Median Income
$85,673
14% higher than US avg
Home Value
$143,800
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
25/100K
93% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
19.5%
42% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$611
47% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.9%
27% higher than US avg
Unemployment
1.1%
69% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
3.9%
69% lower than US avg
How Osceola Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population867
Median Age41.1 yrs
Density942/mi²
Male / Female55% / 45%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans7.4%
Economy
A+
Median Income$85,673
Per Capita$37,923
Unemployment1.1%
Poverty3.9%
County GDP$467M
Commute15 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$143,800
Rent$611
Ownership70.7%
Zillow$182,638
Housing Units339
Rent Burden20.2%
Crime
F
Violent25/100K
Property2,733/100K
Health
Obesity40.9%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking14.7%
Depression18.8%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI32 (Good)
Rain28.8 in/yr
Sunny Days308/yr
Elevation1,639 ft (500 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+19.5%
High School+95.5%
Graduate+4.8%
School Score5.94
Community
2024 VoteR 81% / D 18%
Commute15 min
Broadband82.9%
EV Stations1
Libraries4
Is Osceola a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Osceola receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include above-average household incomes, low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Osceola offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Osceola is $85,673, 14% above the national average of $75,149. Residents generally enjoy above-average earning potential. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 1.1%. Only 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Osceola is $143,800, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $611 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.7x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Osceola is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,733 per 100,000, 39% above the national average.
Education
19.5% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.9/10.
Climate & Weather
Osceola experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 308 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 28.8 inches, including 29.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32.
Osceola has a population of 867 with a density of 942 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age is 41.1 years, 6% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.8% female and 55.2% male. The city is predominantly White (86.2%), with 8.2% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 94.3% of residents, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.1yrs
Median Age
6% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
94.3%
20% above US avg
Spanish
5.7%
57% below US avg
The median household income in Osceola is $85,673, which is 14% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,923. The average weekly wage is $914, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 1.1% (below the 3.6% US average). 3.9% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 172 business establishments, including 6 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 15 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.6% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $85,673 |
| 14% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,923 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $914 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,206 |
| Gini Index | 0.382 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 1.1% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 3.9% |
| 69% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 172 |
| County GDP | $467M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 6 |
| Healthcare | 9 |
| Retail | 17 |
| Manufacturing | 7 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $2,950 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.05% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.6% |
The median home value in Osceola is $143,800, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,638, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $611 (47% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $791 for a one-bedroom to $1,001 for a two-bedroom apartment. 70.7% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 339 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1960. The average annual property tax is $2,950 (lower than the $3,500 national average). 20.2% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $143,800 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $182,638 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $611 |
| 47% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 20.2% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $706 |
| 1 Bedroom | $791 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,001 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,274 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,409 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 70.7% |
| Owner-Occupied | 70.7% |
| Renter-Occupied | 29.3% |
| Housing Units | 339 |
| Median Year Built | 1960 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $2,950 |
| 16% below US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.05% |
In Osceola, 40.9% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.9% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.8% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 22.8% report binge drinking. 25.7% are physically inactive. 18.8% report depression. 15.8% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,725. The dentist ratio is 1:2,583. 29.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Osceola vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.9% |
| 27% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.9% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.8% |
| Asthma | 9.6% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.7% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 25.7% |
| Depression | 18.8% |
| Mental Distress | 15.8% |
| Physical Distress | 11.3% |
| Short Sleep | 30.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 91.9% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,725 |
| Dentists | 1:2,583 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,614 |
| Checkup Rate | 71.0% |
| Dental Visits | 62.9% |
| Premature Death | 7,162/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 29.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 9 |
Osceola has a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, 93% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,733 per 100,000, 39% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Osceola receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Osceola vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 25.0/100K |
| 93% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,733.4/100K |
| 39% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 3.3 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Osceola experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 24°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. The area gets 308 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 28.8 inches (drier than the 38-inch national average). The area receives 29.3 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 32. The city sits at an elevation of 1,639 feet.
Temperature
24°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.5°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 24°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 308 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,639 ft (500 m) |
| Area | 0.9 sq mi (2.4 km²) |
| Population Density | 942/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.1785°N, 97.5500°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Polk County County |
| Nearest Airport | Central Nebraska Regional (GRI) 42 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
28.8"
24% below US avg
Wettest Month (May)
4.29"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 32.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 61.1 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively High |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Very Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
19 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Feb 24, 2025.
| Jul 17, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.8 |
142 km |
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
148 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
75 km |
| Jul 26, 2022 |
8 km WSW of Superior, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
143 km |
| Sep 18, 2023 |
Nebraska |
M3.4 |
129 km |
| Jun 20, 2002 |
8 km NE of Scotia, Nebraska |
M3.3 |
97 km |
| Jul 18, 1990 |
10 km SSW of Ord, Nebraska |
M3.0 |
123 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
146 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
11 km N of Guide Rock, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
128 km |
| Jul 1, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
129 km |
| Mar 17, 2023 |
8 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
131 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
9 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
130 km |
| Feb 24, 2025 |
7 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.8 |
129 km |
| Feb 5, 2025 |
8 km SSE of Tilden, Nebraska |
M2.7 |
91 km |
| Sep 19, 2023 |
10 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.6 |
128 km |
| Sep 3, 2023 |
10 km SSW of Lawrence, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
126 km |
| Mar 17, 2024 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Aug 20, 2023 |
11 km E of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
128 km |
| Aug 22, 2023 |
10 km ENE of Cowles, Nebraska |
M2.5 |
126 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
763 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 25 fatalities, 541 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF5 |
98 km |
4 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
93 km |
1 |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
98 km |
1 |
| May 22, 2004 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 13, 2001 |
EF4 |
54 km |
0 |
| Jun 3, 1980 |
EF4 |
69 km |
3 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
11 km |
0 |
| Apr 7, 1978 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
95 km |
4 |
| May 8, 1965 |
EF4 |
94 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1964 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Apr 25, 1957 |
EF4 |
67 km |
1 |
| May 30, 1954 |
EF4 |
63 km |
6 |
| Aug 13, 1952 |
EF4 |
81 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| Apr 26, 2024 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2014 |
EF3 |
55 km |
0 |
| Jun 20, 2011 |
EF3 |
18 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
24°F (-5°C) |
0.5 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
28°F (-2°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
38°F (4°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
51°F (10°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.3 in |
Wettest |
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
1.9 in |
|
| November |
37°F (3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Osceola has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 24°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.0 inches, with May being the wettest month (4.3") and January the driest (0.5").
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) |
$225 ($135–$360) |
| Specialist Visit |
$315 ($180–$496) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$180 ($90–$315) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,982 ($721–$4,505) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$117 ($68–$180) |
| Dental Filling |
$225 ($135–$360) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$41 ($23–$68) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$68 ($45–$108) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Tire Rotation |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$541 ($360–$901) |
| Battery Replacement |
$180 ($90–$315) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$90 ($54–$135) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$81 ($45–$126) |
| HVAC Repair |
$360 ($135–$721) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,307 ($3,604–$10,812) |
| Roof Repair |
$901 ($360–$1,802) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,109 ($4,956–$13,515) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,352 ($451–$3,154) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,515 ($4,505–$27,030) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,505 ($1,802–$9,010) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,352 ($721–$2,703) |
| Will Preparation |
$451 ($180–$901) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,253 ($901–$4,505) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Women's Haircut |
$50 ($27–$90) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$135 ($68–$225) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$41) |
| Pedicure |
$36 ($23–$59) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$72 ($45–$117) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.69 ($2.70–$4.96) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.15 ($2.25–$4.51) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.42 ($2.25–$4.96) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.05 ($2.70–$5.86) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.96 ($3.60–$6.76) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.90 ($0.54–$1.62) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$126 ($72–$225) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$135) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$108) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$63 ($36–$90) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$59 ($27–$90) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$77 ($45–$135) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$180 ($68–$451) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,802 ($1,081–$3,154) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$63 ($27–$117) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.21–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$90 ($27–$225) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$27 ($14–$68) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,081 ($541–$2,253) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$901 ($451–$1,802) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$360 ($180–$631) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$45 ($23–$90) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$901 ($360–$2,253) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,263 ($4,505–$27,030) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$90 ($45–$180) |
| Dog Grooming |
$54 ($27–$90) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$36 ($18–$68) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$270 ($135–$451) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$180 ($90–$360) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $811 |
| Toddler | $769 |
| Preschool | $704 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $465 |
| Toddler | $487 |
| Preschool | $498 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Osceola
What is the population of Osceola?
Osceola has a population of 867 residents and is located in Nebraska. The population density is 942 people per square mile, spread across 0.9 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.1 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 44.8% female and 55.2% male.
Is Osceola expensive to live in?
Osceola is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 90.1 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $85,673, 14% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $143,800 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $611 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.7x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Osceola safe?
Osceola is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 25 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,733 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 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 24°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 308 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 28.8 inches, with 29.3 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 32.
How is the job market in Osceola?
The job market in Osceola is very strong, with unemployment at just 1.1% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $914. There are 172 business establishments in the area, including 6 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and 2.6% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Osceola?
The median home value in Osceola is $143,800. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $182,638. For renters, the median monthly rent is $611. Fair market rent is $791 for a 1-bedroom and $1,001 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 70.7%. The average annual property tax is $2,950.
How are the schools in Osceola?
Schools in Osceola score 5.9 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 19.5% of adults in Osceola hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.5% have completed high school. 4.8% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Osceola?
The obesity rate in Osceola is 40.9% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 25.7% are physically inactive. 18.8% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 29.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,725.
What is transportation like in Osceola?
The average commute in Osceola is 15 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.6% work from home.
What are the demographics of Osceola?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Osceola is 86.2% White, 8.2% Hispanic or Latino. 94.3% of residents speak only English at home, while 5.7% speak Spanish. 7.4% of the population are military veterans. 11.4% of residents have a disability. 91.9% have health insurance coverage.