Cost of Living in Oelwein, IA
Population 5,878 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Oelwein sits on the smaller end of the Iowa city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 7.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Geographically, Oelwein is about 50 miles north of Cedar Rapids, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 45% lower than Cedar Rapids' $177,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oelwein
The median home value in Oelwein is $96,800 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $762/month, 42% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,821/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.8%, above the national average of 4.8%. Iowa's top state income tax rate is 5.7% and the combined sales tax is 6.9%. Overall, Oelwein has a cost of living index of 42 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 58% less expensive.
Oelwein has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Oelwein, IA?
Oelwein has a cost index of 42 (100 = national average). It is 58% below the national average.
What is average rent in Oelwein, IA?
The median gross rent in Oelwein is $762 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oelwein?
The median home value in Oelwein is $96,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Oelwein?
The median household income in Oelwein is $49,821 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oelwein, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oelwein is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Oelwein, IA affordable?
Yes, Oelwein is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 42 — about 58% below the US national average of 100.
Oelwein at a Glance
- Population
- 5,878
- Median Income
- $49,821
- Home Value
- $96,800
- Median Rent
- $762/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.8%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
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