Median Income
$80,126
7% higher than US avg
Home Value
$220,900
22% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
113/100K
70% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.7%
24% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$1,157
1% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.4%
2% lower than US avg
Unemployment
1.5%
58% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
7.3%
41% lower than US avg
How Altoona Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population8,750
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density1,696/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans8.5%
Economy
A+
Median Income$80,126
Per Capita$39,968
Unemployment1.5%
Poverty7.3%
County GDP$8,430M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$220,900
Rent$1,157
Ownership55.3%
Zillow$328,296
Housing Units3,671
Rent Burden23.8%
Crime
F
Violent113/100K
Property1,373/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault63/100K
Burglary202/100K
Health
Obesity31.4%
Uninsured6.9%
Smoking13.2%
Depression26.6%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp45°F (7°C)
AQI38 (Good)
Rain33.0 in/yr
Sunny Days270/yr
Elevation987 ft (301 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.7%
High School+97.2%
Graduate+17.7%
School Score6.11
Community
2024 VoteR 44% / D 55%
Commute17 min
Broadband89.6%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Altoona a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Altoona receives an overall livability score of 3.7 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, affordable housing. 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 $80,126, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.5%. Only 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Altoona is $220,900, 22% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $1,157 per month. At just 2.8x 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 113 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,373 per 100,000, 30% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.7% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 97.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Altoona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F. Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°F in July. With 270 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 33.0 inches, including 55.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38.
Altoona has a population of 8,750 with a density of 1,696 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47% female and 53% male. The city is predominantly White (88.7%), with 1.6% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.7% of residents. 8.5% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 16.5% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.7%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.3%
83% below US avg
The median household income in Altoona is $80,126, which is 7% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,968. The average weekly wage is $1,117, 22% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.5% (below the 3.6% US average). 7.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 3,254 business establishments, including 289 restaurants. The cost of living index is 94.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 12.8% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $80,126 |
| 7% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,968 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,117 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $83,527 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.5% |
| 58% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 7.3% |
| 41% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 3,254 |
| County GDP | $8,430M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 289 |
| Healthcare | 422 |
| Retail | 381 |
| Manufacturing | 88 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 94.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.83% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.7% |
| Work from Home | 12.8% |
The median home value in Altoona is $220,900, 22% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,296, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 106.9% of their list price, indicating a competitive market where bidding wars are common. Monthly rent averages $1,157 (1% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $872 for a one-bedroom to $1,097 for a two-bedroom apartment. 55.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,671 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1985. The average annual property tax is $6,247 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.8% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $220,900 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $328,296 |
| Median List Price | $314,900 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $314,900 |
| $/Sq Ft | $105 |
| Homes Sold | 6 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 106.9% |
| Price Drops | 8.3% |
| Inventory | 24 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $1,157 |
| 1% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,425 |
| Rent Burden | 23.8% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $797 |
| 1 Bedroom | $872 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,097 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,405 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,572 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 55.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 55.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.7% |
| Housing Units | 3,671 |
| Median Year Built | 1985 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,247 |
| 78% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.83% |
In Altoona, 31.4% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 27.7% have high blood pressure. 13.2% are current smokers. 20.7% report binge drinking. 23.6% are physically inactive. 26.6% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 16.8% experience frequent mental distress. 6.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:705. The dentist ratio is 1:989. 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Altoona vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.4% |
| 2% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 27.7% |
| Asthma | 10.9% |
| COPD | 5.3% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.2% |
| 6% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.6% |
| Depression | 26.6% |
| Mental Distress | 16.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.5% |
| Short Sleep | 36.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.5% |
| Uninsured | 6.9% |
| 20% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:705 |
| Dentists | 1:989 |
| Mental Health | 1:243 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.9% |
| Dental Visits | 69.1% |
| Premature Death | 6,237/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 422 |
Altoona has a violent crime rate of 113 per 100,000 residents, 70% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 63.0 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 50.4. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,373 per 100,000, 30% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,134, burglary at 202, vehicle theft at 38 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 4 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 | 113.4/100K |
| 70% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 50.4/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 63.0/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,373.0/100K |
| 30% below US avg |
| Burglary | 201.5/100K |
| Theft | 1,133.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 37.8/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Traffic Accidents | 37 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Altoona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winters average 15°F in January while summers reach 71°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 33.0 inches. The area receives 55.4 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 38. The city sits at an elevation of 987 feet.
Temperature
15°F Jan (-10°C)
71°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 44.7°F |
| 17% below US avg |
| January Average | 15°F (-10°C) |
| July Average | 71°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 270 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 987 ft (301 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,696/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 44.8000°N, 91.4396°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Eau Claire County County |
| Nearest Airport | Chippewa Valley Regional (EAU)
5 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
33.0"
13% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.33"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 38.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| Ozone (O₃) | 0.0465 ppm |
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.4 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 78.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 17.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 85.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Very Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
305 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 41 fatalities, 377 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF5 |
71 km |
21 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
15 km |
3 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF4 |
14 km |
4 |
| Sep 24, 2019 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| May 16, 2017 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Sep 2, 2002 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
40 km |
0 |
| Aug 27, 1994 |
EF3 |
17 km |
2 |
| Jul 15, 1980 |
EF3 |
7 km |
1 |
| Jul 30, 1977 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1971 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
89 km |
0 |
| Jun 4, 1958 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Sep 12, 1951 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
60 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
72 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
63 km |
0 |
| Dec 15, 2021 |
EF2 |
38 km |
0 |
| Aug 23, 2011 |
EF2 |
78 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: BEAVER CUTOFF (982 ac, 2007).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2007 |
BEAVER CUTOFF |
982 |
84 km |
| 2024 |
RX-UPPER SEVENTEEN |
520 |
88 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
15°F (-10°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest |
| February |
19°F (-8°C) |
0.7 in |
Driest |
| March |
31°F (-1°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
45°F (7°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| May |
58°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
67°F (19°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
71°F (22°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (20°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| September |
60°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| October |
48°F (9°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| November |
33°F (0°C) |
1.7 in |
|
| December |
18°F (-8°C) |
1.1 in |
|
Altoona has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 15°F in January to 71°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 31.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.3") and February the driest (0.7").
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) |
$235 ($141–$376) |
| Specialist Visit |
$329 ($188–$518) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$188 ($94–$329) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,070 ($753–$4,705) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$122 ($71–$188) |
| Dental Filling |
$235 ($141–$376) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($24–$71) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$71 ($47–$113) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Tire Rotation |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$565 ($376–$941) |
| Battery Replacement |
$188 ($94–$329) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$94 ($56–$141) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$85 ($47–$132) |
| HVAC Repair |
$376 ($141–$753) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,587 ($3,764–$11,292) |
| Roof Repair |
$941 ($376–$1,882) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,469 ($5,176–$14,115) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,412 ($471–$3,294) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$14,115 ($4,705–$28,230) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,705 ($1,882–$9,410) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,412 ($753–$2,823) |
| Will Preparation |
$471 ($188–$941) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,353 ($941–$4,705) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$52 ($28–$94) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$141 ($71–$235) |
| Manicure |
$24 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$38 ($24–$61) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$75 ($47–$122) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.86 ($2.82–$5.18) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.29 ($2.35–$4.71) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.58 ($2.35–$5.18) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.23 ($2.82–$6.12) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.18 ($3.76–$7.06) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.94 ($0.56–$1.69) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$132 ($75–$235) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$141) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$113) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$66 ($38–$94) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$61 ($28–$94) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$80 ($47–$141) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$188 ($71–$471) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,882 ($1,129–$3,294) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$66 ($28–$122) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.53–$24) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$94 ($28–$235) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$71) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,129 ($565–$2,353) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$941 ($471–$1,882) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$376 ($188–$659) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$47 ($24–$94) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$941 ($376–$2,353) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,763 ($4,705–$28,230) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$94 ($47–$188) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$94) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$38 ($19–$71) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$282 ($141–$471) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$188 ($94–$376) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,269 |
| Toddler | $1,120 |
| Preschool | $1,120 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $953 |
| Toddler | $866 |
| Preschool | $866 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Altoona
What is the population of Altoona?
Altoona has a population of 8,750 residents and is located in Wisconsin. The population density is 1,696 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47% female and 53% male.
Is Altoona expensive to live in?
Altoona is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 94.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $80,126, 7% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $220,900 (22% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $1,157 per month. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.8x, 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 113 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,373 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Altoona receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Altoona?
Altoona has a cool climate with an average annual temperature of 45°F (7°C). Winter temperatures average 15°F in January, while summers reach an average of 71°F in July. The area receives 270 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 33.0 inches, with 55.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 38.
How is the job market in Altoona?
The job market in Altoona is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.5% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,117. There are 3,254 business establishments in the area, including 289 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 12.8% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona is $220,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $328,296. For renters, the median monthly rent is $1,157. Fair market rent is $872 for a 1-bedroom and $1,097 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 55.3%. The average annual property tax is $6,247.
How are the schools in Altoona?
Schools in Altoona score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.7% of adults in Altoona hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 97.2% have completed high school. 17.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Altoona?
The obesity rate in Altoona is 31.4% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 13.2% of adults are smokers. 23.6% are physically inactive. 26.6% of residents report depression. 6.9% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 82.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:705.
What is transportation like in Altoona?
The average commute in Altoona is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 12.8% work from home.
What are the demographics of Altoona?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Altoona is 88.7% White, 2% Black or African American, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino. 97.7% of residents speak only English at home. 8.5% of the population are military veterans. 16.5% of residents have a disability. 95.5% have health insurance coverage.
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