Oakland, IA
Population 1,500 · Iowa
About Oakland, IA
Oakland is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 1,500 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $72,500 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 36.4 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oakland features a median home value of $144,600, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oakland one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $856, 26% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 657 total housing units, 61% are owner-occupied (358 units) and 39% are renter-occupied (228 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oakland shows an unemployment rate of 0.0%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 16.8%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oakland have an average one-way commute time of 24.2 minutes.
Education & Demographics
20.7% of Oakland residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 5.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.7% Asian residents, with 11.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Oakland, IA
Compared to national averages, Oakland has a median household income of $72,500 (4% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $144,600, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $856 is 26% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Oakland's income is 7% above the state average of $67,947, and home values are 9% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Oakland, IA?
Oakland offers affordable housing with a median home value of $144,600, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $856/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 0.0%. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 24.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($72,500) that falls below the national average. However, Oakland’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oakland has a population of 1,500 with a median age of 36.4 years. Compare Oakland with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Oakland
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Slater | 1,498 | $87,708 | $222,000 | Compare |
| Fairbank | 1,509 | $100,172 | $173,200 | Compare |
| Sanborn | 1,510 | $56,477 | $150,900 | Compare |
| Panora | 1,520 | $65,500 | $164,500 | Compare |
| Lenox | 1,474 | $59,750 | $106,000 | Compare |
| Manning | 1,474 | $62,310 | $109,400 | Compare |
| Van Meter | 1,469 | $133,750 | $250,300 | Compare |
| Pocahontas | 1,536 | $56,298 | $96,600 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
Compare Oakland With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oakland
What is the population of Oakland, IA?
The population of Oakland, IA is 1,500 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small town in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Oakland?
The median household income in Oakland, IA is $72,500 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oakland?
The median home value in Oakland, IA is $144,600, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oakland?
The median monthly rent in Oakland, IA is $856, which is 26% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oakland?
The unemployment rate in Oakland, IA is 0.0%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Oakland, IA a good place to live?
Oakland offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 1,500 and a median age of 36.4, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oakland, IA?
20.7% of residents in Oakland aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Oakland?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oakland, IA: median home value is $144,600 (41% below national), median rent is $856/month, and median household income is $72,500. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.0x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oakland?
The poverty rate in Oakland, IA is 16.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. Residents and prospective movers should be aware of the economic challenges facing parts of this community.
How diverse is Oakland, IA?
Oakland's population is 5.9% White, 2.2% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.7% Asian, and 0.1% two or more races. 11.4% of residents are foreign-born.