Altus, OK
Population 18,670 · Oklahoma
About Altus, OK
Altus is a mid-sized city located in Oklahoma with a population of 18,670 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $55,550 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 33.5 years is notably younger the US median age of 38.9 years, indicating a younger, often more dynamic population base.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Altus features a median home value of $124,800, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Altus one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $897, 23% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 9,021 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (4,124 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (3,247 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Altus shows an unemployment rate of 6.2%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 17.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Altus have an average one-way commute time of 11.1 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
23.5% of Altus 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 22.2% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, and 3.9% Asian residents, with 7.1% of the population being foreign-born.
How Altus Ranks in Oklahoma
Cost of Living in Altus, OK
Compared to national averages, Altus has a median household income of $55,550 (26% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $124,800, which is 49% below the national median. Monthly rent at $897 is 23% below the US average of $1,163. Within Oklahoma, Altus's income is 1% below the state average of $56,382, and home values are 4% above the state median of $119,992.
Why Live in Altus, OK?
Altus offers affordable housing with a median home value of $124,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $897/month, and short commute times averaging just 11.1 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($55,550) that falls below the national average. However, Altus’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Altus has a population of 18,670 with a median age of 33.5 years. Compare Altus with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Oklahoma.
Similar Cities Near Altus
Cities in Oklahoma with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Durant | 19,209 | $44,753 | $155,800 | Compare |
| McAlester | 18,098 | $48,044 | $137,500 | Compare |
| El Reno | 17,919 | $54,459 | $157,000 | Compare |
| Claremore | 19,921 | $57,120 | $172,500 | Compare |
| Sand Springs | 19,973 | $73,400 | $186,700 | Compare |
| Bethany | 20,606 | $55,063 | $161,500 | Compare |
| Ada | 16,536 | $51,792 | $169,300 | Compare |
| Tahlequah | 16,513 | $48,515 | $182,800 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Oklahoma
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Altus With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Altus
What is the population of Altus, OK?
The population of Altus, OK is 18,670 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Oklahoma.
What is the median household income in Altus?
The median household income in Altus, OK is $55,550 per year, which is 26% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Altus?
The median home value in Altus, OK is $124,800, which is 49% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Altus?
The median monthly rent in Altus, OK is $897, which is 23% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Altus?
The unemployment rate in Altus, OK is 6.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Altus, OK a good place to live?
Altus offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 18,670 and a median age of 33.5, the city appeals to young professionals and families.
How educated is Altus, OK?
23.5% of residents in Altus 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 Altus?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Altus, OK: median home value is $124,800 (49% below national), median rent is $897/month, and median household income is $55,550. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.2x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Altus?
The poverty rate in Altus, OK is 17.3%, 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 Altus, OK?
Altus's population is 22.2% White, 5.7% Hispanic or Latino, 1.3% Black or African American, 3.9% Asian, and 7.4% two or more races. 7.1% of residents are foreign-born.