Altoona, AL
Population 1,211 · Alabama
About Altoona, AL
Altoona is a small town located in Alabama with a population of 1,211 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $36,694 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 41 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Altoona features a median home value of $137,500, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Altoona one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $389, 67% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 557 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (280 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (181 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Altoona shows an unemployment rate of 6.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 24.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Altoona have an average one-way commute time of 29.6 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.8% of Altoona residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 3.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.8% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Altoona Ranks in Alabama
Cost of Living in Altoona, AL
Compared to national averages, Altoona has a median household income of $36,694 (51% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $137,500, which is 44% below the national median. Monthly rent at $389 is 67% below the US average of $1,163. Within Alabama, Altoona's income is 37% below the state average of $57,952, and home values are 14% below the state median of $159,358.
Why Live in Altoona, AL?
Altoona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $137,500, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $389/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($36,694) that falls below the national average. However, Altoona’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Altoona has a population of 1,211 with a median age of 41 years. Compare Altoona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Alabama.
Similar Cities Near Altoona
Cities in Alabama with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gallant | 1,215 | $53,698 | $99,000 | Compare |
| Eclectic | 1,201 | $49,250 | $157,500 | Compare |
| Brookside | 1,200 | $43,750 | $108,700 | Compare |
| Double Springs | 1,188 | $32,250 | $125,000 | Compare |
| Fyffe | 1,250 | $32,407 | $110,600 | Compare |
| Rogersville | 1,260 | $63,164 | $156,600 | Compare |
| Douglas | 1,153 | $56,406 | $169,000 | Compare |
| Coker | 1,152 | $69,931 | $203,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Alabama
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Altoona With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Altoona
What is the population of Altoona, AL?
The population of Altoona, AL is 1,211 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Alabama.
What is the median household income in Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona, AL is $36,694 per year, which is 51% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona, AL is $137,500, which is 44% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Altoona?
The median monthly rent in Altoona, AL is $389, which is 67% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Altoona?
The unemployment rate in Altoona, AL is 6.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Altoona, AL a good place to live?
Altoona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 1,211 and a median age of 41, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Altoona, AL?
9.8% of residents in Altoona aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Altoona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Altoona, AL: median home value is $137,500 (44% below national), median rent is $389/month, and median household income is $36,694. The home-value-to-income ratio is 3.7x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Altoona?
The poverty rate in Altoona, AL is 24.4%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Altoona, AL?
Altoona's population is 3.9% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.8% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.