Altus Air Force Base PCS Guide | BAH, Housing & Schools

Quick Base Facts: Altus AFB at a Glance

Altus AFB is home to the Air Mobility Training Center — which means the base’s mission is exclusively focused on training the next generation of tanker and airlift crews for the entire Air Force. If your spouse was expecting a big-city assignment, you’ll want to read the community section below first. If your family is ready for wide-open Oklahoma sky, affordable homes, and people who actually wave back — you’re going to love it here.

2026 BAH Rates for Altus AFB

Your 2026 BAH is based on the ALTUS AFB, OK Military Housing Area (MHA), which covers ZIP codes 73521, 73522, 73523, 73526, 73532, 73537, 73539, 73549, 73556, and 73560.

BAH increased 4.2% nationally in 2026. Altus AFB falls in the lower-cost tier — which is actually great news because local rents and home prices are well below the national average, meaning your BAH can stretch further here than at almost any other duty station.

2026 Altus AFB BAH Rates

Source: DoD DTMO, effective January 1, 2026.

The median home price in Altus hovers around $130,000–$160,000, meaning an E-6 or above with dependents can often purchase a home with a monthly payment fully covered by BAH. This is one of those rare assignments where your VA loan can genuinely work in your favor from day one.

→ Use the DoD BAH Calculator to confirm your exact rate. Check our 2026 BAH Rates guide for national context, and our VA Home Loan guide if buying makes sense for your family.

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Housing at Altus AFB

On-Base Housing

On-base family housing at Altus AFB is managed through the Military Housing Office and offers 530 modern brick homes spread across eight distinct neighborhoods. All units come equipped with central heat and air, dishwasher, garbage disposal, stove, refrigerator, and washer/dryer connections. The entire community is pet-friendly, including large breeds (some breed restrictions apply).

To apply for on-base housing: Contact the Military Housing Office as soon as you receive your orders — don’t wait until you arrive.

Military Housing Office
97 CES/CEIH
401 L Ave
Altus AFB, OK 73523
Phone: 580-481-6161

Neighborhoods range from E1–E9 to O1–O4, with 2–4 bedroom floor plans. One of the most popular neighborhoods is within walking distance of L. Mendel Rivers Elementary School, the Shoppette, BX, and Commissary — a huge convenience for families with kids.

Real talk: On-base housing at Altus is genuinely good and move-in-ready. Waitlists exist but are typically shorter than at larger bases. If you have a specific move date, apply the day your orders drop.

Unaccompanied/Dormitory Housing

Single Airmen in grades E-1 through E-4 with fewer than three years of service are typically assigned to the dormitories. Dorms at Altus provide private sleeping rooms, furnishings, linens, and cleaning supplies, and are within walking distance of the Exchange, Commissary, and fitness centers.

Unaccompanied Housing Office
97 CES/CEIHD
Altus AFB, OK 73523

Temporary Lodging (TLF/TLE)

Temporary lodging at Altus AFB is the Red River Inn. Book as early as possible — especially during peak PCS season (May through August). Pet-friendly units are limited; call ahead. You may be authorized up to 10 days of Temporary Lodging Expense (TLE) reimbursement, but be advised: if you stay in quarters at your previous installation before departing, those nights count toward your 10-day allotment.

Red River Inn (Altus AFB Lodging)
Phone: 580-481-7356

Off-Base Housing

Off-base living in the Altus area is remarkably affordable. A 3-bedroom rental typically runs $700–$1,000/month, and a 3-bedroom home purchase is often available for $130,000–$175,000 — well within reach for most pay grades using a VA loan.

Popular areas for military families living off-base:

• Altus (city proper) – closest to base, widest selection of rentals and purchases, 5–10 minute commute
• Blair, OK (~14 miles east) – small-town feel, rural properties
• Olustee, OK (~14 miles southwest) – quiet, small-town living
• Frederick, OK (~30 miles south) – more options for those who don’t mind a longer drive

Most families live within 10 minutes of the main gate. There is essentially no traffic in Altus — your “commute” will likely be the shortest of your military career.

Thinking about buying a home at Altus?
Your VA loan benefit means $0 down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates. The Altus market is one of the most VA-loan-friendly in the country. Explore Your VA Home Loan Options →

Schools Near Altus AFB

There are no DoDEA schools on Altus AFB. Children living on or near base attend Altus Public Schools or the nearby Navajo Public School District or Blair Public Schools, depending on their address.

Altus Public Schools District

The Altus Public Schools district serves the majority of military families and is organized in a unique two-grade-per-campus structure:

The district serves approximately 3,500 students across its campuses. The two-grade-per-school structure means your child will transition between campuses more frequently than in a traditional K–8 setup — something to factor in if you have school-age children.

Purple Star Schools: Altus Public Schools holds the Oklahoma Purple Star School designation, which recognizes schools that demonstrate a commitment to serving military-connected students and families. This is a meaningful distinction — it means staff are trained on the challenges of military kids, and there are specific resources in place to help your child transition smoothly.

Altus Public Schools District Office
Phone: 580-481-2100
Website: altuspublicschools.com

School Liaison Officer (SLO) — Your first call for any school enrollment questions, special needs, or school transfer issues. The SLO can smooth the transition process significantly.

Phone: 580-481-6761

Other Nearby Districts

• Navajo Public Schools — serves some off-base areas to the east
• Blair Public Schools — serves families living near Blair, OK

Higher Education

Western Oklahoma State College (WOSC) is located in Altus and offers associate degrees and a variety of career-focused programs. Several programs are designed with military families in mind. Active duty service members and spouses are eligible for Tuition Assistance (TA) — coordinate through the Education Center on base.

Western Oklahoma State College
2801 N. Main St., Altus, OK 73521
Phone: 580-477-2000

Medical Care at Altus AFB

97th Medical Group

The 97th Medical Group is located in Building 46 on Altus AFB and provides comprehensive outpatient care for active duty personnel and their enrolled family members.

97th Medical Group
301 N. 1st Street, Building 46
Altus AFB, OK 73523
Appointment Line: (580) 481-5235
Hours: Monday–Friday, 0730–1630
Saturday–Sunday: Closed

Appointments are available starting at 0630 by phone. For after-hours urgent care needs, call the MHS Nurse Advice Line: 1-800-874-2273 (available 24/7).

Services Available On-Base

• Family Health / Primary Care
• Pediatrics / Children’s Health
• Flight and Operational Medicine
• Mental Health / Behavioral Health
• Family Advocacy Program
• Women’s Health
• Dental
• Pharmacy
• Optometry / Vision
• Laboratory and Radiology
• Physical Therapy
• Immunizations / Allergy

Specialty Care & Off-Base Referrals

Specialty care not available at the 97th MDG is handled through TRICARE referrals to civilian providers in Lawton (~52 miles) or Oklahoma City (~140 miles). Altus has a civilian hospital (Jackson County Memorial Hospital, 580-482-2211) for local urgent care needs.

For TRICARE enrollment and coverage questions: tricare.mil or call 1-844-866-9378.

In-Processing at Altus AFB

When you arrive at Altus AFB, you’ll check in through your unit’s Commander’s Support Staff (CSS), who will schedule all your in-processing appointments. Your sponsor should provide a checklist and your reporting location before you arrive.

Key in-processing steps:

1. Report to your unit CSS by the next business day after arrival (if during duty hours)
2. Complete finance, personnel, and ID card appointments
3. Enroll in TRICARE at the 97th MDG
4. Apply for on-base housing (if not already done)
5. Register vehicles and update driver’s license as needed
6. Contact the School Liaison Officer if you have school-age children

Visitor Control Center (for civilians visiting with a sponsor): 428 Challenger Ave (outside the South Gate). The Main Gate can issue short-term temporary passes after hours.

Airman & Family Readiness Center (A&FRC)
Building 52, 308 N. First St.
Altus AFB, OK 73523
Phone: 580-481-6761
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday — 0730–1630

The A&FRC is your go-to resource for relocation assistance, financial counseling, employment support for spouses, and deployment readiness programs. Connect with them early — they can save you significant time and stress during your transition.

Base Amenities & MWR

Altus AFB punches above its weight for a base its size. Expect:

• Commissary — full-service grocery on base
• Base Exchange (BX) — retail, clothing, electronics
• Shoppette — convenience store
• Fitness Centers — two on-base gyms
• Outdoor Recreation / Auto Hobby Shop
• Youth Center — bowling, lock-ins, summer programs, sports, skill classes
• Child Development Center (CDC) — ages 6 weeks to 4 years; offers hourly, part-time, and full-time care
• Swimming Pool
• Library
• Chapel
• Legal Assistance Office

Child Development Center (CDC)
The Altus CDC includes a gross motor room and age-specific playgrounds. It offers hourly care, full-time daycare, and an Enrichment Program. Waitlists exist; register as early as possible — before you even have orders if you’re expecting Altus as a potential assignment.

Getting There & Getting Around

Driving to Altus AFB

Altus is located in the southwest corner of Oklahoma at the intersection of US Highway 62 and State Highway 283. The base’s main gate is on Falcon Road. All major highways to the base are well-marked.

From Lawton (I-44 west, then US-62 west): approximately 55 miles, about 55 minutes.

From Oklahoma City (I-44 south to US-62 west): approximately 140 miles, about 2 hours.

Flying In

The nearest airport is Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport (LAW), approximately 52 miles away. Coordinate with your sponsor for transportation if you’re flying in. A military representative is typically available at LAW from 0430 until the last flight lands. Altus/Quartz Mountain Regional Airport (AXS) serves general aviation.

For flying into Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), allow 2.5+ hours of drive time.

Getting Around Altus

Public transit in Altus is minimal — your family will need personal vehicles. The upside: Altus is genuinely a 15-minute town. Everything on and near base is a short drive. Gas prices in rural Oklahoma are typically below the national average.

Life in Altus: Real Talk

Let’s be honest about what Altus is and isn’t. It’s a small city of about 18,000–20,000 people in a rural corner of Oklahoma. It is not a cosmopolitan hub. There is one Walmart, limited restaurant variety, and the nearest Target or Costco is in Lawton. If that matters a lot to your family, factor it in.

What Altus does have: some of the most genuinely friendly people in the country, almost zero commute time, incredibly affordable cost of living, a strong military community that takes care of each other, and a pace of life that many families — especially those coming from high-stress metros — absolutely love.

Summers are brutal. Southwest Oklahoma temperatures regularly hit 100°F+ from June through August. Humidity is lower than the Midwest, but the heat is intense.

Tornado season is real. Spring brings severe weather. Get a weather radio and download a reliable weather app before you arrive. Base will communicate shelter-in-place procedures during in-processing — take them seriously.

Winters are mild with occasional ice storms. The area rarely sees significant snowfall.

Things to do near Altus:

• Quartz Mountain State Park (~25 miles north) — hiking, camping, swimming, kayaking, arts festival
• Altus Museum — local history
• Lawton (~52 miles) — Comanche National Museum, wildlife preserve, larger retail and dining
• Oklahoma City (~140 miles) — full city amenities, Bricktown, OKC Thunder games, major airport

Connect with the Altus AFB PCS Pay-It-Forward® Facebook group for current community intel, recommendations, and a warm welcome from families who are already there.

Your next move starts here.
Whether you’re renting, buying, or figuring out your VA loan, our PCS planning team is ready to connect you with someone who knows Altus. Start Your Free PCS Plan →

Key Phone Numbers & Contacts

Useful Links

• Altus AFB Official Website
• 97th Medical Group (TRICARE)
• MilitaryINSTALLATIONS — Altus AFB
• Altus Public Schools
• DoD BAH Calculator
• TRICARE Enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions About PCSing to Altus AFB

What is the main mission at Altus AFB?
Altus AFB is home to the 97th Air Mobility Wing under Air Education and Training Command (AETC). Its primary mission is training pilots, loadmasters, and boom operators for the KC-46 Pegasus, C-17 Globemaster III, and KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft. It is known as “Mobility’s Hometown.”

What are the 2026 BAH rates for Altus AFB?
2026 BAH rates for Altus AFB (MHA: ALTUS AFB, OK) range from $948/month (E-1 without dependents) to $2,373/month (O-7 with dependents). BAH increased 4.2% nationally in 2026. The BAH ZIP codes for Altus AFB include 73521, 73522, and 73523. See the full table above for your pay grade.

Is on-base housing available at Altus AFB?
Yes. Altus AFB has 530 family housing units across eight neighborhoods managed by the Military Housing Office (580-481-6161). Apply immediately upon receiving orders. Homes are 2–4 bedrooms, pet-friendly (including large breeds with some restrictions), and come with central A/C, appliances, and washer/dryer connections.

What schools will my children attend near Altus AFB?
There are no DoDEA schools on Altus AFB. Most families are assigned to Altus Public Schools, which uses a two-grade-per-campus structure: L. Mendel Rivers Elementary (PK–4), Altus Intermediate (5–6), Altus Junior High (7–8), and Altus High School (9–12). Contact the School Liaison Officer at 580-481-6761 with questions about enrollment or special needs.

How do I make a medical appointment at Altus AFB?
Call the 97th Medical Group appointment line at 580-481-5235, starting at 0630 Monday through Friday. The clinic is open 0730–1630 weekdays and is located in Building 46 at 301 N. 1st Street. For after-hours urgent needs, call the MHS Nurse Advice Line at 1-800-874-2273.

How far is Altus from the nearest major city?
Lawton, OK is approximately 52 miles east of Altus (about 55 minutes by car). Oklahoma City is approximately 140 miles northeast (about 2 hours). The nearest major airport with commercial service is Lawton-Fort Sill Regional Airport (LAW).

Where should I live near Altus AFB: on-base or off?
Both are solid options. On-base offers convenience and community, especially for families with young children. Off-base is very affordable — 3-bedroom rentals typically run $700–$1,000/month and homes are available for $130,000–$175,000. At most pay grades, your BAH can cover a mortgage payment, making Altus a strong market for using your VA loan.

What is the weather like at Altus AFB?
Southwest Oklahoma has hot, dry summers (regularly 100°F+), mild winters with occasional ice, and an active spring tornado season. Severe weather preparedness — including a weather radio and a family tornado plan — is strongly recommended.

Is Altus AFB a good assignment for families?
Many families love Altus for its affordability, short commutes, tight-knit community, and low cost of living. The tradeoff is that Altus is a small, rural city with limited dining and retail variety. Families who embrace small-town life typically have great tours here. Families who need big-city amenities nearby may find it a bigger adjustment.

How do I get temporary lodging when I first arrive at Altus AFB?
Book the Red River Inn (Altus AFB lodging) as early as possible, especially for PCS season (May–August). Call 580-481-7356 to make reservations. You may be authorized up to 10 days TLE reimbursement — but days spent in quarters at your previous installation count toward that allotment.

Key Takeaways

• 2026 BAH at Altus AFB ranges from $948 to $2,373/month depending on rank and dependent status — and local housing costs are well below BAH for most pay grades, making this one of the most affordable duty stations in the Air Force.
• On-base housing offers 530 pet-friendly units across 8 neighborhoods. Apply to the Military Housing Office (580-481-6161) the day your orders arrive.
• There are no on-base schools. Kids attend Altus Public Schools — L. Mendel Rivers Elementary is the closest campus to base for younger children. The School Liaison Officer (580-481-6761) is your best resource for enrollment.
• The 97th Medical Group provides full primary care for active duty and families. Call 580-481-5235 for appointments (starting at 0630 weekdays).
• Altus is a small town, and that’s a feature, not a bug — zero commute, affordable housing, friendly neighbors, and a strong military community. Embrace it and you’ll have a great tour.
• Tornado season is serious. Have a weather plan before your first spring in Oklahoma.
• Your VA loan goes further here than almost anywhere else. With home prices starting under $150,000, now may be the time to use that benefit. See your VA loan options →

Find more base guides at PCS Pay-It-Forward®, plan your move with the PCS Plan Tool, or download our PCS Binder & Checklist to stay organized from orders to arrival.