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.
Crime
Crime per 100,000 people is significantly lower than the national average, making it a safe place to live. These crime statistics include both violent and property crimes.
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.
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.
Oelwein is a smaller city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 6,065 residents. If we look at the most recent Census, Oelwein is known to have a predominantly White population. The next two most common races are Black and Asian. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Oelwein offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 17 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
Without the right tools, relocating to any new town can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Oelwein, Iowa could be a great experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. The best areas in Oelwein and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, cost of living, education, housing, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
The livability score in Oelwein is 75/100 and the city is ranked in the 86th percentile of all cities across America. Clearly, Oelwein is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Oelwein ranks very well for housing (A+). Oelwein does not fare well for the following: amenities (F) and employment (D). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Achieving a cost-effective lifestyle can be pivotal in managing your monthly expenditures, especially given the ongoing upward trajectory of everday goods and housing prices. In Oelwein, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 20.98% below the national average. This advantageous positioning extends its impact to a wide spectrum of expenses, encompassing not only goods and services but also transportation and health care costs. As a result, this area stands out as a place where your money stretches further, ensuring that you can maintain a more economical and sustainable lifestyle. This affordability becomes increasingly valuable in an era marked by soaring costs, making Oelwein an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Oelwein has an unemployment rate of 0.4% could mean increased job opportunities with a higher demand for workers. It could also lead to higher wages, as the demand for workers exceeds the availability of jobs. Most importantly, it could be a sign of a healthy and thriving local economy.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Oelwein can be tricky. Having said that, this area might be the place to get the best of both worlds. Based on factors like home/rental affordability and appreciation rates, this area has received an above average score in the housing category. A healthy real estate market can lead to wealth appreciation for property owners, as rising property values can contribute to homeowners' equity, financial stability and the ability to build long-term wealth.
There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Oelwein is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Oelwein come in at $154,407, which is 35.7% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Oelwein, the home price to income ratio is 2.7, which is 10% lower than the Iowa average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Oelwein | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 17min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 83.8% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 9.9% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.7% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.3% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
Here are the best places to live in Iowa
Most Dangerous States In The US
See the best places to live in Oelwein
These are the largest cities in Iowa