Median Income
$51,701
31% lower than US avg
Home Value
$80,700
71% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
59/100K
84% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
13.3%
61% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$690
41% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.0%
31% higher than US avg
Unemployment
5.0%
39% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
45% higher than US avg
How Oswego Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population1,770
Median Age38.5 yrs
Density734/mi²
Male / Female47% / 53%
Largest GroupWhite 86%
Veterans5.5%
Economy
B
Median Income$51,701
Per Capita$26,358
Unemployment5.0%
Poverty18.0%
County GDP$1,082M
Commute19 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$80,700
Rent$690
Ownership65.6%
Zillow$72,099
Housing Units820
Rent Burden23.1%
Crime
F
Violent59/100K
Property654/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault59/100K
Burglary119/100K
Health
Obesity42.0%
Uninsured10.6%
Smoking19.5%
Depression23.0%
Heart Disease6.5%
Climate
Avg Temp57°F (14°C)
AQI39 (Good)
Rain44.9 in/yr
Sunny Days305/yr
Elevation908 ft (277 m)
Education
C
Bachelor's+13.3%
High School+92.2%
Graduate+6.0%
School Score6.14
Community
2024 VoteR 68% / D 30%
Commute19 min
Broadband81.1%
EV Stations3
Libraries6
Is Oswego a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oswego receives an overall livability score of 2.8 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C+. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include an elevated poverty rate, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Oswego has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Oswego is $51,701, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The unemployment rate of 5.0% is somewhat elevated compared to the national rate of 3.6%. The poverty rate of 18.0% exceeds the national average of 12.4%, indicating economic hardship for a significant portion of the population. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oswego is $80,700, 71% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $690 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Oswego is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 654 per 100,000, 67% below the national average.
Education
13.3% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.1/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Oswego enjoys a moderate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F. Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. With 305 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 44.9 inches, including 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39.
Oswego has a population of 1,770 with a density of 734 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age is 38.5 years, 1% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 53.3% female and 46.7% male. The city is predominantly White (85.5%), with 7% Hispanic, 2.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.6% of residents. 5.5% of the population are veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
38.5yrs
Median Age
1% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.6%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.4%
82% below US avg
The median household income in Oswego is $51,701, which is 31% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $26,358 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $918, 36% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 5.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 18.0% of residents live below the poverty line, higher than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 498 business establishments, including 43 restaurants. The cost of living index is 90.1, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 19 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 2.4% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $51,701 |
| 31% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $26,358 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $918 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $52,716 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 5.0% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 18.0% |
| 45% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 498 |
| County GDP | $1,082M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 43 |
| Healthcare | 76 |
| Retail | 77 |
| Manufacturing | 34 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,541 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 90.10 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.39% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 19.0 min |
| Drive Alone | 86.2% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 2.4% |
The median home value in Oswego is $80,700, 71% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $72,099, lower than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $690 (41% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $753 for a one-bedroom to $947 for a two-bedroom apartment. 65.6% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 820 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1959. The average annual property tax is $3,541. 23.1% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $80,700 |
| 71% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $72,099 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $690 |
| 41% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 23.1% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $702 |
| 1 Bedroom | $753 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $947 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,223 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,397 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 65.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 65.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 34.4% |
| Housing Units | 820 |
| Median Year Built | 1959 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,541 |
| 1% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.39% |
In Oswego, 42.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.8% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.5% of residents. 34.7% have high blood pressure. 19.5% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 17.3% report binge drinking. 30.8% are physically inactive, above the national average. 23.0% report depression. 19.5% experience frequent mental distress. 10.6% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991. The dentist ratio is 1:2,195. 51.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oswego vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.0% |
| 31% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.8% |
| Heart Disease | 6.5% |
| High Blood Pressure | 34.7% |
| Asthma | 11.2% |
| COPD | 8.1% |
| Cancer | 7.2% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.5% |
| 39% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 17.3% |
| Physical Inactivity | 30.8% |
| Depression | 23.0% |
| Mental Distress | 19.5% |
| Physical Distress | 14.2% |
| Short Sleep | 38.2% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 88.1% |
| Uninsured | 10.6% |
| 23% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,991 |
| Dentists | 1:2,195 |
| Mental Health | 1:858 |
| Checkup Rate | 73.6% |
| Dental Visits | 60.0% |
| Premature Death | 10,132/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 51.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 76 |
Oswego has a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, 84% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 59.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 654 per 100,000, 67% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 357, burglary at 119, vehicle theft at 178 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 2 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Oswego receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oswego vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 59.5/100K |
| 84% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 59.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 654.0/100K |
| 67% below US avg |
| Burglary | 118.9/100K |
| Theft | 356.7/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 178.4/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 2 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oswego enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winters average 32°F in January while summers reach 79°F in July. The area gets 305 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 44.9 inches. The area receives 7.1 inches of snow annually. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 39. The city sits at an elevation of 908 feet.
Temperature
32°F Jan (0°C)
79°F Jul (26°C)
| Annual Average | 56.5°F |
| 5% above US avg |
| January Average | 32°F (0°C) |
| July Average | 79°F (26°C) |
| Sunny Days | 305 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 908 ft (277 m) |
| Area | 2.3 sq mi (6.0 km²) |
| Population Density | 734/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 37.1676°N, 95.1121°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Labette County County |
| Nearest Airport | Miami Regional (MIO)
22 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
44.9"
18% above US avg
Wettest Month (May)
5.35"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 39.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 66.2 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 84.7 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 65.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| 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 Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively High |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Moderate |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
5 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.8 on Mar 23, 2024.
| Mar 23, 2024 |
9 km SE of Foyil, Oklahoma |
M2.8 |
94 km |
| Jan 14, 2016 |
7 km W of Talala, Oklahoma |
M2.7 |
93 km |
| Sep 3, 2015 |
6 km WSW of Vera, Oklahoma |
M2.6 |
111 km |
| May 21, 2010 |
2 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.6 |
116 km |
| Apr 29, 2010 |
3 km SW of Centerton, Arkansas |
M2.5 |
117 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
642 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 219 fatalities, 2,167 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF5 |
48 km |
158 |
| May 10, 2008 |
EF4 |
19 km |
21 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF4 |
28 km |
4 |
| Apr 26, 1991 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Apr 24, 1975 |
EF4 |
60 km |
3 |
| Sep 27, 1959 |
EF4 |
37 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1956 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
79 km |
3 |
| May 22, 2019 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
| May 22, 2011 |
EF3 |
79 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 2005 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
17 km |
5 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
86 km |
7 |
| May 4, 2003 |
EF3 |
69 km |
5 |
| Apr 19, 2000 |
EF3 |
39 km |
0 |
| May 17, 1995 |
EF3 |
93 km |
0 |
| Mar 26, 1983 |
EF3 |
47 km |
0 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
33 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
68 km |
1 |
| Mar 15, 1982 |
EF3 |
44 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
20 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (51,112 ac, 2014).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
51,112 |
71 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
20,760 |
84 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
19,648 |
91 km |
| 2015 |
WOLF CREEK |
18,077 |
69 km |
| 2014 |
UNNAMED |
17,075 |
93 km |
| 2016 |
BAR-DEW LAKE |
14,806 |
91 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
13,265 |
86 km |
| 2016 |
MUSTANG |
10,060 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
6,373 |
76 km |
| 1996 |
UNNAMED |
5,691 |
95 km |
| 2002 |
HULAH2 |
5,421 |
94 km |
| 2022 |
18 VALLEY |
5,181 |
98 km |
| 2003 |
UNNAMED |
4,671 |
96 km |
| 2024 |
ROBERT |
4,610 |
98 km |
| 2004 |
UNNAMED |
4,424 |
41 km |
| 2018 |
ONION PRAIRIE |
3,917 |
100 km |
| 2023 |
HICKEY |
3,728 |
92 km |
| 2015 |
LITTLE DEER |
3,709 |
81 km |
| 1995 |
UNNAMED |
3,676 |
97 km |
| 1986 |
UNNAMED |
3,427 |
50 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
32°F (0°C) |
1.4 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
38°F (3°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| March |
48°F (9°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| April |
57°F (14°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| May |
66°F (19°C) |
5.4 in |
Wettest |
| June |
75°F (24°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| July |
79°F (26°C) |
3.2 in |
Warmest |
| August |
79°F (26°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
71°F (21°C) |
4.9 in |
|
| October |
59°F (15°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| November |
46°F (8°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| December |
36°F (2°C) |
1.9 in |
|
Oswego has a seasonal temperature swing of 47°F / from 32°F in January to 79°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 41.4 inches, with May being the wettest month (5.4") and January the driest (1.4").
Average costs for common services in Oswego. 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 | $414 |
| Toddler | $423 |
| Preschool | $423 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $426 |
| Toddler | $361 |
| Preschool | $361 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oswego
What is the population of Oswego?
Oswego has a population of 1,770 residents and is located in Kansas. The population density is 734 people per square mile, spread across 2.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 38.5 years. The population is 53.3% female and 46.7% male.
Is Oswego expensive to live in?
Oswego 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 $51,701, 31% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $80,700 (71% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $690 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Oswego safe?
Oswego is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 59 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 654 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Oswego receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oswego?
Oswego enjoys a temperate climate with an average annual temperature of 57°F (14°C). Winter temperatures average 32°F in January, while summers reach an average of 79°F in July. The area receives 305 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 44.9 inches, with 7.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 39.
How is the job market in Oswego?
The unemployment rate in Oswego is 5.0%, somewhat above the national average of 3.6%. Job seekers may face moderate competition. The average weekly wage is $918. There are 498 business establishments in the area, including 43 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 19 minutes, and 2.4% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oswego?
The median home value in Oswego is $80,700. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $72,099. For renters, the median monthly rent is $690. Fair market rent is $753 for a 1-bedroom and $947 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 65.6%. The average annual property tax is $3,541.
How are the schools in Oswego?
Schools in Oswego score 6.1 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 13.3% of adults in Oswego hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 92.2% have completed high school. 6.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oswego?
The obesity rate in Oswego is 42.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.5% of adults are smokers. 30.8% are physically inactive. 23.0% of residents report depression. 10.6% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 51.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,991.
What is transportation like in Oswego?
The average commute in Oswego is 19 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 86.2% of workers drive alone to work, and 2.4% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oswego?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oswego is 85.5% White, 2.1% Black or African American, 7% Hispanic or Latino. 97.6% of residents speak only English at home. 5.5% of the population are military veterans. 20.2% of residents have a disability. 88.1% have health insurance coverage.
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