Altoona, PA
Population 43,508 · Pennsylvania
About Altoona, PA
Altoona is a mid-sized city located in Pennsylvania with a population of 43,508 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $50,171 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 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 $113,600, which is 54% 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 $789, 32% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 20,983 total housing units, 64% are owner-occupied (11,867 units) and 36% are renter-occupied (6,631 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Altoona shows an unemployment rate of 6.7%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 18.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Altoona have an average one-way commute time of 18.7 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
19.9% 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 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 1.3% of the population being foreign-born.
How Altoona Ranks in Pennsylvania
Cost of Living in Altoona, PA
Compared to national averages, Altoona has a median household income of $50,171 (33% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $113,600, which is 54% below the national median. Monthly rent at $789 is 32% below the US average of $1,163. Within Pennsylvania, Altoona's income is 32% below the state average of $73,376, and home values are 40% below the state median of $190,903.
Why Live in Altoona, PA?
Altoona offers affordable housing with a median home value of $113,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $789/month, and short commute times averaging just 18.7 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($50,171) 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 43,508 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Altoona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Pennsylvania.
Similar Cities Near Altoona
Cities in Pennsylvania with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilkes-Barre | 44,217 | $47,970 | $108,000 | Compare |
| York | 44,830 | $47,115 | $103,100 | Compare |
| State College | 40,669 | $47,132 | $414,400 | Compare |
| Harrisburg | 50,092 | $47,783 | $121,000 | Compare |
| Levittown | 50,930 | $101,619 | $311,000 | Compare |
| Norristown | 35,782 | $65,058 | $205,100 | Compare |
| Chester | 33,209 | $39,809 | $85,400 | Compare |
| Bethel Park | 33,070 | $104,129 | $258,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Pennsylvania
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, PA?
The population of Altoona, PA is 43,508 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania.
What is the median household income in Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona, PA is $50,171 per year, which is 33% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona, PA is $113,600, which is 54% 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, PA is $789, which is 32% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Altoona?
The unemployment rate in Altoona, PA is 6.7%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live?
Altoona offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 43,508 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Altoona, PA?
19.9% 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, PA: median home value is $113,600 (54% below national), median rent is $789/month, and median household income is $50,171. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Altoona?
The poverty rate in Altoona, PA is 18.8%, 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, PA?
Altoona's population is 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 3.1% two or more races. 1.3% of residents are foreign-born.