Pennsylvania / Blair County

Moving to Altoona, PA

Thinking of making a move to Altoona, PA? 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, PA

Considering a move to Altoona, PA? This welcoming community of 43,000 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $900. Commute times average 20 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (51% 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, PA

Altoona has a population of 43,000 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 40 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 86% White, 9% Black, and 2% Asian residents, and over 5% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
43,000
Density
2,900 per sq mi
Median Age
40.4
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
4.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
86.0%
Black
8.5%
Asian
1.8%
Others
3.7%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Altoona is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.5. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $900. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$900
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,650
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,200
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$420
State Taxes
Low: 3.07%| High: 3.07%
Cost Of Living Index
82.5
Grocery
96.0
Housing
56.8
Utilities
98.4
Transportation
94.2
Health Care
99.1
Miscellaneous
96.5

Crime

Is Altoona, PA a safe place to live?

Altoona is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 320 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 Pennsylvania.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
320
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,850
Crime Index
2,170
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 54

Weather

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

Altoona experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 22°F. The area receives about 40 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 51% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
22°F
Max
38°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
39.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
51%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $49,500 and a low poverty rate of 18.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 20 minutes, and almost 7% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$31,000
Household Income
$49,500
Family Income
$62,000
Per Capita Income
$24,500
Income Male
$38,500
Income Female
$29,000
Poverty Rate
18.8%
Non English Speakers
6.8%
Rent
$900
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Public Transport Usage
6.5%
Commute Time
19.8 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.0%
Bachelors or More
18.5%

Education

How are the schools in Altoona, PA?

Altoona offers quality education options, with public schools like Altoona Area High School and Altoona Area Junior High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Penn State Altoona and HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Altoona Area High School
Street
1415 6th Ave
Phone
814-946-8400
Students
1,500
Student Teacher Ratio
15.0
Name
Altoona Area Junior High School
Street
1401 8th Ave
Phone
814-946-8420
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
14.2

Private Schools

Name
Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School
Street
2400 Pleasant Valley Blvd
Phone
814-944-4014
Students
350

Colleges

Name
Penn State Altoona
City
Altoona
State
PA
Distance
0 miles
Students
3,100
Name
HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College
City
Harrisburg
State
PA
Distance
93 miles
Students
15,000

Healthcare

Altoona residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like UPMC Altoona and Select Specialty Hospital - Altoona nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 93.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
UPMC Altoona
Address
620 Howard Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone
(814) 889-2011
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
Select Specialty Hospital - Altoona
Address
620 Howard Ave, Altoona, PA 16601
Phone
(814) 889-2215
Type
Specialty Care
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
93.0%
Health Care Index
70.8

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Altoona, PA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 61%. The market has seen a 3.4% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.2%. Altoona offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$900
Owner Occupied Rate
61.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.4%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Altoona handle vehicle services through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), conveniently located in Harrisburg. 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
Pennsylvania
Department
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT)
Address
1101 South Front Street, Harrisburg, PA 17104
Phone
1-717-412-5300

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, PA

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 43,000, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $900, commute time 19.8 minutes, and sunny days percentage 51%.

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