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.
Schools
The schools category earns a high score due to factors like exceptional test scores, strong education levels and the close proximity of elementary and high schools in this area.
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.
Osage, Iowa is a smaller city with a population of 3,549 inhabitants. According to the most recent Census, 97% of Osage residents are White, 1% Black and 1% American Indian and Alaskan. Not a fan of sitting in traffic during your commute to work? Osage offers shorter work commutes, with an average one-way commute time taking only 19 minutes, far lower than the national average of 26 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very daunting task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the area before actually living in Osage, Iowa. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Osage and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from amenities, commute, health & safety, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Iowa and national averages.
Osage, IA receives 79/100 for its livability score; this results in a ranking of #57 in Iowa and #1,582 in the USA. Clearly, Osage is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. Osage has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. For each of the livability categories, we see that Osage ranks very well for crime (A+), cost of living (A+), education (A) and housing (A). Osage does not rank well for the following: amenities (F). It might be wise to take a closer look at each category to find out why.
Low violent crime rates (murder, rape, robbery, assault) provide a safer environment for residents, reducing the risk of personal harm, property theft or violence. Low crime can also lead to increased property values and desirability. With 198 crimes per 100,000 residents, Osage has a violent crime rate that is far below the national average.
Unemployment rates can range pretty dramatically from one city to another. Knowing that Osage has an unemployment rate of 1.15% 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.
Parents and families tend to prioritize school test scores when choosing educational institutions. Test score data can be a critical factor in evaluating and comparing schools. In Osage, the average school test scores are an impressive 70%, well above the national average. This achievement reflects the educational system's dedication to providing students with the essential knowledge and tools for success. It ensures that your children will receive the support and resources needed to excel academically and thrive in their educational pursuits.
A robust real estate market serves as a crucial economic indicator, reflecting the local area's strength, stability and the confidence of its residents. Osage excels in the housing sector, scoring high marks based on factors such as median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability. These calculations suggest that the apartment rental and real estate market in the region is exceptionally healthy, highlighting the area's economic vitality and attractiveness to potential homebuyers and renters.
Osage real estate prices and overall affordability will play a huge role in determining if the area is the right fit for you. Of course there are probably some other items on your “wish list”, but even before they are considered, let’s take a look at the home prices and affordability in Osage. The median home price for Osage homes is $109,500, which is 17.5% lower than the Iowa average. If we take a closer look at the affordability of homes in Osage, we’ll see that the home price to income ratio is 2.1, which is 12.5% lower than the Iowa average.
| Statistic | Osage | Iowa | National |
| Average one way commute | 19min | 19min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 90.5% | 80.7% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 6.5% | 8.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 0.1% | 1.1% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 0.0% | 0.5% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 1.5% | 3.5% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 0.8% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
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