Altha, Florida facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Altha, Florida
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| Town of Altha | |
Altha Town Hall on September 25, 2008
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Location of Altha in Calhoun County, Florida.
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Florida |
| County | Calhoun |
| Settled | 1902 |
| Incorporated | 1946 |
| Government | |
| • Type | Mayor-Council |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.37 sq mi (3.54 km2) |
| • Land | 1.34 sq mi (3.46 km2) |
| • Water | 0.03 sq mi (0.08 km2) |
| Elevation | 203 ft (62 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 496 |
| • Density | 370.98/sq mi (143.20/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| ZIP code |
32421
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| Area code(s) | 850 |
| FIPS code | 12-01000 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0277823 |
Altha is a small town in Calhoun County, Florida, United States. It is part of the Florida Panhandle in North Florida. The population was 496 at the 2020 census, a decrease from 536 at the 2010 census.
Contents
History
During segregation, the Town of Altha was known to have had "Sunset Signs" that were posted at each corner of the city limits warning African Americans not to enter after dark.
It was first settled in 1902, and the town was officially incorporated as a municipality in 1946.
Geography
The exact coordinates for the Town of Altha is located at 30°34′18″N 85°7′39″W / 30.57167°N 85.12750°W (30.571710, –85.127533).
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.5 square miles (3.9 km2), of which 1.4 square miles (3.6 km2) is land and 0.04 square miles (0.10 km2) (2.72%) is water.
Altha is located in northwestern Florida, approximately 45 minutes from the Georgia state line and one hour from the Alabama state line. Altha is in a rural county, with the primary industry being agriculture. Tomatoes, watermelons, green vegetables, cucumbers, peanuts, corn, wheat, and cotton are all major crops in this farming area. The timber industry also thrives in the area, with many farmers electing to plant pine trees.
Climate
The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. According to the Köppen climate classification, the Town of Altha has a humid subtropical climate zone (Cfa).
Altha has an average high temperature of 76 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average low of 51 degrees Fahrenheit. Summers in this area are quite hot and humid, with afternoon showers frequently occurring during the summer months. Altha is located about 35 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, so when tropical storms or hurricanes approach the coastline, weather can become severe.
The coldest part of the winter occurs during late January and early February. Temperatures at night can dip as low as the lower 30s, and in some isolated instances, even striking the low to mid 20s. The last measurable snowfall occurred on December 23, 1989, where 2 inches of snow fell. January and February can be cool months, with temperatures occasionally struggling to reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
In 2004, during Hurricane Ivan, dozens of homes were destroyed and four people were killed because of a severe tornado striking near the town.
In October 2018, Altha and the surrounding areas were hit by Hurricane Michael, which was listed as a category 5 hurricane, and the strongest to ever hit Northwest Florida, caused extensive damage to the town. The old high school building, known as the white building, and many homes were damaged and/or destroyed as a result.
Demographics
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1950 | 434 | — | |
| 1960 | 413 | −4.8% | |
| 1970 | 423 | 2.4% | |
| 1980 | 478 | 13.0% | |
| 1990 | 497 | 4.0% | |
| 2000 | 506 | 1.8% | |
| 2010 | 536 | 5.9% | |
| 2020 | 496 | −7.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
2010 and 2020 census
| Race | Pop 2010 | Pop 2020 | % 2010 | % 2020 |
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| White (NH) | 495 | 441 | 92.35% | 88.91% |
| Black or African American (NH) | 7 | 4 | 1.31% | 0.81% |
| Native American or Alaska Native (NH) | 0 | 1 | 0.00% | 0.20% |
| Asian (NH) | 1 | 0 | 0.19% | 0.00% |
| Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian (NH) | 0 | 0 | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Some other race (NH) | 1 | 0 | 0.19% | 0.00% |
| Two or more races/Multiracial (NH) | 6 | 19 | 1.12% | 3.83% |
| Hispanic or Latino (any race) | 26 | 31 | 4.85% | 6.25% |
| Total | 536 | 496 |
As of the 2020 United States census, there were 496 people, 187 households, and 116 families residing in the town.
As of the 2010 United States census, there were 536 people, 198 households, and 144 families residing in the town.
In 2010, the population was 47% male and 53% female. 33% of the population was under 18 and 15.5% was 65 or over.
Education
Altha, served by the Calhoun County School District is home to the K–12 Altha Public School, established early after the turn of the twentieth century.
The "white building", as it was known as, has since been demolished due to Hurricane Michael. The school has since been rebuilt on the previous school's site, retaining its same name, and currently serves as the town's only public school.
School sports
The girls' volleyball team has won numerous district, region, and state semi-finals playoffs as well. Altha School runs boys' basketball, volleyball, softball, baseball, weightlifting, and a cross-country team. The girls' and boys' weightlifting teams have won several state championships.
Businesses and attractions
The largest employer in Altha is Oglesby Plants International. The Chipola River, about three miles west of Altha, offers swimming, tubing, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
See also
In Spanish: Altha para niños
