Alta Vista, KS
Population 484 · Kansas
About Alta Vista, KS
Alta Vista is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 484 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.7 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alta Vista features a median home value of $82,800, which is 66% 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 $989, 15% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 224 total housing units, 58% are owner-occupied (113 units) and 42% are renter-occupied (81 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alta Vista shows an unemployment rate of 13.6%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 25.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Alta Vista have an average one-way commute time of 33 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.3% 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 4.3% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% Black or African American, and 0.6% Asian residents, with 1.7% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Alta Vista, KS
Compared to national averages, Alta Vista has a median household income of $47,500 (37% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $82,800, which is 66% below the national median. Monthly rent at $989 is 15% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Alta Vista's income is 26% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 27% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Alta Vista, KS?
Alta Vista offers affordable housing with a median home value of $82,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $989/month.
Potential considerations include median household income ($47,500) 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 484 with a median age of 37.7 years. Compare Alta Vista with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
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Economy & Education
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Other Cities in Kansas
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, KS?
The population of Alta Vista, KS is 484 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Kansas.
What is the median household income in Alta Vista?
The median household income in Alta Vista, KS is $47,500 per year, which is 37% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alta Vista?
The median home value in Alta Vista, KS is $82,800, which is 66% 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, KS is $989, which is 15% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alta Vista?
The unemployment rate in Alta Vista, KS is 13.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Alta Vista, KS a good place to live?
Alta Vista offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 484 and a median age of 37.7, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Alta Vista, KS?
9.3% 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, KS: median home value is $82,800 (66% below national), median rent is $989/month, and median household income is $47,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Alta Vista?
The poverty rate in Alta Vista, KS is 25.4%, 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 Alta Vista, KS?
Alta Vista's population is 4.3% White, 2.3% Hispanic or Latino, 3.5% Black or African American, 0.6% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 1.7% of residents are foreign-born.