Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ottosen, IA
Considering a move to Ottosen, IA? This small rural town of just 46 residents offers a peaceful, affordable lifestyle with a median home price around $68,000 and average rent of $650. You'll find very low crime rates, short 23-minute commutes, and access to local schools within the West Bend-Mallard district. The cost of living here is well below the national average, and you’ll enjoy four distinct seasons, plenty of sunny days, and a close-knit community atmosphere.
Demographics - Ottosen, IA
Demographics - Ottosen, IA
Ottosen is a quiet rural town with a population of only 46, characterized by a predominantly White community and a median age of 54, reflecting its appeal to older adults or retirees. The gender ratio slightly favors males, and the area has a low percentage of non-English speakers, contributing to a close-knit and homogeneous environment.
Population:
46
Density:
49 per sq mi
Median Age:
54.0
Gender Ratio:
110 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
1.5%

Ethnic Composition
White:
98.0%
Black:
0.0%
Asian:
0.0%
Others:
2.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ottosen, IA?
Living in Ottosen is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and a median home value of just $68,000. Residents benefit from low housing and utility costs, making it an attractive option for those seeking economical rural living.
Median House Value:
$68,000
Gross Rent:
$650
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$950
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$850
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$390
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
82.2
Grocery:
94.0
Housing:
45.0
Utilities:
98.0
Transportation:
86.0
Health Care:
90.0
Miscellaneous:
92.0
Crime
Is Ottosen, IA a safe place to live?
Ottosen experiences very low crime, with a violent crime rate of only 50 incidents per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 200 per 100,000. The odds of encountering serious crime here are minimal, supporting a safe and secure small-town atmosphere.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
50
Property Crimes Per 100k:
200
Crime Index:
250
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 2,000
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 500
Weather
What is the weather like in Ottosen, IA year-round?
Residents enjoy four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 84°F and cold winters dipping to 7°F. The area receives about 31.5 inches of rainfall annually and boasts 59% sunny days, providing a balanced Midwestern climate.

Winter
Min:
7°F
Max:
27°F

Spring
Min:
36°F
Max:
63°F

Summer
Min:
57°F
Max:
84°F

Fall
Min:
37°F
Max:
65°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
31.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
59%
Neighbors
Households in Ottosen typically earn around $47,000, and the area maintains a low unemployment rate of 2.9%. Most neighbors have completed high school, and the average commute time is a manageable 23.5 minutes, reflecting the town's laid-back pace and strong community ties.
Median Income:
$28,000
Household Income:
$47,000
Family Income:
$53,000
Per Capita Income:
$24,000
Income Male:
$31,000
Income Female:
$24,500
Poverty Rate:
10.5%
Non English Speakers:
1.5%
Rent:
$650
Unemployment Rate:
2.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0%
Commute Time:
23.5 minutes

Education
High School or Higher:
91.0%
Bachelors or More:
19.0%
Education
How are the schools in Ottosen, IA?
Ottosen falls within the West Bend-Mallard school district, featuring small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio of 8.5 at the local high school. For higher education, residents are within driving distance of Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge, which serves over 5,900 students.

Public Schools
Name:
West Bend-Mallard High School
Street:
300 3rd Ave NW, West Bend, IA 50597
Phone:
515-887-7821
Students:
190
Student Teacher Ratio:
8.5

Colleges
Name:
Iowa Central Community College
City:
Fort Dodge
State:
IA
Distance:
35 miles
Students:
5,900
Healthcare
Ottosen residents have access to nearby hospitals such as Humboldt County Memorial Hospital and Kossuth Regional Health Center, both offering emergency services. The community enjoys a high rate of health insurance coverage at 91.7% and a moderate number of physicians per capita, ensuring essential healthcare needs are met.

Major Hospitals
Name:
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital
Address:
1000 15th St N, Humboldt, IA 50548
Phone:
(515) 332-4200
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Name:
Kossuth Regional Health Center
Address:
1515 S Phillips St, Algona, IA 50511
Phone:
(515) 295-2451
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.4
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.7%
Health Care Index:
69.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ottosen, IA?
The housing market in Ottosen is very accessible, with a median home price of $68,000 and an owner-occupied rate of 86%. Rental options are available at an average of $650 for a two-bedroom, and home values have seen steady appreciation in recent years.
Median Home Price:
$68,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$650
Owner Occupied Rate:
86.0%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
10.0%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.3%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.1%
DMV Information
Local residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation for all DMV needs, with the nearest main office located in Ankeny. Services and information are easily accessible online or by phone, providing convenience for vehicle and licensing matters.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
515-244-8725
Website:
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