Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Ottumwa, IA
Considering a move to Ottumwa, IA? With a population of about 24,000, Ottumwa is an affordable city where median home prices hover around $93,400 and average rent is a budget-friendly $750. Commutes are quick, averaging just 15 minutes, and the area enjoys a moderate climate with 60% sunny days each year. While property crime is higher than average, the city offers accessible healthcare, a community college, and a reasonable cost of living—making Ottumwa a practical Midwest choice for families and individuals alike.
Demographics - Ottumwa, IA
Demographics - Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa is home to approximately 24,300 residents, with a median age of 38.9 years and a balanced gender ratio. The city is predominantly White at 81.8%, but there is a growing diversity, with 8.3% of the population speaking languages other than English. The population density of 1,350 per square mile offers a blend of small-city comfort and accessibility.
Population:
24,293
Density:
1,350 per sq mi
Median Age:
38.9
Gender Ratio:
96 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
8.3%
Ethnic Composition
White:
81.8%
Black:
2.4%
Asian:
1.0%
Others:
14.8%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in Ottumwa, IA?
Ottumwa boasts a low cost of living, with a median home value of just $93,400 and average rent around $750, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. Utilities and transportation costs are below the national average, and state taxes range from 0.33% to 8.53%. Overall, the city’s cost of living index of 78.1 indicates affordability compared to many other U.S. cities.
Median House Value:
$93,400
Gross Rent:
$750
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$1,020
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
0.33%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
78.1
Grocery:
92.7
Housing:
61.4
Utilities:
97.2
Transportation:
89.5
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
93.0
Crime
Is Ottumwa, IA a safe place to live?
Ottumwa experiences a higher rate of property crime, with about 2,335 incidents per 100,000 residents, while the violent crime rate remains comparatively low at 282 per 100,000. The chance of becoming a victim of violent crime is 1 in 355, so residents should exercise typical precautions. Despite the elevated property crime risk, many find the community atmosphere welcoming.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
282
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,335
Crime Index:
2,617
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 355
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 43
Weather
What is the weather like in Ottumwa, IA year-round?
Residents of Ottumwa enjoy four distinct seasons, with summers reaching highs of 86°F and winters dipping to lows around 15°F. The area receives about 37.5 inches of annual rainfall and sees sunshine 60% of the year. This moderate Midwestern climate allows for a variety of outdoor activities year-round.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
34°F
Spring
Min:
42°F
Max:
65°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
44°F
Max:
67°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
37.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
60%
Neighbors
Ottumwa’s households have a median income of $48,964, and the local unemployment rate is a relatively low 3.9%. The community is well-educated, with 85.7% holding at least a high school diploma, and the average commute time is a convenient 15 minutes. While the poverty rate is higher than average at 18.7%, the cost of living remains affordable for most.
Median Income:
$28,500
Household Income:
$48,964
Family Income:
$61,200
Per Capita Income:
$25,100
Income Male:
$44,600
Income Female:
$33,200
Poverty Rate:
18.7%
Non English Speakers:
8.3%
Rent:
$750
Unemployment Rate:
3.9%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
15.1 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
85.7%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in Ottumwa, IA?
Ottumwa offers a range of educational opportunities, including public schools like Ottumwa High School and Evans Middle School, as well as private options such as Seton Catholic School. The city is also home to Indian Hills Community College, serving about 3,600 students. Families will find both K–12 and higher education resources readily available.
Public Schools
Name:
Ottumwa High School
Street:
501 E 2nd St
Phone:
641-683-4444
Students:
1,350
Student Teacher Ratio:
17.5
Name:
Evans Middle School
Street:
812 Chester Ave
Phone:
641-684-6511
Students:
950
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.8
Private Schools
Name:
Seton Catholic School
Street:
117 N. Moore St
Phone:
641-682-8826
Students:
210
Colleges
Name:
Indian Hills Community College
City:
Ottumwa
State:
IA
Distance:
0 miles
Students:
3,600
Healthcare
Ottumwa offers accessible healthcare, anchored by the Ottumwa Regional Health Center providing general and emergency services. The city has 1.7 physicians per 1,000 residents, and 91% of the population has health insurance coverage. Healthcare services in the city are reliable and within easy reach for most residents.
Major Hospitals
Name:
Ottumwa Regional Health Center
Address:
1001 Pennsylvania Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone:
(641) 684-2300
Type:
General & Surgical
Emergency Services:
Yes
Physicians Per 1000:
1.7
Health Insurance Coverage:
91.0%
Health Care Index:
76.3
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in Ottumwa, IA?
The housing market in Ottumwa is notably affordable, with median home prices around $93,400 and average rent for a two-bedroom apartment at $750. About 60% of homes are owner-occupied, and the rental vacancy rate is 7.2%, providing a variety of options for buyers and renters. Home values have appreciated modestly by 3.9% over the past year.
Median Home Price:
$93,400
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$750
Owner Occupied Rate:
59.8%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.2%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
3.9%
New Construction Rate:
0.6%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
Vehicle services in Ottumwa are managed by the Iowa Department of Transportation, conveniently located at 410 W. 2nd Ave. Residents can access licensing, registration, and other DMV services locally or online through the state’s website. The office provides essential transportation services for Ottumwa and surrounding communities.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation
Address:
410 W. 2nd Ave., Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone:
641-682-7515
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.