$201,813Average Value$124Average Price per Sq Ft31Homes For Sale
A community hub in southeast Iowa with rich musical heritage
Music has always played a big role in the city of Oskaloosa. Back when it was one of the biggest coal-mining centers in the state, the earliest settlers started the first community band in 1864. When composer Charles Barnhouse moved to the area in 1891, he took the band to even bigger heights, playing at the World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri and serving as the official band for the Iowa State Fair for four years.
Today, music continues to influence life in this active community of over 11,000 people. Not only does Charles Barnhouse’s legacy continue to live on in the C.L. Barnhouse music publishing company, but the local band is still performing 160 years later. With low housing costs and plenty of local attractions, including the new $17-million entertainment complex Trio, the city of Oskaloosa earned a B and was rated one of the best places to retire in Iowa on Niche.com. “We’ve got a really nice growing arts scene,” says Ruthi Rogers, Legacy Real Estate Group associate broker. “People will come and put out blankets and lawn chairs on the grass, along the walkways and around the square.”
Oskaloosa maintains a small-town feel in the heart of Southeast Iowa.
The TRIO Entertainment complex in Oskaloosa boasts pickleball and tennis courts, a theater, and more.
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New subdivisions with ranch-style homes
Rated amongst the top 50 most affordable places to live in Iowa by Niche.com, Oskaloosa’s median sale price is $180,000, which is lower than both the state and national median. Ranch-style houses largely dominate the market, although there are also a few traditional-style houses and split-level homes. The area is in the midst of a housing shortage with just a month’s supply at a time, but new subdivisions were added to Marje Court and Fox Run Drive.
Oskaloosa is full of traditional stucco homes and stately American Foursquares.
Ranch-style homes, both midcentury and new developments, can be found throughout Oskaloosa.
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A sweet corn serenade in the City Square
In addition to five public parks and playgrounds, the City Square also has a historic bandstand from 1912 where the municipal band performs over the summer. It’s also a popular destination for annual events such as Art In The Square and the Sweet Corn Serenade, which highlights many corn-on-the-cobb delights. “We host a large Lighted Christmas parade the first weekend of December, and thousands of people from all over the Midwest will bus in to see the parade,” Ruthi says. “It’s really the hub for a lot of activities that the community puts together throughout the season.”
The Oskaloosa Bandstand is one of the city's most iconic landmarks, featuring live music.
Edmundson Park is a popular destination for Oskaloosa's kids and families.
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Historical shopping and dining on Main Street
Downtown Oskaloosa has its own shopping center in the Penn Central Mall, which features 16 different retailers, restaurants and beauty salons. Outside of the mall, Main Street is decorated with several antique stores, including Love Inc. that used to be a Goodwill building, as well as Book Vault, which opened inside a former bank. The historical influence extends to the local dining scene as well, with The American Table and P.O. Box operating out of the city’s former post office. Local dining also includes a variety of family-friendly restaurants, homestyle cafes and breweries, while the closest grocery stores include Walmart, Hy-Vee and Fareway.
Downtown Oskaloosa has recently benefitted from state revitalization projects.
Oskaloosa locals have a modern HyVee Grocery available for their daily grocery needs.
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Musco Lighting the way for local industries
Headquartered in Oskaloosa since 1976, Musco Lighting is the city’s biggest employer with around 700 employees. The Mahaska Health hospital employs around 600 people and provides 24-hour emergency care for the county, and Clow Valve has more than 450 employees who have been manufacturing fire hydrants for over 130 years.
Musco Lighting is the largest employer in Oskaloosa, and the driver of much of its growth.
Clow Valve is one of Oskaloosa's major industrial employers.
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A mix of in-person, virtual and home-schooling options
The Oskaloosa School System offers a virtual academy and a home-schooling program along with its kindergarten-through-12th-grade curriculum. Niche.com rated the district a C-plus. William Penn University is the local college that earned a C on Niche.com, getting its highest marks for its athletics and diversity.
The Oskaloosa High School and Middle School are consolidated into a single sprawling campus.
William Penn University in Oskaloosa draws students form all around Southeast Iowa.
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Oskaloosa rides and 24-hour transits
10-15 Area Transit runs 24/7 public transportation services for Mahaska and surrounding counties, with fares priced between $2-$4. For citywide transport, Oskaloosa Rides is a free bus service that operates three days a week and is wheelchair accessible. The closest airport is an hour away at the Des Moines International Airport.
Weather & Crime
Oskaloosa experiences hot summers and below freezing winters, with average summer high temperatures being 92 degrees and average winter low temperatures being 6 degrees below zero. The area sees an average of about 28 inches of snowfall annually, with public workers anti-icing and snow-plowing the streets. Residents can also sign up for weather emergency alerts on the city’s website. According to FBI data, both the violent and property crime rates are below state and national averages.
Written By
David Dunn
Photography Contributed By
Dylan Stowell
Video By
Jeffrey Knight
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
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an experienced agent in this area.
GreatSchools:
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On average, homes in Oskaloosa, IA sell after 33 days on the market compared to the national average of 55 days. The median sale price for homes in Oskaloosa, IA over the last 12 months is $179,500, up 3% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
NEW PRICE ~ Spacious Luxury Home with an Amazing Sized Morton building on 6.33 gross acres m/l is ready for you! Discover the perfect blend of elegance, space and functionality in this exceptional property just minutes from Oskaloosa, Iowa. Offering approximately 6700+ square feet of living space, this 5+ bedroom, 3+ bathroom Home is designed for comfort and style with plenty of outdoor space to
Presenting two exceptional, recently constructed duplexes situated side by side in a desirable subdivision on the south end of Oskaloosa, IA. This listing includes 8 total bedrooms, 8 total bathrooms, and 8 total garage spaces. Each duplex offers two units comprising 1,368 square feet per side with an open living and dining area, a spacious kitchen featuring a peninsula with seating for four, a
315 N 3rd welcomes you home! This property features a large living room and formal dining area, along with a spacious bonus space offering flexibility for a variety of uses. There are four bedrooms located on the upper level, along with two updated bathrooms, providing separation between living and sleeping areas. On the main level, you'll find a convenient half bath and an eat-in kitchen.
Welcome to 2160 Forrest Avenue in Oskaloosa, IA! Conveniently located just outside the city limits, this well-maintained ranch home offers 1,378 square feet of comfortable living space, featuring 3 bedrooms (with a non-conforming 4th bedroom in the basement) and 2.5 bathrooms. The main level showcases an open kitchen and dining area that flows seamlessly into a bright sunroom, perfect for
This well-maintained, ready-to-move-in home offers convenient and comfortable main-level living. The fully equipped kitchen comes complete with all appliances included, making it truly turnkey. The main floor features three bedrooms, a full bathroom, along with main level laundry for added convenience. The lower level includes a spacious family room perfect for relaxing or entertaining and a 3⁄4
UPDATED 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH MODERN RANCH HOME SITS AMONG BEAUTIFUL HISTORIC HOMES ON HIGH AVE E AND IS READY FOR YOU TO TOUR! As you enter there is a front deck area you can relax on and enjoy the view of the beautiful outdoors. The UPPER LEVEL has open Living/Dining/Kitchen areas as well as a Full Bath, Master Suite, 2 Bedrooms and Laundry Room. The Master Suite has a 3/4 bath, his and her closets
Imagine yourself in the tranquil setting of this beautiful ranch home on a large lot on the outskirts of town with a timbered view out your living room windows that boasts 3 bedrooms on the main floor (two of which have hardwood floors), a full bath, a living room, large dine in kitchen and another half bath with an oversized 2 car attached garage. The full basement provides additional living
Escape to this exceptional 31.83-acre property offering the perfect blend of recreation, habitat, and natural beauty. Featuring a scenic creek running through the land, this property provides an ideal setting for both wildlife and outdoor enjoyment.Designed with hunters in mind, the property includes a well-established food plot and a proven history of quality whitetail deer and eastern
SO many great things happening in this affordable 3BR, 2.5 Bath home with attached garage!! So many improvements to this fabulous home. Beautiful kitchen ( soft close doors & drawers)- Appliances included. Beautiful 3/4 bath, plus a large full bath with tons of storage, 3 bedrooms - 2 very spacious, lovely living room. Tons of natural light throughout, mostly new windows as well! As you come in
Turn-key country charm meets outdoor living at 406 Evans Randolph St in Oskaloosa! This inviting 2-bedroom, 1-bath home sits in a peaceful setting and offers the lifestyle buyers are searching for. Enjoy summer to the fullest with your own above-ground pool, perfect for entertaining or unwinding after a long day. The property also features a pole barn with electric fencing—ideal for hobby
NEW LISTING Close to Recreation Trail access, Edmundson Park, Edmundson Golf & Harvest Point Golf. This lovely 3 bedroom/2 bath home sits on a corner (.35 acre) lot, offers lots of natural light, beautiful wood floors, granite countertops in the kitchen, larger bath, primary bedroom & second bedroom on the main floor. The basement is finished with newer carpet, bedroom 3 & 2nd bath, a spacious
This inviting ranch home features an attached garage and two additional storage sheds, and a workshop offering plenty of space for tools, hobbies, and equipment. Inside, you’ll love the spacious kitchen with attractive cabinetry, a convenient pantry, quality countertops, and a center island that’s perfect for meal prep or casual dining. The main floor includes a full bathroom, while the lower
This unit can be rented as 2 separate leases . Each person with own bedroom and the rest of the unit is shared . Very clean , furnished , well maintained unit close to town square and Wm. Penn. Washer/dryer in unit. . NO PETS, NO SMOKING Email preferred, No phone calls. AlLL utilities included. available May 12,2026. Also includes 1 garage.
Available now. Two bedroom and one bathroom updated condo. 1200 SF. Additional office. Separate furnace and water heater. Keypad entry. Tenant pays utilities. Conveniently located near downtown and the college.
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