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 19,900 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $305,000 and average rents near $1,280. Commute times average 23 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% 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 19,900 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 88% White, 3% Black, and 3% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
19,900
Density
1,450 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
88.2%
Black
3.4%
Asian
3.1%
Others
5.3%

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 96.4. Median home values are around $305,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,280. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$305,000
Gross Rent
$1,280
Monthly Electricity Charges
$132
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,940
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$560
State Taxes
Low: 4.4%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
96.4
Grocery
97.8
Housing
99.2
Utilities
98.5
Transportation
95.6
Health Care
94.8
Miscellaneous
96.1

Crime

Is Altoona, IA a safe place to live?

Altoona is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 112 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 86. 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
112
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,165
Crime Index
1,277
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 893
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 86

Weather

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

Altoona experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 84°F and cold winters dipping to 13°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
13°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
63°F
Max
84°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
69°F
Average Rainfall Inches
35.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $86,500 and a low poverty rate of 8.7%. Over 93% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 29% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 23 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$39,800
Household Income
$86,500
Family Income
$98,200
Per Capita Income
$36,900
Income Male
$47,200
Income Female
$36,400
Poverty Rate
8.7%
Non English Speakers
8.9%
Rent
$1,280
Unemployment Rate
3.4%
Public Transport Usage
1.9%
Commute Time
22.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
93.1%
Bachelors or More
28.7%

Education

How are the schools in Altoona, IA?

Altoona offers quality education options, with public schools like Altoona Elementary School and Clay Elementary School 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 Drake University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Altoona Elementary School
Street
301 6th St SW
Phone
515-967-0750
Students
430
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1
Name
Clay Elementary School
Street
3200 1st Ave N
Phone
515-967-0750
Students
390
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Southeast Polk Catholic School
Street
200 4th St SW
Phone
515-967-3331
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Des Moines Area Community College
City
Ankeny
State
IA
Distance
9 miles
Students
20,000
Name
Drake University
City
Des Moines
State
IA
Distance
11 miles
Students
5,000

Healthcare

Altoona residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center and UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 people and 93.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center
Address
1111 6th Ave, Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone
(515) 247-3121
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center
Address
1415 Woodland Ave, Des Moines, IA 50309
Phone
(515) 241-6212
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage
93.4%
Health Care Index
71.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Altoona, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $305,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 73%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 4.6%. Altoona offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$305,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,280
Owner Occupied Rate
73.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
4.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
2.8%
Foreclosure Rate
0.4%

DMV Information

Residents of Altoona handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located in Ames. 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
Address
800 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA 50010
Phone
(515) 233-7747

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 19,900, median home value $305,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,280, commute time 22.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

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