Median Income
$79,250
5% higher than US avg
Home Value
$145,000
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
117/100K
69% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
23.1%
31% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$863
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
34.3%
7% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.6%
83% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
10.5%
15% lower than US avg
How Oskaloosa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,172
Median Age36.6 yrs
Density1,184/mi²
Male / Female53% / 47%
Largest GroupWhite 92%
Veterans5.6%
Economy
A
Median Income$79,250
Per Capita$39,429
Unemployment0.6%
Poverty10.5%
County GDP$501M
Commute24 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$145,000
Rent$863
Ownership78.1%
Zillow$296,801
Housing Units454
Rent Burden24.5%
Crime
F
Violent117/100K
Property2,345/100K
Health
Obesity34.3%
Uninsured8.2%
Smoking14.7%
Depression21.9%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp55°F (13°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain38.3 in/yr
Sunny Days302/yr
Elevation1,116 ft (340 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+23.1%
High School+95.3%
Graduate+8.4%
School Score5.95
Community
2024 VoteR 67% / D 31%
Commute24 min
Broadband93.1%
EV Stations1
Libraries6
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, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. 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 $79,250, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.6%. 10.5% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oskaloosa is $145,000, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $863 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.8x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Oskaloosa is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,345 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
23.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 6/10.
Climate & Weather
Oskaloosa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 55°F. Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 302 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 38.3 inches, including 16.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Oskaloosa has a population of 1,172 with a density of 1,184 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age is 36.6 years, 6% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 47.4% female and 52.6% male. The city is predominantly White (91.5%), with 1.1% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.4% of residents. 5.6% of the population are veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
Population
36.6yrs
Median Age
6% below US avg
Race & Ethnicity
Oskaloosa vs U.S. Average
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.4%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.6%
81% below US avg
Social Characteristics
Oskaloosa vs U.S. Average
The median household income in Oskaloosa is $79,250, which is 5% above the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $39,429. The average weekly wage is $990, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.6% (below the 3.6% US average). 10.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 416 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 24 minutes. 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income: Oskaloosa vs U.S.
Income
| Median HH Income | $79,250 |
| 5% above US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $39,429 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $990 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,806 |
| Gini Index | 0.405 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.6% |
| 83% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 10.5% |
| 15% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 416 |
| County GDP | $501M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 27 |
| Retail | 47 |
| Manufacturing | 13 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,086 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.82% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 23.6 min |
| Drive Alone | 81.4% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in Oskaloosa is $145,000, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,801, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $863 (26% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.1% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 454 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,086 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 24.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $145,000 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $296,801 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $863 |
| 26% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 24.5% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.1% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.1% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.9% |
| Housing Units | 454 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,086 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.82% |
In Oskaloosa, 34.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.7% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 29.3% have high blood pressure. 14.7% are current smokers. 19.9% report binge drinking. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% report depression. 16.9% experience frequent mental distress. 8.2% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,841. The dentist ratio is 1:6,115. 26.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.2 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oskaloosa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 34.3% |
| 7% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 29.3% |
| Asthma | 10.0% |
| COPD | 5.8% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.7% |
| 5% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.9% |
| Physical Inactivity | 23.2% |
| Depression | 21.9% |
| Mental Distress | 16.9% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 33.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.5% |
| Uninsured | 8.2% |
| 5% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,841 |
| Dentists | 1:6,115 |
| Mental Health | 1:2,036 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.1% |
| Dental Visits | 64.7% |
| Premature Death | 9,032/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.2/10 |
| Exercise Access | 26.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 27 |
Oskaloosa has a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, 69% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 2,345 per 100,000, 20% above the U.S. average. The county recorded 4 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 | 117.2/100K |
| 69% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 2,344.7/100K |
| 20% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 4 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oskaloosa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 55°F (13°C). Winters average 28°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 302 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 38.3 inches. The area receives 16.4 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 1,116 feet.
Temperature
28°F Jan (-2°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 54.5°F |
| 1% above US avg |
| January Average | 28°F (-2°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 302 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,116 ft (340 m) |
| Area | 1.0 sq mi (2.6 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,184/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 39.2160°N, 95.3147°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Jefferson County County |
| Nearest Airport | Lawrence Regional (LWC)
15 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
38.3"
1% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
5.39"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 19.7 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 10.6 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 87.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Low |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
9 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.8. Most recent: M2.5 on Jan 24, 2023.
| Sep 16, 2019 |
15 km NW of Elmdale, Kansas |
M3.8 |
148 km |
| Dec 17, 2009 |
2 km NW of Auburn, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
140 km |
| May 18, 2005 |
Missouri |
M3.3 |
144 km |
| Mar 23, 2007 |
5 km N of Nortonville, Kansas |
M3.1 |
28 km |
| Feb 11, 1995 |
6 km E of Clearmont, Missouri |
M3.1 |
147 km |
| May 13, 1999 |
6 km WSW of Kansas City, Kansas |
M3.0 |
55 km |
| Jan 6, 2014 |
5 km NW of Liberty, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
144 km |
| Mar 31, 1993 |
2 km SE of Nemaha, Nebraska |
M2.9 |
126 km |
| Jan 24, 2023 |
Kansas |
M2.5 |
149 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
663 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 94 fatalities, 1,202 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF5 |
62 km |
16 |
| May 20, 1957 |
EF5 |
87 km |
44 |
| May 28, 2019 |
EF4 |
42 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
45 km |
2 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1966 |
EF4 |
13 km |
1 |
| Aug 6, 1962 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1961 |
EF4 |
34 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
88 km |
0 |
| May 19, 1960 |
EF4 |
55 km |
1 |
| May 22, 1952 |
EF4 |
28 km |
0 |
| Apr 30, 2024 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 21, 2019 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Mar 6, 2017 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| May 28, 2013 |
EF3 |
86 km |
0 |
| May 21, 2011 |
EF3 |
99 km |
1 |
| May 2, 2008 |
EF3 |
72 km |
0 |
| May 29, 2004 |
EF3 |
54 km |
0 |
| May 8, 2003 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: WAGSTAFF (16,111 ac, 2023).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2023 |
WAGSTAFF |
16,111 |
94 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
15,512 |
90 km |
| 2023 |
SMITH HILLS |
8,445 |
98 km |
| 2005 |
OAKS |
5,673 |
74 km |
| 2017 |
WARREN ROAD |
5,037 |
67 km |
| 2022 |
ILLINOIS CREEK |
5,008 |
96 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,244 |
73 km |
| 2004 |
KRAUSE |
3,012 |
75 km |
| 2020 |
BOURBONAIS CREEK |
2,803 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
345 |
2,430 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
400 AND ROAD L |
2,393 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
UNNAMED |
2,377 |
98 km |
| 1988 |
UNNAMED |
2,186 |
82 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
2,010 |
88 km |
| 2021 |
4 DELTA 21 |
1,708 |
56 km |
| 2011 |
182 |
1,575 |
58 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
1,575 |
60 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,408 |
64 km |
| 1991 |
UNNAMED |
1,194 |
84 km |
| 1994 |
UNNAMED |
1,097 |
75 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
28°F (-2°C) |
1.0 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
33°F (0°C) |
1.1 in |
|
| March |
43°F (6°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
54°F (12°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
64°F (18°C) |
5.3 in |
|
| June |
73°F (23°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
4.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
76°F (25°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
68°F (20°C) |
4.8 in |
|
| October |
56°F (14°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| November |
42°F (6°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
32°F (-0°C) |
1.5 in |
|
Oskaloosa has a seasonal temperature swing of 51°F / from 28°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 38.8 inches, with June being the wettest month (5.4") and January 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) |
$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 | $804 |
| Toddler | $717 |
| Preschool | $625 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $565 |
| Toddler | $471 |
| Preschool | $471 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oskaloosa
What is the population of Oskaloosa?
Oskaloosa has a population of 1,172 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 1,184 people per square mile, spread across 1.0 square miles. The median age of residents is 36.6 years, which is younger than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 47.4% female and 52.6% male.
Is Oskaloosa expensive to live in?
Oskaloosa 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 $79,250, 5% above the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $145,000 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $863 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.8x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oskaloosa safe?
Oskaloosa is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 117 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 2,345 per 100,000 (above 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 55°F (13°C). Winter temperatures average 28°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 302 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 38.3 inches, with 16.4 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Oskaloosa?
The job market in Oskaloosa is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.6% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $990. There are 416 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oskaloosa?
The median home value in Oskaloosa is $145,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $296,801. For renters, the median monthly rent is $863. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.1%. The average annual property tax is $4,086.
How are the schools in Oskaloosa?
Schools in Oskaloosa score 6 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 23.1% of adults in Oskaloosa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 95.3% have completed high school. 8.4% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oskaloosa?
The obesity rate in Oskaloosa is 34.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.7% of adults are smokers. 23.2% are physically inactive. 21.9% of residents report depression. 8.2% lack health insurance. 26.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,841.
What is transportation like in Oskaloosa?
The average commute in Oskaloosa is 24 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 81.4% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oskaloosa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oskaloosa is 91.5% White, 1.1% Hispanic or Latino. 97.4% of residents speak only English at home. 5.6% of the population are military veterans. 13.6% of residents have a disability. 90.5% have health insurance coverage.
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