Cost Of Living
The overall cost of living in this area is much lower than average. This includes everyday goods and services, as well as housing, utilities and health care.
Crime
With a lower than average crime rate per 100,000 people, this area could be considered a very safe place to live. Crime rates are based on both violent and property crimes.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Amenities
A majority of amenities are not ideally situated within a reasonable walking distance, which may lead residents to rely on a vehicle or public transportation.
Commute
Public transportation is not readily available in this area and the average commute time to work could also be longer than the national average.
Located in the state of Iowa, Altoona is a moderately-sized city with a population of 19,348 people. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (91% White). Given that fact, Altoona could be considered less diverse than other cities.
If you’re considering moving to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a good experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Altoona, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. To help you find the best places to live in and around Altoona, AreaVibes has created a livability score using key metrics like cost of living, education, employment, housing and more.
Using data and statistics Altoona has received a livability score of 81 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 95th percentile when compared to all other cities. Based on this score, Altoona would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Altoona ranks better than 90% of all US cities! There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Altoona ranks well for crime (A-), cost of living (A+), education (A+), employment (A) and housing (A+) Altoona does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be a good idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low rates of violent crime, encompassing offenses such as murder, rape, robbery and assault, contribute significantly to a safer living environment. This reduction in crime minimizes the chances of personal harm, property theft, or violent incidents. Furthermore, low crime rates can have a positive impact on property values and the overall desirability of an area. There were 143 crimes per 100,000 residents, which signifies that Altoona boasts an impressively low violent crime rate that falls well below the national average.
Test scores serve as a vital gauge of a school's academic prowess and the proficiency of its students. They play a pivotal role in assessing whether local schools can deliver a robust educational foundation for children. In Altoona, the schools boast an impressive average test score of 79%, significantly higher than the national average. This outstanding academic achievement not only reflects the excellence of the local educational system, but also indicates the potential for students to thrive academically, making it an attractive destination for families seeking a high-quality education for their children.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Altoona can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
Altoona real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Altoona. Median real estate prices in Altoona come in at $349,859, which is 45.8% higher than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Altoona, the home price to income ratio is 3, which is 0% lower than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Altoona | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 22min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 86.5% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 5.4% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.6% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 0.0% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 5.7% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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