Cost Of Living
Taking into account the cost of goods and services like housing, groceries, transportation and utilities, the overall cost of living in this area is well below average.
Housing
High scores in the housing category are a distinguishing feature of this area, possibly driven by a favorable home affordability ratio, higher home values and appreciation rates.
Health & Safety
Good air quality as well as nearby health facilities like hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, fire and police stations all contribute to a higher than average health and safety score.
Ratings
Based on recent surveys and polls, locals gave high marks in the walkability to local amenities, safety, public transit, friendliness of neighbors and overall sense of community in the area.
Amenities
The majority of amenities are not ideally located within walking distance. To access these amenities, residents may be required to rely on a vehicle or public transit.
Commute
A low commute score could be due to longer-than-average work commutes and the limited availability of public transportation in this area.
Oskaloosa, Iowa is a moderately-sized city with a population of 11,727 residents. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (92% White). Given that fact, Oskaloosa could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you are not a fan of long commutes, you will enjoy living in Oskaloosa. With an average one way commute time of only 15 minutes, getting to and from work is a breeze compared to the national average of 26 minutes.
Are you trying to ascertain if living in Oskaloosa is the right fit for your lifestyle? To ensure a good experience before relocating to any new city in Iowa, you will probably want to make sure that you check all of the most important boxes. Several key factors deserve attention. For one, safety is paramount, ensuring that your new area is low in crime is key. Proximity to workplaces or schools minimizes commute times and fosters convenience. Access to essential amenities like parks, grocery stores, food, fitness, shops and healthcare facilities enhances daily life. Efficient public transportation options provide mobility and connectivity. The sense of community creates a welcoming and supportive environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere, encompassing the vibe, aesthetics, and lifestyle offerings, contributes to a fulfilling living experience. Considering these elements helps identify the ideal neighborhood for your needs and preferences. Finding the best places to live in Oskaloosa and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes crime, health & safety, education, employment, housing and other important metrics.
The livability score in Oskaloosa is 79/100 and the city is ranked in the 94th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Oskaloosa would be considered a very livable city! Another exciting tidbit, is that Oskaloosa ranks better than 90% of all US cities! For each of the livability categories, we can establish that Oskaloosa ranks very well for crime (B) and housing (B). There is at least one category that did not score well in Oskaloosa. The following was graded with a discouraging score: amenities (D-) and employment (D).
Unemployment rates can vary significantly among cities, impacting job prospects, wage levels and the overall economic health of an area. In Oskaloosa, the unemployment rate stands at 2.6%, suggesting increased job opportunities and a heightened demand for workers. This scenario can lead to higher wages, as the demand for employees outpaces job availability. Importantly, a low unemployment rate often signifies a robust and flourishing local economy.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Oskaloosa excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Oskaloosa real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Oskaloosa. Median real estate prices in Oskaloosa come in at $93,000, which is 30% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oskaloosa, the home price to income ratio is 1.9, which is 20.8% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Oskaloosa | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 15min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.3% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.2% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.2% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 6.4% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 4.0% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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