Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Oelwein, IA
Planning a move to Oelwein, IA? This friendly city of about 5,920 residents boasts affordable living with a median home price of $100,500 and average rents around $700. Oelwein offers short average commutes of 16.5 minutes, low utility costs, and a relaxed pace of life. With crime rates below national averages, a strong sense of community, and schools offering small class sizes, Oelwein is an appealing choice for families and anyone seeking a safe, budget-friendly Midwestern lifestyle.
Demographics - Oelwein, IA
Demographics - Oelwein, IA
Oelwein is a small city of approximately 5,920 residents, featuring a predominantly White population and a median age of 41.2 years. The community has a balanced gender ratio and a modest percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere.
Population:
5,920
Density:
1,000 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
3.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
92.0%
Black:
0.8%
Asian:
0.4%
Others:
6.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Oelwein, IA?
Oelwein offers a low cost of living, with a median home value of $100,500 and average monthly rents at $700. State taxes are reasonable, and utility and healthcare costs remain lower than national averages, making it an affordable choice for individuals and families.
Median House Value:
$100,500
Gross Rent:
$700
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$115
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.4
Grocery:
94.2
Housing:
54.1
Utilities:
94.5
Transportation:
82.3
Health Care:
94.1
Miscellaneous:
78.7
Crime
Is Oelwein, IA a safe place to live?
The city enjoys a relatively low crime rate, with only 220 violent crimes and 1,350 property crimes per 100,000 residents. Residents benefit from a strong sense of safety, with the chance of experiencing violent crime at just 1 in 450.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
220
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,350
Crime Index:
1,570
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 450
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 74
Weather
What is the weather like in Oelwein, IA year-round?
Oelwein experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters averaging lows of 10°F and warm summers reaching highs of 83°F. The area receives about 35 inches of rain annually and enjoys sunshine 58% of the year, offering a balance of seasonal variety and outdoor opportunities.

Winter
Min:
10°F
Max:
29°F

Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
62°F

Summer
Min:
61°F
Max:
83°F

Fall
Min:
40°F
Max:
64°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
58%
Neighbors
Typical household incomes in Oelwein average around $46,900, with a family median of $60,400 and a poverty rate of 17.3%. Most residents have at least a high school diploma, commute times are short at just over 16 minutes, and public transportation use is minimal, reflecting a small-town lifestyle.
Median Income:
$31,000
Household Income:
$46,900
Family Income:
$60,400
Per Capita Income:
$27,500
Income Male:
$38,200
Income Female:
$29,800
Poverty Rate:
17.3%
Non English Speakers:
3.5%
Rent:
$700
Unemployment Rate:
4.0%
Public Transport Usage:
0.3%
Commute Time:
16.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.1%
Bachelors or More:
14.7%
Education
How are the schools in Oelwein, IA?
The city provides quality education through public and private schools, including Oelwein High School and Sacred Heart School, both featuring small class sizes for personalized learning. Nearby colleges such as Upper Iowa University and Northeast Iowa Community College offer higher education options within a short drive.

Public Schools
Name:
Oelwein High School
Street:
300 8th Ave SE
Phone:
319-283-2731
Students:
370
Student Teacher Ratio:
13.5
Name:
Oelwein Middle School
Street:
300 8th Ave SE
Phone:
319-283-3015
Students:
250
Student Teacher Ratio:
12.8

Private Schools
Name:
Sacred Heart School
Street:
601 1st Ave SW
Phone:
319-283-3366
Students:
120

Colleges
Name:
Upper Iowa University
City:
Fayette
State:
IA
Distance:
17 miles
Students:
3,000
Name:
Northeast Iowa Community College
City:
Calmar
State:
IA
Distance:
38 miles
Students:
4,700
Healthcare
Healthcare in Oelwein is anchored by MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center, offering comprehensive emergency and general care. The city has a good level of health insurance coverage at 92.8% and maintains a physician ratio of 1.3 per 1,000 residents.

Major Hospitals
Name:
MercyOne Oelwein Medical Center
Address:
201 8th Ave SE, Oelwein, IA 50662
Phone:
(319) 283-6000
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.3
Health Insurance Coverage:
92.8%
Health Care Index:
70.2
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Oelwein, IA?
Oelwein's housing market is affordable, with a median home price of $100,500 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $700. Nearly 68% of homes are owner-occupied, vacancy rates are moderate, and home values have appreciated by 4.6% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$100,500
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$700
Owner Occupied Rate:
67.5%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.6%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Oelwein residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation located at 6310 Hwy 150 S. Local DMV services offer convenient access for vehicle registration, licensing, and other needs, with further information available on the Iowa DOT website.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 Hwy 150 S, Oelwein, IA 50662
Phone:
319-283-1816
Website:
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.