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Is Oshkosh a Good Place to Live? Oshkosh, Wisconsin: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Oshkosh ranks #377 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #183 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($935/mo, #22 of 524) and low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476), and trails on high poverty (17.5%, #424 of 524) and low household income ($62,188, #421 of 524).
Oshkosh by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Oshkosh's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Oshkosh?
Oshkosh's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $935/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $260,641, 23% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
| Measure | Oshkosh | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 102.4 · US 100 | 92.9#371 of 1,308 | 94.1 | 102.4 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $431,438 · US $368,697 | $260,641#272 of 1,187 | $339,699 | $431,438 | $368,697 |
| Typical asking rentZillow Observed Rent Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,884/mo · US $1,948/mo | $1,246/mo#124 of 1,115 | — | $1,884/mo | $1,948/mo |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $401,950 | $177,700#161 of 1,309 | — | $401,950 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,633/mo | $935/mo#138 of 1,309 | — | $1,633/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.5x | 2.9x#138 of 1,309 | — | 4.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 22.2% | 18%#247 of 1,309 | — | 22.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Oshkosh housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Oshkosh is in the Oshkosh-Neenah, WI metro.
Wisconsin housing market →Is Oshkosh safe?
Oshkosh recorded 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 328 and 7% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #475 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #217 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oshkosh Police Department. Property crime runs 1,307 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Oshkosh | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 264 · US 328 | 257#475 of 1,085 | 240 | 264 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,550 · US 1,548 | 1,307#362 of 1,085 | 1,017 | 1,550 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Oshkosh?
The median household in Oshkosh earns $62,188, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Oshkosh | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $83,646 · US $83,163 | $62,188#996 of 1,312 | $77,488 | $83,646 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 4.2% · US 4.3% | 2.9%#73 of 1,058 | 3.2% | 4.2% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.8% | 17.5%#1015 of 1,312 | — | 10.8% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | +0.5%#391 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Oshkosh?
The median resident of Oshkosh is 34.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #897 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Oshkosh | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.7 | 34.4 | 37.7 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 35.1% | 27.3%#897 of 1,312 | 35.1% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 61.7% | 55% | 61.7% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Oshkosh's schools and health?
Oshkosh's 19 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $15,676 spent per pupil. 40.8% of adults are obese and 10.6% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 31.9% and 11%.
| Measure | Oshkosh | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 88%#518 of 1,063 | 90.3% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 16.4 | 12.5#127 of 1,188 | — | 16.4 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $15,354 | $15,676#503 of 1,188 | — | $15,354 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 31.9% | 40.8%#1155 of 1,311 | — | 31.9% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11% | 10.6%#524 of 1,311 | — | 11% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 16.7% | 17.9%#840 of 1,311 | — | 16.7% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 10.1% | 9%#519 of 1,311 | — | 10.1% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 8,488 students are enrolled in Oshkosh's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Oshkosh?
The average commute in Oshkosh is 18.1 minutes (Wisconsin 22.7); 0.8% of workers take transit and 10.4% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Oshkosh scores 13.4 of 20 (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 69.3°F and winters 21.6°F, with 30.6 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Oshkosh | WisconsinWI | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 25.1 min | 18.1 min#198 of 1,312 | 22.7 min | 25.1 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 6.5% | 3.3%#247 of 1,312 | 5.1% | 6.5% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 70.8% | 75.8% | 75.1% | 70.8% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.1% | 0.8% | 1.4% | 1.1% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.4% | 3.3% | 2.5% | 1.4% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.8% | 0.5% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 13.7% | 10.4% | 11.8% | 13.7% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 11.1 | 13.4#260 of 1,312 | — | 11.1 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). Wisconsin is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 | 11.1 | 1.1 |
| Feb | 29.7 | 13.5 | 0.8 |
| Mar | 41.5 | 24.2 | 1.7 |
| Apr | 54.8 | 35.5 | 2.9 |
| May | 67.4 | 46.9 | 3.6 |
| Jun | 77.3 | 57.2 | 4.7 |
| Jul | 81.3 | 61.2 | 3.7 |
| Aug | 79.2 | 59.7 | 3.2 |
| Sep | 72 | 51.3 | 3 |
| Oct | 58.5 | 40.1 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 44.1 | 28.5 | 1.8 |
| Dec | 31.7 | 17.9 | 1.3 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oshkosh Wittman Rgnl Airport.
| Measure | Oshkosh | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 58.1°F | 46.3°F | 58.1°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 74.2°F | 69.3°F | 74.2°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 40.8°F | 21.6°F | 40.8°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 38.3 in | 30.6 in | 38.3 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Oshkosh Wittman Rgnl Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Oshkosh?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Oshkosh's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Winnebago County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
| Measure | Oshkosh | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.15% | 0.13%#470 of 1,312 | 0.15% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Winnebago County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Winnebago County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Hail | 0.0056% | 73% of counties |
| Inland flooding | 0.096% | 66% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0093% | 52% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0016% | 45% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Oshkosh compare with similar-size cities?
Oshkosh is one of 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track and ranks #183 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 66,729.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #377 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 | 18.1 min |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #1014 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 | 15.9 min |
| Davis, CAPop. 66,978 | #529 | 57.6 | $90,045 | $2,187/mo | 191 | 22.3 min |
| Alpharetta, GAPop. 66,855 | #54 | 70.6 | $147,612 | $1,948/mo | 220 | 26.3 min |
| Novi, MIPop. 66,717 | #96 | 68.5 | $110,723 | $1,747/mo | 97 | 26.2 min |
| Ocala, FLPop. 66,584 | #962 | 50.7 | $56,376 | $1,359/mo | 393 | 19.2 min |
| Caldwell, IDPop. 66,516 | #551 | 57.3 | $73,058 | $1,264/mo | 482 | 24.6 min |
| Sammamish, WAPop. 66,463 | #210 | 64.2 | $239,690 | $2,857/mo | part year | 29.3 min |
| Union City, NJPop. 66,463 | #645 | 55.9 | $64,310 | $1,537/mo | 248 | 33.1 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Oshkosh compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Oshkosh ranks #13 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 60.4 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 20% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 7% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Wisconsin home.
| City | Rank in WI | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brookfield, WIPop. 41,273 | #1 | 71.8 | $129,548 | $1,886/mo | 63 |
| Menomonee Falls, WIPop. 39,539 | #2 | 68.6 | $100,238 | $1,313/mo | 90 |
| Wauwatosa, WIPop. 48,529 | #3 | 68.3 | $101,138 | $1,438/mo | 178 |
| New Berlin, WIPop. 40,270 | #4 | 66.1 | $101,091 | $1,426/mo | 47 |
| Madison, WIPop. 278,001 | #5 | 65.7 | $78,050 | $1,413/mo | 214 |
| Waukesha, WIPop. 71,233 | #6 | 64.5 | $83,837 | $1,219/mo | 115 |
| Appleton, WIPop. 75,023 | #7 | 63.0 | $80,483 | $1,030/mo | 189 |
| Greenfield, WIPop. 37,345 | #8 | 62.8 | $70,459 | $1,170/mo | 105 |
| West Allis, WIPop. 59,612 | #9 | 62.0 | $67,611 | $1,007/mo | 183 |
| Wausau, WIPop. 39,996 | #10 | 61.8 | $64,389 | $1,010/mo | 258 |
| Janesville, WIPop. 66,030 | #11 | 61.6 | $73,446 | $1,054/mo | 122 |
| Eau Claire, WIPop. 70,322 | #12 | 60.8 | $67,395 | $1,045/mo | 168 |
| Oshkosh, WIPop. 66,729 | #13 | 60.4 | $62,188 | $935/mo | 257 |
| Sheboygan, WIPop. 49,645 | #14 | 58.3 | $62,927 | $924/mo | 378 |
| La Crosse, WIPop. 51,356 | #15 | 57.2 | $55,866 | $1,010/mo | 428 |
| Kenosha, WIPop. 99,372 | #16 | 56.9 | $71,239 | $1,186/mo | 324 |
| Green Bay, WIPop. 106,253 | #17 | 56.8 | $66,206 | $932/mo | 450 |
| Fond du Lac, WIPop. 44,494 | #18 | 56.5 | $62,260 | $913/mo | 403 |
| Racine, WIPop. 77,633 | #19 | 53.2 | $57,740 | $1,033/mo | 418 |
| Milwaukee, WIPop. 566,973 | #20 | 45.0 | $54,234 | $1,059/mo | 1,145 |
All 20 Wisconsin cities we track, by overall score. Wisconsin statewide: median income $77,488, violent crime 240.3 per 100,000.
How is Oshkosh's score calculated?
Oshkosh scores 60.4 out of 100, #377 of 1,312 (grade B+, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Wisconsin's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Oshkosh. Similar-size median 55.5.
53.6 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Oshkosh's police agency. Similar-size median 77.8.
81.1 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Oshkosh. Similar-size median 58.9.
45.3 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Oshkosh's public schools. Similar-size median 55.2.
67.3 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Oshkosh's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 59.3.
83.1 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Oshkosh. Similar-size median 56.1.
35.0 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Oshkosh. Similar-size median 42.4.
50.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Oshkosh. Similar-size median 50.0.
52.0 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Oshkosh's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 53.2.
65.3 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 50.8.
66.5 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Oshkosh's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 524 cities of 50,000 to 100,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Oshkosh has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Oshkosh
Is Oshkosh, WI a good place to live?
Oshkosh ranks #377 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #183 of 524 smaller cities and #13 of 20 in Wisconsin. Against similar-size cities it stands out for low rents ($935/mo, #22 of 524) and low unemployment (2.9%, #23 of 476), and trails on high poverty (17.5%, #424 of 524) and low household income ($62,188, #421 of 524).
What is the cost of living in Oshkosh?
Oshkosh's cost of living index is 92.9, 7% below the US level of 100 and #371 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $935/mo against $1,633/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $260,641, 23% below the typical Wisconsin home ($339,699).
What is the crime rate in Oshkosh?
Oshkosh recorded 257 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 22% below the US rate of 328 and 7% above Wisconsin's 240. That ranks #475 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #217 of 444 smaller cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Oshkosh Police Department. Property crime runs 1,307 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Oshkosh?
The median household in Oshkosh earns $62,188, 25% below the US figure of $83,163 and 20% below Wisconsin ($77,488). Unemployment is 2.9% (US 4.3%). 17.5% of residents live below the poverty line. The population grew 0.5% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Oshkosh?
Median rent in Oshkosh is $935/mo (Census), #138 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). The typical asking rent for a unit on the market now is $1,246/mo, against $1,948/mo nationally. Median rent takes 18% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Oshkosh?
The typical home value in Oshkosh is $260,641, up 5.6% in a year, against $339,699 for Wisconsin and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $177,700.
How are the public schools in Oshkosh?
Oshkosh's 19 public schools graduate 88% of students in four years (Wisconsin 90.3%), with 12.5 students per teacher and $15,676 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Oshkosh?
The average commute is 18.1 minutes, #198 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 22.7 minutes across Wisconsin. 3.3% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Oshkosh?
Oshkosh averages 46.3°F over the year, 69.3°F in summer and 21.6°F in winter, with 30.6 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Oshkosh walkable?
Oshkosh scores 13.4 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (above average walkable), #260 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Oshkosh at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Winnebago County's biggest natural hazard losses in hail, inland flooding, and tornado, with expected yearly losses of 0.13% of building value, lower than 67% of US counties.
Who lives in Oshkosh?
Oshkosh has 66,729 residents. The median resident of Oshkosh is 34.4 years old, against 37.7 in similar-size cities. 27.3% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #897 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 55% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Oshkosh compare with the rest of Wisconsin?
Oshkosh ranks #13 of the 20 Wisconsin cities we track, with a score of 60.4 against Wisconsin's statewide 70.6. Its households earn 20% below the Wisconsin median. Violent crime is 7% above the statewide rate. Homes are 23% below the typical Wisconsin home.
What cities are similar in size to Oshkosh?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Oshkosh's population of 66,729 are Waterloo, IA (#1014 overall), Davis, CA (#529 overall), Alpharetta, GA (#54 overall), Novi, MI (#96 overall), and Ocala, FL (#962 overall). Oshkosh is #377.