Is Oshkosh Safe, Pros and cons of living in Oshkosh

Oshkosh, Wisconsin, offers a blend of Midwestern charm and a growing economy, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a new place to call home. Situated on the western shore of Lake Winnebago, the city provides access to natural beauty and recreational opportunities. With a population of approximately 66,700 residents, Oshkosh is a mid-sized city that balances a community feel with convenient access to amenities and a diverse job market.

This guide delves into the various aspects of living in Oshkosh, covering safety, cost of living, employment, climate, education, and demographics. Understanding these factors will help potential residents make an informed decision about whether Oshkosh is the right fit for their lifestyle and aspirations. From its historic districts to its modern developments, Oshkosh presents a unique living experience.

Is it Safe to Live in Oshkosh?

Oshkosh presents a mixed safety profile, with crime rates that are generally higher than the national average but vary significantly by neighborhood. The overall crime rate is approximately 34.86 per 1,000 residents (as reported by CrimeRate). Your likelihood of being a victim of crime can range from 1 in 20 in eastern neighborhoods to 1 in 62 in the northwest part of the city, which is considered the safest (as reported by CrimeRate).

While some analyses indicate that Oshkosh’s crime rate is higher than the average U.S. city, with a safety ranking in the 25th percentile (meaning it’s safer than only 25% of U.S. cities) (as reported by CrimeRate), other sources suggest a more favorable outlook. One report states that Oshkosh’s crime rates are 21% lower than the national average, with violent crimes being 35% lower (as reported by AreaVibes). Additionally, all 19 analyzed neighborhoods received an ‘A’ safety rating, indicating a very safe environment with minimal criminal activity (as reported by DoorProfit).

Housing Costs and Availability

The cost of housing in Oshkosh is generally considered more affordable than the national average. The median home price in Oshkosh is approximately 24.9% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Similarly, monthly rent for houses is about 11% lower than the national average (as reported by Trulia).

Rental prices in Oshkosh offer a range of options. The average rent for a house in Oshkosh is approximately $1,700 per month (as reported by Trulia). For apartments, the median rent across all bedroom counts and property types is around $1,150 as of April 2026 (as reported by Zumper). A one-bedroom apartment averages about $899, while a two-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,149 (as reported by Zumper).

The Job Market and Economy

Oshkosh boasts a diverse employment landscape, with manufacturing, retail trade, and healthcare and social assistance being the most common employment sectors for its residents (as reported by Data USA). The average annual salary in Oshkosh is approximately $52,461 (as reported by ZipRecruiter).

Major employers in Oshkosh include Oshkosh Corporation, a prominent manufacturer of specialty vehicles, and Amcor, a global packaging company. Other significant employers contributing to the local economy are the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, the Oshkosh Area School District, US Bank, and Aurora Medical Center (as reported by Data USA, Livability.com, and Wisconsin Public Service).

Cost of Living

Oshkosh is generally more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index that is 8% lower than the U.S. average (as reported by Livingcost.org and AreaVibes). This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, transportation, and groceries.

Specifically, Oshkosh’s housing costs are approximately 23% lower than the national average (as reported by AreaVibes). Food costs are also more affordable than the U.S. average (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute). While overall expenses are lower, some sources indicate that childcare and restaurant costs in Oshkosh can be higher than the national average (as reported by MyLifeElsewhere.com).

Climate and Weather

Oshkosh experiences four distinct seasons, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature hovers around 46°F (as reported by Discover Oshkosh).

Winter temperatures typically range from an average low of 9°F in January to an average high of 26°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Sunheron). Snowfall is moderate, averaging around 39 inches annually, with the most accumulation in February (as reported by myPerfectWeather). Summers are warm, with average high temperatures in July reaching around 81°F and lows around 63°F (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Sunheron).

The city receives an average of 33 inches of precipitation annually, with June being the wettest month, averaging about 3.7 inches (as reported by myPerfectWeather and Sunheron). Humidity levels remain comfortable during the summer months (as reported by myPerfectWeather).

Education and School Ratings

The Oshkosh Area School District (OASD) serves the city’s public school needs, comprising numerous elementary, middle, and high schools. While the district is ranked in the bottom 50% of Wisconsin public schools based on proficiency test scores, it has a strong graduation rate of 90% (as reported by Public School Review).

Public schools in Oshkosh have an average math proficiency score of 36% and a reading proficiency score of 35%, which are below the Wisconsin state averages (as reported by Public School Review). However, some individual schools within the district receive higher ratings. For instance, Traeger Elementary School is ranked among the top elementary schools in Oshkosh (as reported by Niche and Public School Review).

Demographics

Oshkosh has a population of approximately 66,700 residents, with a projected growth rate of about 0.12% annually (as reported by Data USA and Oshkosh, WI Population 2026). The city is ethnically diverse, with White residents making up the largest portion at around 82% (as reported by Niche and Oshkosh Demographics).

Other significant demographic groups include African Americans (approximately 5%), Asians (approximately 4%), and individuals identifying with two or more races (approximately 4%) (as reported by Niche and Oshkosh Demographics). The median age in Oshkosh is around 34.4 years (as reported by Oshkosh, WI Population 2026).

Pros and Cons of Living in Oshkosh

Oshkosh offers a cost of living that is lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families (as reported by ERI Economic Research Institute and AreaVibes). The city’s housing market is also more affordable, with both home prices and rental rates below the national figures (as reported by AreaVibes and Trulia).

The local economy is supported by major employers like Oshkosh Corporation and Amcor, providing a stable job market in diverse sectors such as manufacturing and healthcare (as reported by Data USA and Livability.com). Oshkosh also offers a good quality of life with access to outdoor recreation on Lake Winnebago and a variety of community events (as reported by Discover Oshkosh).

However, Oshkosh’s public schools, on average, have lower proficiency scores compared to the state average, which may be a concern for families prioritizing academic achievement (as reported by Public School Review). While crime rates are generally considered manageable, they are higher than the national average in some areas, necessitating awareness of neighborhood safety (as reported by CrimeRate).