Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Altoona, PA
Considering a move to Altoona, PA? With a welcoming population of nearly 44,000, Altoona offers a low cost of living, affordable median home price around $97,000, and average rents near $820. Residents enjoy short commutes—about 18 minutes on average—and have access to local healthcare and higher education through Penn State Altoona. While crime rates are above the national average, families appreciate the small-town feel, four-season climate, and community-oriented lifestyle.
Demographics - Altoona, PA
Demographics - Altoona, PA
Altoona is home to nearly 44,000 residents, with a median age of 39.7 and a predominantly White population. The city has a balanced gender ratio and a modest share of non-English speakers, fostering a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. The population density is moderate, supporting a close-knit community vibe.
Population:
43,963
Density:
3,100 per sq mi
Median Age:
39.7
Gender Ratio:
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.0%
Ethnic Composition
White:
88.6%
Black:
5.3%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
5.4%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Altoona, PA?
Cost of living in Altoona is notably affordable, with a median home value of just $97,000 and average rent around $820. Utilities and groceries are reasonably priced, and the city’s overall cost of living index is well below the national average, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious movers. State income tax rates are also low at 3.07%.
Median House Value:
$97,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$130
Auto Insurance:
$1,350
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$430
State Taxes:
Low:
3.07%
|
High:
3.07%
Cost Of Living Index:
74.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
58.5
Utilities:
102.8
Transportation:
78.0
Health Care:
92.5
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Altoona, PA a safe place to live?
Altoona experiences higher than average crime rates, with about 343 violent crimes and 2,154 property crimes per 100,000 residents. The chance of being a victim of violent crime is roughly 1 in 292, while property crime risk is about 1 in 46. Despite these numbers, many families are drawn to the area's community-oriented feel.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
343
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,154
Crime Index:
2,497
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 292
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 46
Weather
What is the weather like in Altoona, PA year-round?
Residents enjoy a four-season climate, with cold winters averaging lows of 18°F and warm, pleasant summers reaching highs of 82°F. The city receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine nearly half the year. This seasonal variety supports a range of outdoor activities throughout the year.
Winter
Min:
18°F
Max:
37°F
Spring
Min:
37°F
Max:
64°F
Summer
Min:
58°F
Max:
82°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
40.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
48%
Neighbors
Altoona’s households have a median income of $46,600, with a relatively high poverty rate of 21.3%. Most residents have at least a high school education, and the average commute is a manageable 18 minutes. Public transportation is rarely used, reflecting the city’s car-friendly layout.
Median Income:
$28,900
Household Income:
$46,600
Family Income:
$59,300
Per Capita Income:
$24,400
Income Male:
$35,200
Income Female:
$26,500
Poverty Rate:
21.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.0%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
5.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
18.4 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
89.9%
Bachelors or More:
17.7%
Education
How are the schools in Altoona, PA?
Education in Altoona features a mix of public and private schools, including Altoona Area High School and Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High. The city is also home to Penn State Altoona, providing local access to higher education for over 2,600 students. Student-teacher ratios are favorable, supporting a supportive learning environment.
Public Schools
Name:
Altoona Area High School
Street:
1415 6th Ave
Phone:
814-940-6113
Students:
1,850
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Pleasant Valley Elementary School
Street:
310 Cayuga Ave
Phone:
814-946-8397
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.4
Private Schools
Name:
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School
Street:
2400 Pleasant Valley Blvd
Phone:
814-944-4014
Students:
300
Colleges
Name:
Penn State Altoona
City:
Altoona
State:
PA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
2,600
Name:
Mount Aloysius College
City:
Cresson
State:
PA
Distance:
12 miles
Students:
2,500
Healthcare
Access to healthcare in Altoona is strong, anchored by UPMC Altoona and a physician availability of 2.1 per 1,000 residents. Nearly 94% of locals have health insurance, ensuring most have coverage for medical needs. Emergency and general care services are conveniently located within the city.
Major Hospitals
Name:
UPMC Altoona
Address:
620 Howard Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone:
(814) 889-2011
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.1
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.9%
Health Care Index:
68.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Altoona, PA?
The Altoona housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $97,000 and an average two-bedroom rent of $820. Owner-occupancy stands at 58%, and home values have appreciated by over 4% in the past year. Rental vacancies are somewhat high, offering a range of options for newcomers.
Median Home Price:
$97,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
58.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.9%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.8%
DMV Information
Altoona residents utilize PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services for all DMV needs, conveniently located on 9th Avenue. The office provides driver licensing, registration, and vehicle services, with information available on the state’s official website. Customer support is accessible via a toll-free number.
State:
Pennsylvania
Department:
PennDOT Driver & Vehicle Services
Address:
1738B 9th Ave, Altoona, PA 16602
Phone:
1-800-932-4600
Website:
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.