,180 for a one-bedroom to $1,472 for a two-bedroom apartment. 100.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 25 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 2005. The average annual property tax is $4,483 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 46.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters.
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $1,082 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,180 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,472 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2,003 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $2,351 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 100.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 100.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 0.0% |
| Housing Units | 25 |
| Median Year Built | 2005 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,483 |
| 28% above US avg |
In Altoona, 32.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.1% of residents. 27.1% have high blood pressure. 11.5% are current smokers. 12.2% report binge drinking. 15.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.2% report depression. 15.3% experience frequent mental distress. 0.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The dentist ratio is 1:1,563. 64.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Altoona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 32.3% |
| 1% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.1% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.1% |
| Asthma | 10.2% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Cancer | 6.0% |
| Stroke | 3.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 11.5% |
| 18% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 12.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 15.6% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 15.3% |
| Physical Distress | 12.1% |
| Short Sleep | 29.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Dentists | 1:1,563 |
| Mental Health | 1:367 |
| Checkup Rate | 54.7% |
| Dental Visits | 41.9% |
| Premature Death | 6,037/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 64.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 3 |
Altoona experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winters average 42°F in January while summers reach 63°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 103.5 inches (wetter than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 2.1 inches of snow annually. The city sits at an elevation of 532 feet.
Temperature
42°F Jan (5°C)
63°F Jul (17°C)
| Annual Average | 51.6°F |
| 4% below US avg |
| January Average | 42°F (5°C) |
| July Average | 63°F (17°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 532 ft (162 m) |
| Area | 2.0 sq mi (5.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 9/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 46.2697°N, 123.6212°W |
| Timezone | America/Los_Angeles |
| County | Wahkiakum County County |
| Nearest Airport | Astoria Regional (AST)
14 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
103.5"
172% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jan)
16.73"
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 60.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 40.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Very Low |
| Strong Wind |
Very Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Very Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
| Coastal Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Tsunami |
Relatively Low |
| Volcano |
Very Low |
| Avalanche |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1,002 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M6.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 16, 2025.
| Feb 28, 2001 |
7 km SSE of Longbranch, Washington |
M6.8 |
119 km |
| Jul 3, 1999 |
8 km N of Satsop, Washington |
M5.8 |
90 km |
| Jun 10, 2001 |
18 km N of Satsop, Washington |
M5.0 |
100 km |
| Feb 14, 2011 |
31 km S of Morton, Washington |
M4.3 |
108 km |
| Jul 22, 2001 |
4 km WSW of DuPont, Washington |
M4.3 |
116 km |
| May 20, 1995 |
15 km NNE of Ashford, Washington |
M4.1 |
145 km |
| Feb 23, 2017 |
11 km NE of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.1 |
142 km |
| Jun 15, 1994 |
1 km WNW of Hoodsport, Washington |
M4.0 |
132 km |
| Jun 25, 2004 |
17 km W of Packwood, Washington |
M3.9 |
138 km |
| Oct 1, 2004 |
37 km NNE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.9 |
110 km |
| Apr 24, 2003 |
3 km NW of North Portland, Oregon |
M3.9 |
98 km |
| Jan 3, 2018 |
37 km SSE of Morton, Washington |
M3.9 |
120 km |
| Feb 8, 1995 |
9 km ESE of Hubbard, Oregon |
M3.8 |
144 km |
| Aug 3, 2006 |
2 km WNW of Cherry Grove, Washington |
M3.8 |
94 km |
| Jun 12, 2021 |
3 km WSW of Skokomish, Washington |
M3.8 |
121 km |
| Oct 1, 2004 |
36 km NNE of Amboy, Washington |
M3.7 |
110 km |
| Aug 23, 2013 |
24 km SSE of Mossyrock, Washington |
M3.7 |
95 km |
| Jun 16, 2002 |
2 km N of Belfair, Washington |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Jul 13, 1995 |
13 km ENE of Ashford, Washington |
M3.7 |
147 km |
| Jul 31, 2016 |
12 km NNE of Aberdeen Gardens, Washington |
M3.7 |
100 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
40 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF2. Total: 3 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 2016 |
EF2 |
66 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 1965 |
EF2 |
73 km |
0 |
| Oct 23, 2014 |
EF1 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jan 10, 2008 |
EF1 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2004 |
EF1 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1989 |
EF1 |
85 km |
0 |
| Mar 28, 1985 |
EF1 |
56 km |
0 |
| Oct 13, 1984 |
EF1 |
78 km |
0 |
| Aug 16, 1978 |
EF1 |
79 km |
0 |
| Dec 12, 1975 |
EF1 |
93 km |
0 |
| Oct 3, 1967 |
EF1 |
28 km |
0 |
| Nov 11, 2024 |
EF0 |
77 km |
0 |
| Oct 28, 2024 |
EF0 |
51 km |
0 |
| Oct 11, 2023 |
EF0 |
84 km |
0 |
| Sep 27, 2021 |
EF0 |
96 km |
0 |
| Mar 19, 2021 |
EF0 |
30 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2020 |
EF0 |
75 km |
0 |
| Sep 8, 2019 |
EF0 |
94 km |
0 |
| Oct 29, 2018 |
EF0 |
87 km |
0 |
| Oct 12, 2017 |
EF0 |
97 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Tsunami History
4 tsunamis recorded within 500 km.
Highest wave on record: 250.0 m (820 ft).
| Year |
Location |
Cause |
Max Wave |
Deaths |
Distance |
| 1980 |
WASHINGTON |
Explosion |
250.0 m |
61 |
111 km |
| 1894 |
PUYALLUP RIVER DELTA, TACOMA, WA |
Meteorological |
3.0 m |
2 |
144 km |
| 1949 |
PUGET SOUND, WA |
Meteorological |
2.4 m |
- |
141 km |
| 1949 |
PUGET SOUND, WA |
Eruption + Earthquake |
- |
8 |
126 km |
Source: NOAA/NCEI Historical Tsunami Database. Sorted by wave height.
Nearby Volcanoes
6 volcanoes within 200 km.
Closest: St. Helens (111 km).
| Name |
Type |
Elevation |
Last Eruption |
Distance |
| St. Helens |
Stratovolcano |
2,549 m (8,363 ft) |
2008 |
111 km |
| West Crater |
Volcanic field |
1,329 m (4,360 ft) |
-5750 |
127 km |
| Indian Heaven |
Shield(s) |
1,806 m (5,925 ft) |
-6250 |
144 km |
| Rainier |
Stratovolcano |
4,392 m (14,409 ft) |
1450 |
156 km |
| Adams |
Stratovolcano |
3,742 m (12,277 ft) |
950 |
164 km |
| Hood |
Stratovolcano |
3,426 m (11,240 ft) |
1866 |
179 km |
Source: Smithsonian Institution Global Volcanism Program (GVP). Sorted by distance.
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
42°F (5°C) |
16.7 in |
Wettest |
| February |
44°F (6°C) |
10.1 in |
|
| March |
45°F (7°C) |
11.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
8.1 in |
|
| May |
55°F (13°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| June |
58°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| July |
63°F (17°C) |
1.2 in |
Driest |
| August |
63°F (17°C) |
1.9 in |
Warmest |
| September |
60°F (16°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
10.2 in |
|
| November |
45°F (7°C) |
15.2 in |
|
| December |
42°F (5°C) |
16.3 in |
Coldest |
Altoona has a seasonal temperature swing of 22°F / from 42°F in December to 63°F in August. Total annual precipitation is 103.6 inches, with January being the wettest month (16.7") and July the driest (1.2").
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) |
$268 ($161-$428) |
| Specialist Visit |
$375 ($214-$589) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$214 ($107-$375) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,354 ($856-$5,350) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$139 ($80-$214) |
| Dental Filling |
$268 ($161-$428) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$48 ($27-$80) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$80 ($54-$128) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$321 ($161-$535) |
| Tire Rotation |
$43 ($21-$80) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$642 ($428-$1,070) |
| Battery Replacement |
$214 ($107-$375) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$107 ($64-$161) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$96 ($54-$150) |
| HVAC Repair |
$428 ($161-$856) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,490 ($4,280-$12,840) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,070 ($428-$2,140) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,630 ($5,885-$16,050) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,605 ($535-$3,745) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$16,050 ($5,350-$32,100) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,350 ($2,140-$10,700) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,605 ($856-$3,210) |
| Will Preparation |
$535 ($214-$1,070) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,675 ($1,070-$5,350) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$27 ($16-$48) |
| Women's Haircut |
$59 ($32-$107) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$161 ($80-$268) |
| Manicure |
$27 ($16-$48) |
| Pedicure |
$43 ($27-$70) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$86 ($54-$139) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.39 ($3.21-$5.89) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.75 ($2.68-$5.35) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$4.07 ($2.68-$5.89) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.82 ($3.21-$6.96) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.89 ($4.28-$8.03) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.07 ($0.64-$1.93) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$150 ($86-$268) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$75 ($32-$161) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$75 ($43-$128) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$75 ($43-$107) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$70 ($32-$107) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$91 ($54-$161) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$214 ($80-$535) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,140 ($1,284-$3,745) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$75 ($32-$139) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$16 ($8.56-$27) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$107 ($32-$268) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$32 ($16-$80) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,284 ($642-$2,675) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,070 ($535-$2,140) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$428 ($214-$749) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$54 ($27-$107) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,070 ($428-$2,675) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$13,375 ($5,350-$32,100) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$64 ($32-$107) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$107 ($54-$214) |
| Dog Grooming |
$64 ($32-$107) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$43 ($21-$80) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$321 ($161-$535) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$214 ($107-$428) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,547 |
| Toddler | $1,078 |
| Preschool | $1,078 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,066 |
| Toddler | $889 |
| Preschool | $889 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Altoona
What is the population of Altoona?
Altoona has a population of 46 residents and is located in Washington. The population density is 9 people per square mile, spread across 2.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 69.7 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50% female and 50% male.
Is Altoona expensive to live in?
Altoona is slightly more expensive than average, with a cost of living index of 107 compared to the national baseline of 100. The median household income is $95,000, 26% above the national average of $75,149.
What is the weather like in Altoona?
Altoona has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 52°F (11°C). Winter temperatures average 42°F in January, while summers reach an average of 63°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 103.5 inches, with 2.1 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Altoona?
The job market in Altoona faces challenges, with unemployment at 27.8% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $867. There are 132 business establishments in the area, including 11 restaurants and food service locations.
How are the schools in Altoona?
Schools in Altoona score 5.6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.3% of adults in Altoona hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Altoona?
The obesity rate in Altoona is 32.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 11.5% of adults are smokers. 15.6% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 0.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 64.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities.
What are the demographics of Altoona?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Altoona is 91.3% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 13.0% of the population are military veterans. 21.7% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.