Alta, WY
Population 656 · Wyoming
About Alta, WY
Alta is a small community located in Wyoming with a population of 656 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $166,667 per year, which is 122% above the national median of $75,149. The median age of 54.3 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Alta features a median home value of $1,063,500, which is 334% above the national median of $244,900. This places Alta in a higher-cost housing market, where property demand often outpaces supply. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 276 total housing units, 90% are owner-occupied (249 units) and 10% are renter-occupied (27 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Alta shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 5.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Alta have an average one-way commute time of 38.1 minutes, suggesting many residents commute to jobs in a nearby metro area.
Education & Demographics
54.9% of Alta residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This significantly higher educational attainment rate often correlates with access to knowledge-economy jobs and higher household incomes. The community's demographic composition includes 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.0% of the population being foreign-born.
How Alta Ranks in Wyoming
Cost of Living in Alta, WY
Compared to national averages, Alta has a median household income of $166,667 (122% above the national median of $75,149). Home values average $1,063,500, which is 334% above the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Wyoming, Alta's income is 108% above the state average of $80,049, and home values are 252% above the state median of $302,372.
Why Live in Alta, WY?
Alta offers a strong local economy with a median household income of $166,667, well above the national average, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features a well-educated community where 54.9% of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher, and a low poverty rate of 5.8%, better than the national average.
Potential considerations include a competitive housing market where the typical home costs $1,063,500. However, Alta’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Alta has a population of 656 with a median age of 54.3 years. Compare Alta with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Wyoming.
Similar Cities Near Alta
Cities in Wyoming with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meeteetse | 661 | $40,294 | $184,700 | Compare |
| Diamondville | 676 | $63,889 | $115,600 | Compare |
| Purple Sage | 676 | $54,527 | $9,999 | Compare |
| Shoshoni | 629 | $54,226 | $83,800 | Compare |
| Casper Mountain | 628 | $104,265 | $477,000 | Compare |
| Thayne | 628 | $86,458 | $355,600 | Compare |
| Smoot | 745 | $0 | $442,400 | Compare |
| Rolling Hills | 548 | $106,618 | $281,000 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Wyoming
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Alta With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Alta
What is the population of Alta, WY?
The population of Alta, WY is 656 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Wyoming.
What is the median household income in Alta?
The median household income in Alta, WY is $166,667 per year, which is 122% above the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Alta?
The median home value in Alta, WY is $1,063,500, which is 334% above the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Alta?
The median monthly rent in Alta, WY is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Alta?
The unemployment rate in Alta, WY is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Alta, WY a good place to live?
Alta offers above-average incomes, a competitive housing market, and a strong job market. With a population of 656 and a median age of 54.3, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Alta, WY?
54.9% of residents in Alta 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 Alta?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Alta, WY: median home value is $1,063,500 (334% above national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $166,667. The home-value-to-income ratio is 6.4x, which suggests housing may be stretched relative to local earnings.
What is the poverty rate in Alta?
The poverty rate in Alta, WY is 5.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Alta, WY?
Alta's population is 0.0% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 2.0% two or more races. 3.0% of residents are foreign-born.