Median Income
$49,821
34% lower than US avg
Home Value
$96,800
66% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
306/100K
20% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
16.1%
52% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$762
34% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.5%
26% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.1%
14% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
13.5%
9% higher than US avg
How Oelwein Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,878
Median Age44.0 yrs
Density1,222/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans10.6%
Economy
B
Median Income$49,821
Per Capita$28,933
Unemployment4.1%
Poverty13.5%
County GDP$1,075M
Commute21 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$96,800
Rent$762
Ownership76.8%
Zillow$108,925
Housing Units3,029
Rent Burden41.2%
Crime
F
Violent306/100K
Property1,546/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault306/100K
Burglary408/100K
Health
Obesity40.5%
Uninsured8.9%
Smoking20.1%
Depression22.5%
Heart Disease6.2%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Sunny Days261/yr
Elevation1,037 ft (316 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+16.1%
High School+91.1%
Graduate+5.1%
School Score5.70
Community
2024 VoteR 64% / D 34%
Commute21 min
Broadband82.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries11
Is Oelwein a Good Place to Live?
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, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Oelwein has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
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.
Cost of Living & Housing
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.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Oelwein is below the national average at 306 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,546 per 100,000, 21% below the national average.
Education
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.
Climate & Weather
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. With 261 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Oelwein has a population of 5,878 with a density of 1,222 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age is 44.0 years, 13% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.7% female and 48.3% male. The city is predominantly White (92%), with 2.6% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 98.6% of residents. 10.6% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 24.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
Population
44.0yrs
Median Age
13% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
98.6%
26% above US avg
Spanish
1.4%
90% below US avg
The median household income in Oelwein is $49,821, which is 34% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $28,933 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $939, 34% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.1% (above the 3.6% US average). 13.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 680 business establishments, including 41 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 21 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 6.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $49,821 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $28,933 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $939 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $65,872 |
| Gini Index | 0.448 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.1% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 13.5% |
| 9% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 680 |
| County GDP | $1,075M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 41 |
| Healthcare | 50 |
| Retail | 94 |
| Manufacturing | 15 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 21.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 6.7% |
The median home value in Oelwein is $96,800, 66% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,925, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $762 (34% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 76.8% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 3,029 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1953. The average annual property tax is $3,224. 41.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing, indicating a significant affordability challenge for renters. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $96,800 |
| 66% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $108,925 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $762 |
| 34% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 41.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 76.8% |
| Owner-Occupied | 76.8% |
| Renter-Occupied | 23.2% |
| Housing Units | 3,029 |
| Median Year Built | 1953 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,224 |
| 8% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.33% |
In Oelwein, 40.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.2% of residents. 33.3% have high blood pressure. 20.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 22.7% report binge drinking. 29.9% are physically inactive, above the national average. 22.5% report depression. 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 8.9% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210. The dentist ratio is 1:1,754. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oelwein vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| 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% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.3% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.1% |
| 44% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 29.9% |
| Depression | 22.5% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 35.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.7% |
| Uninsured | 8.9% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:3,210 |
| Dentists | 1:1,754 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,201 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.7% |
| Dental Visits | 59.9% |
| Premature Death | 8,298/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.2% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 50 |
Oelwein has a violent crime rate of 306 per 100,000 residents, 20% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 305.8 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,546 per 100,000, 21% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,053, burglary at 408, vehicle theft at 85 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oelwein receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oelwein vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 305.8/100K |
| 20% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 305.8/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,546.0/100K |
| 21% below US avg |
| Burglary | 407.8/100K |
| Theft | 1,053.4/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 85.0/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 15 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.8 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oelwein experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 261 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,037 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.3°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 261 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,037 ft (316 m) |
| Area | 4.9 sq mi (12.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,222/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.6716°N, 91.9128°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Fayette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Waterloo Regional (ALO)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 50.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 55.4 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 73.8 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
573 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 35 fatalities, 928 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF5 |
80 km |
9 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
1 km |
5 |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
99 km |
13 |
| Mar 13, 1990 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
50 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
76 km |
0 |
| Aug 26, 1965 |
EF4 |
48 km |
1 |
| Sep 1, 1961 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
21 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Jul 13, 1992 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
37 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
4 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (939 ac, 2009).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
94 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
95 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
93 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
69°F (20°C) |
4.5 in |
|
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.7 in |
Wettest |
| September |
62°F (16°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Oelwein has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.4 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.7") and January the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Oelwein. 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 | $702 |
| Toddler | $604 |
| Preschool | $604 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $461 |
| Toddler | $453 |
| Preschool | $453 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oelwein
What is the population of Oelwein?
Oelwein has a population of 5,878 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,222 people per square mile, spread across 4.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 44.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.7% female and 48.3% male.
Is Oelwein expensive to live in?
Oelwein 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 $49,821, 34% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $96,800 (66% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $762 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.9x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oelwein safe?
Oelwein is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 306 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,546 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Oelwein receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oelwein?
Oelwein has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 261 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Oelwein?
Oelwein has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.1%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $939. There are 680 business establishments in the area, including 41 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 21 minutes, and 6.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oelwein?
The median home value in Oelwein is $96,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $108,925. For renters, the median monthly rent is $762. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 76.8%. The average annual property tax is $3,224.
How are the schools in Oelwein?
Schools in Oelwein score 5.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 16.1% of adults in Oelwein hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.1% have completed high school. 5.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oelwein?
The obesity rate in Oelwein is 40.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.1% of adults are smokers. 29.9% are physically inactive. 22.5% of residents report depression. 8.9% lack health insurance. 62.2% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:3,210.
What is transportation like in Oelwein?
The average commute in Oelwein is 21 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 6.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oelwein?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oelwein is 92% White, 2.6% Hispanic or Latino. 98.6% of residents speak only English at home. 10.6% of the population are military veterans. 24.8% of residents have a disability. 93.7% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
