Osage, IA
Population 3,578 · Iowa
About Osage, IA
Osage is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 3,578 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,309 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 43.9 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Osage features a median home value of $141,800, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Osage one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $735, 37% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 1,845 total housing units, 77% are owner-occupied (1,298 units) and 23% are renter-occupied (393 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Osage shows an unemployment rate of 1.3%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 6.8%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Osage have an average one-way commute time of 19.3 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
24.1% of Osage residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. This is in line with national trends in educational attainment. The community's demographic composition includes 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, and 1.1% Asian residents, with 3.4% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Osage, IA
Compared to national averages, Osage has a median household income of $62,309 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $141,800, which is 42% below the national median. Monthly rent at $735 is 37% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Osage's income is 8% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 7% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Osage, IA?
Osage offers affordable housing with a median home value of $141,800, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $735/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 1.3%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 6.8%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 19.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,309) that falls below the national average. However, Osage’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Osage has a population of 3,578 with a median age of 43.9 years. Compare Osage with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Osage
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eagle Grove | 3,588 | $58,458 | $95,100 | Compare |
| Saylorville | 3,559 | $80,250 | $287,700 | Compare |
| Emmetsburg | 3,651 | $57,353 | $114,600 | Compare |
| Albia | 3,688 | $67,791 | $132,500 | Compare |
| New Hampton | 3,462 | $61,491 | $159,200 | Compare |
| Carter Lake | 3,773 | $75,037 | $161,200 | Compare |
| Story City | 3,363 | $73,558 | $205,800 | Compare |
| West Liberty | 3,795 | $66,132 | $169,500 | 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 Osage With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Osage
What is the population of Osage, IA?
The population of Osage, IA is 3,578 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 Osage?
The median household income in Osage, IA is $62,309 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Osage?
The median home value in Osage, IA is $141,800, which is 42% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Osage?
The median monthly rent in Osage, IA is $735, which is 37% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Osage?
The unemployment rate in Osage, IA is 1.3%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Osage, IA a good place to live?
Osage offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 3,578 and a median age of 43.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Osage, IA?
24.1% of residents in Osage 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 Osage?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Osage, IA: median home value is $141,800 (42% below national), median rent is $735/month, and median household income is $62,309. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Osage?
The poverty rate in Osage, IA is 6.8%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Osage, IA?
Osage's population is 0.4% White, 0.4% Hispanic or Latino, 0.3% Black or African American, 1.1% Asian, and 1.0% two or more races. 3.4% of residents are foreign-born.