Median Income
$62,363
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$145,300
48% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
459/100K
21% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
12.4%
63% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$832
28% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
44.6%
39% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.7%
3% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.7%
14% lower than US avg
How Osceola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population5,495
Median Age38.2 yrs
Density689/mi²
Male / Female52% / 48%
Largest GroupWhite 79%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$62,363
Per Capita$33,053
Unemployment3.7%
Poverty10.7%
County GDP$639M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,300
Rent$832
Ownership56.0%
Zillow$183,728
Housing Units2,672
Rent Burden27.9%
Crime
F
Violent459/100K
Property2,393/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault364/100K
Burglary574/100K
Health
Obesity44.6%
Uninsured15.1%
Smoking20.6%
Depression21.7%
Heart Disease6.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation1,118 ft (341 m)
Education
D
Bachelor's+12.4%
High School+80.9%
Graduate+5.5%
School Score5.79
Community
2024 VoteR 70% / D 28%
Commute19 min
Broadband85.4%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Osceola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Osceola 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 a high uninsured rate, high obesity rates. Osceola has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Osceola is $62,363, 17% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.7%, indicating a healthy job market. 10.7% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Osceola is $145,300, 48% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $832 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.3x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,393 per 100,000, 22% above the national average.
Education
12.4% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Osceola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.7 inches, including 28.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Osceola has a population of 5,495 with a density of 689 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age is 38.2 years, 2% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.3% female and 51.7% male. The city is predominantly White (79%), with 3.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 83.7% of residents, while 16.3% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.2yrs
Median Age
2% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
83.7%
7% above US avg
Spanish
16.3%
22% above US avg
The median household income in Osceola is $62,363, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $33,053 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $961, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.7% (above the 3.6% US average). 10.7% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 248 business establishments, including 18 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 7.0% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,363 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $33,053 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $961 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $60,534 |
| Gini Index | 0.450 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.7% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.7% |
| 14% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 248 |
| County GDP | $639M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 18 |
| Healthcare | 29 |
| Retail | 25 |
| Manufacturing | 9 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,650 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.20% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 7.0% |
The median home value in Osceola is $145,300, 48% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,728, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $832 (28% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $700 for a one-bedroom to $919 for a two-bedroom apartment. 56.0% of housing units are owner-occupied (below the 65.4% national rate). There are 2,672 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1973. The average annual property tax is $4,650 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,300 |
| 48% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $183,728 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $832 |
| 28% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 27.9% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $682 |
| 1 Bedroom | $700 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $919 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,212 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,217 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 56.0% |
| Owner-Occupied | 56.0% |
| Renter-Occupied | 44.0% |
| Housing Units | 2,672 |
| Median Year Built | 1973 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,650 |
| 33% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.20% |
In Osceola, 44.6% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.7% have diabetes (above the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 6.9% of residents, above the national average. 33.7% have high blood pressure. 20.6% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.1% report binge drinking. 33.7% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.7% report depression. 19.4% experience frequent mental distress. 15.1% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,957. The dentist ratio is 1:3,231. 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Osceola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 44.6% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.7% |
| Heart Disease | 6.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 33.7% |
| Asthma | 10.4% |
| COPD | 8.6% |
| Cancer | 6.7% |
| Stroke | 3.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 20.6% |
| 47% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.1% |
| Physical Inactivity | 33.7% |
| Depression | 21.7% |
| Mental Distress | 19.4% |
| Physical Distress | 15.6% |
| Short Sleep | 34.0% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.2% |
| Uninsured | 15.1% |
| 76% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,957 |
| Dentists | 1:3,231 |
| Mental Health | 1:4,794 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.7% |
| Dental Visits | 56.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,721/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 62.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 29 |
Osceola has a violent crime rate of 459 per 100,000 residents, 21% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 363.7 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 95.7. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 2,393 per 100,000, 22% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,608, burglary at 574, vehicle theft at 211 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. The area has experienced 91 federally declared disasters. Overall, Osceola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Osceola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 459.4/100K |
| 21% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 95.7/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 363.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,392.8/100K |
| 22% above US avg |
| Burglary | 574.3/100K |
| Theft | 1,608.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 210.6/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 76 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
| FEMA Disasters | 91 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Osceola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 22°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 275 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 38.7 inches. The area receives 28.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,118 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 49.8°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,118 ft (341 m) |
| Area | 8.0 sq mi (20.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 689/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0297°N, 93.7853°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Clarke County County |
| Nearest Airport | Des Moines International (DSM)
33 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 18.4 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 60.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
1 earthquake (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.1. Most recent: M3.1 on Feb 11, 1995.
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
114 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
598 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 22 fatalities, 296 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 27, 1953 |
EF5 |
90 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2024 |
EF4 |
97 km |
5 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF4 |
42 km |
6 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF4 |
71 km |
3 |
| Jun 2, 1980 |
EF4 |
47 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
79 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1973 |
EF4 |
80 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1959 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
35 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
58 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 2001 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
74 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.3 in |
Warmest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| November |
38°F (3°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Osceola has a seasonal temperature swing of 53°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.9 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Osceola. 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 | $661 |
| Toddler | $570 |
| Preschool | $570 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $446 |
| Toddler | $439 |
| Preschool | $439 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Osceola
What is the population of Osceola?
Osceola has a population of 5,495 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 689 people per square mile, spread across 8.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.2 years. The population is 48.3% female and 51.7% male.
Is Osceola expensive to live in?
Osceola 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 $62,363, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,300 (48% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $832 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Osceola safe?
The violent crime rate in Osceola is 459 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,393 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Osceola receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Osceola?
Osceola has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 22°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.7 inches, with 28.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Osceola?
Osceola has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.7%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $961. There are 248 business establishments in the area, including 18 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 7.0% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Osceola?
The median home value in Osceola is $145,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $183,728. For renters, the median monthly rent is $832. Fair market rent is $700 for a 1-bedroom and $919 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 56.0%. The average annual property tax is $4,650.
How are the schools in Osceola?
Schools in Osceola score 5.8 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 12.4% of adults in Osceola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 80.9% have completed high school. 5.5% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Osceola?
The obesity rate in Osceola is 44.6% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 20.6% of adults are smokers. 33.7% are physically inactive. 21.7% of residents report depression. 15.1% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 62.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,957.
What is transportation like in Osceola?
The average commute in Osceola is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 7.0% work from home.
What are the demographics of Osceola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Osceola is 79% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino. 83.7% of residents speak only English at home, while 16.3% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 19.8% of residents have a disability. 95.2% have health insurance coverage.
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