Altoona, Iowa

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Population in 2022: 21,503 (100% urban, 0% rural).
Population change since 2000: +107.9%
Males: 10,520  (48.9%)
Females: 10,983  (51.1%)
Median resident age:

36.3 years
Iowa median age:

38.9 years

Zip codes: 50009, 50035, 50317, 50327.

Altoona Zip Code Map
Estimated median household income in 2022: $87,078 (it was $50,162 in 2000)
Altoona:

$87,078
IA:

$69,588

Estimated per capita income in 2022: $43,412 (it was $20,336 in 2000)

Altoona city income, earnings, and wages data

Estimated median house or condo value in 2022: $265,894 (it was $113,300 in 2000)
Altoona:

$265,894
IA:

$194,600

Mean prices in 2022: all housing units: $274,515; detached houses: $287,917; townhouses or other attached units: $236,166; in 2-unit structures: $123,164; in 3-to-4-unit structures: $195,554; in 5-or-more-unit structures: $187,405; mobile homes: $57,106

Median gross rent in 2022: $1,123.

March 2022 cost of living index in Altoona: 90.1 (less than average, U.S. average is 100)
Percentage of residents living in poverty in 2022: 6.0%
(5.4% for White Non-Hispanic residents, 33.0% for Black residents, 3.6% for Hispanic or Latino residents, 13.8% for other race residents)
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  • Races in Altoona, IA (2022)
    • 17,39185.5%White alone
    • 9714.8%Hispanic
    • 8454.2%Two or more races
    • 7143.5%Black alone
    • 2211.1%Asian alone
    • 1040.5%Other race alone
    • 230.1%American Indian alone

Races in Altoona detailed stats: ancestries, foreign born residents, place of birth



According to our research of Iowa and other state lists, there were 23 registered sex offenders living in Altoona, Iowa as of April 27, 2024.
The ratio of all residents to sex offenders in Altoona is 749 to 1.
The ratio of registered sex offenders to all residents in this city is lower than the state average.


Crime rates in Altoona by year

Type

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Murders
(per 100,000)
0
(0.0)
1
(6.9)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
1
(5.1)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
0
(0.0)
Rapes
(per 100,000)
2
(14.0)
6
(41.3)
1
(6.8)
1
(6.7)
1
(6.4)
2
(12.6)
7
(42.4)
1
(5.7)
1
(5.4)
2
(10.3)
1
(5.1)
6
(30.3)
2
(10.0)
2
(9.2)
Robberies
(per 100,000)
5
(35.0)
1
(6.9)
4
(27.4)
4
(27.0)
4
(25.5)
3
(18.8)
4
(24.2)
8
(45.7)
3
(16.2)
1
(5.2)
5
(25.7)
2
(10.1)
6
(29.9)
3
(13.7)
Assaults
(per 100,000)
14
(97.9)
14
(96.3)
14
(95.8)
19
(128.1)
14
(89.3)
14
(87.9)
18
(109.1)
22
(125.7)
20
(107.8)
20
(103.3)
18
(92.6)
47
(237.3)
46
(229.3)
35
(160.3)
Burglaries
(per 100,000)
59
(412.7)
84
(577.7)
66
(451.5)
75
(505.7)
47
(299.7)
60
(376.8)
43
(260.6)
58
(331.4)
45
(242.5)
45
(232.4)
46
(236.6)
59
(297.9)
22
(109.6)
12
(55.0)
Thefts
(per 100,000)
344
(2,406)
329
(2,263)
426
(2,914)
441
(2,974)
506
(3,226)
403
(2,531)
406
(2,460)
452
(2,582)
479
(2,581)
460
(2,376)
399
(2,052)
349
(1,762)
331
(1,650)
230
(1,054)
Auto thefts
(per 100,000)
16
(111.9)
16
(110.0)
14
(95.8)
21
(141.6)
14
(89.3)
13
(81.6)
15
(90.9)
15
(85.7)
23
(123.9)
24
(124.0)
25
(128.6)
31
(156.5)
27
(134.6)
28
(128.3)
Arson
(per 100,000)
1
(7.0)
0
(0.0)
2
(13.7)
3
(20.2)
1
(6.4)
1
(6.3)
6
(36.4)
5
(28.6)
2
(10.8)
0
(0.0)
2
(10.3)
2
(10.1)
1
(5.0)
2
(9.2)
City-Data.com crime index175.4207.8188.7204.8187.8167.4186.9176.8160.9151.7149.6178.6147.299.8

The City-Data.com crime index weighs serious crimes and violent crimes more heavily. Higher means more crime, U.S. average is 246.1. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities.

Click on a table row to update graph
City-data.com crime index in Altoona, IA

Crime rate in Altoona detailed stats: murders, rapes, robberies, assaults, burglaries, thefts, arson

Full-time law enforcement employees in 2021, including police officers: 39 (36 officers - 32 male; 4 female).
Officers per 1,000 residents here:

1.79
Iowa average:

1.76
Recent articles from our blog. Our writers, many of them Ph.D. graduates or candidates, create easy-to-read articles on a wide variety of topics.
Altoona, IA forum
Recent posts about Altoona, Iowa on our local forum with over 2,400,000 registered users. Altoona is mentioned 185 times on our forum:
Do you Shelly, in her 50s, in Altoona?  (5 replies)
Store suggestions for work clothing  (27 replies)
Tragedy on Raging Rivers ride, Adventureland  (18 replies)
How progressive is Des Moines, really?  (16 replies)
Neighborhoods in Des Moines  (2 replies)
Possibly moving to Des Moines - Looking for a lot of info  (29 replies)

Latest news from Altoona, IA collected exclusively by city-data.com from local newspapers, TV, and radio stations

Ancestries: German (16.4%), English (10.1%), Irish (9.8%), American (9.3%), European (5.0%), Dutch (4.9%).

Current Local Time: CST time zone

Incorporated on 03/11/1876

Land area: 7.10 square miles.

Population density: 3,027 people per square mile   (average).

Altoona, Iowa map

947 residents are foreign born (1.6% Asia, 1.4% Africa, 0.9% Latin America, 0.6% Europe).

This city:

4.7%
Iowa:

5.6%

Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with mortgages in 2022: $4,309 (1.5%)
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units with no mortgage in 2022: $3,620 (1.6%)

Nearest city with pop. 50,000+: Des Moines, IA (8.7 miles , pop. 198,682).

Nearest city with pop. 200,000+: Omaha, NE (134.4 miles , pop. 390,007).

Nearest city with pop. 1,000,000+: Chicago, IL (299.2 miles , pop. 2,896,016).

Nearest cities:

Bondurant, IA (1.8 miles ),
Pleasant Hill, IA (2.2 miles ),
Mitchellville, IA (2.4 miles ),
Saylorville, IA (2.9 miles ),
Ankeny, IA (2.9 miles ),
Des Moines, IA (2.9 miles ),
Valeria, IA (3.1 miles),
Elkhart, IA (3.2 miles )

Latitude: 41.65 N, Longitude: 93.47 W

Daytime population change due to commuting: -313 (-1.5%)
Workers who live and work in this city: 2,876 (27.4%)

Area code: 515

Distribution of median household income in Altoona, IA in 2022
Distribution of house value in Altoona, IA in 2022

Property values in Altoona, IA

Altoona satellite photo by USGS

Altoona tourist attractions:

Single-family new house construction building permits:

  • 2022: 150 buildings, average cost: $220,600
  • 2021: 207 buildings, average cost: $274,500
  • 2020: 234 buildings, average cost: $267,000
  • 2019: 232 buildings, average cost: $233,300
  • 2018: 180 buildings, average cost: $224,400
  • 2017: 137 buildings, average cost: $207,800
  • 2016: 130 buildings, average cost: $175,500
  • 2015: 125 buildings, average cost: $161,600
  • 2014: 95 buildings, average cost: $160,000
  • 2013: 98 buildings, average cost: $175,100
  • 2012: 90 buildings, average cost: $168,600
  • 2011: 170 buildings, average cost: $133,700
  • 2010: 72 buildings, average cost: $164,900
  • 2009: 87 buildings, average cost: $163,000
  • 2008: 78 buildings, average cost: $167,500
  • 2007: 128 buildings, average cost: $160,800
  • 2006: 151 buildings, average cost: $115,500
  • 2005: 222 buildings, average cost: $123,200
  • 2004: 335 buildings, average cost: $110,600
  • 2003: 210 buildings, average cost: $109,700
  • 2002: 197 buildings, average cost: $107,600
  • 2001: 154 buildings, average cost: $118,600
  • 2000: 74 buildings, average cost: $130,400
  • 1999: 114 buildings, average cost: $123,000
  • 1998: 96 buildings, average cost: $121,600
  • 1997: 110 buildings, average cost: $111,600
Number of permits per 10,000 Altoona, IA residents
Average permit cost in Altoona, IA
Unemployment in December 2023:
Here:

2.6%
Iowa:

2.7%
Population change in the 1990s: +2,927 (+39.5%).
Most common industries in Altoona, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common industries in 2000
  • Finance & insurance (14.4%)
  • Health care (8.5%)
  • Educational services (7.5%)
  • Public administration (5.6%)
  • Accommodation & food services (4.4%)
  • Construction (4.0%)
  • Professional, scientific, technical services (3.6%)
Most common industries for males in 2000
  • Finance & insurance (10.9%)
  • Construction (7.3%)
  • Truck transportation (5.4%)
  • Public administration (5.4%)
  • Food & beverage stores (4.1%)
  • Educational services (3.8%)
  • Accommodation & food services (3.7%)
Most common industries for females in 2000
  • Finance & insurance (17.7%)
  • Health care (14.3%)
  • Educational services (11.0%)
  • Public administration (5.8%)
  • Accommodation & food services (5.0%)
  • Social assistance (4.2%)
  • Professional, scientific, technical services (4.0%)
Most common occupations in Altoona, IA (%)
Both Males Females
Most common occupations in 2000
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (7.1%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (4.7%)
  • Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (3.8%)
  • Material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers (3.5%)
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants (3.5%)
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (3.3%)
  • Cashiers (3.3%)
Most common occupations for males in 2000
  • Other production occupations, including supervisors (6.4%)
  • Driver/sales workers and truck drivers (5.9%)
  • Laborers and material movers, hand (5.2%)
  • Material recording, scheduling, dispatching, and distributing workers (4.9%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (4.6%)
  • Sales representatives, services, wholesale and manufacturing (4.2%)
  • Other management occupations, except farmers and farm managers (4.0%)
Most common occupations for females in 2000
  • Other office and administrative support workers, including supervisors (10.5%)
  • Preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school teachers (6.6%)
  • Secretaries and administrative assistants (6.5%)
  • Other sales and related occupations, including supervisors (4.8%)
  • Financial clerks, except bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks (4.4%)
  • Cashiers (4.1%)
  • Registered nurses (3.9%)

Average climate in Altoona, Iowa

Based on data reported by over 4,000 weather stations

Altoona, Iowa average temperatures Altoona, Iowa average precipitation Altoona, Iowa humidity Altoona, Iowa wind speed Altoona, Iowa snowfall Altoona, Iowa sunshine Altoona, Iowa clear and cloudy days

Altoona, Iowa environmental map by EPA

Map Legend

Air pollution and air quality trends
(lower is better)
AQI CO NO2 SO2 Ozone PM2.5
Air Quality Index

Air Quality Index (AQI) level in 2023 was 97.4. This is worse than average.

City:

97.4
U.S.:

72.6
Carbon Monoxide Level

Carbon Monoxide (CO) [ppm] level in 2019 was 0.209. This is better than average. Closest monitor was 7.8 miles away from the city center.

City:

0.209
U.S.:

0.251
Nitrogen Dioxide Level

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2) [ppb] level in 2023 was 5.78. This is about average. Closest monitor was 4.1 miles away from the city center.

City:

5.78
U.S.:

5.11
Sulfur Dioxide Level

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) [ppb] level in 2018 was 0.0417. This is significantly better than average. Closest monitor was 4.1 miles away from the city center.

City:

0.0417
U.S.:

1.5147
Ozone Level

Ozone [ppb] level in 2023 was 36.8. This is about average. Closest monitor was 3.4 miles away from the city center.

City:

36.8
U.S.:

33.3
Particulate Matter Level

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) [µg/m3] level in 2023 was 10.8. This is worse than average. Closest monitor was 6.7 miles away from the city center.

City:

10.8
U.S.:

8.1

Tornado activity:

Altoona-area historical tornado activity is near Iowa state average. It is 106% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 6/13/1976, a category F5 (max. wind speeds 261-318 mph) tornado 28.2 miles away from the Altoona city center injured 9 people and caused between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in damages.

On 6/18/1974, a category F4 (max. wind speeds 207-260 mph) tornado 9.4 miles away from the city center killed 2 people and injured 50 people and caused between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in damages.

Earthquake activity:

Altoona-area historical earthquake activity is significantly above Iowa state average. It is 209% greater than the overall U.S. average.

On 9/3/2016 at 12:02:44, a magnitude 5.8 (5.8 MW, Depth: 3.5 mi, Class: Moderate, Intensity: VI - VII) earthquake occurred 406.2 miles away from the city center
On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.4 (5.1 MB, 4.8 MS, 5.4 MW, 5.2 MW) earthquake occurred 369.2 miles away from Altoona center
On 4/18/2008 at 09:36:59, a magnitude 5.2 (5.2 MW, Depth: 8.9 mi) earthquake occurred 369.2 miles away from the city center
On 6/10/1987 at 23:48:54, a magnitude 5.1 (4.9 MB, 4.4 MS, 4.6 MS, 5.1 LG) earthquake occurred 353.9 miles away from the city center
On 11/6/2011 at 03:53:10, a magnitude 5.7 (5.7 MW, Depth: 3.2 mi) earthquake occurred 459.0 miles away from Altoona center
On 7/9/1975 at 14:54:15, a magnitude 4.6 (4.6 MB, Class: Light, Intensity: IV - V) earthquake occurred 306.2 miles away from the city center
Magnitude types: regional Lg-wave magnitude (LG), body-wave magnitude (MB), surface-wave magnitude (MS), moment magnitude (MW)

Natural disasters:

The number of natural disasters in Polk County (17) is near the US average (15).
Major Disasters (Presidential) Declared: 13
Emergencies Declared: 1

Causes of natural disasters: Floods: 12, Storms: 10, Tornadoes: 5, Heavy Rain: 1, Hurricane: 1, Snow: 1, Wind: 1, Winter Storm: 1, Other: 1 (Note: some incidents may be assigned to more than one category).
Altoona topographic map

Hospitals and medical centers in Altoona:

  • ALTOONA NURSING AND REHABILITATION CENTER (200 SEVENTH AVENUE SW)

Other hospitals and medical centers near Altoona:

  • THE HOMESTEAD LIVING AND LEARNING CENTER (Hospital, about 5 miles away; RUNNELLS, IA)
  • EASTON HEALTH CENTER (Nursing Home, about 5 miles away; DES MOINES, IA)
  • PARKRIDGE NURSING AND REHAB CENT (Nursing Home, about 6 miles away; PLEASANT HILL, IA)
  • VALLEY VIEW VILLAGE (Nursing Home, about 6 miles away; DES MOINES, IA)
  • QHC MITCHELLVILLE, LLC (Nursing Home, about 6 miles away; MITCHELLVILLE, IA)
  • TRINITY CENTER AT LUTHER PARK (Nursing Home, about 7 miles away; DES MOINES, IA)
  • FREEDOM HOME HEALTH CARE INC (Home Health Center, about 8 miles away; DES MOINES, IA)

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Altoona:

  • Des Moines Area Community College (about 9 miles; Ankeny, IA; Full-time enrollment: 15,337)
  • Drake University (about 10 miles; Des Moines, IA; FT enrollment: 3,768)
  • Iowa State University (about 28 miles; Ames, IA; FT enrollment: 28,662)
  • Iowa Central Community College (about 70 miles; Fort Dodge, IA; FT enrollment: 4,682)
  • Indian Hills Community College (about 70 miles; Ottumwa, IA; FT enrollment: 4,034)
  • University of Northern Iowa (about 80 miles; Cedar Falls, IA; FT enrollment: 10,816)
  • Hawkeye Community College (about 80 miles; Waterloo, IA; FT enrollment: 7,160)

Public elementary/middle schools in Altoona:

See full list of schools located in Altoona

Library in Altoona:

  • ALTOONA PUBLIC LIBRARY (Operating income: $640,368; Location: 700 EIGHTH ST SW; 64,095 books; 2,527 e-books; 5,405 audio materials; 3,489 video materials; 3 local licensed databases; 13 state licensed databases; 184 print serial subscriptions)

User-submitted facts and corrections:

  • Mercy Hospital Medical Center in Des Moines,Iowa was not listed as a major hospital or medical center near Altoona, Iowa. Methodist and Mercy are the two largest medical centers in the Des Moines metro. Thanks.

Points of interest:

Click to draw/clear city borders

Notable locations in Altoona: Adventureland Campground (A), Prairie Meadows Racetrack (B), Altoona (C), Altoona Police Deaprtment (D), Altoona City Fire Department (E), Altoona City Hall (F), Altoona City Public Library (G), Altoona Community Service Campus (H). Display/hide their locations on the map

Churches in Altoona include: Altoona United Methodist Church (A), Saints John and Paul Catholic Church (B), Altoona Christian Church (C), Altoona Assembly of God Church (D), Community Church of Christ (E), Church of the Cross (F), Adventure-Life Reformed Church (G), Cornerstone Baptist Church (H), Christ the King Lutheran Church (I). Display/hide their locations on the map

Parks in Altoona include: Greenbelt Park (1), Eagle Ridge Park (2), Adventureland Estates (3), Village Park (4), Greenway Park (5), Prairie Heritage Park (6), Lions Park (7), Sam Wise Youth Complex (8), Haines Park (9). Display/hide their locations on the map

Tourist attractions: Carousel of Des Moines Inc (Amusement & Theme Parks; 500 Adventureland Drive), Altoona Municipal Pool (Amusement & Theme Parks; 1200 Venbury Drive), Tack Shack (Amusement & Theme Parks; 1 Prairie Meadows Drive), Recroomgames4u (Arcades & Amusements; 2013 3rd Street Southwest).

Hotels: Des Moines East - Altoona (3225 Adventureland Dr), Motel 6 (3225 Adventureland Drive), Settle Inn & Suites (2101 Adventureland Drive), Howard Johnson Express Inn (2701 Adventureland Drive).

Birthplace of: Clyde Crabtree - College football player, John Houbolt - Aerospace engineer, Kyle Orton - 2005 NFL player (Chicago Bears, born: Nov 14, 1982).

Polk County has a predicted average indoor radon screening level greater than 4 pCi/L (pico curies per liter) - Highest Potential

Drinking water stations with addresses in Altoona and their reported violations in the past:

ALTOONA WATER SUPPLY (Address: 407 8TH ST SE , Population served: 14,541, Groundwater):
Past monitoring violations:
  • 9 regular monitoring violations
ZIEGLER CAT (MASON CITY) (Address: 1500 ZIEGLER DR NW , Population served: 34, Groundwater):
Past health violations:
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - Between JUL-2013 and SEP-2013, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Formal NOV issued (JUL-31-2013), St Public Notif requested (JUL-31-2013), St Public Notif received (AUG-12-2013), St Compliance achieved (AUG-14-2013)
  • MCL, Monthly (TCR) - Between APR-2013 and JUN-2013, Contaminant: Coliform. Follow-up actions: St Violation/Reminder Notice (JUN-17-2013), St Public Notif requested (JUN-24-2013), St Formal NOV issued (JUN-24-2013), St Public Notif received (AUG-12-2013), St Compliance achieved (AUG-14-2013)
Past monitoring violations:
  • Monitoring, Repeat Major (TCR) - In JUL-2013, Contaminant: Coliform (TCR). Follow-up actions: St Public Notif received (AUG-12-2013), St Compliance achieved (AUG-14-2013), St Formal NOV issued (SEP-23-2013), St Public Notif requested (SEP-23-2013)
  • One regular monitoring violation
Average household size:
This city:

2.6 people
Iowa:

2.4 people

Percentage of family households:
This city:

72.3%
Whole state:

64.7%

Percentage of households with unmarried partners:
This city:

6.7%
Whole state:

6.7%


Likely homosexual households (counted as self-reported same-sex unmarried-partner households)
  • Lesbian couples: 0.2% of all households
  • Gay men: 0.1% of all households

People in group quarters in Altoona in 2010:

  • 104 people in nursing facilities/skilled-nursing facilities
  • 12 people in residential treatment centers for adults
  • 8 people in group homes for juveniles (non-correctional)

People in group quarters in Altoona in 2000:

  • 90 people in nursing homes
  • 10 people in homes for the mentally retarded
  • 7 people in other group homes

Banks with branches in Altoona (2011 data):

  • Wells Fargo Bank, National Association: Pleasant Hill Branch at 1301 N.E. 56th Street, branch established on 1997/07/07. Info updated 2011/04/05: Bank assets: $1,161,490.0 mil, Deposits: $905,653.0 mil, headquarters in Sioux Falls, SD, positive income, 6395 total offices, Holding Company: Wells Fargo & Company
  • Great Western Bank: Altoona Branch at 2770 8th Street Southwest, branch established on 2004/12/13. Info updated 2010/06/08: Bank assets: $8,458.0 mil, Deposits: $6,362.5 mil, headquarters in Watertown, SD, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 187 total offices, Holding Company: National Australia Bank Limited
  • U.S. Bank National Association: Altoona Branch at 111 8th Street, S.E., branch established on 1959/01/01. Info updated 2012/01/30: Bank assets: $330,470.8 mil, Deposits: $236,091.5 mil, headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, positive income, 3121 total offices, Holding Company: U.S. Bancorp
  • Valley Bank: Altoona Branch at 160 Adventureland Dr, Ste H, branch established on 2008/08/18. Info updated 2008/08/11: Bank assets: $629.4 mil, Deposits: $477.0 mil, headquarters in Moline, IL, positive income, Commercial Lending Specialization, 18 total offices, Holding Company: River Valley Bancorp, Inc.
  • Bank Iowa: Altoona Branch at 420 8th Street Southeast, branch established on 1994/08/26. Info updated 2011/08/05: Bank assets: $1,089.9 mil, Deposits: $913.9 mil, headquarters in West Des Moines, IA, positive income, Agricultural Specialization, 24 total offices, Holding Company: Bank Iowa Corporation
  • Legacy Bank: at 502 8th Street, S.W., branch established on 1904/01/01. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $81.9 mil, Deposits: $74.8 mil, local headquarters, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 4 total offices, Holding Company: F. S. Bancor, Inc.
  • Community State Bank, National Association: Altoona Branch at 200 8th St Se, branch established on 1933/07/01. Info updated 2006/11/03: Bank assets: $547.6 mil, Deposits: $434.8 mil, headquarters in Ankeny, IA, negative income in the last year, Commercial Lending Specialization, 11 total offices, Holding Company: Van Diest Investment Company

For population 15 years and over in Altoona:

Marital status in Altoona, IA
  • Never married: 26.9%
  • Now married: 56.3%
  • Separated: 0.5%
  • Widowed: 2.9%
  • Divorced: 13.4%

For population 25 years and over in Altoona:

  • High school or higher: 96.4%
  • Bachelor's degree or higher: 32.6%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 8.8%
  • Unemployed: 2.7%
  • Mean travel time to work (commute): 20.8 minutes
Educational Attainment in 2022
School Enrollment by Level of School in 2022
Education Gini index (Inequality in education)
Here:

8.9
Iowa average:

10.5

Travel time (in minutes) to work in 2022
Means of transportation to work in 2022 - Altoona
Presidential Elections Results

Graphs represent county-level data. Detailed 2008 Election Results

Neighborhoods in Altoona:

(Altoona, Iowa Neighborhood Map)

Religion statistics for Altoona, IA (based on Polk County data)

Religions Adherents in 2010
Religions Adherents - Change between 2000 and 2010
ReligionAdherentsCongregations
Catholic62,86719
Mainline Protestant61,821117
Evangelical Protestant53,822208
Other9,33135
Black Protestant5,27519
Orthodox6464
None236,878-
Source: Clifford Grammich, Kirk Hadaway, Richard Houseal, Dale E.Jones, Alexei Krindatch, Richie Stanley and Richard H.Taylor. 2012. 2010 U.S.Religion Census: Religious Congregations & Membership Study. Association of Statisticians of American Religious Bodies. Jones, Dale E., et al. 2002. Congregations and Membership in the United States 2000. Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Graphs represent county-level data

Food Environment Statistics:

Number of grocery stores: 63
Polk County:

1.51 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

2.14 / 10,000 pop.
Number of supercenters and club stores: 7
This county:

0.17 / 10,000 pop.
State:

0.23 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (no gas): 8
Polk County:

0.19 / 10,000 pop.
Iowa:

0.43 / 10,000 pop.
Number of convenience stores (with gas): 158
Polk County:

3.78 / 10,000 pop.
State:

5.55 / 10,000 pop.
Number of full-service restaurants: 316
Here:

7.57 / 10,000 pop.
State:

8.01 / 10,000 pop.
Adult diabetes rate:
This county:

7.3%
Iowa:

7.8%
Adult obesity rate:
Polk County:

25.8%
Iowa:

27.3%
Low-income preschool obesity rate:
This county:

13.5%
State:

14.5%

Health and Nutrition:

Healthy diet rate:
Altoona:

49.8%
Iowa:

49.5%

Average overall health of teeth and gums:
This city:

46.6%
Iowa:

46.1%

Average BMI:
Altoona:

28.7
Iowa:

28.6

People feeling badly about themselves:
Altoona:

21.3%
Iowa:

21.4%

People not drinking alcohol at all:
Altoona:

10.3%
State:

10.4%

Average hours sleeping at night:
Altoona:

6.8
Iowa:

6.8

Overweight people:
Altoona:

33.1%
Iowa:

33.8%

General health condition:
This city:

57.5%
Iowa:

55.9%

Average condition of hearing:
Here:

79.6%
State:

77.7%

More about Health and Nutrition of Altoona, IA Residents
Local government employment and payroll (March 2022)
Function Full-time employees Monthly full-time payroll Average yearly full-time wage Part-time employees Monthly part-time payroll
Police Protection - Officers 37$292,018$94,7090$0
Firefighters 19$131,854$83,27610$9,796
Streets and Highways 13$79,608$73,4840$0
Other and Unallocable 12$88,242$88,2420$0
Financial Administration 9$70,740$94,3200$0
Parks and Recreation 6$37,390$74,7800$0
Local Libraries 5$34,815$83,55614$19,836
Water Supply 5$23,578$56,5870$0
Sewerage 5$38,061$91,3460$0
Other Government Administration 5$41,841$100,4186$2,667
Police - Other 2$11,156$66,9361$2,817
Fire - Other 2$11,251$67,5060$0
Totals for Government 120$860,553$86,05531$35,115

Altoona government finances - Expenditure in 2021 (per resident):

  • Construction - Water Utilities: $1,263,000 ($58.74)
    Sewerage: $635,000 ($29.53)
  • Current Operations - Regular Highways: $7,475,000 ($347.63)
    General - Other: $5,281,000 ($245.59)
    Parks and Recreation: $5,198,000 ($241.73)
    Police Protection: $4,920,000 ($228.81)
    Sewerage: $3,813,000 ($177.32)
    Local Fire Protection: $2,610,000 ($121.38)
    Water Utilities: $2,433,000 ($113.15)
    Protective Inspection and Regulation - Other: $1,304,000 ($60.64)
    Libraries: $1,087,000 ($50.55)
    Solid Waste Management: $987,000 ($45.90)
    Central Staff Services: $736,000 ($34.23)
    Financial Administration: $605,000 ($28.14)
    General Public Buildings: $479,000 ($22.28)
    Health - Other: $185,000 ($8.60)
    Judicial and Legal Services: $72,000 ($3.35)
  • General - Interest on Debt: $5,100,000 ($237.18)
  • Other Capital Outlay - General - Other: $863,000 ($40.13)
    Sewerage: $351,000 ($16.32)
  • Total Salaries and Wages: $9,845,000 ($457.84)

Altoona government finances - Revenue in 2021 (per resident):

  • Charges - Sewerage: $7,043,000 ($327.54)
    Solid Waste Management: $886,000 ($41.20)
    Other: $694,000 ($32.27)
    Parks and Recreation: $55,000 ($2.56)
  • Federal Intergovernmental - Other: $1,206,000 ($56.09)
  • Local Intergovernmental - Other: $164,000 ($7.63)
  • Miscellaneous - Interest Earnings: $25,000 ($1.16)
    Fines and Forfeits: $21,000 ($0.98)
    Rents: $6,000 ($0.28)
  • Revenue - Water Utilities: $6,231,000 ($289.77)
  • State Intergovernmental - Highways: $4,015,000 ($186.72)
    General Local Government Support: $1,929,000 ($89.71)
  • Tax - Property: $23,412,000 ($1088.78)
    Public Utilities Sales: $3,801,000 ($176.77)
    Other License: $2,118,000 ($98.50)
    General Sales and Gross Receipts: $1,774,000 ($82.50)
    Other Selective Sales: $1,060,000 ($49.30)

Altoona government finances - Debt in 2021 (per resident):

  • Long Term Debt - Outstanding Unspecified Public Purpose: $102,685,000 ($4775.38)
    Beginning Outstanding - Unspecified Public Purpose: $97,323,000 ($4526.02)
    Issue, Unspecified Public Purpose: $11,467,000 ($533.27)
    Retired Unspecified Public Purpose: $6,105,000 ($283.91)

Altoona government finances - Cash and Securities in 2021 (per resident):

  • Bond Funds - Cash and Securities: $12,883,000 ($599.13)
  • Other Funds - Cash and Securities: $49,718,000 ($2312.14)
Businesses in Altoona, IA
NameCountNameCount
Applebee's1Motel 61
Arby's1Panda Express1
Best Western1Payless1
Big O Tires1Pizza Hut2
Burger King1Quiznos1
Caribou Coffee1RadioShack1
Dairy Queen1Sprint Nextel1
Fashion Bug1Staples1
FedEx2Starbucks1
GNC1Subway2
GameStop1T-Mobile2
H&R Block1Taco Bell1
Holiday Inn1Target1
Jimmy John's1U.S. Cellular1
KFC1UPS4
Lowe's1Village Inn1
MasterBrand Cabinets1Walgreens1
McDonald's2Walmart1
Menards1Wendy's1

Strongest AM radio stations in Altoona:

  • WHO (1040 AM; 50 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)
  • KXNO (1460 AM; 5 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
  • KBGG (1700 AM; 10 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • KPSZ (940 AM; 10 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)
  • KRNT (1350 AM; 5 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)
  • WOI (640 AM; 5 kW; AMES, IA; Owner: IOWA STATE UNIV., OF SCIENCE & TECH.)
  • KXEL (1540 AM; 50 kW; WATERLOO, IA; Owner: KXEL BROADCASTING COMPANY, INC.)
  • KFGQ (1260 AM; 5 kW; BOONE, IA; Owner: BOONE BIBLICAL MINISTRIES, INC.)
  • KWKY (1150 AM; 1 kW; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: PUTBRESE COMMUNICATIONS, LTD.)
  • KOIL (1020 AM; 50 kW; PLATTSMOUTH, NE; Owner: WAITT RADIO, INC.)
  • KFAB (1110 AM; 50 kW; OMAHA, NE; Owner: CAPSTAR TX LIMITED PARTNERSHIP)
  • KKAR (1290 AM; 50 kW; OMAHA, NE; Owner: WAITT RADIO, INC.)
  • WHB (810 AM; 50 kW; KANSAS CITY, MO; Owner: UNION BROADCASTING, INC.)

Strongest FM radio stations in Altoona:

  • KGGO (94.9 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • KAZR (103.3 FM; PELLA, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)
  • KDFR (91.3 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: FAMILY STATIONS, INC.)
  • KIOA (93.3 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)
  • KMXD (100.3 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)
  • WOI-FM (90.1 FM; AMES, IA; Owner: IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY OF SCI & TECH)
  • KSTZ (102.5 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)
  • KKDM (107.5 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CLEAR CHANNEL BROADCASTING LICENSES, INC.)
  • KVJZ (106.3 FM; ANKENY, IA; Owner: CITICASTERS LICENSES, L.P.)
  • KJMC (89.3 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: MINORITY COMMUNICATIONS, INC.)
  • KJJY (92.5 FM; WEST DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • K269EJ (101.7 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN IOWA)
  • KHKI (97.3 FM; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • KLTI-FM (104.1 FM; AMES, IA; Owner: SAGA COMMUNICATIONS OF IOWA, LLC)
  • KRKQ (98.3 FM; BOONE, IA; Owner: CITADEL BROADCASTING COMPANY)
  • K209EN (89.7 FM; CLIVE, IA; Owner: CALVARY CHAPEL OF TWIN FALLS, INC.)
  • KLRX (96.1 FM; MADRID, IA; Owner: THOMAS H. BURKE, RECEIVER FOR LIFESTYLE COMMUNICATIONS CORP.)
  • KCOB-FM (95.9 FM; NEWTON, IA; Owner: CENTRAL IOWA BROADCASTING, INC.)
  • KWDM (88.7 FM; WEST DES MOINES, IA; Owner: W. DES MOINES COMM. SCHOOL DISTRICT)
  • K213DV (90.5 FM; PLEASANT HILL, IA; Owner: EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FOUNDATION)

TV broadcast stations around Altoona:

  • WOI-TV (Channel 5; AMES, IA; Owner: CAPITAL COMMUNICATIONS COMPANY, INC.)
  • KDIN-TV (Channel 11; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: IOWA PUBLIC BROADCASTING BOARD)
  • KPWB-TV (Channel 23; AMES, IA; Owner: PAPPAS TELECASTING OF IOWA, L.L.C.)
  • KDSM-TV (Channel 17; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: KDSM LICENSEE, LLC)
  • KCCI (Channel 8; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: DES MOINES HEARST-ARGYLE TV, INC.)
  • WHO-TV (Channel 13; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: NEW YORK TIMES MANAGEMENT SERVICES)
  • WBXF-CA (Channel 4; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: THE BOX WORLDWIDE LLC)
  • KRPG-LP (Channel 43; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: TIGER EYE BROADCASTING CORPORATION)
  • K29EA (Channel 29; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: TV-45, INC.)
  • K46EY (Channel 46; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: TV-45, INC.)
  • K41DD (Channel 41; DES MOINES, IA; Owner: VENTANA TELEVISION, INC.)
  • KFPX (Channel 39; NEWTON, IA; Owner: PAXSON DES MOINES LICENSE, INC.)
  • K48FZ (Channel 48; AMES, IA; Owner: TV-52, INC.)
  • K56GD (Channel 56; AMES, IA; Owner: TV-45, INC.)
Fatal accident count
See more detailed statistics of Altoona fatal car crashes and road traffic accidents for 1975 - 2021 here
  • National Bridge Inventory (NBI) Statistics
  • 35Number of bridges
  • 420ft / 128mTotal length
  • 279,940Total average daily traffic
  • 50,394Total average daily truck traffic
New bridges in Altoona, IA - historical statistics
  • New bridges - historical statistics
  • 11900-1909
  • 11910-1919
  • 21930-1939
  • 51950-1959
  • 11960-1969
  • 21970-1979
  • 21980-1989
  • 101990-1999
  • 42000-2009
  • 72010-2019
See full National Bridge Inventory statistics for Altoona, IA

FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers:

2 (See the full list of FCC Registered Cell Phone Towers in Altoona)

FCC Registered Antenna Towers:

57 (See the full list of FCC Registered Antenna Towers)

FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers:

14 (See the full list of FCC Registered Broadcast Land Mobile Towers in Altoona, IA)

FCC Registered Microwave Towers:

17 (See the full list of FCC Registered Microwave Towers in this town)

FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses:

61 (See the full list of FCC Registered Amateur Radio Licenses in Altoona)

FAA Registered Aircraft:

7
  • Aircraft: BEECH 35-B33 (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 138 mph), Engine: CONT MOTOR I0-470 SERIES (260 HP) (Reciprocating)
    N-Number: 1443G, N1443G, N-1443G, Serial Number: CD-518, Year manufactured: 1962, Airworthiness Date: 05/10/1962, Certificate Issue Date: 05/08/2007
    Registrant (Individual): Andrew P Lewis, 1208 Falcon Dr, Altoona, IA 50009
  • Aircraft: CESSNA 182P (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 120 mph), Engine: CONT MOTOR IO-470 SER (260 HP) (Reciprocating)
    N-Number: 26P, N26P, N-26P, Serial Number: 18262090, Year manufactured: 1973, Airworthiness Date: 02/21/1996, Certificate Issue Date: 03/23/2019
    Registrant (LLC): On Final Flying LLC, 9112 Ne 54th Ave, Altoona, IA 50009
  • Aircraft: CESSNA 150G (Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 90 mph), Engine: CONT MOTOR 0-200 SERIES (100 HP) (4 Cycle)
    N-Number: 2877S, N2877S, N-2877S, Serial Number: 15066777, Year manufactured: 1967, Airworthiness Date: 05/29/1967, Certificate Issue Date: 08/05/2000
    Registrant (Individual): David F Warner, 3068 Ne 96th St, Altoona, IA 50009
  • Aircraft: PIPER PA-24-250 (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 135 mph), Engine: LYCOMING 0-540 SERIES (250 HP) (Reciprocating)
    N-Number: 5702P, N5702P, N-5702P, Serial Number: 24-775, Year manufactured: 1959, Airworthiness Date: 02/18/1959, Certificate Issue Date: 04/28/1998
    Registrant (Corporation): Childs Group Inc, 208 8th St Se, Altoona, IA 50009
  • Aircraft: PIPER PA-28-181 (Category: Land, Seats: 4, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 105 mph), Engine: LYCOMING I0360 SER (180 HP) (Reciprocating)
    N-Number: 6852F, N6852F, N-6852F, Serial Number: 28-7790167, Year manufactured: 1976, Airworthiness Date: 10/28/1976, Certificate Issue Date: 09/24/2020
    Registrant (LLC): Blue Sky Flying Club LLC, 1383 Ne 88th St, Altoona, IA 50009
  • Aircraft: CESSNA 120 (Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds, Speed: 90 mph), Engine: CONT MOTOR C85 SERIES (85 HP) (Reciprocating)
    N-Number: 76806, N76806, N-76806, Serial Number: 11238, Year manufactured: 1946, Airworthiness Date: 07/16/1956, Certificate Issue Date: 07/18/2000
    Registrant (Individual): David F Warner, 3068 Ne 96th St, Altoona, IA 50009
  • Aircraft: PEGASUS AVIATION PEGASUS QUANTUM 503 (Category: Land, Seats: 2, Weight: Up to 12,499 Pounds), Engine: ROTAX 503 DCDI (52 HP) (2 Cycle)
    N-Number: 9058N, N9058N, N-9058N, Serial Number: 7577, Year manufactured: 1999, Airworthiness Date: 10/26/2010, Certificate Issue Date: 08/26/2014
    Registrant (Individual): Robin A Nollan, 501 1st Ave S, Altoona, IA 50009
    Deregistered: Cancel Date: 12/05/2020

Home Mortgage Disclosure Act Aggregated Statistics For Year 2009
(Based on 1 partial tract)
A) FHA, FSA/RHS & VA
Home Purchase Loans
B) Conventional
Home Purchase Loans
C) Refinancings
D) Home Improvement Loans
E) Loans on Dwellings For 5+ Families
F) Non-occupant Loans on
< 5 Family Dwellings (A B C & D)
G) Loans On Manufactured
Home Dwelling (A B C & D)
NumberAverage ValueNumberAverage ValueNumberAverage ValueNumberAverage ValueNumberAverage ValueNumberAverage ValueNumberAverage Value
LOANS ORIGINATED53$153,33860$134,699248$152,38910$45,4051$1,081,71013$106,9825$36,178
APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED4$135,1002$208,84529$135,2842$58,6300$00$02$39,540
APPLICATIONS DENIED4$146,5785$99,62679$164,1158$32,2120$04$119,6482$87,490
APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN4$168,3923$150,44052$157,0301$153,6200$02$122,9401$36,810
FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS0$00$09$159,9330$00$00$00$0

Detailed HMDA statistics for the following Tracts: 0107.01

Private Mortgage Insurance Companies Aggregated Statistics For Year 2009
(Based on 1 partial tract)
A) Conventional
Home Purchase Loans
B) Refinancings
NumberAverage ValueNumberAverage Value
LOANS ORIGINATED11$167,29720$162,756
APPLICATIONS APPROVED, NOT ACCEPTED2$189,3005$164,528
APPLICATIONS DENIED2$158,6203$154,680
APPLICATIONS WITHDRAWN1$205,8901$253,160
FILES CLOSED FOR INCOMPLETENESS1$113,1700$0

Detailed PMIC statistics for the following Tracts: 0107.01

Conventional Home Purchase Loans in Altoona, IA
Conventional Home Purchase Loans in Altoona, IA - Value

2002 - 2018 National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) incidents

    Fire incident distribution by year According to the data from the years 2002 - 2018 the average number of fire incidents per year is 41. The highest number of fires - 80 took place in 2002, and the least - 6 in 2018. The data has a decreasing trend.
    Fire incident types in Altoona, IA When looking into fire subcategories, the most reports belonged to: Outside Fires (37.2%), and Structure Fires (36.1%).

    • Fire incident types reported to NFIRS in Altoona, IA
    • 25637.2%Outside Fires
    • 24936.1%Structure Fires
    • 14521.0%Mobile Property/Vehicle Fires
    • 395.7%Other
See full National Fire Incident Reporting System statistics for Altoona, IA

Fire-safe hotels and motels in Altoona, Iowa:

  • Best Western Altoona Inn, 300 34th Ave NW, Altoona, Iowa 50009 , Phone: (515) 967-2400, Fax: (515) 967-0150
  • Super 8 Altoona, 2101 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, Iowa 50009 , Phone: (515) 967-7888, Fax: (515) 967-1777
  • Holiday Inn Express-Altoona Des Moines, 165 Adventureland Drive NW, Altoona, Iowa 50009 , Phone: (515) 967-1855
  • Praire Meadows, 1 Pr Meadows Dr, Altoona, Iowa 50009 , Phone: (515) 967-1000
  • Super 8 Altoona, 2101 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, Iowa 50009 , Phone: (515) 967-7888
  • Hampton Inn & Suites Altoona-Des Moines, 215 Adventureland Dr NW, Altoona, Iowa 50009 , Phone: (515) 967-5774, Fax: (515) 967-5775
  • Fairfield Inn and Suites Des Moines Altoona, 460 Bass Pro Drive NW, Altoona, Iowa 50009 , Phone: (515) 446-9888
  • Comfort Inn, 2023 Adventureland Dr, Altoona, Iowa 50009 , Phone: (515) 967-4412
  • 2 other hotels and motels
All 10 fire-safe hotels and motels in Altoona, Iowa
Most common first names in Altoona, IA among deceased individuals
NameCountLived (average)
William3476.5 years
Mary3480.4 years
Robert3471.5 years
John2976.8 years
Harold2378.2 years
James2376.2 years
Helen2181.6 years
Dorothy2079.4 years
Margaret1981.2 years
Charles1878.9 years
Most common last names in Altoona, IA among deceased individuals
Last nameCountLived (average)
Brown1773.0 years
Johnson1677.6 years
Miller1573.4 years
Wilson1180.2 years
Anderson1178.0 years
Porter1081.0 years
Peterson1084.5 years
Smith980.5 years
Davis879.5 years
Walker880.6 years
Houses and condos Apartments
Most commonly used house heating fuel in houses and condos in Altoona, IA
  • 82.2%Utility gas
  • 17.5%Electricity
  • 0.2%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
Most commonly used house heating fuel in apartments in Altoona, IA
  • 61.7%Electricity
  • 35.3%Utility gas
  • 2.2%Bottled, tank, or LP gas
  • 0.8%No fuel used


Altoona compared to Iowa state average:

  • Unemployed percentage significantly below state average.
  • Black race population percentage above state average.
  • Median age significantly below state average.
  • Foreign-born population percentage above state average.
  • House age significantly below state average.

Altoona on our top lists:

  • #33 on the list of "Top 101 cities with largest percentage of females in industries: finance and insurance (population 5,000+)"
  • #23 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest Sulfur Oxides Annual air pollution readings in 2012 (µg/m3)"
  • #30 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest percentage of residents relocating from foreign countries between 2010 and 2011"
  • #46 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the lowest percentage of residents relocating to foreign countries in 2011"
  • #47 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the highest percentage of residents that visited a dentist within the past year"
  • #55 on the list of "Top 101 counties with the most Mainline Protestant adherents"
There are 19 pilots and 12 other airmen in this city.
Cost of Living Calculator
Top Patent Applicants
Top Patent Applicants
  • Mary Rupe (8)
  • David Hondred (8)
  • Ricky Joe Sullivan Mcintosh (5)
  • Jacob Richard Smith (4)
  • Mary A. Rupe (4)
  • Catherine J. Clark (3)
  • Thomas R. Johnston (3)
  • Andrew Morse (2)
  • Maurice W. Arndt (2)
  • John Gary Gardner (2)

Total of 66 patent applications in 2008-2024.