Moving to Alta Vista, Kansas

The current estimated population of Alta Vista is 400, with 49% male and 51% female. The population has remained stable, supported by agriculture and its rural setting.

City Facts

  • Year founded: 1887
  • County: Wabaunsee County
  • Land area: 0.36 square miles
  • Population density: 1,111 people per square mile
  • Area code: 785
  • Zip code: 66834

Geography and Location

Alta Vista is located in northeastern Kansas, in Wabaunsee County, within the Flint Hills region. The town is surrounded by rolling tallgrass prairies, which contribute to the agricultural economy. Alta Vista is known for its scenic rural landscapes and traditional small-town charm. The area has a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters.

Demographics

Median resident age: 41.1 years
Median household income: $32,159
Median house value: $44,400

Population by Race

Races in Alta Vista:

  • White Non-Hispanic (93.9%)
  • Hispanic (4.1%)
  • American Indian (1.6%)
  • Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander (0.7%)
  • Two or more races (0.7%)

Ancestries: German (36.0%), Irish (12.4%), English (8.4%), Swedish (7.5%), United States (7.0%), Scotch-Irish (4.3%).

Elevation: 1437 feet

Land area: 0.4 square miles

Map of Alta Vista, KS

Population by Education

For population 25 years and over in Alta Vista

  • High school or higher: 78.8%
  • Bachelor’s degree or higher: 7.0%
  • Graduate or professional degree: 1.0%
  • Unemployed: 1.8%
  • Mean travel time to work: 27.1 minutes

For population 15 years and over in Alta Vista city

  • Never married: 23.4%
  • Now married: 52.7%
  • Separated: 2.2%
  • Widowed: 9.6%
  • Divorced: 12.1%

1.1% Foreign born

Population change in the 1990s: -37 (-7.7%).

Hospitals

Hospitals/medical centers near Alta Vista:

Airports

Airports certified for carrier operations nearest to Alta Vista:

  • MANHATTAN RGNL (about 23 miles; MANHATTAN, KS; Abbreviation: MHK)
  • FORBES FIELD (about 59 miles; TOPEKA, KS; Abbreviation: FOE)
  • SALINA MUNI (about 81 miles; SALINA, KS; Abbreviation: SLN)

Other public-use airports nearest to Alta Vista:

Colleges and Universities

Colleges/universities with over 2000 students nearest to Alta Vista:

  • KANSAS STATE UNIVERSITY (about 24 miles; MANHATTAN, KS; Full-time enrollment: 19,210)
  • EMPORIA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 38 miles; EMPORIA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,528)
  • WASHBURN UNIVERSITY OF TOPEKA (about 52 miles; TOPEKA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,472)
  • BUTLER COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE (about 76 miles; EL DORADO, KS; Full-time enrollment: 4,250)
  • UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MAIN CAMPUS (about 85 miles; LAWRENCE, KS; Full-time enrollment: 22,506)
  • FRIENDS UNIVERSITY (about 102 miles; WICHITA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 2,983)
  • WICHITA STATE UNIVERSITY (about 106 miles; WICHITA, KS; Full-time enrollment: 10,403)

Public primary/middle school in Alta Vista:

  • PRAIRIE HEIGHTS MIDDLE SCHOOL (Students: 83; Location: 801 CENTER; Grades: 05 – 08)