Altoona, Iowa · Des Moines metro
Living in Altoona, Iowa. Fast growth, east of Des Moines.
Altoona sits about five miles east of Des Moines along I-80. About 22,800 people live here (2025 Census estimate), up roughly 16% since 2020. Altoona is in the Southeast Polk school district and is home to Adventureland, Prairie Meadows and the Outlets of Des Moines. The city suspended its residential tax abatement program in July 2026, which matters if you are shopping new construction.
01 / At a glance
Altoona by the numbers.
| Population | 22,796 (Census estimate, July 2025). 19,565 in the 2020 Census. The city’s 2026 special census counted 22,436. |
|---|---|
| Growth | Up 15.9% from 2020 to 2025 |
| County | Polk |
| Schools | Southeast Polk Community School District. Confirm the district for any address near a boundary. |
| City tax rate | $10.75 per $1,000 of taxable value, FY2027 (city portion only) |
| Median home value | $274,600 (Census survey, 2020 to 2024) |
| Median household income | $86,114 (Census survey, 2020 to 2024) |
| Getting downtown | About 5 miles east of Des Moines, along I-80 |
| Public transit | DART Routes 11 and 12, plus DART On Demand (started September 28, 2026) |
| New-home tax abatement | Suspended for new applications as of July 20, 2026 |
Census figures are estimates. Home values and incomes are 5-year Census survey averages, not today’s prices. For current prices in your range, I pull live MLS numbers.
02 / Living here
What it’s like to live in Altoona.
Schools
Altoona is in the Southeast Polk Community School District, with several of the district’s elementary schools in town. District lines do not always follow city lines, so I confirm the district for the exact address before you write an offer.
Getting around
Altoona is about five miles east of Des Moines with quick access to I-80. The average commute is about 22 minutes. DART Routes 11 and 12 connect Altoona and Des Moines, and DART On Demand started here on September 28, 2026.
Parks and trails
A 5.9-mile spur of the Gay Lea Wilson Trail runs from Pleasant Hill to Altoona and connects to the 26-mile Chichaqua Valley Trail. City parks include Haines, Spring Creek and the Sam Wise Youth Sports Complex, plus an aquatics park and skate park.
Entertainment and jobs
Adventureland, Prairie Meadows Casino Racetrack and Hotel, the Outlets of Des Moines and Bass Pro Shops are all here. Meta’s data center campus, which Meta said in 2021 would become its largest at more than 5 million square feet, is a major local employer.
03 / What I tell clients
Before you buy or sell in Altoona.
- New construction math changed in 2026. The city suspended its residential tax abatement on July 20, 2026. Subdivision plats need council approval by December 21, 2026 to stay eligible, and home improvement projects lose eligibility February 2, 2027.
- Do not trust an old abatement line on a listing. I compare the real, unabated tax estimate before you write an offer.
- Check the school district by address.
- Altoona has acreage inside city limits. Land, outbuildings and city services in one place are rare in the metro, and they price differently than a standard lot.
04 / Homes for sale
Search homes for sale in Altoona.
Type Altoona in Location and pick it from the list. Results open in a new tab on my RE/MAX Revolution search site, where you can save a search and get new-listing alerts.
05 / Tours and articles
What I’ve seen in Altoona.
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How Do I Price My Home Right in Altoona?
You price an Altoona home off what comparable homes have actually closed for recently, adjusted honestly for your condition, and then you…
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Do I Need a Buyer’s Agent in Altoona, and What Does One Cost Me?
Yes, you want your own representation when you buy in Altoona, and the reason is simple: the listing agent works for the…
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What Should a First-Time Buyer Look For at a Showing in Altoona?
At a showing, look at what is expensive to change and ignore what is easy to change. Paint, flooring, fixtures, and countertops…
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How Much Are Closing Costs for a Buyer in Altoona?
Plan on roughly 2 to 5 percent of the purchase price for buyer closing costs in Altoona, on top of your down…
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What Can I Actually Afford to Buy in Altoona on My Income?
What you can afford in Altoona is set by your monthly payment, not by the price on the sign. Two homes at…
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What First-Time Buyer Programs Exist in Iowa, and Do You Qualify in Altoona?
If you are buying your first home in Altoona and wondering whether there is help with the down payment, the honest answer…
06 / Common questions
Living in Altoona, answered.
What school district is Altoona in?
Altoona is served by the Southeast Polk Community School District. Confirm the district for any specific address, especially near a district boundary.
Is tax abatement still available on new homes in Altoona?
Not for new applications. The city suspended its residential Urban Revitalization tax abatement on July 20, 2026, after a 2026 state law (SF 2472) changed how abated value counts. Subdivision final plats approved by December 21, 2026 stay eligible, and home improvement projects are no longer eligible on or after February 2, 2027.
What is Altoona’s city tax rate?
$10.75 per $1,000 of taxable value for FY2027, the same rate as the last several years. That is the city portion only; the county, schools and other levies are added on your bill.
How fast is Altoona growing?
The Census estimates 22,796 residents in July 2025, up 15.9% from 2020. The city’s own 2026 special census counted 22,436.
Is there public transit in Altoona?
Yes. DART Routes 11 and 12 run between Altoona and Des Moines, and DART On Demand began serving Altoona on weekdays on September 28, 2026.
What is there to do in Altoona?
Adventureland, Prairie Meadows, the Outlets of Des Moines, Bass Pro Shops, the Gay Lea Wilson and Chichaqua Valley trails, and a long list of city parks and sports complexes.
Sources (checked October 2026): Census QuickFacts · City of Altoona special census · Altoona tax abatement suspension · Altoona tax information · DART On Demand in Altoona · Gay Lea Wilson Trail · Visit Altoona · Altoona parks. Information is believed reliable but not guaranteed; confirm school district and taxes for any specific address.
Buying or selling in Altoona?
Let’s talk it through.
Call or text me at 515-606-1227. No pressure, ever.