Okoboji is located on the eastern shore of West Okoboji Lake in Dickinson County, Iowa. Okoboji, Iowa, is one of 35 towns and localities that make up the Iowa Lakes Corridor, a scenic stretch of the state’s lakes.
Local beaches, lakes, parks, and family-friendly sights like the Okoboji Nature Center and Arnolds Park Amusement Park are all within walking distance of residents.
While Okoboji features gorgeous scenery and recreational activities, the city and its nearby municipalities offer employment opportunities in high-tech manufacturing, wholesale, medicine, ecotourism (year-round), and merit agribusiness.
When considering a move to Okoboji, Iowa, below are a few things you should keep in mind to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Okoboji Cost of Living
Okoboji’s population was 768 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Spirit Lake Micropolitan Statistical Area. The town is known for its water recreation opportunities, such as boating and fishing on West Okoboji Lake.
The cost of living in Okoboji is 2.2% higher than the national average. The median home cost in Okoboji is $347,200. Below is the average cost of renting a home in Okoboji.
- The median rent for a studio is $694.
- The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $730.
- The median rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $961.
- The median rent for a three-bedroom apartment is $1219.
Okoboji Weather
If you’re moving to Okoboji, IA, you’ll want to be prepared for the weather. The area is known for its hot summers and cold winters. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- On average, Okoboji, Iowa, receives 29 inches of rain annually, while the average annual rainfall in the US is 38 inches.
- The annual average snowfall in Okoboji is 39 inches; meanwhile, the snowfall in the US averages 28 inches a year.
- In Okoboji, there are about 208 sunny days each year.
- On average, Okoboji experiences some form of precipitation 86 days out of the year.
- In July, the temperature often rises to roughly 84 degrees.
- During the Winter, the Lowest Temperature is 7 degrees Fahrenheit in January.
Okoboji experiences snowfall of a few feet each year because it is situated in snow. However, the amount of precipitation can vary significantly from year to year. So, if you’re moving to Okoboji, pack your sweaters and umbrellas!
Okoboji Crime & Safety
Violent Crime
According to Crime Grade, the violent crime rate in Okoboji is lower than that of a typical US city. As a result, 26 percent of cities are safer than Okoboji, while 74 percent of cities are riskier. Okoboji is in the 74th percentile for safety.
In Okoboji, a violent crime occurs at an average rate of 1.66 per 1,000 people yearly. Locals often regard the west side of Okoboji as being the least dangerous for this kind of crime.
In Okoboji, your likelihood of becoming a victim of violent crime can range from 1 in 401 in the northwest neighborhoods to 1 in 633 in the west. Overall, the violent crime rate is 11.9, which is below the national average of 22.7.
Property Crime
The property crime rate in Okoboji is 14.2 per 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 35.4. Okoboji’s most common property crimes are burglary, robbery, and vehicle theft.
In terms of safety, Okoboji is in the 54th percentile, which means that 46% of cities are safer and 54% are riskier.
Locals often regard the west side of Okoboji as being the least dangerous for this kind of crime. In Okoboji, your likelihood of becoming a victim of a property crime can range from 1 in 84 in the west of the city to 1 in 76 in the southeast.
Okoboji Education
It is hard to overstate the importance of education. Okoboji is home to several colleges and universities, making it an ideal place to pursue higher education.
The Okoboji Community School District serves the towns of Arnolds Park, Okoboji, Spirit Lake, and West Okoboji.
The district consists of one elementary school, middle school, and high school. It offers various programs and degrees, from traditional liberal arts to cutting-edge STEM fields.
Students can also take advantage of Okoboji’s proximity to Minneapolis, Des Moines, and Omaha, allowing them to explore urban centers while enjoying the benefits of a small-town setting.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate learning environment or a vibrant community to call home, Okoboji Education has something to offer everyone.
Okoboji Job Market
The Okoboji job market is a vibrant and ever-changing landscape. The area is home to many types of businesses, from small mom-and-pop shops to large corporations. There are plenty of job opportunities available. Here are some key statistics:
- The unemployment rate in Okoboji, Iowa, is 4.9% which is lower than the US average of 6%.
- Over the past year, Job growth in Okoboji has increased by 0.8%.
- Over the next ten years, employment is expected to grow at 26.4%, less than the US average of 33.5%.
- The Sales Tax Rate for Okoboji comes in at 7.0%, which is lower than the national average of 7.3 percent.
- Okoboji has an income tax rate of 9.0 percent, higher than the national average of 4.6 percent.
- Okoboji residents earn an average of $48,670 a year
- It is estimated that the average Okoboji household earns $58,636 a year.
- The Income Tax Rate for Okoboji is 9.0%.
The area’s economy is also quite diverse, with jobs in industries such as tourism, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Overall, the Okoboji job market is a great place to find work if you’re willing to put in a little effort. There are plenty of opportunities available, and the area’s economy is quite diverse.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to Okoboji can be an excellent decision for those looking for an affordable place to live. The weather is mild and pleasant year-round, and although property crime occurs occasionally, it’s generally considered a safe community to raise a family.
That said, one crucial factor to keep in mind is that the job market can be somewhat limited compared to larger metropolitan areas. I hope this overview has been helpful.
If you have any other questions or need more information about moving to Okoboji, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’d be happy to help you find your dream home.
