Alta Vista city, Iowa Demographics & Population 2026
As of 2026, Alta Vista city, Iowa has a total population of 171, the 735th largest city in Iowa, with a median household income of $53,750, which is 27% lower than the state average. The poverty rate is 4.7%.
Key Takeaways
- An exceptionally low poverty rate of 4.7% — among the lowest in Iowa.
- Only 5.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree, well below the national average of 35.0%.
- Housing is very affordable with a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x.
- Near full employment with an unemployment rate of just 0.9%.
Alta Vista city Quick Facts
How Alta Vista 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 less diverse community where one racial or ethnic group represents a large majority.
State average: 30 | National average: 60
Education
Educational Attainment (Adults 25+)
Alta Vista city Rankings in Iowa
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Cities Similar to Alta Vista city
These cities in the same state have comparable population and economic profiles.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | Bachelor's+ | Poverty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristow city | 173 | N/A | $54,400 | 3.7% | 18.5% |
| Oakville city | 168 | $53,750 | $76,700 | 2.4% | 26.8% |
| Weston CDP | 167 | N/A | N/A | 73.5% | 0.0% |
| Gravity city | 171 | $51,071 | $48,600 | 5.8% | 12.9% |
| Washta city | 171 | $50,313 | $50,500 | 11.9% | 6.4% |
Population Overview
Alta Vista city is a small community located in Iowa. The total population is 171. It ranks as the 735th most populous out of 1,018 cities and towns in Iowa.
Age Demographics
The median age in Alta Vista city is 46.2 years. This is 20% higher than the state median of 38.6 years.
Economy, Income & Housing
The median household income in Alta Vista city is $53,750. This is 27% lower than the state median of $73,147. Compared to the national median of $78,538, household income here is 32% lower. The poverty rate stands at 4.7%. This is 57% lower than the state poverty rate of 11.0%. This exceptionally low poverty rate indicates strong economic prosperity across the community. The unemployment rate is 0.9%. This is 76% lower than the state rate of 3.6%. The median home value is $68,600. Housing costs are 65% lower than the state median of $195,900. With a home-value-to-income ratio of just 1.3x, Alta Vista city is one of the most affordable housing markets in the area. 79.8% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. This homeownership rate is 12% higher than the state average of 71.5%.
Race & Ethnicity
Alta Vista city has a predominantly White (non-Hispanic) population, comprising 98.8% of all residents. Hispanic or Latino residents account for 1.2%. The Hispanic or Latino population (1.2%) is well below the state average of 7.0%.
Education
5.8% of residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher. This is 81% 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 89.2%.
Data Sources & Methodology
All demographic data for Alta Vista 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 Vista city, Iowa?
Alta Vista city, Iowa has a population of 171 according to the most recent U.S. Census ACS 5-Year Estimates.
What is the median household income in Alta Vista city, IA?
The median household income in Alta Vista city is $53,750, which is 32% lower the national median of $78,538.
What is the poverty rate in Alta Vista city, IA?
The poverty rate in Alta Vista city is 4.7%. This means approximately 8 residents live below the federal poverty line.
What is the racial makeup of Alta Vista city, Iowa?
Alta Vista city's population is 98.8% White, 0.0% Black, 1.2% Hispanic/Latino, and 0.0% Asian.
What is the median home value in Alta Vista city, IA?
The median home value in Alta Vista city is $68,600. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.3x.
How educated is Alta Vista city, Iowa?
5.8% of adults (25+) in Alta Vista city hold a bachelor's degree or higher, and 1.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.