Iowa / Polk County

Moving to Altoona, IA

Thinking of making a move to Altoona, IA? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Altoona, IA

Considering a move to Altoona, IA? This welcoming community of 20,221 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $265,000 and average rents near $1,130. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (62% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Altoona's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Altoona, IA

Altoona has a population of 20,221 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 36 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 90% White, 2% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
20,221
Density
1,400 per sq mi
Median Age
36.0
Gender Ratio
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
5.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
90.2%
Black
2.3%
Asian
1.1%
Others
6.4%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Altoona, IA?

The cost of living in Altoona is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.0. Median home values are around $265,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,130. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$265,000
Gross Rent
$1,130
Monthly Electricity Charges
$110
Auto Insurance
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,670
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$570
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
92.0
Grocery
95.1
Housing
84.6
Utilities
101.5
Transportation
95.2
Health Care
95.7
Miscellaneous
96.0

Crime

Is Altoona, IA a safe place to live?

Altoona is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 140 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 54. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
140
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,850
Crime Index
1,990
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 715
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 54

Weather

What is the weather like in Altoona, IA year-round?

Altoona experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 13°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 62% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
13°F
Max
33°F

Summer

Min
62°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
37°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
39°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
62%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $93,500 and a low poverty rate of 7.1%. Over 96% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 33% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$41,600
Household Income
$93,500
Family Income
$106,000
Per Capita Income
$38,700
Income Male
$52,200
Income Female
$41,600
Poverty Rate
7.1%
Non English Speakers
5.8%
Rent
$1,130
Unemployment Rate
3.2%
Public Transport Usage
0.7%
Commute Time
21.5 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
95.8%
Bachelors or More
32.6%

Education

How are the schools in Altoona, IA?

Altoona offers quality education options, with public schools like Altoona Elementary School and Southeast Polk Junior High known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Des Moines Area Community College and Grand View University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Altoona Elementary School
Street
301 6th Ave SW
Phone
515-967-3771
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
15.2
Name
Southeast Polk Junior High
Street
8325 NE University Ave
Phone
515-967-5509
Students
900
Student Teacher Ratio
14.8

Private Schools

Name
Grandview Park Baptist School
Street
1120 Grandview Ave, Des Moines, IA
Phone
515-265-1607
Students
230

Colleges

Name
Des Moines Area Community College
City
Ankeny
State
IA
Distance
9 miles
Students
23,000
Name
Grand View University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
8 miles
Students
1,800

Healthcare

Altoona residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital and MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.1 per 1,000 people and 92.8% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
UnityPoint Health – Iowa Lutheran Hospital
Address
700 E University Ave, Des Moines, IA 50316
Phone
(515) 263-5612
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Address
1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone
(515) 247-3121
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage
92.8%
Health Care Index
78.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Altoona, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $265,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 77%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 5.6%. Altoona offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$265,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,130
Owner Occupied Rate
76.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate
5.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
2.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.3%

DMV Information

Residents of Altoona handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division, conveniently located in Ankeny. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
515-244-8725

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Altoona, IA

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Altoona, review the core fields on this page: population 20,221, median home value $265,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,130, commute time 21.5 minutes, and sunny days percentage 62%.

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