Alta Vista, IA
Population 171 · Iowa
About Alta Vista, IA
Alta Vista is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 171 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 46.2 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 Alta Vista features a median home value of $68,600, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Alta Vista one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $825, 29% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 99 total housing units, 80% are owner-occupied (75 units) and 20% are renter-occupied (19 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alta Vista shows an unemployment rate of 0.9%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 4.7%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alta Vista have an average one-way commute time of 29.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
5.8% of Alta Vista 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 1.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 1.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alta Vista, IA
Compared to national averages, Alta Vista has a median household income of $53,750 (28% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $68,600, which is 72% below the national median. Monthly rent at $825 is 29% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Alta Vista's income is 21% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 48% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Alta Vista, IA?
Alta Vista offers affordable housing with a median home value of $68,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $825/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 4.7%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include median household income ($53,750) that falls below the national average. However, Alta Vista’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alta Vista has a population of 171 with a median age of 46.2 years. Compare Alta Vista with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Alta Vista
What is the population of Alta Vista, IA?
The population of Alta Vista, IA is 171 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Alta Vista?
The median household income in Alta Vista, IA is $53,750 per year, which is 28% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alta Vista?
The median home value in Alta Vista, IA is $68,600, which is 72% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alta Vista?
The median monthly rent in Alta Vista, IA is $825, which is 29% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alta Vista?
The unemployment rate in Alta Vista, IA is 0.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alta Vista, IA a good place to live?
Alta Vista offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 171 and a median age of 46.2, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Alta Vista, IA?
5.8% of residents in Alta Vista 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 Vista?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alta Vista, IA: median home value is $68,600 (72% below national), median rent is $825/month, and median household income is $53,750. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alta Vista?
The poverty rate in Alta Vista, IA is 4.7%, 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 Vista, IA?
Alta Vista's population is 1.2% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.2% of residents are foreign-born.