Altoona, Iowa

Small Iowa city with local appeal

Midwest Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Metro

WhereAtHome Score

75.4

C

out of 100

Overview

Altoona is an Iowa city with a population of approximately 21,698, part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metropolitan area. The median home value is approximately $321,727. Median household income is $89,100.

Key Highlights

  • Population of approximately 21,698 (2023 Census estimate)
  • Median home value of $321,727 (Zillow ZHVI)
  • Median household income of $89,100 (Census ACS)
  • Average commute time of 23.1 minutes
  • Part of the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA metro area

Key Metrics

Population 2023

21,698

Source: Census ACS

$321,727

Source: Zillow ZHVI

$89,100

Source: Census ACS

23.1 min

Source: Census ACS

99 (100 = U.S. avg)

Source: AreaVibes / BLS

2024 Presidential Election

Polk County (county-level results)

55%
44%
Democrat 140,075
Republican 112,240
Leans D+10.9

Source: County-level results from MIT Election Data + Science Lab. Learn more

Score Breakdown

5 of 6 score factors available. Missing factors are excluded and available weights are rescaled.

Housing Affordability 63.8/100

Median home value relative to national average (Weight: 24%)

Income vs Housing 76.3/100

How affordable housing is relative to local incomes (Weight: 24%)

Commute Time 63.5/100

Average commute time compared to national average (Weight: 18%)

Crime 80/100

Overall crime levels based on FBI crime statistics (Weight: 24%)

Purchasing Power 55.1/100

Median income relative to national average, adjusted for cost of living (Weight: 12%)

WhereAtHome Score 75.4

Location

Altoona, IA (41.6475, -93.4724)
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Last Updated: 2026-01-01

Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Zillow, FBI Crime Data Explorer, Walk Score, and Niche.