Altoona, Iowa Population 2026
Updated April 2026 · US Census ACS 2023 5-Year Estimates
The population of Altoona, Iowa is 20,592 as of the 2023 American Community Survey, making it the 27th-largest city in Iowa. The median household income is $87,123, the median home value is $257,300, and the median age is 35.5.
The population has grown 53.7% since 2010 (14,702 → 22,598).
20,592
Population
1547
People / sq mi
$87,123
Median Income
$257,300
Median Home Value
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Altoona covers 13.3 sq mi of land at 1547 people per square mile.
About Altoona, IA
The poverty rate is what most separates Altoona from the typical city: 3.8% of residents live below the federal poverty line, against 12.4% nationally. Altoona is a city in Iowa with a population of 20,592. It ranks #27 among cities in Iowa by population.
The typical household here earns about $87,123, above the US median of $78,538. Poverty is relatively low for US cities at 3.8%, below the national 12.4%. Homes carry a median value of $257,300, with typical rent around $1,203.
Degree attainment is mid-range for US cities: 32.6% of adults hold a four-year degree, below the national 35.0%. About 12.7% of the workforce is home-based, below the national 14.0%, and the average commute runs about 24 minutes each way.
Altoona city Population History (2010-2024)
The city of Altoona city had a population of 14,702 in 2010 and 22,598 in 2024, a 53.7% growth over 14 years. The peak was 22,598 in 2024. Average annual growth rate: 3.13%.
22,598
Population (2024)
14,702
Population (2010)
22,598
Peak (2024)
3.13%
Avg Annual Growth
| Year | Population |
|---|---|
| 2010 | 14,702 |
| 2011 | 15,010 |
| 2012 | 15,734 |
| 2013 | 16,039 |
| 2014 | 16,579 |
| 2015 | 17,555 |
| 2016 | 18,076 |
| 2017 | 18,665 |
| 2018 | 18,783 |
| 2019 | 19,221 |
| 2020 | 19,751 |
| 2021 | 21,024 |
| 2022 | 21,879 |
| 2023 | 22,164 |
| 2024 | 22,598 |
Race & Ethnicity
| White | 88.7% |
| Black or African American | 3.5% |
| Asian | 0.0% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 1.0% |
| Two or More Races | 0.0% |
Economy & Income
$87,123
Median Household Income
$41,907
Per Capita Income
3.8%
Poverty Rate
4.8%
Unemployment Rate
Housing
$257,300
Median Home Value
$1,203
Median Rent
68.3%
Owner-Occupied
Education
95.6%
High School+
32.6%
Bachelor's+
Commute
0.5%
Drive Alone
79.6%
Public Transit
12.7%
Work From Home
23.5 min
Avg Commute
Community Profile
18.2%
Foreign Born
94.7%
Non-English at Home
8.1%
Veterans
12.2%
With Disability
98.1%
Health Insurance
99.3%
Internet Access
Employment by Industry
| Professional, Scientific & Management | 18.6% |
| Information | 14.0% |
| Finance, Insurance & Real Estate | 10.2% |
| Manufacturing | 8.7% |
| Public Administration | 7.4% |
| Retail Trade | 6.1% |
| Construction | 5.8% |
| Education, Health Care & Social Services | 5.4% |
| Arts, Entertainment & Food Services | 2.4% |
| Transportation & Warehousing | 1.6% |
| Agriculture & Mining | 0.5% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Altoona, Iowa has a population of 20,592 according to the US Census Bureau's 2023 American Community Survey 5-year estimates, making it the 27th-largest city in Iowa.
The median household income in Altoona, Iowa is $87,123, with 3.8% of residents living below the federal poverty level.
The median home value in Altoona, Iowa is $257,300, with median monthly rent at $1,203 and a homeownership rate of 68.3%.
The median age in Altoona, Iowa is 35.5 years. The population is 48.2% male and 51.8% female.
The population has grown 53.7% since 2010 (14,702 → 22,598).
Where to stay in Altoona
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.