Altoona, WI
Population 8,750 · Wisconsin
About Altoona, WI
Altoona is a small town located in Wisconsin with a population of 8,750 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $80,126 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 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 $220,900, which is 10% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Altoona in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $1,157, 1% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 3,834 total housing units, 55% are owner-occupied (2,010 units) and 45% are renter-occupied (1,625 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 2.2%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 10.9%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Altoona have an average one-way commute time of 17.2 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
41.7% of Altoona residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 1.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, and 2.1% Asian residents, with 0.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Altoona, WI
Compared to national averages, Altoona has a median household income of $80,126 (7% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $220,900, which is 10% below the national median. Monthly rent at $1,157 is 1% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wisconsin, Altoona's income is 10% above the state average of $72,579, and home values are 7% above the state median of $205,802.
Why Live in Altoona, WI?
Altoona offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $80,126, well above the national average, and affordable housing with a median home value of $220,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $1,157/month. Additionally, the city features a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 2.2%, and a well-educated community where 41.7% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 10.9%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Altoona has a population of 8,750 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Altoona with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wisconsin.
Similar Cities Near Altoona
Cities in Wisconsin with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monona | 8,604 | $87,784 | $390,400 | Compare |
| Plymouth | 8,913 | $67,784 | $194,900 | Compare |
| Delavan | 8,531 | $71,121 | $194,500 | Compare |
| Windsor | 8,992 | $115,111 | $399,900 | Compare |
| Waukesha | 8,479 | $126,286 | $375,700 | Compare |
| Rice Lake | 9,030 | $55,040 | $178,100 | Compare |
| Lake Geneva | 8,443 | $73,199 | $323,000 | Compare |
| Kronenwetter | 8,420 | $107,268 | $240,700 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wisconsin
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, WI?
The population of Altoona, WI is 8,750 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Wisconsin.
What is the median household income in Altoona?
The median household income in Altoona, WI is $80,126 per year, which is 7% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Altoona?
The median home value in Altoona, WI is $220,900, which is 10% 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, WI is $1,157, which is 1% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Altoona?
The unemployment rate in Altoona, WI is 2.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Altoona, WI a good place to live?
Altoona offers above-average incomes, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 8,750 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Altoona, WI?
41.7% of residents in Altoona aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This above-average educational attainment often reflects a knowledge-based local economy.
What is the cost of living in Altoona?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Altoona, WI: median home value is $220,900 (10% below national), median rent is $1,157/month, and median household income is $80,126. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.8x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Altoona?
The poverty rate in Altoona, WI is 10.9%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Altoona, WI?
Altoona's population is 1.1% White, 1.6% Hispanic or Latino, 0.6% Black or African American, 2.1% Asian, and 1.4% two or more races. 0.2% of residents are foreign-born.