Alta, IA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
2,250
-4.0% year-over-year change
Median household income
$65,833/yr
-0.4% year-over-year change
Housing units
909
3.2% year-over-year change

Alta population

How many people live in Alta

Alta is home to 2,250 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 53.7% of Alta locals are male, and 46.3% are female.

Total population
2,250
-4.0% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
53.7%
1,208
Female
46.3%
1,042
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,208 53.7% -0.7%
Female 1,042 46.3% -7.5%
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 Alta is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 23.4% are children under 15, then 11.8% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 22.4% of the population, while another 30% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 12.4% are 65 or older.

Median age
38.8
Age breakdown
Under 15
23.4%
15 to 24
11.8%
25 to 44
22.4%
45 to 64
30%
Over 65
12.4%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 526 23.4% -9.9%
15 to 24 265 11.8% 5.6%
25 to 44 504 22.4% -12.3%
45 to 64 675 30% 0.1%
Over 65 280 12.4% 7.7%
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 Alta, 75.1% of the population are US-born citizens, while 4.2% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 20.7% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 59.2% of locals are Caucasian, 8.6% are African American and 13.6% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 7.1% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
75.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
4.2%
Non-citizens
20.7%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 1,690 75.1% -6.8%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 94 4.2% -10.5%
Non-citizens 466 20.7% 9.4%
Racial breakdown
White
59.2%
Black or African American
8.6%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
13.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
4.1%
Two or more races
7.1%
Other
7.4%
Value Percent
White 1,332 59.2%
Black or African American 194 8.6%
Asian 306 13.6%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander 93 4.1%
Two or more races 159 7.1%
Other 166 7.4%

Households in Alta

A peek inside Alta households

Alta has 794 households, with an average of 3 members in each. Of these, 62.7% are families, while the remaining 37.3% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
794
0.1% year-over-year change
Average people per household
3
Non-family households
296
Family households
498
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 296 37.3% 1.0%
Family households 498 62.7% -0.4%
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 Alta

The housing landscape of Alta

Alta's housing consists of 909 units, with 74.8% being detached single-family homes ideal for those wanting space. Attached options, including duplexes and townhouses, make up 2.3% 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 8.1% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
909
3.2% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 680 74.8%
1 unit, attached 21 2.3%
2 units 30 3.3%
3 or 4 units 9 1%
5 to 9 units 46 5.1%
20 to 49 units 49 5.4%
Mobile home 74 8.1%
Homes built since 2020
2
% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Alta

In Alta, the median construction year is 1965. About 17.9% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 4.1% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 3.6% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 7.3% between 2010 and 2019, and 0.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 163 17.9% -5.8%
Built between 1940 and 1949 37 4.1% -15.9%
Built between 1950 and 1959 172 18.9% -7.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 179 19.7% 14.0%
Built between 1970 and 1979 89 9.8% 18.7%
Built between 1980 and 1989 91 10% -3.2%
Built between 1990 and 1999 77 8.5% 6.9%
Built between 2000 and 2009 33 3.6% 22.2%
Built between 2010 and 2019 66 7.3% 22.2%
Built in 2020 or later 2 0.2% N/A
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.

Alta occupancy rates

Out of the 794 occupied housing units in Alta, 78.3% are owner-occupied, while 21.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 12.7% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
794
0.1% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
172
Owner occupied
622
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 172 21.7% 8.2%
Owner occupied 622 78.3% -1.9%
Unoccupied housing units
12.7%
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.

Alta housing costs

Housing costs in Alta come to a median of $868 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $894.

Median housing costs per month
$868/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 Alta
$894/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 Alta

Alta education at a glance

About 46.4% of the population in Alta went to high school, while 18% pursued college studies. Another 10.3% earned an associate degree and 15.9% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.3% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 79 5% 0.0%
High school diploma 732 46.4% -6.8%
College diploma 284 18% 0.3%
Associate degree 163 10.3% 0.6%
Bachelor's degree 250 15.9% 4.6%
Graduate degree 68 4.3% -16.1%
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 Alta

How much people earn in Alta

The average annual household income in Alta was $84,008 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +1.1% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $65,833, reflecting a -0.4% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Alta
$84,008/year
1.1% year-over-year change
Median household income in Alta
$65,833/year
-0.4% year-over-year change

Alta income by age

In Alta, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $78,393. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $66,964 overall. Younger households, where the main provider is under 25 and just starting out, report a median income of $31,417, while those led by someone over 65, many of whom may be retired, have about $52,083 in earnings. Overall, 89.9% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
Under 25 $31,417 1.5%
25 - 44 $78,393 -0.5%
45 - 64 $66,964 11.8%
Over 65 $52,083 -12.7%
Above poverty level
1,981
Below poverty level
222
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 1,981 89.9% -6.6%
Below poverty level 222 10.1% 29.8%

Average renter income in Alta

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Alta, their median household income was $57,000 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 18.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$57,000
Rent-to-income ratio
18.8%
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 Alta

Workforce and job types in Alta

The job market in Alta is powered by 995 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 66.4% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 33.6% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.7% run their own businesses, 74.8% are employed by private companies, and 12.9% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
995
-6.2% year-over-year change
White collar
661
Blue collar
334
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 661 66.4% -0.5%
Blue collar 334 33.6% -15.9%
Employer type
Self employees
6.7%
Private companies
74.8%
Governmental workers
12.9%
Not for profit companies
5.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 67 6.7% -11.8%
Private companies 744 74.8% -3.4%
Governmental workers 128 12.9% -5.2%
Not for profit companies 56 5.6% -30.0%
Unemployment rate
18.8%
0.0% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Alta stands at 18.8%, 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 Alta

How people get around in Alta

Commuting methods vary: 92.6% of residents travel by personal vehicle and 1.1% 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 920 92.6% -7.2%
Motorcycle 4 0.4% -20.0%
Walk 11 1.1% 22.2%
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 Alta by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
51002 2,787 1,053 $70,625 $89,819

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FAQs about Alta demographics 

What is the total population of Alta?

Alta has a total population of 2,250 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 -4.0% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Alta?

The gender ratio in Alta is as follows:
  • 53.7% males (1,208 residents)
  • 46.3% females (1,042 residents)

What is the median age in Alta?

The median age in Alta is 38.8.

What is the age distribution of the population in Alta?

The age distribution in Alta is as follows:
  • Under 15: 23.4% (526 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 11.8% (265 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 22.4% (504 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 30% (675 residents)
  • Over 65: 12.4% (280 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Alta?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Alta is as follows:
  • White: 59.2% (1,332 residents)
  • Black or African American: 8.6% (194 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 13.6% (306 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 4.1% (93 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 7.1% (159 residents)
  • Other: 7.4% (166 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 75.1% of the population in Alta.

How many housing units are there in Alta?

There are 909 housing units in Alta, reflecting a +3.2% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Alta has a total of 794 households, with an average of 3 people in each.

What is the median household income in Alta?

Alta has a median household income of $65,833, representing a -0.4% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 81.2% in Alta, with a workforce of 995 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 66.4% (661 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 33.6% (334 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.7% (67 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.8% (744 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.9% (128 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 5.6% (56 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