Iowa / Wapello County

Moving to Ottumwa, IA

Thinking of making a move to Ottumwa, IA? 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 Ottumwa, IA

Considering a move to Ottumwa, IA? This welcoming community of 24,800 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $145,000 and average rents near $850. Commute times average 16 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (53% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Ottumwa's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Ottumwa, IA

Ottumwa has a population of 24,800 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 2% Asian residents, and over 6% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
24,800
Density
1,650 per sq mi
Median Age
39.4
Gender Ratio
97 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
6.1%

Ethnic Composition

White
85.8%
Black
4.5%
Asian
1.8%
Others
7.9%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Ottumwa, IA?

The cost of living in Ottumwa is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 79.8. Median home values are around $145,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $840. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$145,000
Gross Rent
$840
Monthly Electricity Charges
$125
Auto Insurance
$1,520
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,180
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$430
State Taxes
Low: 0.33%| High: 8.53%
Cost Of Living Index
79.8
Grocery
92.0
Housing
61.5
Utilities
99.1
Transportation
95.4
Health Care
94.2
Miscellaneous
88.7

Crime

Is Ottumwa, IA a safe place to live?

Ottumwa is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 410 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 45. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Iowa.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
410
Property Crimes Per 100k
2,210
Crime Index
2,620
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 244
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 45

Weather

What is the weather like in Ottumwa, IA year-round?

Ottumwa experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 86°F and cold winters dipping to 16°F. The area receives about 37 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 53% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
16°F
Max
34°F

Summer

Min
65°F
Max
86°F

Spring

Min
42°F
Max
66°F

Fall

Min
44°F
Max
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.8 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
53%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $56,800 and a low poverty rate of 16.8%. Over 89% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 18% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 16 minutes, and almost 3% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$42,000
Household Income
$56,800
Family Income
$69,500
Per Capita Income
$27,900
Income Male
$45,500
Income Female
$36,800
Poverty Rate
16.8%
Non English Speakers
10.4%
Rent
$840
Unemployment Rate
4.7%
Public Transport Usage
2.8%
Commute Time
16.4 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
89.1%
Bachelors or More
17.8%

Education

How are the schools in Ottumwa, IA?

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

Public Schools

Name
Ottumwa High School
Street
523 E 2nd St
Phone
641-683-4444
Students
1,050
Student Teacher Ratio
14.6
Name
Evans Middle School
Street
812 Bissell St
Phone
641-684-7516
Students
540
Student Teacher Ratio
13.8

Private Schools

Name
Seton Catholic School
Street
230 E Market St
Phone
641-682-8324
Students
160

Colleges

Name
Indian Hills Community College
City
Ottumwa
State
IA
Distance
3 miles
Students
4,800
Name
The University of Iowa
City
Iowa City
State
IA
Distance
86 miles
Students
31,000

Healthcare

Ottumwa residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like Ottumwa Regional Health Center and MercyOne Ottumwa Family and Internal Medicine nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 1.8 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
Ottumwa Regional Health Center
Address
1001 E Pennsylvania Ave, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone
(641) 684-2300
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
MercyOne Ottumwa Family and Internal Medicine
Address
2855 N Court St, Ottumwa, IA 52501
Phone
(641) 684-2114
Type
Primary Care
Emergency Services
No

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
1.8
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
69.4

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Ottumwa, IA?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $145,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 63%. The market has seen a 3.9% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 7.1%. Ottumwa offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$145,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$850
Owner Occupied Rate
63.4%
Rental Vacancy Rate
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
3.9%
New Construction Rate
1.1%
Foreclosure Rate
0.7%

DMV Information

Residents of Ottumwa handle vehicle services through the Iowa Department of Transportation Driver and Identification Services, conveniently located in Ankeny. 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
Iowa
Department
Iowa Department of Transportation Driver and Identification Services
Address
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone
1-515-244-8725

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 Ottumwa, IA

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

Before moving to Ottumwa, review the core fields on this page: population 24,800, median home value $145,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $850, commute time 16.4 minutes, and sunny days percentage 53%.

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