Alta, CA
Population 740 · California
About Alta, CA
Alta is a small community located in California with a population of 740 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $94,718 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.8 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alta features a median home value of $468,200, which is 91% above the national median of $244,900. This places Alta in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 390 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (265 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (28 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alta shows an unemployment rate of 7.3%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alta have an average one-way commute time of 46.9 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
35.1% of Alta residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.2% Asian residents, with 8.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alta, CA
Compared to national averages, Alta has a median household income of $94,718 (26% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $468,200, which is 91% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Alta's income is 3% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 28% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Alta, CA?
Alta offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $94,718, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a well-educated community where 35.1% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $468,200. However, Alta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alta has a population of 740 with a median age of 46.8 years. Compare Alta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Alta
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deer Park | 740 | $108,261 | $1,065,900 | Compare |
| Mi-Wuk Village | 743 | $132,870 | $549,100 | Compare |
| Wallace | 743 | $113,462 | $562,500 | Compare |
| Lakeside CDP (Kern County), California | 734 | $0 | $0 | Compare |
| Patton Village | 732 | $0 | $72,200 | Compare |
| Hickman | 749 | $88,906 | $523,600 | Compare |
| Kenwood | 750 | $125,221 | $884,100 | Compare |
| Millerton | 730 | $179,779 | $582,500 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in California
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alta With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alta
What is the population of Alta, CA?
The population of Alta, CA is 740 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in California.
What is the median household income in Alta?
The median household income in Alta, CA is $94,718 per year, which is 26% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alta?
The median home value in Alta, CA is $468,200, which is 91% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alta?
The median monthly rent in Alta, CA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alta?
The unemployment rate in Alta, CA is 7.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alta, CA a good place to live?
Alta offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 740 and a median age of 46.8, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Alta, CA?
35.1% of residents in Alta aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Alta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alta, CA: median home value is $468,200 (91% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $94,718. The home-value-to-income ratio is 4.9x, a moderate figure by national standards.
What is the poverty rate in Alta?
The poverty rate in Alta, CA is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Alta, CA?
Alta's population is 0.0% White, 1.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.2% Asian, and 0.3% two or more races. 8.4% of residents are foreign-born.