Alturas, CA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,681
-0.8% year-over-year change
Median household income
$59,896/yr
9.6% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,363
-1.5% year-over-year change

Alturas population

How many people live in Alturas

Alturas is home to 2,681 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 42.9% of Alturas locals are male, and 57.1% are female.

Total population
2,681
-0.8% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
42.9%
1,151
Female
57.1%
1,530
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,151 42.9% 1.9%
Female 1,530 57.1% -2.7%
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 Alturas is 45, with the population distributed as follows: about 16.4% are children under 15, then 12.5% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 21% of the population, while another 26.8% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 23.3% are 65 or older.

Median age
45.3
Age breakdown
Under 15
16.4%
15 to 24
12.5%
25 to 44
21%
45 to 64
26.8%
Over 65
23.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 441 16.4% -13.7%
15 to 24 334 12.5% 26.0%
25 to 44 563 21% -1.9%
45 to 64 718 26.8% -1.2%
Over 65 625 23.3% -0.2%
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 Alturas, 89.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 6.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 4.5% of residents are non-citizens. There’s also a share of 15.9% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
89.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
6.2%
Non-citizens
4.5%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 2,394 89.3% -5.2%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 167 6.2% 25.6%
Non-citizens 120 4.5% 172.7%
Racial breakdown
White
74.6%
Black or African American
0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native
1.6%
Asian
0%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
15.9%
Other
7.4%
Value Percent
White 1,999 74.6%
Black or African American 14 0.5%
American Indian and Alaska Native 43 1.6%
Two or more races 426 15.9%
Other 199 7.4%

Households in Alturas

A peek inside Alturas households

Alturas has 1,073 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 65% are families, while the remaining 35% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,073
-3.5% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
376
Family households
697
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 376 35% -9.2%
Family households 697 65% -0.1%
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 Alturas

The housing landscape of Alturas

Alturas's housing consists of 1,363 units, with 82.2% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 0.6% and offer a more compact, shared living style. Then there are the multifamily buildings in the area, and for those seeking flexibility, non-traditional options like mobile homes account for 3.4% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,363
-1.5% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,120 82.2%
1 unit, attached 8 0.6%
2 units 27 2%
5 to 9 units 51 3.7%
10 to 19 units 82 6%
20 to 49 units 19 1.4%
50 or more units 9 0.7%
Mobile home 47 3.4%
Homes built since 2020
0
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alturas

In Alturas, the median construction year is 1971. About 16.8% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 5.6% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 229 16.8% -21.6%
Built between 1940 and 1949 76 5.6% 130.3%
Built between 1950 and 1959 122 9% -15.9%
Built between 1960 and 1969 182 13.4% -25.1%
Built between 1970 and 1979 503 36.9% 14.8%
Built between 1980 and 1989 155 11.4% 4.7%
Built between 1990 and 1999 60 4.4% 130.8%
Built between 2000 and 2009 36 2.6% -39.0%
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.

Alturas occupancy rates

Out of the 1,073 occupied housing units in Alturas, 67% are owner-occupied, while 33% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 21.3% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,073
-3.5% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
354
Owner occupied
719
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 354 33% -3.3%
Owner occupied 719 67% -3.6%
Unoccupied housing units
21.3%
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.

Alturas housing costs

Housing costs in Alturas come to a median of $812 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $833.

Median housing costs per month
$812/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 Alturas
$833/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 Alturas

Alturas education at a glance

About 42.4% of the population in Alturas went to high school, while 19.5% pursued college studies. Another 6.4% earned an associate degree and 21.7% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 7.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 64 3% -3.0%
High school diploma 920 42.4% 2.2%
College diploma 423 19.5% -11.5%
Associate degree 138 6.4% -19.3%
Bachelor's degree 470 21.7% 40.7%
Graduate degree 155 7.1% -8.3%
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 Alturas

How much people earn in Alturas

The average annual household income in Alturas was $79,688 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +0.4% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $59,896, reflecting a +9.6% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alturas
$79,688/year
0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alturas
$59,896/year
9.6% year-over-year change

Alturas income by age

In Alturas, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $67,019. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $57,434 overall. Overall, 81.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $67,019 13.2%
45 - 64 $57,434 5.1%
Above poverty level
2,172
Below poverty level
480
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,172 81.9% 7.2%
Below poverty level 480 18.1% -22.2%

Average renter income in Alturas

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Alturas, their median household income was $39,625 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 25.2%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$39,625
Rent-to-income ratio
25.2%
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 Alturas

Workforce and job types in Alturas

The job market in Alturas is powered by 1,009 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 93.8% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 6.2% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 13.7% run their own businesses, 44% are employed by private companies, and 36% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,009
5.1% year-over-year change
White collar
946
Blue collar
63
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 946 93.8% 5.3%
Blue collar 63 6.2% 1.6%
Employer type
Self employees
13.7%
Private companies
44%
Governmental workers
36%
Not for profit companies
6.3%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 138 13.7% -11.0%
Private companies 444 44% 13.0%
Governmental workers 363 36% 2.2%
Not for profit companies 64 6.3% 12.3%
Unemployment rate
11.9%
58.1% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Alturas stands at 11.9%, 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 Alturas

How people get around in Alturas

Commuting methods vary: 76.8% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 15.3% prefer to walk, while the remaining share relies on public transit or on two wheelers to get from A to B.

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 789 76.8% 4.8%
Walk 157 15.3% 28.7%
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 Alturas by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
96101 5,142 1,928 $61,680 $79,628

Explore more communities

FAQs about Alturas demographics 

What is the total population of Alturas?

Alturas has a total population of 2,681 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 -0.8% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alturas?

The gender ratio in Alturas is as follows:
  • 42.9% males (1,151 residents)
  • 57.1% females (1,530 residents)

What is the median age in Alturas?

The median age in Alturas is 45.3.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alturas?

The age distribution in Alturas is as follows:
  • Under 15: 16.4% (441 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.5% (334 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 21% (563 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 26.8% (718 residents)
  • Over 65: 23.3% (625 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alturas?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alturas is as follows:
  • White: 74.6% (1,999 residents)
  • Black or African American: 0.5% (14 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 1.6% (43 residents)
  • Asian: 0% (0 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 15.9% (426 residents)
  • Other: 7.4% (199 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 89.3% of the population in Alturas.

How many housing units are there in Alturas?

There are 1,363 housing units in Alturas, reflecting a -1.5% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Alturas has a total of 1,073 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alturas?

Alturas has a median household income of $59,896, representing a +9.6% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 88.1% in Alturas, with a workforce of 1,009 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 93.8% (946 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 6.2% (63 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 13.7% (138 residents)
  • Private companies: 44% (444 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 36% (363 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 6.3% (64 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