Median Income
$59,167
21% lower than US avg
Home Value
$320,000
14% higher than US avg
Violent Crime
121/100K
68% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
41.8%
24% higher than US avg
Median Rent
$935
20% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.9%
15% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.2%
67% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.1%
75% lower than US avg
How Okoboji Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population806
Median Age51.0 yrs
Density458/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans7.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$59,167
Per Capita$55,879
Unemployment1.2%
Poverty3.1%
County GDP$1,529M
Commute18 min
Housing
B+
Home Value$320,000
Rent$935
Ownership67.0%
Zillow$406,656
Housing Units1,362
Rent Burden29.6%
Crime
F
Violent121/100K
Property2,111/100K
Health
Obesity36.9%
Uninsured5.0%
Smoking12.5%
Depression21.2%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain29.1 in/yr
Sunny Days291/yr
Elevation1,425 ft (434 m)
Education
A
Bachelor's+41.8%
High School+98.3%
Graduate+11.5%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 69% / D 29%
Commute18 min
Broadband87.2%
EV Stations3
Libraries5
Is Okoboji a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Okoboji receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, a highly educated population, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Okoboji offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Okoboji is $59,167, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.2%. Only 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Okoboji is $320,000, 14% above the national median. Renters pay a median of $935 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. The price-to-income ratio of 5.4x means housing costs are stretched relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Okoboji is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,111 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 41.8% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 98.3% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Okoboji experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 291 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches, including 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Okoboji has a population of 806 with a density of 458 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age is 51.0 years, 31% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.9% female and 48.1% male. The city is predominantly White (93.2%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 91.3% of residents, while 8.7% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.0yrs
Median Age
31% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
91.3%
16% above US avg
Spanish
8.7%
35% below US avg
The median household income in Okoboji is $59,167, which is 21% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $55,879 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $897, 37% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.2% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.1% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 958 business establishments, including 107 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 18 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 17.2% of workers work from home.
Income
| Median HH Income | $59,167 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $55,879 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $897 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $99,626 |
| Gini Index | 0.441 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.2% |
| 67% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.1% |
| 75% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 958 |
| County GDP | $1,529M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 107 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 107 |
| Manufacturing | 39 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 18.1 min |
| Drive Alone | 66.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 17.2% |
The median home value in Okoboji is $320,000, 14% above the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $406,656, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 96.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $935 (20% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 67.0% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 1,362 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1979. The average annual property tax is $7,645 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 29.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, above the traditionally affordable threshold of 3-4x.
Home Values
| Census Median | $320,000 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $406,656 |
| Median List Price | $649,450 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $649,450 |
| $/Sq Ft | $183 |
| Homes Sold | 2 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 96.2% |
| Price Drops | 7.4% |
| Inventory | 27 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $935 |
| 20% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 29.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 67.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 67.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 33.0% |
| Housing Units | 1,362 |
| Median Year Built | 1979 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $7,645 |
| 118% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.39% |
In Okoboji, 36.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.0% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.4% have high blood pressure. 12.5% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 19.5% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.2% report depression. 16.3% experience frequent mental distress. 5.0% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190. The dentist ratio is 1:1,387. 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Okoboji vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.9% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.0% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.4% |
| Asthma | 10.1% |
| COPD | 5.0% |
| Cancer | 7.8% |
| Stroke | 2.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.5% |
| 11% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.5% |
| Depression | 21.2% |
| Mental Distress | 16.3% |
| Physical Distress | 10.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.3% |
| Uninsured | 5.0% |
| 42% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,190 |
| Dentists | 1:1,387 |
| Mental Health | 1:860 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.4% |
| Dental Visits | 71.8% |
| Premature Death | 4,872/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 79.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Okoboji has a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, 68% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,111 per 100,000, 8% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 1 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Okoboji receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Okoboji vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 120.6/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,111.0/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Okoboji experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 291 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 29.1 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 41.5 inches of snow annually, making winter weather a significant factor for residents. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,425 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 45.7°F |
| 15% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 291 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,425 ft (434 m) |
| Area | 1.9 sq mi (4.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 458/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.3881°N, 95.1332°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Dickinson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
75 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
29.1"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.21"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 15.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 86.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
127 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
63 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
546 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 8 fatalities, 222 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF5 |
85 km |
1 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
77 km |
0 |
| Jun 25, 2010 |
EF4 |
66 km |
0 |
| Mar 29, 1998 |
EF4 |
70 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
95 km |
3 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
90 km |
0 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Aug 1, 2006 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Aug 7, 1994 |
EF3 |
59 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 1992 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 1985 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
77 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
27 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF3 |
73 km |
2 |
| Jun 10, 1977 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Oct 1, 1971 |
EF3 |
49 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
2 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
28 km |
| 2024 |
LINCOLN WPA RX |
575 |
99 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
20°F (-7°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.8 in |
|
| April |
46°F (8°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.9 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| October |
49°F (9°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| November |
32°F (0°C) |
1.3 in |
|
| December |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Okoboji has a seasonal temperature swing of 57°F / from 16°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.6 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Okoboji. 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 | $717 |
| Toddler | $617 |
| Preschool | $617 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $484 |
| Toddler | $476 |
| Preschool | $476 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Okoboji
What is the population of Okoboji?
Okoboji has a population of 806 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 458 people per square mile, spread across 1.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.0 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.9% female and 48.1% male.
Is Okoboji expensive to live in?
Okoboji 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 $59,167, 21% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $320,000 (14% above the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $935 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 5.4x, which means housing is a stretch relative to local earnings.
Is Okoboji safe?
Okoboji is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 121 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,111 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Okoboji receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Okoboji?
Okoboji 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 73°F in July. The area receives 291 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 29.1 inches, with 41.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Okoboji?
The job market in Okoboji is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.2% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $897. There are 958 business establishments in the area, including 107 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 18 minutes, and 17.2% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Okoboji?
The median home value in Okoboji is $320,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $406,656. For renters, the median monthly rent is $935. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 67.0%. The average annual property tax is $7,645.
How are the schools in Okoboji?
Schools in Okoboji score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 41.8% of adults in Okoboji hold a bachelor's degree or higher, above the national average of 33.7%. 98.3% have completed high school. 11.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Okoboji?
The obesity rate in Okoboji is 36.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.5% of adults are smokers. 19.5% are physically inactive. 21.2% of residents report depression. 5.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 79.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,190.
What is transportation like in Okoboji?
The average commute in Okoboji is 18 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 66.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 17.2% work from home.
What are the demographics of Okoboji?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Okoboji is 93.2% White. 91.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 8.7% speak Spanish. 7.9% of the population are military veterans. 12.2% of residents have a disability. 97.3% have health insurance coverage.
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