Altoona, AL demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
1,252
3.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$43,056/yr
17.3% year-over-year change
Housing units
554
-0.5% year-over-year change

Altoona population

How many people live in Altoona

Altoona is home to 1,252 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 57% of Altoona locals are male, and 43% are female.

Total population
1,252
3.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
57%
713
Female
43%
539
Value Percent YoY change
Male 713 57% 12.8%
Female 539 43% -6.9%
A higher population often means more rental variety and livelier areas. The gender balance—how many men live here compared to women—can reveal a lot about the community and the lifestyles of its residents. Use this info to get a sense of the area's pace and personality.

Age demographics

The median age in Altoona is 41, with the population distributed as follows: about 10.4% are children under 15, then 7% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 35.9% of the population, while another 25.7% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 21% are 65 or older.

Median age
40.9
Age breakdown
Under 15
10.4%
15 to 24
7%
25 to 44
35.9%
45 to 64
25.7%
Over 65
21%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 130 10.4% 22.6%
15 to 24 88 7% -17.8%
25 to 44 449 35.9% 7.2%
45 to 64 322 25.7% -2.1%
Over 65 263 21% 5.2%
The age composition helps you get insight into who lives in the area. A younger population might mean a more active, fast-paced vibe, while an older one could suggest a quieter, slower lifestyle. If there's a balanced makeup, you’re likely to find a variety of services, housing types, and community spaces that cater to different life stages.

Racial makeup

In Altoona, 98.4% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.4% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 1.2% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 2.8% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
98.4%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.4%
Non-citizens
1.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,232 98.4% 3.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 5 0.4% 0.0%
Non-citizens 15 1.2% 36.4%
Racial breakdown
White
96%
Black or African American
0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0.2%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
2.8%
Other
0.8%
Value Percent
White 1,202 96%
Black or African American 2 0.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native 3 0.2%
Two or more races 35 2.8%
Other 10 0.8%

Households in Altoona

A peek inside Altoona households

Altoona has 454 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 69.8% are families, while the remaining 30.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
454
-1.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
137
Family households
317
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 137 30.2% -14.9%
Family households 317 69.8% 5.7%
The mix between family and non-family households gives a glimpse into daily life. A higher percentage of families might mean more parks and schools, while more non-family setups can mean flexible housing and diverse living styles. For renters, this can signal what kinds of homes are common and can help you figure out if the area matches your lifestyle.

Housing in Altoona

The housing landscape of Altoona

Altoona's housing consists of 554 units, with 67.5% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 10.5% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
554
-0.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 374 67.5%
2 units 19 3.4%
3 or 4 units 18 3.2%
5 to 9 units 76 13.7%
10 to 19 units 7 1.3%
20 to 49 units 2 0.4%
Mobile home 58 10.5%
Homes built since 2020
21
320.0% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Altoona

In Altoona, the median construction year is 1974. About 9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 6.7% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 5% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 6.9% between 2010 and 2019, and 3.8% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 50 9% -9.1%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 6.7% 76.2%
Built between 1950 and 1959 93 16.8% -7.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 52 9.4% 30.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 117 21.1% -10.0%
Built between 1980 and 1989 78 14.1% -10.3%
Built between 1990 and 1999 40 7.2% -32.2%
Built between 2000 and 2009 28 5% 0.0%
Built between 2010 and 2019 38 6.9% 18.8%
Built in 2020 or later 21 3.8% 320.0%
As a renter, knowing when homes were built helps you understand the potential condition and design of rental units. Newer builds may have more contemporary layouts, while older homes can offer character or larger lots, depending on the area.

Altoona occupancy rates

Out of the 454 occupied housing units in Altoona, 65.4% are owner-occupied, while 34.6% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 18.1% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
454
-1.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
157
Owner occupied
297
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 157 34.6% -13.3%
Owner occupied 297 65.4% 6.1%
Unoccupied housing units
18.1%
Unoccupied housing units refer to homes that are currently without residents—whether they're waiting for renters or owners, used seasonally, or simply unclaimed. A higher share of empty homes may mean more housing availability, while a low number can reflect a tighter market with more competition. This, along with the renter-vs.-owner mix, helps paint a clearer picture of what types of housing and services are likely to be available in the area.

Altoona housing costs

Housing costs in Altoona come to a median of $396 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $380.

Median housing costs per month
$396/month
This figure sums up typical monthly housing costs for all households in the area. If you own, it includes mortgage payments in addition to property taxes, insurance and HOA fees. If you rent, it accounts for rent plus extras like utilities. It’s useful for seeing how local living expenses stack up compared to other places.
Median gross rent in Altoona
$380/month
Gross rent gives a more complete look at what renters actually pay, including not just base rent, but also utilities and fees. It’s a key number for evaluating rental affordability in your area of interest and understanding how it compares to nearby locations.

Education in Altoona

Altoona education at a glance

About 61.9% of the population in Altoona went to high school, while 19.1% pursued college studies. Another 6.2% earned an associate degree and 6.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 0.6% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 59 5.4% 15.7%
High school diploma 670 61.9% 4.0%
College diploma 207 19.1% 1.0%
Associate degree 67 6.2% 8.1%
Bachelor's degree 73 6.7% -17.1%
Graduate degree 7 0.6% -30.0%
A community’s education mix can offer insights into the local economy and housing market. Higher levels of education often align with more job opportunities and stable incomes, which can increase demand for homes and influence both rent prices and rental availability.

Income in Altoona

How much people earn in Altoona

The average annual household income in Altoona was $58,008 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +5.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $43,056, reflecting a +17.3% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Altoona
$58,008/year
5.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Altoona
$43,056/year
17.3% year-over-year change

Altoona income by age

In Altoona, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $71,250. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $62,500 overall. Overall, 77% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $71,250 6.9%
45 - 64 $62,500 4.9%
Over 65 $36,118 2.8%
Above poverty level
945
Below poverty level
282
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 945 77% 6.3%
Below poverty level 282 23% 0.0%

Average renter income in Altoona

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Altoona, their median household income was $21,316 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 21.4%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$21,316
Rent-to-income ratio
21.4%
Understanding the rent-to-income ratio can help renters gauge if local housing costs align with their earnings. A ratio under 30% usually signals affordability, while exceeding this mark means rent is taking a larger-than-recommended bite out of income. That could make it harder for you to cover other costs like transportation, healthcare, or child care.

Employment in Altoona

Workforce and job types in Altoona

The job market in Altoona is powered by 557 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 44% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 56% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 42.9% run their own businesses, 44% are employed by private companies, and 7% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
557
-1.1% year-over-year change
White collar
245
Blue collar
312
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 245 44% -7.2%
Blue collar 312 56% 4.3%
Employer type
Self employees
42.9%
Private companies
44%
Governmental workers
7%
Not for profit companies
6.1%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 239 42.9% 11.7%
Private companies 245 44% -5.8%
Governmental workers 39 7% -22.0%
Not for profit companies 34 6.1% -12.8%
Unemployment rate
6.7%
-4.8% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Altoona stands at 6.7%, representing the share of the workforce currently without a job and actively looking for one.

For renters, the unemployment rate helps paint a picture of job security and financial stability in the area. Rates around 4% to 5% are considered typical. A lower-than-average rate might suggest strong job prospects and a thriving local economy, while a higher rate could hint at fewer opportunities—both useful to consider when planning a move.

Transportation in Altoona

How people get around in Altoona

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 509 91.4% -1.2%
Ferryboat 2 0.4% 0.0%
Understanding how locals get to work can help you plan your own routine. High car usage might mean you’ll need a vehicle, while strong public transit or walkability could save you the hassle. Commute times also play a big role in quality of life—shorter trips can give you more time for the things you enjoy.

What is the median and average household income in Altoona by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
35952 8,415 3,107 $48,361 $64,730

Explore more communities

FAQs about Altoona demographics 

What is the total population of Altoona?

Altoona has a total population of 1,252 residents, according to the latest release from the U.S. Census Bureau: the 2019-2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates. This figure changed by +3.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Altoona?

The gender ratio in Altoona is as follows:
  • 57% males (713 residents)
  • 43% females (539 residents)

What is the median age in Altoona?

The median age in Altoona is 40.9.

What is the age distribution of the population in Altoona?

The age distribution in Altoona is as follows:
  • Under 15: 10.4% (130 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 7% (88 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 35.9% (449 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 25.7% (322 residents)
  • Over 65: 21% (263 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Altoona?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Altoona is as follows:
  • White: 96% (1,202 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.2% (2 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0.2% (3 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 2.8% (35 residents)
  • Other: 0.8% (10 residents)

What percentage of the population in Altoona are U.S.-born citizens?

U.S.-born citizens represent 98.4% of the population in Altoona.

How many housing units are there in Altoona?

There are 554 housing units in Altoona, reflecting a -0.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

How many households are in Altoona and what is the average household size?

Altoona has a total of 454 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Altoona?

Altoona has a median household income of $43,056, representing a +17.3% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What is the employment rate and job market overview for Altoona?

The employment rate is 93.3% in Altoona, with a workforce of 557 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 44% (245 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 56% (312 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 42.9% (239 residents)
  • Private companies: 44% (245 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 7% (39 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.1% (34 residents)

Data source & methodology

The demographic data on this page was sourced from the latest U.S. Census Bureau release—the 2019–2023 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates.

The information, issued annually, is compiled and published by the Point2Homes Research Team as soon as new data becomes available.

No representation, guarantee, or warranty is made concerning the accuracy or completeness of modified or aggregated information for particular areas.

Page last updated: September 2025