Median Income
$62,172
17% lower than US avg
Home Value
$128,900
54% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
473/100K
24% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
26.0%
23% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$880
24% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
40.2%
25% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.8%
22% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
8.3%
33% lower than US avg
How Oskaloosa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population11,492
Median Age37.9 yrs
Density1,426/mi²
Male / Female50% / 50%
Largest GroupWhite 93%
Veterans5.9%
Economy
A
Median Income$62,172
Per Capita$35,799
Unemployment2.8%
Poverty8.3%
County GDP$1,192M
Commute16 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$128,900
Rent$880
Ownership60.5%
Zillow$181,520
Housing Units5,079
Rent Burden24.7%
Crime
F
Violent473/100K
Property1,787/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault377/100K
Burglary473/100K
Health
Obesity40.2%
Uninsured7.8%
Smoking18.1%
Depression22.8%
Heart Disease5.9%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain38.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation846 ft (258 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+26.0%
High School+94.0%
Graduate+6.7%
School Score5.36
Community
2024 VoteR 75% / D 24%
Commute16 min
Broadband85.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries2
Is Oskaloosa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oskaloosa receives an overall livability score of 3.3 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. Oskaloosa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oskaloosa is $62,172, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.8%. 8.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oskaloosa is $128,900, 54% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.1x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 473 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,787 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
26.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.4/10.
Climate & Weather
Oskaloosa 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Oskaloosa has a population of 11,492 with a density of 1,426 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age is 37.9 years, 3% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.3% female and 49.7% male. The city is predominantly White (92.7%), with 1.3% Hispanic, 2% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97% of residents. 5.9% of the population are veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.9yrs
Median Age
3% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Oskaloosa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.0%
24% above US avg
Spanish
3.0%
78% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Oskaloosa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Oskaloosa is $62,172, which is 17% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,799. The average weekly wage is $1,067, 25% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.8% (below the 3.6% US average). 8.3% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 625 business establishments, including 44 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 16 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.5% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Oskaloosa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $62,172 |
| 17% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,799 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,067 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $73,144 |
| Gini Index | 0.426 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.8% |
| 22% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 8.3% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 625 |
| County GDP | $1,192M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 44 |
| Healthcare | 43 |
| Retail | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 26 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,289 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.33% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 15.8 min |
| Drive Alone | 79.3% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.5% |
The median home value in Oskaloosa is $128,900, 54% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,520, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 94.2% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $880 (24% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 60.5% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 5,079 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1962. The average annual property tax is $4,289 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $128,900 |
| 54% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $181,520 |
| Median List Price | $114,750 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $114,750 |
| $/Sq Ft | $145 |
| Homes Sold | 7 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 94.2% |
| Price Drops | 30.4% |
| Inventory | 23 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $880 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 60.5% |
| Owner-Occupied | 60.5% |
| Renter-Occupied | 39.5% |
| Housing Units | 5,079 |
| Median Year Built | 1962 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,289 |
| 23% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.33% |
In Oskaloosa, 40.2% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.9% of residents. 32.5% have high blood pressure. 18.1% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 20.9% report binge drinking. 28.6% are physically inactive. 22.8% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 7.8% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,374. The dentist ratio is 1:1,995. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.1 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-28)
PM2.5
4.2
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
5.1
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
13.4
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
0.8
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
148.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Oskaloosa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 40.2% |
| 25% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.9% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.5% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.2% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 18.1% |
| 29% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 28.6% |
| Depression | 22.8% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 13.4% |
| Short Sleep | 35.9% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.0% |
| Uninsured | 7.8% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,374 |
| Dentists | 1:1,995 |
| Mental Health | 1:706 |
| Checkup Rate | 74.7% |
| Dental Visits | 64.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,887/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 70.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 43 |
Oskaloosa has a violent crime rate of 473 per 100,000 residents, 24% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 376.7 per 100,000, robbery at 35.0, rape at 61.3. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,787 per 100,000, 9% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,148, burglary at 473, vehicle theft at 166 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oskaloosa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oskaloosa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 473.1/100K |
| 24% above US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 61.3/100K |
| Robbery | 35.0/100K |
| Assault | 376.7/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,787.1/100K |
| 9% below US avg |
| Burglary | 473.1/100K |
| Theft | 1,147.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 166.5/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Traffic Accidents | 45 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.5 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oskaloosa 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 846 feet.
Temperature
22°F Jan (-6°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.1°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 22°F (-6°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 846 ft (258 m) |
| Area | 7.4 sq mi (19.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,426/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.2922°N, 92.6409°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Mahaska County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM)
16 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.7"
2% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.45"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 29.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 23.0 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 78.9 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
560 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 16 fatalities, 362 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
51 km |
0 |
| Sep 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
95 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1974 |
EF4 |
95 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
100 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
74 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
74 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
74 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
88 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
63 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
76 km |
0 |
| Sep 16, 1978 |
EF3 |
88 km |
6 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF3 |
90 km |
0 |
| May 31, 1971 |
EF3 |
94 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (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 |
62 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
71 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
72 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
74 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
72 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
22°F (-6°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.0 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| June |
71°F (22°C) |
4.2 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.5 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
73°F (23°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| September |
65°F (18°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
53°F (12°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| December |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Oskaloosa has a seasonal temperature swing of 54°F / from 22°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.6 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.5") and February the driest (1.0").
Average costs for common services in Oskaloosa. 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 | $680 |
| Toddler | $586 |
| Preschool | $586 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $459 |
| Toddler | $452 |
| Preschool | $452 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oskaloosa
What is the population of Oskaloosa?
Oskaloosa has a population of 11,492 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,426 people per square mile, spread across 7.4 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.9 years. The population is 50.3% female and 49.7% male.
Is Oskaloosa expensive to live in?
Oskaloosa 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 $62,172, 17% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $128,900 (54% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $880 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oskaloosa safe?
The violent crime rate in Oskaloosa is 473 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 1,787 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Oskaloosa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oskaloosa?
Oskaloosa 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. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Oskaloosa?
The job market in Oskaloosa is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.8% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,067. There are 625 business establishments in the area, including 44 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and 5.5% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oskaloosa?
The median home value in Oskaloosa is $128,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $181,520. For renters, the median monthly rent is $880. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 60.5%. The average annual property tax is $4,289.
How are the schools in Oskaloosa?
Schools in Oskaloosa score 5.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 26.0% of adults in Oskaloosa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 94.0% have completed high school. 6.7% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oskaloosa?
The obesity rate in Oskaloosa is 40.2% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 18.1% of adults are smokers. 28.6% are physically inactive. 22.8% of residents report depression. 7.8% lack health insurance. 70.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,374.
What is transportation like in Oskaloosa?
The average commute in Oskaloosa is 16 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 79.3% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.5% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oskaloosa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oskaloosa is 92.7% White, 2% Black or African American, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino. 97% of residents speak only English at home. 5.9% of the population are military veterans. 14.2% of residents have a disability. 95.0% have health insurance coverage.
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