Is Alturas Safe, Pros and cons of living in Alturas
Nestled in the northeastern corner of California, Alturas offers a unique blend of rural tranquility and frontier spirit. This county seat of Modoc County presents a distinct lifestyle for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of more densely populated areas. With its wide-open spaces and close-knit community, Alturas provides a glimpse into a slower pace of life.
The town’s location in a high-desert environment shapes its character and the experiences of its residents. Alturas is a place where natural beauty is a constant backdrop, and community ties run deep. It’s a town that has retained a sense of its historical roots while embracing the present.
Is it Safe to Live in Alturas?
Crime Rates in Alturas
Alturas experiences a higher-than-average violent crime rate compared to national figures. Over a recent five-year period, the city recorded 217 violent crimes and 131 property crimes. The average violent crime rate stands at 151.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 42.8% above the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer). Property crime averages 151.7 per 100,000 residents, which is 7.3% below the national average (as reported by the FBI Crime Data Explorer).
While the FBI’s Crime Data Explorer indicates a higher violent crime rate, other sources present a more nuanced picture. One analysis suggests Alturas’s crime rates are equal to the national average, with violent crimes being 311% higher than the national average and property crimes being 63.4% lower than average. This analysis also notes a 1 in 48 chance of becoming a victim of crime in Alturas (as reported by AreaVibes).
Understanding Safety in Alturas
CrimeGrade.org assigns Alturas a “D-” grade for violent crime, indicating a rate much higher than the average U.S. city. Alturas ranks in the 8th percentile for safety, meaning it is safer than only 8% of cities but less safe than 92% of cities (as reported by CrimeGrade.org). The violent crime rate is approximately 7.386 per 1,000 residents annually.
However, perceptions of safety can vary by neighborhood. Residents often consider the northeast part of the city to be the safest. Your chance of being a victim of violent crime in Alturas varies by neighborhood, ranging from 1 in 76 in central neighborhoods to 1 in 251 in the northeast (as reported by CrimeGrade.org).
Housing and Cost of Living
Housing Market Overview
The Alturas housing market is characterized by a median home value of approximately $170,100 (as of 2024, according to Data USA). This is significantly lower than the national median property value of $332,700 (as reported by Niche). The homeownership rate in Alturas is around 67%, which is slightly higher than the national average of 65.2% (as reported by Data USA).
Recent data indicates fluctuations in the housing market. The median sale price of a home in Alturas was $212,000 last month, showing a substantial increase of 324.0% since the previous year (as reported by Redfin). Another report shows that in March 2026, Alturas home prices were up 14.0% compared to the previous year, with a median sale price of $265,000 (as reported by Redfin).
Cost of Living
Alturas offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the California average but slightly higher than the national average. The cost of living in Alturas is 27% lower than the California average and 3% higher than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). This is further supported by ERI Economic Research Institute, which states the cost of living in Alturas is 5% less than the national average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Housing costs are a significant factor in Alturas’s affordability. Housing in Alturas is 32% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). However, transportation costs are noted as being less affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute).
Job Market and Economy
Major Employers and Industries
The economy of Alturas is supported by various sectors, with key employers contributing to its stability. Major industries include Health Care & Social Assistance, Public Administration, and Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (as reported by Data USA). Specific employers in Alturas include Alturas Elementary School, Alturas Ranches, and Modoc County Social Services (as reported by CA.gov).
Other significant entities in the area include Modoc Joint Unified School District and Surprise Valley Electric (as reported by CA.gov). The healthcare sector appears to be a substantial employer, with Last Frontier Healthcare District and Modoc County Health Services being notable organizations (as reported by CA.gov).
Employment and Unemployment
The average salary in Alturas, California, is approximately $70,809 per year, or $34 per hour (as reported by ERI SalaryExpert). However, salary ranges can vary significantly, with some sources indicating a median wage of $86.4K per year (as reported by ZipRecruiter).
Data on unemployment rates for Alturas specifically is not readily available in aggregated form. However, Modoc County’s labor market information indicates that data for the county regarding unemployment rate and labor force is not available (as reported by CA.gov). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides broader data for California, but specific city-level unemployment figures for Alturas are not detailed in recent reports.
Climate and Environment
Temperature and Weather Patterns
Alturas experiences a climate characterized by warm, dry summers and cold, snowy winters. The temperature typically ranges from 21°F to 88°F throughout the year, rarely falling below 6°F or exceeding 96°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
During the hot season, which lasts about three months from mid-June to mid-September, daily high temperatures average above 79°F. The hottest month is July, with average highs of 87°F and lows of 48°F. Conversely, the cold season spans from mid-November to early March, with average daily high temperatures below 50°F. December is the coldest month, with average lows of 22°F and highs of 41°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather).
Precipitation and Snowfall
The annual precipitation in Alturas averages around 11.68 inches (as reported by Wikipedia). The wettest months are typically in the fall and winter, with November being the month with the most rain, averaging about 1.3 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather). There are an average of 90.8 days with measurable precipitation annually (as reported by Wikipedia).
Alturas also experiences significant snowfall during its winter months. The average annual snowfall is about 30.9 inches (as reported by Wikipedia). The wettest year on record was 1952, with 20.80 inches of precipitation, and the driest was 2013, with 6.29 inches (as reported by Wikipedia).
Education and Demographics
School Ratings and Performance
Educational institutions in Alturas serve the local student population, with varying performance metrics. Alturas Elementary School receives a C+ overall Niche grade and has a student-teacher ratio of 19 to 1. According to state test scores, 24% of its students are proficient in math and 32% in reading (as reported by Niche).
Modoc High School holds a B- overall Niche grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 15 to 1. State test scores indicate that 13% of its students are proficient in math and 39% in reading (as reported by Niche). Modoc Middle School also has a B- overall Niche grade, with a student-teacher ratio of 18 to 1 (as reported by Niche).
Population and Diversity
Alturas has a population of approximately 2,681 residents, as of the most recent U.S. Census data (as reported by Data USA). The town is experiencing a slight population decline, with a projected population of 2,628 for 2026 (as reported by World Population Review). The median age in Alturas is 45.3 years (as reported by Data USA).
The racial composition of Alturas is predominantly White, accounting for about 71.3% of the population. Hispanic residents make up approximately 18.8%, and those identifying as two or more races constitute about 7.0% (as reported by Census Dots). The foreign-born population is around 7.8% (as reported by Data USA).