Altoona, KS
Population 409 · Kansas
About Altoona, KS
Altoona is a small community located in Kansas with a population of 409 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $44,107 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.6 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Altoona features a median home value of $50,200, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Altoona one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $706, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 210 total housing units, 86% are owner-occupied (149 units) and 14% are renter-occupied (24 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Altoona shows an unemployment rate of 2.6%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 17.4%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Altoona have an average one-way commute time of 20.5 minutes.
Education & Demographics
9.4% of Altoona 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 1.7% White, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.0% Asian residents, with 6.1% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Altoona, KS
Compared to national averages, Altoona has a median household income of $44,107 (41% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $50,200, which is 80% below the national median. Monthly rent at $706 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Kansas, Altoona's income is 31% below the state average of $63,989, and home values are 56% below the state median of $113,913.
Why Live in Altoona, KS?
Altoona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $50,200, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $706/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.6%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 20.5 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($44,107) that falls below the national average. However, Altoona’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Altoona has a population of 409 with a median age of 39.6 years. Compare Altoona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Kansas.
Similar Cities Near Altoona
Cities in Kansas with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jewell | 409 | $39,878 | $58,000 | Compare |
| New Strawn | 408 | $110,000 | $157,500 | Compare |
| Cawker City | 413 | $50,313 | $87,300 | Compare |
| Chicopee | 405 | $139,423 | $369,000 | Compare |
| Healy | 419 | $47,353 | $72,300 | Compare |
| Mulberry | 419 | $49,688 | $0 | Compare |
| Greeley County unified government (balance), Kansas | 420 | $90,625 | $215,600 | Compare |
| Scammon | 397 | $63,125 | $81,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Kansas
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Altoona With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Altoona
What is the population of Altoona, KS?
The population of Altoona, KS is 409 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 Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona, KS is $44,107 per year, which is 41% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona, KS is $50,200, which is 80% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Altoona?
The median monthly rent in Altoona, KS is $706, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Altoona?
The unemployment rate in Altoona, KS is 2.6%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Altoona, KS a good place to live?
Altoona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 409 and a median age of 39.6, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Altoona, KS?
9.4% of residents in Altoona 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 Altoona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Altoona, KS: median home value is $50,200 (80% below national), median rent is $706/month, and median household income is $44,107. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Altoona?
The poverty rate in Altoona, KS is 17.4%, 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 Altoona, KS?
Altoona's population is 1.7% White, 6.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 6.1% of residents are foreign-born.