Alta city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Alta city, Iowa has a total population of 2,344, the 151st largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $66,118, which is 10% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 7.4%.
Key Takeaways
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x.
- Unemployment rate of 17.8% is notably above the national average.
Alta city Quick Facts
How Alta city Compares
Median Household Income
Median Home Value
Economy & Housing
Household Income Distribution
Employment
Housing Overview
People & Demographics
Age Distribution
Race & Ethnicity
Diversity Index
A diverse community with significant representation from multiple racial and ethnic groups.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Alta city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Alta city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New London city | 2,402 | $65,815 | $118,900 | 21.8% | 9.3% |
| Belle Plaine city | 2,412 | $70,517 | $111,600 | 18.4% | 6.1% |
| Rockwell City city | 2,449 | $61,563 | $91,300 | 14.0% | 7.5% |
| Northwood city | 2,170 | $64,615 | $124,800 | 18.5% | 5.2% |
| La Porte City city | 2,170 | $62,750 | $146,900 | 19.5% | 11.5% |
Population Overview
Alta city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 2,344. It ranks as the 151st most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Alta city is 37.6 years. This is 3% lower than the state median of 38.6 years. With 30.5% of the population under 18, Alta city has a notably young demographic profile, suggesting a family-oriented community.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Alta city is $66,118. This is 10% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 16% lower. The poverty rate stands at 7.4%. This is 32% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. The unemployment rate is 17.8%. This is 391% higher than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $125,800. Housing costs are 36% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.9x, Alta city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 80.0% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
The largest racial or ethnic group in Alta city is White (non-Hispanic), making up 56.3% of the population. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 20.3%. The Black or African American population is significantly higher than the state average (7.4% vs 3.8%). The Hispanic or Latino population is significantly higher than the state average (20.3% vs 7.0%). The Asian population is significantly higher than the state average (12.5% vs 2.4%).
Education
20.5% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 34% lower than the state rate of 30.9%. Nationally, 35.0% of adults hold at least a bachelor's degree. The high school graduation rate (or equivalent) is 88.5%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Alta city, Iowa is sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023). The ACS collects data from approximately 3.5 million households annually, providing reliable estimates for communities of all sizes. Comparisons are made against Iowa state averages and national averages calculated from the same dataset. Rankings reflect the city's position among all 1,018 Census-designated places in Iowa. For official data, visit data.census.gov.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Alta city, Iowa?
Alta city, Iowa has a population of 2,344 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Alta city, IA?
The median household income in Alta city is $66,118, which is 16% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Alta city, IA?
The poverty rate in Alta city is 7.4%. This means approximately 171 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Alta city, Iowa?
Alta city's population is 56.3% White, 7.4% Black, 20.3% Hispanic/Latino, and 12.5% Asian.
What is the median home value in Alta city, IA?
The median home value in Alta city is $125,800. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.9x.
How educated is Alta city, Iowa?
20.5% of adults (25+) in Alta city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 5.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.