Oskaloosa, IA
Population 11,492 · Iowa
About Oskaloosa, IA
Oskaloosa is a mid-sized city located in Iowa with a population of 11,492 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $62,172 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 37.9 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Oskaloosa features a median home value of $128,900, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Oskaloosa one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $880, 24% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 5,139 total housing units, 60% are owner-occupied (2,815 units) and 40% are renter-occupied (1,841 units). The balanced mix of owners and renters indicates a diverse housing market.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Oskaloosa shows an unemployment rate of 4.2%, which is near the national rate of 3.7%. The poverty rate stands at 16.1%, above the national average of 12.4%. Workers in Oskaloosa have an average one-way commute time of 15.8 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
26.0% of Oskaloosa 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 2.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, and 0.4% Asian residents, with 2.4% of the population being foreign-born.
How Oskaloosa Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Oskaloosa, IA
Compared to national averages, Oskaloosa has a median household income of $62,172 (17% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $128,900, which is 47% below the national median. Monthly rent at $880 is 24% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Oskaloosa's income is 8% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 3% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Oskaloosa, IA?
Oskaloosa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $128,900, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $880/month, and short commute times averaging just 15.8 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($62,172) that falls below the national average. However, Oskaloosa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Oskaloosa has a population of 11,492 with a median age of 37.9 years. Compare Oskaloosa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Oskaloosa
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer | 11,393 | $57,068 | $178,300 | Compare |
| Storm Lake | 11,275 | $58,341 | $163,600 | Compare |
| Pleasant Hill | 10,796 | $86,890 | $284,100 | Compare |
| Pella | 10,624 | $81,201 | $259,600 | Compare |
| Le Mars | 10,597 | $72,381 | $202,200 | Compare |
| Boone | 12,445 | $67,269 | $156,400 | Compare |
| Waverly | 10,446 | $78,429 | $215,200 | Compare |
| Carroll | 10,261 | $59,323 | $184,100 | 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 Oskaloosa With Other Cities
Frequently Asked Questions about Oskaloosa
What is the population of Oskaloosa, IA?
The population of Oskaloosa, IA is 11,492 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a mid-sized city in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Oskaloosa?
The median household income in Oskaloosa, IA is $62,172 per year, which is 17% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Oskaloosa?
The median home value in Oskaloosa, IA is $128,900, which is 47% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Oskaloosa?
The median monthly rent in Oskaloosa, IA is $880, which is 24% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Oskaloosa?
The unemployment rate in Oskaloosa, IA is 4.2%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Oskaloosa, IA a good place to live?
Oskaloosa offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 11,492 and a median age of 37.9, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Oskaloosa, IA?
26.0% of residents in Oskaloosa 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 Oskaloosa?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Oskaloosa, IA: median home value is $128,900 (47% below national), median rent is $880/month, and median household income is $62,172. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.1x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Oskaloosa?
The poverty rate in Oskaloosa, IA is 16.1%, 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 Oskaloosa, IA?
Oskaloosa's population is 2.1% White, 1.3% Hispanic or Latino, 0.1% Black or African American, 0.4% Asian, and 1.9% two or more races. 2.4% of residents are foreign-born.