Altoona, PA
Population 43,508 · Pennsylvania
About Altoona, PA
Altoona is a mid-sized city in Pennsylvania with a population of 43,508 residents. The median household income is $50,171 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Altoona is 39.8 years.
Housing in Altoona has a median home value of $113,600 and median monthly rent of $789. Of the 20,983 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 11,867 owner-occupied and 6,631 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Altoona is 6.7% and the poverty rate is 18.8%. 19.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 18.7 minutes.
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 Census data.
What is the median household income in Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona, PA is $50,171 per year.
What is the median home value in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona, PA is $113,600.
What is the average rent in Altoona?
The median monthly rent in Altoona, PA is $789.
What is the unemployment rate in Altoona?
The unemployment rate in Altoona, PA is 6.7%.