Illinois / La Salle County

Moving to Ottawa, IL

Thinking of making a move to Ottawa, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

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Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ottawa, IL

Considering a move to Ottawa, IL? This welcoming community of 18,200 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $1,000. Commute times average 21 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (54% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ottawa's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ottawa, IL

Ottawa has a population of 18,200 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 39 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 86% White, 5% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 9% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
18,200
Density
1,700 per sq mi
Median Age
39.1
Gender Ratio
94 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
8.6%

Ethnic Composition

White
86.0%
Black
4.8%
Asian
1.3%
Others
7.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Ottawa, IL?

The cost of living in Ottawa is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 84.5. Median home values are around $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $1,000. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$165,000
Gross Rent
$1,000
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,420
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,380
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$520
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
84.5
Grocery
92.0
Housing
68.5
Utilities
99.1
Transportation
86.7
Health Care
91.4
Miscellaneous
88.2

Crime

Is Ottawa, IL a safe place to live?

Ottawa is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 220 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 70. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
220
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,420
Crime Index
1,640
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 455
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 70

Weather

What is the weather like in Ottawa, IL year-round?

Ottawa experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 18°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 54% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
18°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
67°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
54%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $65,200 and a low poverty rate of 12.8%. Over 90% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 23% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 21 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$34,500
Household Income
$65,200
Family Income
$82,000
Per Capita Income
$31,800
Income Male
$42,000
Income Female
$33,000
Poverty Rate
12.8%
Non English Speakers
12.4%
Rent
$1,000
Unemployment Rate
5.3%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
21.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.6%
Bachelors or More
22.8%

Education

How are the schools in Ottawa, IL?

Ottawa offers quality education options, with public schools like Ottawa Township High School and Shepherd Middle School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Illinois Valley Community College and Morris Area / University of Illinois Extension. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Ottawa Township High School
Street
211 E Main St
Phone
815-433-1323
Students
1,000
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8
Name
Shepherd Middle School
Street
211 E Main St
Phone
815-433-1933
Students
650
Student Teacher Ratio
14.9

Private Schools

Name
Marquette Academy
Street
901 Paul St
Phone
815-433-0
Students
280

Colleges

Name
Illinois Valley Community College
City
Oglesby
State
IL
Distance
23 miles
Students
4,000
Name
Morris Area / University of Illinois Extension
City
Morris
State
IL
Distance
20 miles
Students
1,200

Healthcare

Ottawa residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center and Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers – Ottawa Campus nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.9 per 1,000 people and 93.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

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
Name
Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers – Ottawa Campus
Address
1306 Gemini Cir, Ottawa, IL 61350
Phone
(815) 433-3100
Type
Medical Center / Outpatient
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage
93.4%
Health Care Index
68.7

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ottawa, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 71%. The market has seen a 4.1% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 6.1%. Ottawa offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$1,000
Owner Occupied Rate
70.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
6.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.1%
New Construction Rate
1.2%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Ottawa handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services, conveniently located in Springfield. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State Driver Services
Address
501 S. 2nd St., Springfield, IL 62756
Phone
1-800-252-8980

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.

FAQs About Moving to Ottawa, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Ottawa, review the core fields on this page: population 18,200, median home value $165,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $1,000, commute time 21.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 54%.

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