Altona, IL
Population 519 · Illinois
About Altona, IL
Altona is a small community located in Illinois with a population of 519 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $67,125 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 40.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Altona features a median home value of $89,200, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Altona one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $944, 19% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 258 total housing units, 93% are owner-occupied (188 units) and 7% are renter-occupied (15 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Altona shows an unemployment rate of 19.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 8.3%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Altona have an average one-way commute time of 22.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
19.0% of Altona 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 1.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 0.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Altona, IL
Compared to national averages, Altona has a median household income of $67,125 (11% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $89,200, which is 64% below the national median. Monthly rent at $944 is 19% below the US average of $1,163. Within Illinois, Altona's income is 11% below the state average of $75,072, and home values are 46% below the state median of $165,779.
Why Live in Altona, IL?
Altona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $89,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $944/month, and a low poverty rate of 8.3%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 22.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($67,125) that falls below the national average. However, Altona’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Altona has a population of 519 with a median age of 40.4 years. Compare Altona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Illinois.
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Other Cities in Illinois
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Altona
What is the population of Altona, IL?
The population of Altona, IL is 519 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Illinois.
What is the median household income in Altona?
The median household income in Altona, IL is $67,125 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Altona?
The median home value in Altona, IL is $89,200, which is 64% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Altona?
The median monthly rent in Altona, IL is $944, which is 19% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Altona?
The unemployment rate in Altona, IL is 19.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Altona, IL a good place to live?
Altona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 519 and a median age of 40.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Altona, IL?
19.0% of residents in Altona 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 Altona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Altona, IL: median home value is $89,200 (64% below national), median rent is $944/month, and median household income is $67,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Altona?
The poverty rate in Altona, IL is 8.3%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Altona, IL?
Altona's population is 1.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 0.0% of residents are foreign-born.