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).
Altoona city, IA Climate
Altoona city, IA has an average annual temperature of 9.6°C (49°F) and receives about 889 mm of precipitation per year. The warmest month is July and the coldest is January. Figures are 1970–2000 climate normals.
9.6°C
Avg Temp
889
Precip (mm/yr)
Jul
Hottest Month
Jan
Coldest Month
| Month | Avg (°C/°F) | Precip |
|---|---|---|
| January | -7° / 19° | 28 mm |
| February | -3° / 26° | 31 mm |
| March | 3° / 38° | 60 mm |
| April | 10° / 50° | 90 mm |
| May | 16° / 62° | 109 mm |
| June | 22° / 71° | 118 mm |
| July | 24° / 75° | 105 mm |
| August | 23° / 73° | 103 mm |
| September | 18° / 64° | 88 mm |
| October | 11° / 52° | 68 mm |
| November | 3° / 37° | 53 mm |
| December | -4° / 24° | 36 mm |
1970–2000 normals from WorldClim 2.1 (~9 km grid). Precipitation can be less precise near mountains or coastlines, where rainfall varies sharply over short distances.
Best time to visit Altoona city, IA
The most comfortable months to visit Altoona city, IA are typically June, August and September, when temperatures are mildest and rainfall is relatively low. The hottest month is July (around 30°C high). The coldest is January (near -12°C low). June is usually the wettest month.
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Data from the American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year estimates.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau ACS, 2026.