Iowa
Oelwein is a small city in Iowa with a population of 5,878. Residents earn $49,821 per year, which is 34% below the national average.
Based on current data, Oelwein receives an overall livability score of 2.9 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include affordable housing, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Oelwein has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
The median household income in Oelwein is $49,821, 34% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.1%, indicating a healthy job market. 13.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes.
The median home value in Oelwein is $96,800, 66% below the national median — offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average — a plus for affordability. At just 1.9x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
With 627 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, public safety is a notable concern — this is significantly above the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,281 per 100,000, near the national average.
16.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.7/10.
Oelwein experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
| English Only | 98.6% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Spanish | 1.4% |
| 90% below US avg |
| Median HH Income | $49,821 |
| 34% below US avg | |
| Per Capita Income | $28,933 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg | |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg | |
| Establishments (County) | 680 |
| County GDP | $1,075M |
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.33% |
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
| Census Median | $96,800 |
| 66% below US avg | |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,925 |
| Census Median Rent | $762 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.8% |
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg | |
| Effective Rate | 3.33% |
| Obesity | 40.5% |
| 26% above US avg | |
| Diabetes | 10.9% |
| Heart Disease | 6.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.3% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
| Total Violent | 626.6/100K |
| 65% above US avg | |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg | |
| Rape | 16.1/100K |
| Robbery | 16.1/100K |
| Assault | 594.5/100K |
| Total Property | 2,281.5/100K |
| 16% above US avg | |
| Burglary | 498.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,703.1/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 80.3/100K |
| Arson | 16.1/100K |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg | |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
| Elevation | 1,037 ft (316 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,222/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6716°N, 91.9128°W |
| County FIPS | 19065 |
Winner: Republican by 30.5 points
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 16.1% |
| 52% below US avg | |
| High School+ | 91.1% |
| School Test Score | 5.73 |
| RUCC Code 6 | Nonmetro — Urban 2.5K–20K, adjacent |
| Population Density | 1,222/sq mi |
| Total Area | 4.8 sq mi |
| EV Charging Stations | 1 |
| Alt Fuel Stations | 3 |
| Public Libraries | 11 |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Retail Stores | 94 |
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Commute | 21.2 min |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |