Alturas, CA
Population 2,703 · California
About Alturas, CA
Alturas is a small town located in California with a population of 2,703 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $54,634 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 45.2 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 Alturas features a median home value of $152,600, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Alturas in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $781, 33% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,384 total housing units, 67% are owner-occupied (746 units) and 33% are renter-occupied (366 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alturas shows an unemployment rate of 8.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 23.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alturas have an average one-way commute time of 14 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.1% of Alturas 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 11.4% White, 12.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 4.1% Asian residents, with 5.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alturas Ranks in California
Cost of Living in Alturas, CA
Compared to national averages, Alturas has a median household income of $54,634 (27% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,600, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $781 is 33% below the US average of $1,163. Within California, Alturas's income is 44% below the state average of $97,829, and home values are 77% below the state median of $653,874.
Why Live in Alturas, CA?
Alturas offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $781/month, and short commute times averaging just 14 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($54,634) that falls below the national average. However, Alturas’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alturas has a population of 2,703 with a median age of 45.2 years. Compare Alturas with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in California.
Similar Cities Near Alturas
Cities in California with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bayview CDP (Humboldt County), California | 2,708 | $44,239 | $254,500 | Compare |
| Kennedy | 2,697 | $58,859 | $318,000 | Compare |
| West Bishop | 2,697 | $117,609 | $572,600 | Compare |
| Sutter Creek | 2,687 | $68,148 | $499,600 | Compare |
| Santa Rosa Valley | 2,722 | $176,389 | $1,663,800 | Compare |
| Sutter | 2,671 | $94,375 | $373,600 | Compare |
| Campo | 2,739 | $61,538 | $337,500 | Compare |
| Pine Mountain Club | 2,661 | $56,681 | $365,700 | 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 Alturas With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alturas
What is the population of Alturas, CA?
The population of Alturas, CA is 2,703 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in California.
What is the median household income in Alturas?
The median household income in Alturas, CA is $54,634 per year, which is 27% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alturas?
The median home value in Alturas, CA is $152,600, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alturas?
The median monthly rent in Alturas, CA is $781, which is 33% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alturas?
The unemployment rate in Alturas, CA is 8.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alturas, CA a good place to live?
Alturas offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,703 and a median age of 45.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Alturas, CA?
26.1% of residents in Alturas 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 Alturas?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alturas, CA: median home value is $152,600 (38% below national), median rent is $781/month, and median household income is $54,634. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alturas?
The poverty rate in Alturas, CA is 23.3%, 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 Alturas, CA?
Alturas's population is 11.4% White, 12.5% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 4.1% Asian, and 1.2% two or more races. 5.4% of residents are foreign-born.