Alta Vista is a city in Chickasaw County, Iowa, United States. The population was 227 at the 2020 census. The town was first named Elk Creek, but was changed to Alta Vista, meaning "high view" in Spanish. The town was established and incorporated in 1894. The George Darrow Round Barn in Alta Vista is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Geography Alta Vista is located at (43.199041, -92.415780). According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land. Demographics 2010 census As of the census of 2010, there were 266 people, 116 households, and 65 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 132 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 99.6% White and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.1% of the population. There were 116 households, of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.9% were married couples living together, 11.2% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.9% had a male householder with no wife present, and 44.0% were non-families. 37.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 3.02. The median age in the city was 38.8 years. 28.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 4.9% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27.9% were from 25 to 44; 17.7% were from 45 to 64; and 20.7% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.1% male and 51.9% female. 2000 census As of the census of 2000, there were 286 people, 125 households, and 75 families residing in the city. The population density was . There were 131 housing units at an average density of . The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White. There were 125 households, out of which 27.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.8% were married couples living together, 7.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.0% were non-families. 35.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 22.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The