Alta, IA
Population 2,344 · Iowa
About Alta, IA
Alta is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 2,344 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $66,118 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alta features a median home value of $125,800, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Alta one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $915, 21% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 881 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (634 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (159 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alta shows an unemployment rate of 17.8%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alta have an average one-way commute time of 14.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.5% of Alta 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 14.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, and 5.8% Asian residents, with 22.0% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alta, IA
Compared to national averages, Alta has a median household income of $66,118 (12% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $125,800, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $915 is 21% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Alta's income is 3% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 5% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Alta, IA?
Alta offers affordable housing with a median home value of $125,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $915/month, and a low poverty rate of 7.4%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 14.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($66,118) that falls below the national average. However, Alta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alta has a population of 2,344 with a median age of 37.6 years. Compare Alta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Alta
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atkins | 2,347 | $115,625 | $302,600 | Compare |
| West Union | 2,393 | $50,909 | $133,200 | Compare |
| New London | 2,402 | $65,815 | $118,900 | Compare |
| Belle Plaine | 2,412 | $70,517 | $111,600 | Compare |
| Bellevue | 2,256 | $78,792 | $210,500 | Compare |
| Hull | 2,248 | $76,213 | $215,700 | Compare |
| Rockwell City | 2,449 | $61,563 | $91,300 | Compare |
| Denver | 2,216 | $90,156 | $221,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
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, IA?
The population of Alta, IA is 2,344 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Alta?
The median household income in Alta, IA is $66,118 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alta?
The median home value in Alta, IA is $125,800, which is 49% below 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, IA is $915, which is 21% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alta?
The unemployment rate in Alta, IA is 17.8%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alta, IA a good place to live?
Alta offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 2,344 and a median age of 37.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Alta, IA?
20.5% of residents in Alta 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 Alta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alta, IA: median home value is $125,800 (49% below national), median rent is $915/month, and median household income is $66,118. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alta?
The poverty rate in Alta, IA is 7.4%, 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, IA?
Alta's population is 14.0% White, 0.9% Hispanic or Latino, 0.2% Black or African American, 5.8% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 22.0% of residents are foreign-born.