Everything You Should Know Before Moving to South Ottumwa, IA
Thinking of moving to South Ottumwa, IA? This friendly community of about 5,200 offers affordable living with median home prices around $93,000 and average rent at just $675. Residents enjoy short commutes (about 15 minutes), a low cost of living, and access to solid schools and healthcare nearby. While crime rates are slightly above the national average, South Ottumwa’s small-town charm and moderate climate make it a practical choice for those seeking value and a close-knit atmosphere.
Demographics - South Ottumwa, IA
Demographics - South Ottumwa, IA
South Ottumwa is a close-knit community of about 5,200 residents, with a median age of 37.2 and a fairly balanced gender ratio. The population is predominantly White, and the area features moderate diversity with a small percentage of non-English speakers. The city’s population density and mix of age groups create a welcoming, small-town feel.
Population:
5,200
Density:
1,750 per sq mi
Median Age:
37.2
Gender Ratio:
98 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage:
6.5%
Ethnic Composition
White:
85.1%
Black:
2.8%
Asian:
1.1%
Others:
11.0%
Cost Of Living
What is the average cost of living in South Ottumwa, IA?
Living in South Ottumwa is highly affordable, with a cost of living index well below the national average and median home values around $93,000. Rent is budget-friendly at $675 per month, and essential utilities and services remain accessible for most households. Residents benefit from low housing costs, making the area attractive for families and retirees alike.
Median House Value:
$93,000
Gross Rent:
$675
Monthly Electricity Charges:
$110
Auto Insurance:
$970
House Owner Cost With Mortgage:
$1,050
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage:
$410
State Taxes:
Low:
4.4%
|
High:
8.53%
Cost Of Living Index:
81.0
Grocery:
95.8
Housing:
54.2
Utilities:
95.4
Transportation:
82.7
Health Care:
98.0
Miscellaneous:
89.5
Crime
Is South Ottumwa, IA a safe place to live?
Crime rates in South Ottumwa are slightly higher than national averages, particularly for property crime, with a 1 in 48 chance. Violent crime remains less common, offering residents a reasonable sense of safety. The community continues to work toward improving neighborhood security and quality of life.
Violent Crimes Per 100k:
320
Property Crimes Per 100k:
2,100
Crime Index:
2,420
Chance Of Violent Crime:
1 in 313
Chance Of Property Crime:
1 in 48
Weather
What is the weather like in South Ottumwa, IA year-round?
South Ottumwa experiences all four seasons, with warm summers reaching up to 86°F and chilly winters dipping as low as 15°F. The city enjoys about 56% sunny days annually and receives approximately 36.5 inches of rainfall, providing a balanced Midwestern climate. Residents can expect comfortable springs and falls, ideal for outdoor activities.
Winter
Min:
15°F
Max:
33°F
Spring
Min:
38°F
Max:
66°F
Summer
Min:
62°F
Max:
86°F
Fall
Min:
41°F
Max:
68°F
Average Rainfall Inches:
36.5 inches
Sunny Days Percentage:
56%
Neighbors
Local households in South Ottumwa typically earn a median income of $44,600, with a per capita income of $24,200. The area has a relatively low unemployment rate and short average commute times of under 15 minutes, contributing to a convenient lifestyle. While the poverty rate is above the national average, most residents have at least a high school education.
Median Income:
$27,800
Household Income:
$44,600
Family Income:
$57,100
Per Capita Income:
$24,200
Income Male:
$39,000
Income Female:
$31,100
Poverty Rate:
17.2%
Non English Speakers:
6.5%
Rent:
$675
Unemployment Rate:
3.6%
Public Transport Usage:
0.7%
Commute Time:
14.8 minutes
Education
High School or Higher:
87.9%
Bachelors or More:
15.2%
Education
How are the schools in South Ottumwa, IA?
Families in South Ottumwa benefit from a range of public and private schools, with Liberty Elementary and Evans Middle School serving local students. Higher education is available just two miles away at Indian Hills Community College, which enrolls over 3,800 students. The city’s schools offer reasonable student-to-teacher ratios and diverse learning opportunities.
Public Schools
Name:
Liberty Elementary School
Street:
50 Traxler Dr
Phone:
641-682-4502
Students:
390
Student Teacher Ratio:
15.9
Name:
Evans Middle School
Street:
812 Chester Ave
Phone:
641-684-6511
Students:
730
Student Teacher Ratio:
16.2
Private Schools
Name:
Seton Catholic School
Street:
1010 W 4th St
Phone:
641-682-8826
Students:
150
Colleges
Name:
Indian Hills Community College
City:
Ottumwa
State:
IA
Distance:
2 miles
Students:
3,800
Healthcare
Residents have access to Ottumwa Regional Health Center for general and emergency care, and the city offers nearly two physicians per 1,000 people. Health insurance coverage is high, and the healthcare index suggests reliable services are available. The presence of a major hospital ensures essential medical needs are met locally.
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:
1.9
Health Insurance Coverage:
90.7%
Health Care Index:
77.0
Housing Market
What is the housing market like in South Ottumwa, IA?
The South Ottumwa housing market is highly accessible, with a median home price of $93,000 and strong owner-occupancy rates. Rental options are also available, with average two-bedroom rents at $675 and a healthy vacancy rate. Modest home appreciation and low foreclosure rates make the area stable for both buyers and renters.
Median Home Price:
$93,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom:
$675
Owner Occupied Rate:
64.2%
Rental Vacancy Rate:
7.1%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr):
4.2%
New Construction Rate:
0.8%
Foreclosure Rate:
0.7%
DMV Information
South Ottumwa residents are served by the Iowa Department of Transportation’s Motor Vehicle Division, located in Ankeny. Essential DMV services, such as licensing and registration, are accessible both in person and online. The state provides user-friendly resources for new and existing drivers.
State:
Iowa
Department:
Iowa Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division
Address:
6310 SE Convenience Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50021
Phone:
1-800-532-1121
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.