Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ottawa, IL
Considering a move to Ottawa, IL? This friendly city of 18,480 offers affordable living, with median home prices around $163,000 and average rents near $915. Enjoy manageable commutes (22.6 minutes), low violent crime rates (217 per 100k), and access to quality schools and healthcare. With its scenic riverfront, historic downtown, and four distinct seasons with 54% sunny days, Ottawa is a welcoming place for families and professionals alike.
Demographics - Ottawa, IL
Demographics - Ottawa, IL
Ottawa, IL, is home to about 18,480 residents, with a median age of 41.2 and a population density of 1,480 people per square mile. The community is predominantly White at 87%, and around 7% of residents speak a language other than English, contributing to the city’s welcoming and diverse atmosphere.
Population:
18,480
Density:
1,480 per sq mi
Median Age:
41.2
Gender Ratio:
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.8%
Ethnic Composition
White:
87.1%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
0.8%
Others:
9.7%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ottawa, IL?
Ottawa offers a cost of living index of 81.5, making it more affordable than many U.S. cities. With median home values at $163,000 and average rents around $915, both homebuyers and renters can find budget-friendly housing options.
Median House Value:
$163,000
Gross Rent:
$915
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$120
Auto Insurance:
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,185
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$510
State Taxes:
Low:
4.95%
|
High:
4.95%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.5
Grocery:
93.4
Housing:
60.2
Utilities:
94.1
Transportation:
88.3
Health Care:
89.6
Miscellaneous:
94.5
Crime
Is Ottawa, IL a safe place to live?
Ottawa maintains relatively low crime rates, with 217 violent crimes per 100,000 residents and a 1 in 460 chance of being a victim. Property crime is more common, but overall, the city offers a safe environment for families and individuals.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
217
Property Crimes Per 100k:
1,710
Crime Index:
1,927
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 460
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 59
Weather
What is the weather like in Ottawa, IL year-round?
Residents experience four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 85°F and cold winters with lows near 16°F. Ottawa enjoys about 54% sunny days each year and receives an average of 36.5 inches of rainfall, making for a varied yet pleasant climate.
Winter
Min:
16°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
63°F
Max:
85°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
54%
Neighbors
Ottawa households typically earn a median income of $57,200, and about 91% of adults hold at least a high school diploma. With a moderate poverty rate of 14.5% and an average commute time of 22.6 minutes, the city offers a balanced lifestyle and community-focused living.
Median Income:
$33,800
Household Income:
$57,200
Family Income:
$70,500
Per Capita Income:
$30,400
Income Male:
$41,900
Income Female:
$33,600
Poverty Rate:
14.5%
Non English Speakers:
6.8%
Rent:
$915
Unemployment Rate:
5.4%
Public Transport Usage:
0.5%
Commute Time:
22.6 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
91.2%
Bachelors or More:
22.3%
Education
How are the schools in Ottawa, IL?
Ottawa features a mix of public and private schools, including Ottawa Township High School and Marquette Academy, as well as proximity to Illinois Valley Community College just 14 miles away. Local schools offer favorable student-teacher ratios and a supportive environment for learners of all ages.
Public Schools
Name:
Ottawa Township High School
Street:
211 E Main St
Phone:
815-433-1323
Students:
1,260
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.1
Name:
Central Intermediate School
Street:
711 E McKinley Rd
Phone:
815-433-1133
Students:
650
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.7
Private Schools
Name:
Marquette Academy
Street:
1000 Paul St
Phone:
815-433-0125
Students:
450
Colleges
Name:
Illinois Valley Community College
City:
Oglesby
State:
IL
Distance:
14 miles
Students:
2,800
Healthcare
Residents have convenient access to healthcare, including the OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, and nearly 93% have health insurance coverage. With 1.9 physicians per 1,000 people, Ottawa provides reliable medical care for its population.
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:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
93.1%
Health Care Index:
69.4
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ottawa, IL?
The housing market in Ottawa is accessible, with a median home price of $163,000 and a homeownership rate near 67%. Rental vacancies are moderate at 8.2%, and the market has seen steady appreciation at 5.4% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$163,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$915
Owner Occupied Rate:
66.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
8.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
5.4%
New Construction Rate:
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Ottawa residents can access driver and vehicle services at the Illinois Secretary of State Facility located on West Main Street. The local DMV offers standard licensing and registration services for Illinois drivers.
State:
Illinois
Department:
Illinois Secretary of State Facility
Address:
411 W Main St, Ottawa, IL 61350
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.