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.
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.
Osceola is a small city located in the state of Iowa. The city has a population of 5,362 inhabitants. If we take a look at the last Census, the vast majority of the population falls within one racial group (95% White). Given that fact, Osceola could be considered less diverse than other cities. If you prefer shorter commutes, living in Osceola will be a delight. With an average one-way commute time of just 21 minutes, traveling to and from work is notably more convenient than the national average, which stands at 26 minutes.
Whether you’re relocating to a new area to be closer to family, friends or for a new job, living in Osceola could be a positive experience compared to other cities in Iowa if you know where to look. Don't forget to determine what matters most to you in a neighborhood. Consider factors such as safety, proximity to work or school, access to amenities (like parks, fitness facilities, grocery stores, restaurants), public transportation options, community atmosphere and the overall vibe you're looking for. Finding the best places to live in Osceola and nearby areas is a much easier task when you can rely on information and data from the livability score, which includes amenities, cost of living, education and other important metrics.
The livability score in Osceola is 72 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 81st percentile of all cities across America. There are nine total categories that generate the livability score. Osceola ranks well for housing (A+) Unfortunately for Osceola, there are some categories for which it does not rank well, this includes: amenities (F).
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 Osceola, residents are fortunate to experience a cost of living that is 20% 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 Osceola an attractive choice for those seeking financial prudence without compromising on quality of life.
Feeling a sense of safety in the area that you live in is a must for most people. Low crime rates can have a positive impact on things like home prices, home appreciation rates and can help foster positive community dynamics and social cohesion. Osceola has a violent crime rate of 160 crimes per 100,000 residents which is far lower than the national average.
The unemployment rate in Osceola has consistently declined over the years and currently stands well below the national average at 0.8%. This downward trend holds the potential to reduce poverty and inequality within the region, promote higher wage levels and stimulate greater economic growth. Such positive indicators signal the overall robust health of the local economy, offering a promising outlook for its residents and fostering an environment of financial well-being and prosperity.
Finding affordable real estate and housing in Osceola 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 Osceola is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Osceola come in at $164,969, which is 31.3% lower than the Iowa average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Osceola, the home price to income ratio is 2.2, which is 26.7% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Osceola | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 21min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 79.5% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 14.5% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.0% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 3.3% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 2.2% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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