Median Income
$58,929
22% lower than US avg
Home Value
$152,700
46% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
12/100K
97% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
18.0%
47% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$707
39% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
36.5%
14% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.4%
33% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
4.5%
64% lower than US avg
How Ossian Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population833
Median Age39.8 yrs
Density779/mi²
Male / Female56% / 44%
Largest GroupWhite 90%
Veterans5.2%
Economy
A
Median Income$58,929
Per Capita$35,989
Unemployment2.4%
Poverty4.5%
County GDP$1,354M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$152,700
Rent$707
Ownership78.3%
Zillow$264,067
Housing Units415
Rent Burden26.6%
Crime
F
Violent12/100K
Property1,201/100K
Health
Obesity36.5%
Uninsured7.0%
Smoking14.4%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease5.0%
Climate
Avg Temp49°F (9°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.6 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,261 ft (384 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+18.0%
High School+89.4%
Graduate+11.1%
School Score6.70
Community
2024 VoteR 54% / D 45%
Commute20 min
Broadband91.8%
EV Stations8
Libraries5
Is Ossian a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ossian receives an overall livability score of 3.2 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes. Ossian offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ossian is $58,929, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.4%. Only 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ossian is $152,700, 46% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ossian is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 12 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,201 per 100,000, 39% below the national average.
Education
18.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.7/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ossian experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 49°F. Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches, including 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ossian has a population of 833 with a density of 779 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age is 39.8 years, 2% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 44.3% female and 55.7% male. The city is predominantly White (90%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 92.5% of residents, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
Population
39.8yrs
Median Age
2% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
92.5%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.5%
44% below US avg
The median household income in Ossian is $58,929, which is 22% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $35,989. The average weekly wage is $989, 31% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.4% (below the 3.6% US average). 4.5% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 767 business establishments, including 60 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.9% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $58,929 |
| 22% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $35,989 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $989 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $79,419 |
| Gini Index | 0.440 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.4% |
| 33% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 4.5% |
| 64% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 767 |
| County GDP | $1,354M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 60 |
| Healthcare | 59 |
| Retail | 96 |
| Manufacturing | 30 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,702 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 3.08% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.3 min |
| Drive Alone | 80.1% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.9% |
The median home value in Ossian is $152,700, 46% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $264,067, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $707 (39% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 78.3% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 415 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,702 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 26.6% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $152,700 |
| 46% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $264,067 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $707 |
| 39% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 26.6% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 78.3% |
| Owner-Occupied | 78.3% |
| Renter-Occupied | 21.7% |
| Housing Units | 415 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,702 |
| 34% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 3.08% |
In Ossian, 36.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.6% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 5.0% of residents. 28.7% have high blood pressure. 14.4% are current smokers. 22.7% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 7.0% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995. The dentist ratio is 1:1,536. 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 9.1 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ossian vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 36.5% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.6% |
| Heart Disease | 5.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.7% |
| Asthma | 9.8% |
| COPD | 5.6% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.6% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 14.4% |
| 3% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 22.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.4% |
| Short Sleep | 29.3% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 90.4% |
| Uninsured | 7.0% |
| 19% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:995 |
| Dentists | 1:1,536 |
| Mental Health | 1:354 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.6% |
| Dental Visits | 69.6% |
| Premature Death | 4,480/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 9.1/10 |
| Exercise Access | 74.3% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 59 |
Ossian has a violent crime rate of 12 per 100,000 residents, 97% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,201 per 100,000, 39% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ossian receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ossian vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 12.4/100K |
| 97% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,200.6/100K |
| 39% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.4 / 5.0 |
Ossian experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winters average 19°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 37.6 inches. The area receives 37.5 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 1,261 feet.
Temperature
19°F Jan (-7°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 48.5°F |
| 10% below US avg |
| January Average | 19°F (-7°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,261 ft (384 m) |
| Area | 1.1 sq mi (2.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 779/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 43.1470°N, 91.7646°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Winneshiek County County |
| Nearest Airport | Northeast Iowa Regional (CCY)
43 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.6"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Aug)
4.41"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 36.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.2 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 91.6 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
465 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 11 fatalities, 375 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 15, 1968 |
EF5 |
55 km |
5 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
92 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF4 |
56 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
62 km |
2 |
| Aug 7, 2021 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| May 25, 2008 |
EF3 |
64 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 11, 2000 |
EF3 |
89 km |
1 |
| Jul 27, 1995 |
EF3 |
61 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 1994 |
EF3 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 19, 1993 |
EF3 |
83 km |
0 |
| May 30, 1985 |
EF3 |
38 km |
2 |
| Jun 5, 1980 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Jul 12, 1971 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 24, 1971 |
EF3 |
10 km |
1 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| Sep 3, 1964 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 7, 1964 |
EF3 |
62 km |
0 |
| May 26, 1959 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
19°F (-7°C) |
0.9 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
1.0 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| May |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
68°F (20°C) |
4.4 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
69°F (21°C) |
4.4 in |
Wettest |
| September |
61°F (16°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
49°F (10°C) |
2.5 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.3 in |
|
Ossian has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 19°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 33.8 inches, with August being the wettest month (4.4") and January the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Ossian. 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 | $679 |
| Toddler | $585 |
| Preschool | $585 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $450 |
| Preschool | $450 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ossian
What is the population of Ossian?
Ossian has a population of 833 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 779 people per square mile, spread across 1.1 square miles. The median age of residents is 39.8 years. The population is 44.3% female and 55.7% male.
Is Ossian expensive to live in?
Ossian 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 $58,929, 22% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $152,700 (46% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $707 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ossian safe?
Ossian is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 12 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,201 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ossian receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ossian?
Ossian has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 49°F (9°C). Winter temperatures average 19°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.6 inches, with 37.5 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ossian?
The job market in Ossian is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.4% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $989. There are 767 business establishments in the area, including 60 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.9% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ossian?
The median home value in Ossian is $152,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $264,067. For renters, the median monthly rent is $707. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 78.3%. The average annual property tax is $4,702.
How are the schools in Ossian?
Schools in Ossian score 6.7 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 18.0% of adults in Ossian hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 89.4% have completed high school. 11.1% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ossian?
The obesity rate in Ossian is 36.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 14.4% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 7.0% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 74.3% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:995.
What is transportation like in Ossian?
The average commute in Ossian is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 80.1% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.9% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ossian?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ossian is 90% White. 92.5% of residents speak only English at home, while 7.5% speak Spanish. 5.2% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 90.4% have health insurance coverage.
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