Cost of Living in Osceola, IA
Population 5,495 · Iowa · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Osceola is a smaller Iowa community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $62,363 and housing costs ($145,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape.
Geographically, Osceola is about 40 miles south of Des Moines, the nearest large metro. Median home values run roughly 21% lower than Des Moines' $184,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Osceola
The median home value in Osceola is $145,300 — 52% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $832/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $62,363/year is 16% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.9%, 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, Osceola has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.
Osceola 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 Osceola, IA?
Osceola has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Osceola, IA?
The median gross rent in Osceola is $832 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Osceola?
The median home value in Osceola is $145,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Osceola?
The median household income in Osceola is $62,363 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Osceola, IA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Osceola is 6.9%. The Iowa state income tax top rate is 5.7%.
Is Osceola, IA affordable?
Yes, Osceola is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
Osceola at a Glance
- Population
- 5,495
- Median Income
- $62,363
- Home Value
- $145,300
- Median Rent
- $832/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.9%
- Sales Tax
- 6.9%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Iowa Rankings
Similar Cost Cities
Cities in other states with comparable housing costs