Osceola, IA
Population 5,495 · Iowa
About Osceola, IA
Osceola is a small town located in Iowa with a population of 5,495 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,363 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 38.2 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Osceola features a median home value of $145,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Osceola one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $832, 28% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 2,795 total housing units, 56% are owner-occupied (1,358 units) and 44% are renter-occupied (1,066 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Osceola shows an unemployment rate of 5.9%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 15.3%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Osceola have an average one-way commute time of 19 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
12.4% of Osceola 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 24.8% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 1.5% Asian residents, with 9.5% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Osceola, IA
Compared to national averages, Osceola has a median household income of $62,363 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $145,300, which is 41% below the national median. Monthly rent at $832 is 28% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Osceola's income is 8% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 10% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Osceola, IA?
Osceola offers affordable housing with a median home value of $145,300, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $832/month, and short commute times averaging just 19 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,363) that falls below the national average. However, Osceola’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Osceola has a population of 5,495 with a median age of 38.2 years. Compare Osceola with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Osceola
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit Lake | 5,469 | $73,627 | $218,400 | Compare |
| DeWitt | 5,535 | $84,474 | $223,100 | Compare |
| Red Oak | 5,542 | $52,996 | $91,600 | Compare |
| Anamosa | 5,553 | $56,167 | $164,900 | Compare |
| Algona | 5,414 | $52,542 | $156,200 | Compare |
| Sheldon | 5,386 | $68,448 | $173,600 | Compare |
| Winterset | 5,384 | $69,268 | $181,500 | Compare |
| Centerville | 5,377 | $41,472 | $99,000 | 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 Osceola With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Osceola
What is the population of Osceola, IA?
The population of Osceola, IA is 5,495 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 Osceola?
The median household income in Osceola, IA is $62,363 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Osceola?
The median home value in Osceola, IA is $145,300, which is 41% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Osceola?
The median monthly rent in Osceola, IA is $832, which is 28% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Osceola?
The unemployment rate in Osceola, IA is 5.9%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Osceola, IA a good place to live?
Osceola offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 5,495 and a median age of 38.2, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Osceola, IA?
12.4% of residents in Osceola 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 Osceola?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Osceola, IA: median home value is $145,300 (41% below national), median rent is $832/month, and median household income is $62,363. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.3x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Osceola?
The poverty rate in Osceola, IA is 15.3%, 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 Osceola, IA?
Osceola's population is 24.8% White, 3.1% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 1.5% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 9.5% of residents are foreign-born.