Ossian, IA
Population 833 · Iowa
About Ossian, IA
Ossian is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 833 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $58,929 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 39.8 years is close to the US median age of 38.9 years.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ossian features a median home value of $152,700, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. This positions Ossian in a moderately priced market relative to the rest of the country. Median monthly rent is $707, 39% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 416 total housing units, 78% are owner-occupied (307 units) and 22% are renter-occupied (85 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ossian shows an unemployment rate of 3.4%, which is lower than the national rate of 3.7%, indicating a relatively strong job market. The poverty rate stands at 9.1%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ossian have an average one-way commute time of 20.3 minutes.
Education & Demographics
18.0% of Ossian 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 0.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 7.4% Asian residents, with 8.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ossian, IA
Compared to national averages, Ossian has a median household income of $58,929 (22% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $152,700, which is 38% below the national median. Monthly rent at $707 is 39% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ossian's income is 13% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 15% above the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ossian, IA?
Ossian offers affordable housing with a median home value of $152,700, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $707/month, and a strong job market with an unemployment rate of just 3.4%. Additionally, the city features a low poverty rate of 9.1%, better than the national average, and short commute times averaging just 20.3 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($58,929) that falls below the national average. However, Ossian’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ossian has a population of 833 with a median age of 39.8 years. Compare Ossian with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ossian
What is the population of Ossian, IA?
The population of Ossian, IA is 833 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Ossian?
The median household income in Ossian, IA is $58,929 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ossian?
The median home value in Ossian, IA is $152,700, which is 38% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ossian?
The median monthly rent in Ossian, IA is $707, which is 39% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ossian?
The unemployment rate in Ossian, IA is 3.4%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. This lower-than-average rate suggests a relatively healthy local job market.
Is Ossian, IA a good place to live?
Ossian offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and a strong job market. With a population of 833 and a median age of 39.8, the city appeals to a broad range of residents.
How educated is Ossian, IA?
18.0% of residents in Ossian 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 Ossian?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ossian, IA: median home value is $152,700 (38% below national), median rent is $707/month, and median household income is $58,929. The home-value-to-income ratio is 2.6x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ossian?
The poverty rate in Ossian, IA is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ossian, IA?
Ossian's population is 0.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 7.4% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 8.2% of residents are foreign-born.