Is Oskaloosa Safe, Pros and cons of living in Oskaloosa

Oskaloosa, Iowa, offers a glimpse into Midwestern life with its blend of history, community events, and natural surroundings. The city, with a population of 11,558 as of the 2020 census, is the county seat of Mahaska County. Its past is deeply rooted in bituminous coal mining, a significant industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Oskaloosa is home to William Penn University and various outdoor recreational opportunities, including Lake Keomah State Park.

The community prides itself on its historic character, evident in its red-brick buildings and a strong sense of local tradition. Oskaloosa hosts several annual events that foster a close-knit atmosphere, such as the Southern Iowa Fair, Skunk River Arts Festival, and the Lighted Christmas Parade. These events contribute to the city’s appeal for families, young professionals, and retirees alike, offering a lifestyle that balances small-town charm with accessible amenities.

Is it Safe to Live in Oskaloosa?

Oskaloosa’s crime rate is generally lower than the national average. The city experiences a total crime rate that is 51% lower than the national average per 100,000 residents (AreaVibes). This includes a violent crime rate that is 61% lower than the national average and a property crime rate that is 48.8% lower than the U.S. average (AreaVibes). Residents generally consider the southwest part of the city to be the safest area.

The chance of becoming a victim of crime in Oskaloosa is approximately 1 in 96 (AreaVibes). While the overall crime rate is lower than the national average, it’s important to note that crime rates can vary by neighborhood. For instance, the chance of being a victim of crime ranges from 1 in 18 in the west neighborhoods to 1 in 47 in the southwest (AreaVibes). In terms of cost, the cost of crime per resident in Oskaloosa is $317 per year, which is less than both the national and Iowa state averages (AreaVibes).

Housing Market and Cost of Living

The housing market in Oskaloosa presents a median listing price of $188,500 (Realtor.com). In March 2026, home prices saw a year-over-year decrease of 18.8%, with homes selling for a median price of $155,000 (Redfin). The median property value in Oskaloosa was $157,800 in 2024, showing a 12% increase from the previous year (Data USA). The homeownership rate in Oskaloosa is 68%, which is higher than the national average (Data USA).

For renters, the average rent in Oskaloosa is approximately $740 per month for a one-bedroom apartment, with studios averaging around $766 and two-bedroom apartments around $828 (Apartments.com). This is significantly lower than the national average rent. The cost of living in Oskaloosa is generally lower than the national average. One calculator indicates it is 12% less expensive than the national average, with food costs being particularly affordable (ERI Economic Research Institute). However, other analyses suggest living costs are 1% higher than the U.S. national average, with housing, transportation, and food costs being key drivers (Salary.com).

Job Market and Economy

Oskaloosa’s economy is driven by several key industries. Manufacturing is the largest sector, employing 2,735 people, followed by Retail Trade with 1,496 employees, and Health Care & Social Assistance with 1,318 employees (Data USA). Major employers in the area include Musco Lighting, Mahaska Health Partnership, Clow Valve Company, and Oskaloosa Community Schools (Mahaska Chamber & Development Group). The city’s workforce consists of approximately 10,900 people, with a slight decline in employment noted between 2023 and 2024 (Data USA).

The average salary in Oskaloosa, IA, is reported to be around $40,000 per year, with an average hourly pay of $19.0 (Zippia). However, other sources indicate a median wage of $41,400 per year, with the 25th percentile at $32,200 and the 75th percentile at $55,200 (ZipRecruiter). The unemployment rate in Oskaloosa is reported as 2.4% (Niche). The highest-paying job sectors include Utilities, Transportation & Warehousing, and Manufacturing (Data USA).

Climate and Weather

Oskaloosa experiences a climate with distinct seasonal variations. Summers are typically long, warm, humid, and wet, while winters are freezing, snowy, and windy. The temperature throughout the year generally ranges between 11°F and 86°F (myPerfectWeather). The city receives an annual precipitation of approximately 38 inches, with the wettest month being June and the driest being January (myPerfectWeather).

Average high temperatures in July reach around 86°F, making it the hottest month, while January sees average highs near 33°F and average lows of 17°F, marking it as the coldest month (myPerfectWeather). The city experiences around 156 days per year with comfortable weather, generally between May and October (myPerfectWeather). Snowfall averages about 28 inches annually (myPerfectWeather).

Education and Schools

The Oskaloosa Community School District serves the city’s students, operating five public schools. For the 2026 school year, these schools serve approximately 2,091 students. The district’s average testing ranking is 3 out of 10, placing it in the bottom 50% of Iowa’s public school districts based on math and reading proficiency (Public School Review). However, the district boasts a high graduation rate of 92%, which has shown an increase over recent school years (Public School Review).

Oskaloosa High School is ranked among the top high schools in Iowa, and Oskaloosa Middle School has also demonstrated consistent improvement. Despite these individual successes, the district faces challenges, including a chronic absenteeism rate of 21.6%, which is significantly higher than the state average (SchoolDigger.com). Minority enrollment within the district is 14%, which is lower than the Iowa public school average (Public School Review).

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Oskaloosa had a population of 11,558. The city’s population is primarily White, making up 89.5% of residents (Niche). Other demographic groups include those identifying as Two or More Races (3.7%), Hispanic (2.8%), and Black or African American (2%) (Niche). The median age in Oskaloosa is 37.6 years, with a slightly higher proportion of females (51.4%) than males (48.6%) (Wikipedia).

The majority of Oskaloosa residents own their homes, with a homeownership rate of 61% compared to 39% who rent (Niche). The median household income was reported at $64,004 in 2024 (Data USA), with a poverty rate of 16.6% (Niche). A significant portion of the population, 22.5%, is under the age of 18, and 19.4% are 65 years of age or older (Wikipedia).