PennsylvaniaPop. 43,196Small cities
Is Altoona a Good Place to Live? Altoona, Pennsylvania: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Altoona ranks #724 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #132 of 208 small cities and #10 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($819/mo, #7 of 208) and affordable homes ($119,900, #10 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182) and low household income ($51,250, #172 of 208).
Altoona by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Altoona's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Altoona?
Altoona's cost of living index is 89.5, 10% below the US level of 100 and #198 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $819/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $139,939, 52% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
| Measure | Altoona | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 89.5#198 of 1,308 | 97.6 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $139,939#30 of 1,187 | $290,401 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,536/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,090/mo#50 of 1,115 | — | $1,536/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $119,900#32 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $819/mo#35 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 2.3x#17 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 19.2%#352 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Altoona housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Altoona is in the Altoona, PA metro.
Pennsylvania housing market →Is Altoona safe?
Altoona recorded 285 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% below the US rate of 328 and 26% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #532 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #100 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Altoona Police Department. Property crime runs 1,532 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Altoona | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 285#532 of 1,085 | 227 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 1,532#493 of 1,085 | 1,324 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Altoona?
The median household in Altoona earns $51,250, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Altoona | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $51,250#1213 of 1,312 | $77,545 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.1%#522 of 1,058 | 4.3% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 16.6%#954 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.1% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Altoona?
The median resident of Altoona is 40.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1155 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Altoona | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 40.4 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 20.5%#1155 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 63.9% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Altoona's schools and health?
Altoona's 8 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $14,958 spent per pupil. 37.4% of adults are obese and 12.7% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Altoona | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 83%#778 of 1,063 | 87% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 13.8#261 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $14,958#591 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 37.4%#971 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 12.7%#898 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18.8%#1010 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 8.3%#414 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 6,110 students are enrolled in Altoona's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Altoona?
The average commute in Altoona is 17.9 minutes (Pennsylvania 27.1); 1.3% of workers take transit and 7% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Altoona scores 10 of 20 (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.5°F and winters 28.7°F, with 44.7 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Altoona | PennsylvaniaPA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.9 min#186 of 1,312 | 27.1 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 2.5%#103 of 1,312 | 8.8% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77% | 68.5% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.3% | 4.2% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 3.4% | 3.4% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.1% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 7% | 13.8% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 10#694 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Pennsylvania is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 33.8 | 18.8 | 2.9 |
| Feb | 37.1 | 20.4 | 2.7 |
| Mar | 46 | 27.8 | 3.5 |
| Apr | 59.6 | 38.5 | 3.8 |
| May | 69.5 | 48.6 | 4.4 |
| Jun | 77.3 | 57 | 4.2 |
| Jul | 81.4 | 61.3 | 4.2 |
| Aug | 79.8 | 60 | 3.9 |
| Sep | 72.6 | 53.2 | 4.3 |
| Oct | 61.3 | 42 | 3.8 |
| Nov | 48.8 | 32.6 | 3.6 |
| Dec | 38.1 | 24.3 | 3.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Altoona 3 W.
| Measure | Altoona | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 49.6°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 69.5°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 28.7°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 44.7 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Altoona 3 W.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Altoona?
Blair County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Blair County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
| Measure | Altoona | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median air quality index (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = cleanestSimilar-size 41 | 40#354 of 1,138 | 41 | — |
| Unhealthy air days a year (county)EPA Air Quality System · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 1 | 1#309 of 1,138 | 1 | — |
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.1%#251 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Blair County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Blair County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hurricane | 0.0039% | 63% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.084% | 53% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0012% | 31% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.003% | 28% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Altoona compare with similar-size cities?
Altoona is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #132 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 43,196.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #724 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 | 17.9 min |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #612 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 | 19.3 min |
| Concord, NHPop. 44,375 | #203 | 64.4 | $84,902 | $1,441/mo | 181 | 23 min |
| Alexandria, LAPop. 44,060 | #1288 | 38.6 | $47,113 | $931/mo | 2,448 | 17.4 min |
| Woonsocket, RIPop. 43,521 | #936 | 51.2 | $61,059 | $1,161/mo | 371 | 29.3 min |
| Post Falls, IDPop. 43,391 | #502 | 58.0 | $82,183 | $1,469/mo | 168 | 24.1 min |
| Sumter, SCPop. 43,053 | #1227 | 43.8 | $55,592 | $1,076/mo | 710 | 19.6 min |
| Jefferson City, MOPop. 42,488 | #621 | 56.4 | $66,371 | $802/mo | 348 | 15.5 min |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #128 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 | 19.2 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Altoona compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Altoona ranks #10 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 54.6 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 34% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 26% above the statewide rate. Homes are 52% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
| City | Rank in PA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bethel Park, PAPop. 32,881 | #1 | 72.4 | $107,090 | $1,311/mo | 44 |
| Levittown, PAPop. 50,926 | #2 | 62.1 | $105,071 | $1,556/mo | no data |
| State College, PAPop. 41,050 | #3 | 62.0 | $45,424 | $1,273/mo | 153 |
| Easton, PAPop. 29,739 | #4 | 61.8 | $69,348 | $1,325/mo | 167 |
| Pittsburgh, PAPop. 304,759 | #5 | 60.7 | $65,742 | $1,261/mo | 468 |
| Bethlehem, PAPop. 77,956 | #6 | 60.7 | $68,879 | $1,382/mo | 197 |
| Drexel Hill, PAPop. 30,451 | #7 | 59.5 | $88,168 | $1,357/mo | no data |
| Lancaster, PAPop. 57,719 | #8 | 56.1 | $63,690 | $1,240/mo | 374 |
| Norristown, PAPop. 35,893 | #9 | 55.0 | $66,701 | $1,422/mo | 487 |
| Altoona, PAPop. 43,196 | #10 | 54.6 | $51,250 | $819/mo | 285 |
| Allentown, PAPop. 125,976 | #11 | 53.9 | $55,494 | $1,317/mo | 264 |
| Scranton, PAPop. 76,033 | #12 | 53.3 | $50,739 | $1,048/mo | 327 |
| Erie, PAPop. 93,850 | #13 | 52.5 | $46,113 | $870/mo | 315 |
| York, PAPop. 44,938 | #14 | 50.4 | $48,420 | $1,014/mo | 443 |
| Hazleton, PAPop. 30,111 | #15 | 49.0 | $46,177 | $1,089/mo | 164 |
| Wilkes-Barre, PAPop. 44,423 | #16 | 48.5 | $48,515 | $946/mo | 413 |
| Philadelphia, PAPop. 1,579,706 | #17 | 47.8 | $61,953 | $1,397/mo | 830 |
| Harrisburg, PAPop. 50,287 | #18 | 47.3 | $48,099 | $1,062/mo | 634 |
| Reading, PAPop. 95,242 | #19 | 45.8 | $44,091 | $1,067/mo | 258 |
| Chester, PAPop. 33,619 | #20 | 44.8 | $41,342 | $1,091/mo | 494 |
All 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, by overall score. Pennsylvania statewide: median income $77,545, violent crime 226.8 per 100,000.
How is Altoona's score calculated?
Altoona scores 54.6 out of 100, #724 of 1,312 (grade C+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Pennsylvania's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Altoona. Similar-size median 52.9.
41.8 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Altoona's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
77.6 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Altoona. Similar-size median 52.2.
43.8 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Altoona's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
58.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Altoona's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
88.9 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Altoona. Similar-size median 46.7.
31.9 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Altoona. Similar-size median 44.2.
34.8 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Altoona. Similar-size median 47.3.
48.7 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Altoona's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
47.4 - EnvironmentCounty data · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. Similar-size median 54.8.
71.9 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Altoona's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Altoona has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Altoona
Is Altoona, PA a good place to live?
Altoona ranks #724 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #132 of 208 small cities and #10 of 20 in Pennsylvania. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($819/mo, #7 of 208) and affordable homes ($119,900, #10 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182) and low household income ($51,250, #172 of 208).
What is the cost of living in Altoona?
Altoona's cost of living index is 89.5, 10% below the US level of 100 and #198 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $819/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $139,939, 52% below the typical Pennsylvania home ($290,401).
What is the crime rate in Altoona?
Altoona recorded 285 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 13% below the US rate of 328 and 26% above Pennsylvania's 227. That ranks #532 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #100 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Altoona Police Department. Property crime runs 1,532 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Altoona?
The median household in Altoona earns $51,250, 38% below the US figure of $83,163 and 34% below Pennsylvania ($77,545). Unemployment is 4.1% (US 4.3%). 16.6% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Altoona?
Median rent in Altoona is $819/mo (Census), #35 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,090/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 19.2% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Altoona?
The typical home value in Altoona is $139,939, up 5.5% in a year, against $290,401 for Pennsylvania and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $119,900.
How are the public schools in Altoona?
Altoona's 8 public schools graduate 83% of students in four years (Pennsylvania 87%), with 13.8 students per teacher and $14,958 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Altoona?
The average commute is 17.9 minutes, #186 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 27.1 minutes across Pennsylvania. 2.5% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Altoona?
Altoona averages 49.6°F over the year, 69.5°F in summer and 28.7°F in winter, with 44.7 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Altoona walkable?
Altoona scores 10 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #694 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Altoona at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Blair County's biggest natural hazard losses in hurricane, inland flooding, and earthquake, with expected yearly losses of 0.1% of building value, lower than 84% of US counties.
How is the air quality in Altoona?
Blair County's air had a median air quality index of 40, and 77% of measured days were rated good; 1 day was unhealthy for sensitive groups or worse, mostly from ozone.
Who lives in Altoona?
Altoona has 43,196 residents. The median resident of Altoona is 40.4 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.5% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1155 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 63.9% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Altoona compare with the rest of Pennsylvania?
Altoona ranks #10 of the 20 Pennsylvania cities we track, with a score of 54.6 against Pennsylvania's statewide 56.9. Its households earn 34% below the Pennsylvania median. Violent crime is 26% above the statewide rate. Homes are 52% below the typical Pennsylvania home.
What cities are similar in size to Altoona?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Altoona's population of 43,196 are Fond du Lac, WI (#612 overall), Concord, NH (#203 overall), Alexandria, LA (#1288 overall), Woonsocket, RI (#936 overall), and Post Falls, ID (#502 overall). Altoona is #724.