Median Income
$72,500
4% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,600
49% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.7%
39% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$856
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.8%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.2%
10% lower than US avg
How Oakland Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,500
Median Age36.4 yrs
Density838/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 82%
Veterans6.3%
Economy
A
Median Income$72,500
Per Capita$33,417
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty11.2%
County GDP$6,263M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,600
Rent$856
Ownership61.1%
Zillow$226,213
Housing Units690
Rent Burden23.2%
Health
Obesity38.8%
Uninsured8.8%
Smoking16.6%
Depression22.7%
Heart Disease5.5%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (10°C)
Rain36.4 in/yr
Elevation1,080 ft (329 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.7%
High School+90.2%
Graduate+4.7%
School Score5.23
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 39%
Commute24 min
Broadband89.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Oakland a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oakland receives an overall livability score of 4.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of A. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Oakland stands out as an excellent place to live, with strong marks across most quality-of-life indicators.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oakland is $72,500, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. 11.2% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oakland is $144,600, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Education
20.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Oakland experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches, including 28.0 inches of snow.
Oakland has a population of 1,500 with a density of 838 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age is 36.4 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.4% female and 51.6% male. The city is predominantly White (82.1%), with 10.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 88.1% of residents, while 15.1% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 91.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
1,500
Total Population
2023 Census
36.4yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
88.1%
12% above US avg
Spanish
15.1%
13% above US avg
The median household income in Oakland is $72,500, which is 4% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,417 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,085, 24% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 11.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,746 business establishments, including 209 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 5.1% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $72,500 |
| 4% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,417 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,085 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,871 |
| Gini Index | 0.430 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.2% |
| 10% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,746 |
| County GDP | $6,263M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 209 |
| Healthcare | 220 |
| Retail | 252 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.70% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 24.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 75.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.1% |
The median home value in Oakland is $144,600, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,213, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $856 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.1% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 690 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $5,355 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 23.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,600 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $226,213 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $856 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.9% |
| Housing Units | 690 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $5,355 |
| 53% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.70% |
In Oakland, 38.8% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.5% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.5% of residents. 30.4% have high blood pressure. 16.6% are current smokers. 23.2% report binge drinking. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% report depression. 18.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222. The dentist ratio is 1:1,694. 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oakland vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.8% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.5% |
| Heart Disease | 5.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.4% |
| Asthma | 10.3% |
| COPD | 6.2% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 2.8% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.6% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.2% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.3% |
| Depression | 22.7% |
| Mental Distress | 18.0% |
| Physical Distress | 12.3% |
| Short Sleep | 35.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.2% |
| Uninsured | 8.8% |
| 2% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,222 |
| Dentists | 1:1,694 |
| Mental Health | 1:414 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.8% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 9,293/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 82.9% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 220 |
Oakland experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winters average 21°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. Annual precipitation totals 36.4 inches. The area receives 28.0 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. The city sits at an elevation of 1,080 feet.
Temperature
21°F Jan (-6°C)
74°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.4°F |
| 9% below US avg |
| January Average | 21°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (24°C) |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,080 ft (329 m) |
| Area | 1.6 sq mi (4.1 km²) |
| Population Density | 838/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3104°N, 95.3997°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Pottawattamie County County |
| Nearest Airport | Eppley Airfield (OMA)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
36.4"
4% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.42"
Air Quality
Air Pollutants (EPA 2023)
| PM2.5 (Fine Particles) | 9.6 μg/m³ |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 80.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 21.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 69.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively High |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Relatively Moderate |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
4 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M3.6 on Dec 17, 2009.
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
108 km |
| Jul 16, 2004 |
6 km SSE of Riverton, Iowa |
M3.5 |
76 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
97 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
112 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990-2025)
Tornado History
636 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 529 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
60 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
60 km |
5 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
23 km |
0 |
| May 6, 1975 |
EF4 |
58 km |
3 |
| Jun 22, 1964 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 12, 1964 |
EF4 |
73 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 5, 1954 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950-2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (4,195 ac, 2005).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2005 |
UNNAMED |
4,195 |
10 km |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
40 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| July |
74°F (24°C) |
3.6 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Oakland has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 21°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Oakland. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132-$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176-$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88-$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702-$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66-$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132-$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22-$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44-$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351-$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88-$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53-$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44-$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132-$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512-$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351-$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829-$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439-$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390-$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756-$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702-$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176-$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878-$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26-$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66-$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13-$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22-$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44-$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63-$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20-$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20-$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63-$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51-$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53-$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70-$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35-$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26-$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44-$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66-$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054-$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26-$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02-$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26-$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13-$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527-$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439-$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176-$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22-$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351-$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390-$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44-$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26-$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18-$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132-$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88-$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $729 |
| Toddler | $628 |
| Preschool | $628 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $492 |
| Toddler | $484 |
| Preschool | $484 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oakland
What is the population of Oakland?
Oakland has a population of 1,500 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 838 people per square mile, spread across 1.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.4 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 48.4% female and 51.6% male.
Is Oakland expensive to live in?
Oakland is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $72,500, 4% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,600 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $856 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
What is the weather like in Oakland?
Oakland has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 21°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. Annual rainfall totals 36.4 inches, with 28.0 inches of snow.
How is the job market in Oakland?
The job market in Oakland is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,085. There are 2,746 business establishments in the area, including 209 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 5.1% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oakland?
The median home value in Oakland is $144,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $226,213. For renters, the median monthly rent is $856. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.1%. The average annual property tax is $5,355.
How are the schools in Oakland?
Schools in Oakland score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.7% of adults in Oakland hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.2% have completed high school. 4.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oakland?
The obesity rate in Oakland is 38.8% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.6% of adults are smokers. 25.3% are physically inactive. 22.7% of residents report depression. 8.8% lack health insurance. 82.9% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,222.
What is transportation like in Oakland?
The average commute in Oakland is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 75.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.1% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oakland?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oakland is 82.1% White, 10.5% Hispanic or Latino. 88.1% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.1% speak Spanish. 6.3% of the population are military veterans. 9.1% of residents have a disability. 91.2% have health insurance coverage.