Is Altus Safe, Pros and cons of living in Altus
Altus, Oklahoma, located in the southwestern part of the state, offers a unique blend of small-town charm and practical amenities. This city is known for its agricultural roots and its significant connection to Altus Air Force Base, which plays a vital role in the local economy and community. For those considering a move, understanding the nuances of daily life, from safety and cost of living to educational opportunities and employment, is crucial for making an informed decision.
The community of Altus is characterized by its friendly atmosphere and a pace of life that many find appealing. It provides a setting where residents can experience a close-knit community while still having access to essential services and recreational activities. This overview aims to provide a comprehensive look at what living in Altus entails, covering key aspects that contribute to the overall quality of life for its residents.
Is it Safe to Live in Altus?
Altus, OK, presents a mixed safety profile. The overall crime rate in Altus is reported to be 18% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). However, when comparing Altus to other communities of similar population size, its combined violent and property crime rate is higher than average (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Violent crime in Altus occurs at a rate higher than in most communities of similar population sizes across America. The chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime is 1 in 343, translating to a rate of 3 per one thousand inhabitants (according to NeighborhoodScout). Property crime in Altus is also an area of concern, with a rate of 15 per one thousand population, meaning there is an above-average chance of becoming a victim of property crime when compared to all other communities in America of all population sizes (according to NeighborhoodScout).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Costs
The housing market in Altus offers relatively affordable options compared to national averages. The median home price in Altus was $253,000 in March 2026, showing a significant increase of 48.5% since the previous year (according to Redfin). Rental prices are also competitive, with the median rent for all bedroom counts and property types in Altus, OK, being $1,100 as of May 2026 (according to Zillow).
For those looking for apartments, one-bedroom units typically fall in the $600 range, and two-bedroom units are commonly found in the $700 range (according to Rentometer). This affordability extends to housing costs overall, which are 43.1% less than the national average (according to AreaVibes).
Cost of Living
Altus is generally considered an affordable place to live. The cost of living in Altus is 18% lower than the national average (according to AreaVibes). For singles, the estimated monthly cost of living in Altus for 2026 is $2,260, and for a family of four, it is $4,976 (according to Salary.com).
This affordability is driven by lower-than-average costs in various categories. Housing costs are significantly lower, and expenses for food, energy, transportation, and healthcare also tend to be below the U.S. national average (according to Salary.com).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers
Altus’s economy is significantly influenced by Altus Air Force Base, which is vital to local employment and training operations (according to the City of Altus, Oklahoma). Other key employers in the area include Jackson County Memorial Hospital, providing essential healthcare services, and the City of Altus itself, offering various public service roles (according to Zippia). Retail and trade sectors also contribute to employment, with companies like Walmart and McDonald’s having a presence in the city (according to Indeed.com).
The economic landscape also includes agribusiness, with Altus being a key region for cotton production. Additionally, manufacturing and logistics sectors are developing, leveraging the city’s access to highways, airport, and rail connections (according to the City of Altus, Oklahoma).
Employment and Salaries
The economy of Altus employs approximately 10.8k people, with the largest industries being Health Care & Social Assistance, Public Administration, and Retail Trade (according to Data USA). The average annual salary in Altus, OK, is reported to be around $46,154 as of April 2026, which translates to about $22.19 per hour (according to ZipRecruiter).
However, other sources indicate a higher average salary. For instance, ERI SalaryExpert reports the average salary for jobs in Altus, Oklahoma, to be $59,330 per year, or $29 per hour (according to ERI SalaryExpert). The median household income in Altus was reported as $55,295 in 2024 (according to Data USA).
Unemployment Rate
The unemployment rate in Altus, OK, is currently reported at 3.30% (according to YCharts). This figure is lower than the long-term average of 4.15% for the area. The unemployment rate has seen some fluctuation, being 3.50% last month and 2.80% last year.
While specific state-level rankings for Oklahoma’s job market place it lower, the local unemployment rate in Altus appears to be relatively stable and below its historical average. This suggests a consistent, though not rapidly growing, employment environment within the city.
Climate and Environment
Temperatures
Altus experiences a climate with distinct seasons. Summers are hot, with average daily high temperatures often exceeding 89°F from late May to mid-September. The hottest month is typically July, with average highs around 97°F and lows of 73°F (according to Time and Date). Winters are cold, dry, and windy, with average daily high temperatures below 61°F from late November to late February. January sees the coldest temperatures, with average highs around 54°F and lows of 30°F (according to Time and Date).
The temperature range throughout the year typically varies from 30°F to 98°F, and it rarely drops below 19°F or exceeds 105°F (according to Time and Date). Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of days per year where the temperature rises above 100°F, from an average of 23 days in the 1940s to 26 days in the 2020s (according to Weather Spark).
Rainfall and Precipitation
Altus receives an average annual precipitation of about 28 inches (according to Livability.com). Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with the wettest month typically being May, averaging around 3.7 inches of rain. January sees the least amount of rain, with an average of approximately 0.7 inches (according to Time and Date).
The city experiences a wetter season lasting from mid-April to late September, with a greater than 23% chance of a wet day during this period. June usually has the most days with precipitation, while the drier season spans from late September to mid-April, with January having the fewest wet days (according to Time and Date).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings
The Altus Public School district serves the city, with Rivers Elementary School being a notable institution, often receiving high ratings for its academic performance (according to SchoolDigger). Altus Public Schools, as a whole, are rated as an A minus by Niche and are considered to be among the better school districts in Oklahoma (according to Niche). However, proficiency rates in math and reading for the district generally fall below the state average, with 38% of students proficient in math and 48% in reading (according to Niche).
Altus High School is an above-average public school, with a student-teacher ratio of 20 to 1. Math proficiency at the high school level is around 19%, and reading proficiency is at 37% (according to Niche). Factors such as a high rate of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches and chronic absenteeism are challenges faced by schools in the Altus district (according to SchoolDigger).
Demographics
Altus has an estimated population of 18,646 people (according to Data USA). The racial composition of Altus is predominantly White, making up about 57.2% of the population, followed by Hispanic at 27.8%, and Black residents at 7.2% (according to Census Dots). Multiracial individuals constitute about 4.7% of the population, with smaller percentages for Asian and Native American residents.
The median age in Altus is approximately 33.7 years (according to Data USA). The city’s population has seen a slight decrease since the 2020 census. Approximately 96.1% of Altus residents are U.S. citizens, which is higher than the national average (according to Data USA).