Altavista, VA demographics:
population, income, and more

Total population
3,342
-0.4% year-over-year change
Median household income
$51,349/yr
11.7% year-over-year change
Housing units
1,600
5.4% year-over-year change

Altavista population

How many people live in Altavista

Altavista is home to 3,342 residents, according to the most recent Census data. Gender-wise, 44% of Altavista locals are male, and 56% are female.

Total population
3,342
-0.4% year-over-year change
Gender ratio
Male
44%
1,471
Female
56%
1,871
Value Percent YoY change
Male 1,471 44% -6.5%
Female 1,871 56% 5.0%
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 Altavista is 39, with the population distributed as follows: about 18% are children under 15, then 12.3% are in the 15 to 24 age group. Adults between 25 and 44 make up 25.2% of the population, while another 24.9% fall into the 45 to 64 bracket. Finally, around 19.6% are 65 or older.

Median age
39
Age breakdown
Under 15
18%
15 to 24
12.3%
25 to 44
25.2%
45 to 64
24.9%
Over 65
19.6%
Value Percent YoY change
Under 15 602 18% -0.5%
15 to 24 410 12.3% 9.0%
25 to 44 841 25.2% 3.4%
45 to 64 833 24.9% -6.1%
Over 65 656 19.6% -2.8%
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 Altavista, 99.3% of the population are US-born citizens, while 0.5% have gained naturalized citizenship. At the same time, 0.2% of residents are non-citizens. As for race, 66.9% of locals are Caucasian, 28.2% are African American and 0.5% have Asian roots. There’s also a share of 4.4% that includes residents with two or more races.

Citizenship
U.S.-born citizens
99.3%
Non-U.S.-born citizens
0.5%
Non-citizens
0.2%
Value Percent YoY change
U.S.-born citizens 3,318 99.3% -1.1%
Non-U.S.-born citizens 16 0.5% N/A
Non-citizens 8 0.2% N/A
Racial breakdown
White
66.9%
Black or African American
28.2%
American Indian and Alaska Native
0%
Asian
0.5%
Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islander
0%
Two or more races
4.4%
Other
0%
Value Percent
White 2,236 66.9%
Black or African American 942 28.2%
Asian 16 0.5%
Two or more races 148 4.4%

Households in Altavista

A peek inside Altavista households

Altavista has 1,338 households, with an average of 2 members in each. Of these, 57.8% are families, while the remaining 42.2% are made up of individuals living alone or with non-relatives, such as roommates.

Households stats

Total households
1,338
1.7% year-over-year change
Average people per household
2
Non-family households
565
Family households
773
Value Percent YoY change
Non-family households 565 42.2% 13.0%
Family households 773 57.8% -5.3%
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 Altavista

The housing landscape of Altavista

Altavista's housing consists of 1,600 units, with 76.2% 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 7.9% of the housing landscape.

Housing units
1,600
5.4% year-over-year change
Housing types
Value Percent
1 unit, detached 1,220 76.2%
1 unit, attached 37 2.3%
2 units 11 0.7%
5 to 9 units 206 12.9%
Mobile home 126 7.9%
Homes built since 2020
20
53.9% year-over-year change

The age of buildings in Altavista

In Altavista, the median construction year is 1958. About 12.2% of homes were built before the 1940s, with another 12.4% going up by 1949. Most development happened in the second half of the 20th century. Then, 1.7% of homes were added from 2000 to 2009, 0.6% between 2010 and 2019, and 1.2% are part of the newest wave of development.

Construction year breakdown by decade
Value Percent YoY change
Built in 1939 or earlier 195 12.2% 3.7%
Built between 1940 and 1949 199 12.4% -15.0%
Built between 1950 and 1959 494 30.9% 52.0%
Built between 1960 and 1969 171 10.7% -17.8%
Built between 1970 and 1979 243 15.2% -22.1%
Built between 1980 and 1989 104 6.5% 16.9%
Built between 1990 and 1999 138 8.6% 26.6%
Built between 2000 and 2009 27 1.7% -6.9%
Built between 2010 and 2019 9 0.6% -18.2%
Built in 2020 or later 20 1.2% 53.9%
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.

Altavista occupancy rates

Out of the 1,338 occupied housing units in Altavista, 55.3% are owner-occupied, while 44.7% are lived in by tenants. Meanwhile, 16.4% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Occupied housing units
1,338
1.7% year-over-year change
Occupancy breakdown
Renter occupied
598
Owner occupied
740
Value Percent YoY
change
Renter occupied 598 44.7% 19.4%
Owner occupied 740 55.3% -9.2%
Unoccupied housing units
16.4%
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.

Altavista housing costs

Housing costs in Altavista come to a median of $823 per month, while tenants specifically pay a median gross rent of $910.

Median housing costs per month
$823/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 Altavista
$910/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 Altavista

Altavista education at a glance

About 50.6% of the population in Altavista went to high school, while 12.7% pursued college studies. Another 7.6% earned an associate degree and 22.4% hold a bachelor’s. Meanwhile, 4.1% went even further, earning a master’s or doctorate.

Education level
Value Percent YoY change
No high school 69 2.7% 35.3%
High school diploma 1,314 50.6% 8.5%
College diploma 329 12.7% -27.2%
Associate degree 197 7.6% -5.3%
Bachelor's degree 581 22.4% 4.7%
Graduate degree 106 4.1% -22.1%
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 Altavista

How much people earn in Altavista

The average annual household income in Altavista was $77,824 in 2024, the most recent annual data available, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This marked a +3.8% change from the previous year. At the same time, the median income stood at $51,349, reflecting a +11.7% shift over the same period.

Average household income in Altavista
$77,824/year
3.8% year-over-year change
Median household income in Altavista
$51,349/year
11.7% year-over-year change

Altavista income by age

In Altavista, households led by residents aged 25 to 44 — usually in the early to mid stages of their careers — have a median income of $50,694. Those with someone between 45 and 64 in charge, often well established professionally, earn $79,219 overall. Overall, 88% of the locals in this community live above the poverty line.

Income breakdown by age
Value YoY change
25 - 44 $50,694 35.7%
45 - 64 $79,219 1.5%
Over 65 $33,750 9.2%
Above poverty level
2,837
Below poverty level
387
Value Percent YoY
change
Above poverty level 2,837 88% 2.0%
Below poverty level 387 12% -18.7%

Average renter income in Altavista

To get a better sense of what renters earn on average in Altavista, their median household income was $33,250 according to 2022 Census data. In addition, the rent-to-income ratio in the area, at 32.8%, shows what portion of their earnings goes toward housing expenses.

Renter median household income
$33,250
Rent-to-income ratio
32.8%
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 Altavista

Workforce and job types in Altavista

The job market in Altavista is powered by 1,604 working residents, spread across a range of industries and roles. 69.1% of the working population are employed in professional or administrative positions, while 30.9% are in hands-on or service-based jobs. Also, 6.2% run their own businesses, 74.3% are employed by private companies, and 12.4% work in the public sector.

Workforce demographics

Working population
1,604
11.0% year-over-year change
White collar
1,109
Blue collar
495
Value Percent YoY change
White collar 1,109 69.1% 8.3%
Blue collar 495 30.9% 17.6%
Employer type
Self employees
6.2%
Private companies
74.3%
Governmental workers
12.4%
Not for profit companies
7%
Value Percent YoY change
Self employees 100 6.2% 16.3%
Private companies 1,192 74.3% 6.0%
Governmental workers 199 12.4% 16.4%
Not for profit companies 113 7% 76.6%
Unemployment rate
7.9%
-21.6% year-over-year change

Available workforce

The unemployment rate in Altavista stands at 7.9%, 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 Altavista

How people get around in Altavista

Means of transportation
Value Percent YoY change
Car 1,456 91.8% 13.4%
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 Altavista by zipcode?

Zipcode Population Number of households Median income Average income
24517 4,996 2,053 $53,201 $76,942

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FAQs about Altavista demographics 

What is the total population of Altavista?

Altavista has a total population of 3,342 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 -0.4% compared to a year ago.

What is the gender ratio in Altavista?

The gender ratio in Altavista is as follows:
  • 44% males (1,471 residents)
  • 56% females (1,871 residents)

What is the median age in Altavista?

The median age in Altavista is 39.

What is the age distribution of the population in Altavista?

The age distribution in Altavista is as follows:
  • Under 15: 18% (602 residents)
  • Ages 15-24: 12.3% (410 residents)
  • Ages 25-44: 25.2% (841 residents)
  • Ages 45-64: 24.9% (833 residents)
  • Over 65: 19.6% (656 residents)

What is the racial and ethnic makeup of Altavista?

The racial and ethnic makeup of Altavista is as follows:
  • White: 66.9% (2,236 residents)
  • Black or African American: 28.2% (942 residents)
  • American Indian and Alaska Native: 0% (0 residents)
  • Asian: 0.5% (16 residents)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander: 0% (0 residents)
  • Two or More Races: 4.4% (148 residents)
  • Other: 0% (0 residents)

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

U.S.-born citizens represent 99.3% of the population in Altavista.

How many housing units are there in Altavista?

There are 1,600 housing units in Altavista, reflecting a +5.4% change compared to the previous year, according to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

Altavista has a total of 1,338 households, with an average of 2 people in each.

What is the median household income in Altavista?

Altavista has a median household income of $51,349, representing a +11.7% shift from the previous year, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

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

The employment rate is 92.1% in Altavista, with a workforce of 1,604 residents. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the local job market:

Job types:
  • White-collar workers: 69.1% (1,109 residents)
  • Blue-collar workers: 30.9% (495 residents)

Places of employment:
  • Self-employed: 6.2% (100 residents)
  • Private companies: 74.3% (1,192 residents)
  • Governmental workers: 12.4% (199 residents)
  • Not-for-profit companies: 7% (113 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