Everything You Should Know Before Moving to North Ottawa, IL
Considering a move to North Ottawa, IL? This friendly city of about 18,800 residents offers affordable living, with median home prices at $164,000 and average rents around $905. Enjoy short commutes averaging 22 minutes, low violent crime rates (148 per 100K), and a highly rated local hospital. North Ottawa boasts a relaxed lifestyle, solid educational options, and four-season weather with 59% sunny days—making it a smart choice for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - North Ottawa, IL
Demographics - North Ottawa, IL
North Ottawa is home to around 18,800 residents, with a median age of just over 41, reflecting a balanced mix of families and older adults. The city has a strong sense of community, predominantly White (89%), and about 7.5% of residents speak a language other than English at home. Its moderate population density offers a comfortable suburban atmosphere.
Population:
18,800
Density:
1,900 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
7.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
89.2%
Black:
3.1%
Asian:
0.7%
Others:
7.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in North Ottawa, IL?
Living in North Ottawa is notably affordable, with a cost of living index of 84.3 and median home values at $164,000. Residents benefit from reasonable expenses on housing, utilities, and groceries, and state income tax is a flat 4.95%. This cost structure makes North Ottawa attractive for both renters and homeowners seeking value.
Median House Value:
$164,000
Gross Rent:
$905
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,050
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,220
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$465
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
84.3
Grocery:
91.2
Housing:
68.5
Utilities:
97.6
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
95.3
Miscellaneous:
90.0
Crime
Is North Ottawa, IL a safe place to live?
North Ottawa maintains a low violent crime rate of 148 incidents per 100,000 people, offering residents a sense of safety and security. Property crime is also relatively manageable, with a typical chance of 1 in 98 for such incidents. This community's low crime rates contribute to its appeal for families and newcomers.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
148
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,020
Crime Index:
1,168
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 675
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 98
Weather
What is the weather like in North Ottawa, IL year-round?
Residents experience all four seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters dipping to 15°F. Annual rainfall averages nearly 36 inches, and the area enjoys sunshine about 59% of the year. This climate supports a variety of outdoor activities throughout the year.

Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F

Spring
Min:
39°F
Max:
64°F

Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
85°F

Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
35.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Typical households in North Ottawa earn around $60,800, and most residents have a high school education or higher. The community has an 11.3% poverty rate and a low unemployment rate of 5.2%, with average commute times of just over 22 minutes. Public transportation use is minimal, reflecting the city’s suburban and car-friendly nature.
Median Income:
$37,900
Household Income:
$60,800
Family Income:
$72,400
Per Capita Income:
$29,100
Income Male:
$43,600
Income Female:
$34,900
Poverty Rate:
11.3%
Non English Speakers:
7.5%
Rent:
$905
Unemployment Rate:
5.2%
Public Transport Usage:
0.6%
Commute Time:
22.1 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
89.8%
Bachelors or More:
19.7%
Education
How are the schools in North Ottawa, IL?
North Ottawa offers a range of educational opportunities, including well-regarded public schools like Ottawa Township High School and Shepherd Middle School, as well as private options such as Marquette Academy. The city maintains favorable student-teacher ratios and is located within easy reach of Illinois Valley Community College. These resources support families seeking quality education at every level.

Public Schools
Name:
Ottawa Township High School
Street:
211 E Main St
Phone:
815-433-1323
Students:
1,300
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.5
Name:
Shepherd Middle School
Street:
701 E McKinley Rd
Phone:
815-433-1133
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.0

Private Schools
Name:
Marquette Academy
Street:
1000 Paul St
Phone:
815-433-0125
Students:
425

Colleges
Name:
Illinois Valley Community College
City:
Oglesby
State:
IL
Distance:
16 miles
Students:
2,900
Healthcare
North Ottawa is served by OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, a comprehensive hospital offering emergency services. The city has a favorable physician-to-resident ratio of 2.2 per 1,000 and 91% of residents have health insurance coverage. This ensures quality healthcare access for families and individuals.

Major Hospitals
Name:
OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center
Address:
1100 E Norris Dr, Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone:
(815) 433-3100
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
2.2
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
72.8
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in North Ottawa, IL?
The housing market features a median home price of $164,000 and average rent for a two-bedroom at $905, making it accessible for both buyers and renters. About 63% of homes are owner-occupied, and the area has a low foreclosure rate. Modest home price appreciation and a steady rental market provide stability for residents.
Median Home Price:
$164,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$905
Owner Occupied Rate:
63.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.6%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.1%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.4%
DMV Information
Residents access vehicle and licensing services through the Illinois Secretary of State Facility located nearby in Peru, IL. The DMV is easily reachable for all essential needs, and information is available online through the state's official website. This ensures convenient access for new and current residents.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
4111 Progress Blvd, Peru, IL 61354
Phone:
1-800-252-8980
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.