Kansas / Franklin County

Moving to Ottawa, KS

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

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Ottawa and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Ottawa before you move.

Moving Help for Your Ottawa, KS Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Ottawa move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Ottawa, KS Piano Movers Ottawa, KS Cheap Movers Ottawa, KS Small Movers Ottawa, KS Apartment Movers Ottawa, KS Long Distance Movers Ottawa, KS

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ottawa, KS

Considering a move to Ottawa, KS? This welcoming community of 12,300 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $165,000 and average rents near $860. Commute times average 18 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (60% 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, KS

Ottawa has a population of 12,300 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 37 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 84% White, 4% Black, and 1% Asian residents, and over 7% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
12,300
Density
1,150 per sq mi
Median Age
36.8
Gender Ratio
92 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.8%

Ethnic Composition

White
84.0%
Black
3.5%
Asian
1.1%
Others
11.4%

Cost Of Living

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

The cost of living in Ottawa is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 82.4. Median home values are around $165,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $860. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$165,000
Gross Rent
$860
Monthly Electricity Charges
$142
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,160
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$430
State Taxes
Low: 3.1%| High: 5.7%
Cost Of Living Index
82.4
Grocery
94.5
Housing
63.8
Utilities
102.1
Transportation
88.6
Health Care
92.0
Miscellaneous
90.7

Crime

Is Ottawa, KS a safe place to live?

Ottawa is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 290 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 52. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Kansas.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
290
Property Crimes Per 100k
1,920
Crime Index
2,210
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 345
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 52

Weather

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

Ottawa experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 91°F and cold winters dipping to 21°F. The area receives about 39 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 60% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
21°F
Max
41°F

Summer

Min
68°F
Max
91°F

Spring

Min
44°F
Max
68°F

Fall

Min
46°F
Max
70°F
Average Rainfall Inches
38.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
60%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $60,800 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 88% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 19% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 18 minutes, and almost 2% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$33,500
Household Income
$60,800
Family Income
$74,200
Per Capita Income
$29,100
Income Male
$38,500
Income Female
$30,600
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
12.4%
Rent
$860
Unemployment Rate
4.1%
Public Transport Usage
1.8%
Commute Time
17.9 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
88.1%
Bachelors or More
18.9%

Education

How are the schools in Ottawa, KS?

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

Public Schools

Name
Ottawa High School
Street
1120 E 5th St
Phone
785-229-8030
Students
780
Student Teacher Ratio
13.7
Name
Ottawa Middle School
Street
101 S Ash St
Phone
785-229-8100
Students
520
Student Teacher Ratio
14.1

Private Schools

Name
Freeman Elementary School
Street
1312 S Cedar St
Phone
785-242-6600
Students
220

Colleges

Name
Ottawa University
City
Ottawa
State
KS
Distance
0 miles
Students
750
Name
Allen Community College
City
Iola
State
KS
Distance
34 miles
Students
1,700

Healthcare

Ottawa residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like AdventHealth Ottawa and The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 91.4% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
AdventHealth Ottawa
Address
1100 S Main St, Ottawa, KS 66067
Phone
(785) 229-8200
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
The University of Kansas Health System St. Francis Campus
Address
1700 SW 7th St, Topeka, KS 66606
Phone
(785) 295-8000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
91.4%
Health Care Index
69.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ottawa, KS?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $165,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 68%. The market has seen a 4.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Ottawa offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$165,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$860
Owner Occupied Rate
67.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
4.2%
New Construction Rate
1.3%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Ottawa handle vehicle services through the Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles, conveniently located in Topeka. 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
Kansas
Department
Kansas Department of Revenue – Division of Vehicles
Address
915 SW Harrison St, Topeka, KS 66612
Phone
1-785-296-3621

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, KS

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 12,300, median home value $165,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $860, commute time 17.9 minutes, and sunny days percentage 60%.

Ready to Move to Ottawa, KS?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes