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Altoona, IA


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Altoona, Iowa

Introduction to Altoona, Iowa

Altoona, Iowa, in Polk county, is located 8 miles E of Des Moines, Iowa (center to center) and 131 miles E of Omaha, Nebraska. The city is in the Des Moines area. There are 10,345 residents in Altoona.

Altoona History

Altoona was officially incorporated on March 11, 1876. The name Altoona is derived from the latin word ‘Altus’ which means high because the city was located on a high point on the Des Moines Valley Railroad. The city was named by Julian B. Bausman.

Altoona and nearby Attractions

  • Des Moines Art Center
  • Science Center of Iowa
  • State Historical Society of Iowa
  • Iowa State Capitol
  • Big Creek State Park
  • Walnut Woods State Park

Things To Do In Altoona

While in Altoona, tourists can visit the Living History Farms to see the replica of an Indian village or even have a look at the International Wrestling Institute and Museum. There are many parks in the city like the Prairie Heritage Park, Sleepy Hollow Sports Park, and Lions Park. Visitors can also experience Adventureland and the other amusement and theme parks in the city. The City of Altoona also has many churches.

Altoona Transportation

Air transportation is available from Des Moines International Airport.

Altoona Higher Education

The Des Moines Community College, Drake University, Iowa State University, Iowa Central Community College, and many other colleges and universities offer higher educational facilities.

High Points

Altoona strengths, compared to Peers (similar size places nationally) or State (other places in Iowa):

CategoryTrophy
Median Family Income
(vs. State)		Top 7%Altoona Median Family Income
Public Transportation Use
(vs. State)		Top 9%Altoona Public Transportation Use
Well-Paid Single Women
(vs. State)		Top 10%Altoona Well-Paid Single Women
College Educated Adults
(vs. State)		Top 12%Altoona College Educated Adults
People in Middle Class or Better
(vs. State)		Top 15%Altoona People in Middle Class or Better
Racial Diversity
(vs. State)		Top 19%Altoona Racial Diversity

Comparative Profile of Altoona, IA

Comparing Altoona to similar size places nationwide (Peers) and to other places in Iowa (State):

Ratings range from 1 (lowest) to 10 (highest).


The People

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Children Under 5 Years Old1010
Well-Paid Single Women710
Female Share of the Population66
Well-Paid Single Men68
Male Share of the Population55
Racial Diversity39
Age of the Population21
Senior Citizens21

Families

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Portion of People Married88
Average Household Size710

Wealth

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
People Above Poverty78
People in Middle Class or Better79
Median Family Income710
College Educated Adults79

Commute & Sprawl

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Short Commute Times75
Public Transportation Use710
Working at Home75
Walking and Biking to Work56

Housing

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Housing Recently Built910
Affordability of Rents51
Affordability of Property Taxes51
Studio & One-Bedroom Rentals46
People Living Alone32
Seasonal and Vacation Housing13

Crime

CharacteristicCompared
to Peers		Compared
to State
Low Violent Crime87
Low Property Crime32

Detailed pages on related topics: Altoona travel.

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Additional Details

Altoona Hotels & TravelAltoona Hotels & Travel
Altoona hotels, landmarks, tourism, transportation.

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