Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Altus, OK
Altus, OK offers small-town living with a population of 18,729 and a notably affordable cost of living—median home prices around $103,000 and average rents at $820. Residents enjoy short commute times (under 15 minutes), mild winters, and abundant sunshine (69% of days). While violent crime is below average for Oklahoma, property crime rates are slightly higher, so it’s good to be vigilant. Altus features strong community ties, a local college, and family-friendly amenities, making it a welcoming choice for those seeking value and community.
Demographics - Altus, OK
Altus is home to about 18,700 residents, with a median age of 32 and a diverse community that is primarily White and Hispanic. The city’s population density gives it a close-knit feel, and over 11% of residents speak a language other than English at home. This diversity and youthful demographic contribute to a vibrant local culture.
Population:
18,729
Density:
1,300 per sq mi
Median Age:
32.2
Gender Ratio:
101 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
11.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
64.2%
Black:
8.2%
Asian:
1.2%
Others:
1.1%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Altus, OK?
Altus boasts a very affordable cost of living, with median home values near $103,000 and average rents of $820, making it attractive for families and first-time buyers. Utility and healthcare costs are lower than the national average, and the overall cost of living index is 77.8, well below the U.S. average. State income tax rates remain moderate, helping residents stretch their budgets further.
Median House Value:
$103,000
Gross Rent:
$820
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,290
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,010
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$370
State Taxes:
Low:
0.5%
|
High:
4.75%
Cost Of Living Index:
77.8
Grocery:
92.1
Housing:
54.6
Utilities:
96.3
Transportation:
83.4
Health Care:
89.2
Miscellaneous:
88.5
Crime
Is Altus, OK a safe place to live?
Altus experiences a moderate crime rate, with violent crime lower than the state average and a 1 in 337 chance of being affected. However, property crime is more common, with a 1 in 51 chance, so residents should take standard precautions. The city’s overall crime index suggests a generally safe environment but with some need for vigilance regarding property security.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
297
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,957
Crime Index:
2,254
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 337
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 51
Weather
What is the weather like in Altus, OK year-round?
Residents enjoy a sunny climate, with 69% of days filled with sunshine and mild winters where lows rarely dip below 28°F. Summers are hot, reaching up to 97°F, while rainfall is moderate at about 26 inches annually. The weather is ideal for those who appreciate warmth and outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
28°F
Max:
53°F
Spring
Min:
46°F
Max:
76°F
Summer
Min:
67°F
Max:
97°F
Fall
Min:
48°F
Max:
80°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
25.7 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
69%
Neighbors
Households in Altus have a typical median income of about $44,800, and most residents commute less than 15 minutes to work. The community values education, with over 84% holding at least a high school diploma, and the area’s poverty rate is slightly higher than the national average. Most people drive, as public transit use is minimal, reflecting the town’s small size and easy navigation.
Median Income:
$44,800
Household Income:
$51,200
Family Income:
$59,900
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$37,900
Income Female:
$29,200
Poverty Rate:
18.3%
Non English Speakers:
11.5%
Rent:
$820
Unemployment Rate:
5.1%
Public Transport Usage:
0.4%
Commute Time:
14.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
84.5%
Bachelors or More:
18.2%
Education
How are the schools in Altus, OK?
Families in Altus have access to public schools like Altus High School and Altus Intermediate School, which feature manageable class sizes and strong community involvement. Grace Christian School provides a private option, while Western Oklahoma State College, located just two miles away, supports local higher education. The city’s educational opportunities are well-suited for students of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Altus High School
Street:
400 N Park Ave
Phone:
580-477-2250
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0
Name:
Altus Intermediate School
Street:
1221 N Howse St
Phone:
580-481-2196
Students:
600
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.2
Private Schools
Name:
Grace Christian School
Street:
800 N Hightower St
Phone:
580-482-6541
Students:
110
Colleges
Name:
Western Oklahoma State College
City:
Altus
State:
OK
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
1,900
Healthcare
Altus is served by Jackson County Memorial Hospital, offering general and emergency care to residents. With 1.7 physicians per 1,000 people and nearly 88% of residents covered by health insurance, access to healthcare is reliable. The city’s healthcare index reflects good service availability for a community of its size.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Jackson County Memorial Hospital
Address:
1200 E Tamarack Rd, Altus, OK 73521
Phone:
(580) 379-5000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
87.8%
Health Care Index:
64.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Altus, OK?
The housing market in Altus is very affordable, with median home prices at $103,000 and around 57% of residents owning their homes. Rental vacancy rates are moderate, and the market has seen a steady appreciation of 2.4% over the past year. The area’s stable real estate trends make it appealing for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$103,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$820
Owner Occupied Rate:
56.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
2.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Altus residents handle driver and vehicle services through the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety, located in Oklahoma City. The department offers comprehensive resources both in-person and online for licensing and registration needs. Access to state DMV services is straightforward and efficient for local drivers.
State:
Oklahoma
Department:
Oklahoma Department of Public Safety
Address:
3600 N Martin Luther King Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73111
Phone:
1-405-425-2300
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.