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Is Ottumwa a Good Place to Live? Ottumwa, Iowa: cost of living, crime, schools and rankings
Ottumwa ranks #910 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #147 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($106,300, #4 of 208) and low living costs (84.1, #17 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182).
Ottumwa by the numbers
The measures people check first, each with Ottumwa's rank among the tracked cities and the US figure (or the similar-size median where there is no national figure).
What is the cost of living in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa's cost of living index is 84.1, 16% below the US level of 100 and #24 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $921/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $125,640, 48% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
| Measure | Ottumwa | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of living indexBEA Regional Price Parities, metro area · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size 92.6 · US 100 | 84.1#24 of 1,308 | 87.8 | 92.6 | 100 |
| Typical home valueZillow Home Value Index · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $305,499 · US $368,697 | $125,640#14 of 1,187 | $239,547 | $305,499 | $368,697 |
| Median home value (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $261,400 | $106,300#15 of 1,309 | — | $261,400 | — |
| Median rent (Census)Census ACS · rank 1 = cheapestSimilar-size $1,178/mo | $921/mo#116 of 1,309 | — | $1,178/mo | — |
| Home value to incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.5x | 1.7x#3 of 1,309 | — | 3.5x | — |
| Rent as a share of incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 19.9% | 18.1%#257 of 1,309 | — | 19.9% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. Zillow figures track homes and rentals on the market now; Census figures are survey medians of all homes and leases, so the two differ.
Ottumwa housing market · August
Typical home value is a monthly index of homes in the middle third of the market; the Census figures above are survey medians and will differ. Source in the data sources list below. Ottumwa is in the Ottumwa, IA metro.
Iowa housing market →Is Ottumwa safe?
Ottumwa recorded 272 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 328 and 16% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #509 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #93 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ottumwa Police Department. Property crime runs 2,207 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
| Measure | Ottumwa | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 258 · US 328 | 272#509 of 1,085 | 234 | 258 | 328 |
| Property crime per 100,000FBI Crime Data Explorer · rank 1 = safestSimilar-size 1,540 · US 1,548 | 2,207#765 of 1,085 | 1,172 | 1,540 | 1,548 |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. City rates come from each police agency's report to the FBI and are not strictly comparable across agencies.
What do people earn in Ottumwa?
The median household in Ottumwa earns $61,103, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
| Measure | Ottumwa | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Median household incomeCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size $71,675 · US $83,163 | $61,103#1020 of 1,312 | $75,501 | $71,675 | $83,163 |
| Unemployment rateBLS LAUS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 3.7% · US 4.3% | 4.3%#615 of 1,058 | 3.5% | 3.7% | 4.3% |
| Poverty rateCensus ACS · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 13% | 17.2%#995 of 1,312 | — | 13% | — |
| Population growth, one yearCensus population estimates · rank 1 = fastestSimilar-size +0.2% · US +0.5% | -0.6%#988 of 1,132 | +0.3% | +0.2% | +0.5% |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure.
Who lives in Ottumwa?
The median resident of Ottumwa is 36.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
| Measure | Ottumwa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median ageCensus ACSSimilar-size 37.3 | 36.7 | 37.3 | — |
| Adults with a bachelor's degree or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 32.5% | 20.8%#1147 of 1,312 | 32.5% | — |
| Homes lived in by their ownerCensus ACSSimilar-size 62.3% | 61.7% | 62.3% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure.
How are Ottumwa's schools and health?
Ottumwa's 10 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15 students per teacher and $12,314 spent per pupil. 41.9% of adults are obese and 13.3% have diabetes, against similar-size city medians of 35.6% and 11.5%.
| Measure | Ottumwa | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school graduation rateDepartment of Education EDFacts · rank 1 = highestSimilar-size 89% | 89%#454 of 1,063 | 89.9% | 89% | — |
| Students per teacherNCES Common Core of Data · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 14.9 | 15#464 of 1,188 | — | 14.9 | — |
| Spending per pupilNCES school finance survey · rank 1 = mostSimilar-size $13,509 | $12,314#900 of 1,188 | — | $13,509 | — |
| Adult obesityCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 35.6% | 41.9%#1205 of 1,311 | — | 35.6% | — |
| Adult diabetesCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 11.5% | 13.3%#997 of 1,311 | — | 11.5% | — |
| Adults with frequent mental distressCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 17.3% | 18%#857 of 1,311 | — | 17.3% | — |
| Adults without health insuranceCDC PLACES · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 9.2% | 11.2%#806 of 1,311 | — | 9.2% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. 4,925 students are enrolled in Ottumwa's public schools.
What are the commute and weather like in Ottumwa?
The average commute in Ottumwa is 17.8 minutes (Iowa 20.4); 1.2% of workers take transit and 4.3% work from home. On the EPA's walkability index Ottumwa scores 8.1 of 20 (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). Summers average 73.2°F and winters 26.2°F, with 37 inches of precipitation a year.
| Measure | Ottumwa | IowaIA | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average commuteCensus ACS · rank 1 = shortestSimilar-size 21.5 min | 17.8 min#182 of 1,312 | 20.4 min | 21.5 min | — |
| Commutes of an hour or moreCensus ACS · rank 1 = fewestSimilar-size 4.6% | 4.6%#506 of 1,312 | 4.5% | 4.6% | — |
| Drive alone to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 75.7% | 77.1% | 76.6% | 75.7% | — |
| Take transit to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.5% | 1.2% | 0.8% | 0.5% | — |
| Walk to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 1.6% | 1.1% | 3.1% | 1.6% | — |
| Bike to workCensus ACSSimilar-size 0.2% | 0.2% | 0.3% | 0.2% | — |
| Work from homeCensus ACSSimilar-size 10% | 4.3% | 9.9% | 10% | — |
| Walkability index (1 to 20)EPA National Walkability Index · rank 1 = most walkableSimilar-size 8.8 | 8.1#1031 of 1,312 | — | 8.8 | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). Iowa is the statewide figure. — means our sources have no statewide or national figure for that measure. The walkability index is the EPA's, averaged over the city's neighborhoods by population.
| Month | Average high (°F) | Average low (°F) | Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 13.8 | 1 |
| Feb | 36.8 | 18 | 1.4 |
| Mar | 50.2 | 28.9 | 2.2 |
| Apr | 62.8 | 39.4 | 3.8 |
| May | 72.9 | 51 | 5 |
| Jun | 82.2 | 61 | 5.4 |
| Jul | 85.7 | 64.5 | 3.9 |
| Aug | 84 | 62 | 4.4 |
| Sep | 77.3 | 53.3 | 3.5 |
| Oct | 64.2 | 41.6 | 2.8 |
| Nov | 49.7 | 29.5 | 2.1 |
| Dec | 37.2 | 19.7 | 1.4 |
Top: average low to average high, °F. Bottom: precipitation, inches. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ottumwa Ind Airport.
| Measure | Ottumwa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperatureNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 56.3°F | 50.7°F | 56.3°F | — |
| Summer average (Jun–Aug)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 76.3°F | 73.2°F | 76.3°F | — |
| Winter average (Dec–Feb)NOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 36.7°F | 26.2°F | 36.7°F | — |
| Precipitation a yearNOAA climate normalsSimilar-size 43.2 in | 37 in | 43.2 in | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. NOAA 30-year climate normals at Ottumwa Ind Airport.
What are the air quality and natural hazard risks in Ottumwa?
The EPA has no air-quality monitor in Ottumwa's county, so we have no air reading for it. Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wapello County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
| Measure | Ottumwa | Similar-size cities | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yearly hazard losses, share of building value (county)FEMA National Risk Index · rank 1 = lowestSimilar-size 0.14% | 0.18%#842 of 1,312 | 0.14% | — |
Rank is among the tracked cities with data for that measure. Similar-size cities are the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track (median). — means our sources have no national figure for that measure. County figures for Wapello County: the EPA measures air at monitors and FEMA estimates hazard losses by county, not by city.
Natural hazard losses, Wapello County
| Hazard | Yearly loss | Higher than |
|---|---|---|
| Inland flooding | 0.14% | 89% of counties |
| Strong wind | 0.0038% | 68% of counties |
| Hail | 0.003% | 59% of counties |
| Tornado | 0.0095% | 53% of counties |
| Earthquake | 0.0011% | 31% of counties |
FEMA National Risk Index: expected yearly building losses from each hazard as a share of the county's building value, compared with every US county exposed to that hazard. Loss rates, unlike FEMA's risk ratings, do not rise just because a county has more property.
How does Ottumwa compare with similar-size cities?
Ottumwa is one of 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track and ranks #147 of them on overall score. The table sets it beside the 8 cities in other states closest to its population of 25,430.
| City | Rank | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime | Commute |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #910 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 | 17.8 min |
| Derby, KSPop. 26,062 | #655 | 55.8 | $84,112 | $1,136/mo | part year | 23 min |
| Brandon, MSPop. 25,542 | #253 | 63.2 | $92,783 | $1,382/mo | 50 | 27.6 min |
| Yukon, OKPop. 25,529 | #504 | 58.0 | $75,273 | $1,274/mo | 293 | 22.8 min |
| Dickinson, NDPop. 25,357 | #274 | 62.7 | $82,696 | $957/mo | 183 | 16.4 min |
| Papillion, NEPop. 25,244 | #87 | 68.8 | $111,679 | $1,269/mo | 48 | 23 min |
| Newport, RIPop. 24,874 | #275 | 62.7 | $86,313 | $1,698/mo | 194 | 18.9 min |
| Terrytown, LAPop. 24,726 | #1304 | 36.0 | $51,718 | $1,135/mo | no data | 27.1 min |
| Middletown, DEPop. 24,661 | #198 | 64.5 | $112,831 | $1,583/mo | 186 | 30 min |
Rank is overall rank of 1,312. Income is median household income; rent is Census median rent; violent crime is per 100,000 residents as reported to the FBI ("no data" and "incomplete" are explained on each city's page).
How does Ottumwa compare with the rest of Iowa?
Ottumwa ranks #17 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 51.6 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 19% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 48% below the typical Iowa home.
| City | Rank in IA | Score | Income | Rent | Violent crime |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waukee, IAPop. 29,236 | #1 | 70.9 | $101,029 | $1,383/mo | 139 |
| Urbandale, IAPop. 46,595 | #2 | 69.9 | $112,795 | $1,211/mo | 122 |
| Ankeny, IAPop. 72,615 | #3 | 69.0 | $108,198 | $1,319/mo | 151 |
| Marion, IAPop. 41,896 | #4 | 67.3 | $86,743 | $961/mo | 126 |
| West Des Moines, IAPop. 71,083 | #5 | 66.1 | $86,594 | $1,237/mo | 147 |
| Bettendorf, IAPop. 39,647 | #6 | 65.5 | $100,495 | $1,187/mo | 94 |
| Cedar Falls, IAPop. 40,888 | #7 | 61.5 | $76,987 | $1,203/mo | 135 |
| Ames, IAPop. 67,669 | #8 | 60.8 | $60,991 | $1,023/mo | 103 |
| Cedar Rapids, IAPop. 137,264 | #9 | 60.3 | $70,424 | $967/mo | 265 |
| Iowa City, IAPop. 75,752 | #10 | 59.3 | $58,546 | $1,094/mo | 257 |
| Dubuque, IAPop. 59,174 | #11 | 58.6 | $65,845 | $948/mo | 405 |
| Mason City, IAPop. 27,050 | #12 | 57.0 | $64,804 | $882/mo | 354 |
| Sioux City, IAPop. 86,101 | #13 | 54.6 | $68,906 | $976/mo | 495 |
| Marshalltown, IAPop. 27,626 | #14 | 54.0 | $69,068 | $891/mo | 283 |
| Council Bluffs, IAPop. 62,586 | #15 | 52.1 | $64,578 | $1,030/mo | 525 |
| Des Moines, IAPop. 212,421 | #16 | 52.0 | $65,932 | $1,090/mo | 642 |
| Ottumwa, IAPop. 25,430 | #17 | 51.6 | $61,103 | $921/mo | 272 |
| Fort Dodge, IAPop. 24,827 | #18 | 50.1 | $60,649 | $785/mo | 940 |
| Waterloo, IAPop. 67,008 | #19 | 49.8 | $57,480 | $923/mo | 472 |
| Davenport, IAPop. 100,913 | #20 | 49.7 | $66,200 | $978/mo | 652 |
All 20 Iowa cities we track, by overall score. Iowa statewide: median income $75,501, violent crime 233.9 per 100,000.
How is Ottumwa's score calculated?
Ottumwa scores 51.6 out of 100, #910 of 1,312 (grade C, which follows rank). It is scored on the 10 of 11 categories with local data; outdoor access is left out rather than filled with Iowa's statewide figure, and the other weights are scaled up to fill the gap. Each score is compared with the median of similar-size cities, which are scored the same way.
- EconomyCity data · 16% of score
Median household income and unemployment in Ottumwa. Similar-size median 52.9.
44.9 - SafetyCity data · 13% of score
Violent and property crime per 100,000 residents, as reported to the FBI by Ottumwa's police agency. Similar-size median 78.4.
73.5 - HealthCity data · 13% of score
Adult obesity, diabetes and frequent mental distress in Ottumwa. Similar-size median 52.2.
38.2 - EducationCity data · 13% of score
Graduation rate, students per teacher and spending per pupil in Ottumwa's public schools. Similar-size median 59.4.
57.4 - AffordabilityCity data · 11% of score
Ottumwa's home values and rents and its metro area's price level. Similar-size median 76.3.
91.4 - Household financesCity data · 9% of score
Median household income and poverty rate in Ottumwa. Similar-size median 46.7.
35.1 - GrowthCity data · 7% of score
Population growth and unemployment in Ottumwa. Similar-size median 44.2.
34.1 - TransportationCity data · 7% of score
Commute time, long commutes, driving alone, transit, walking, cycling and working from home in Ottumwa. Similar-size median 47.3.
44.5 - WalkabilityCity data · 7% of score
The EPA's walkability index across Ottumwa's neighborhoods. Similar-size median 41.1.
37.4 - EnvironmentCity data, some inputs missing · 4% of score
Air quality and natural hazard losses in the county. One input is missing, so the score uses the others. Similar-size median 54.8.
34.1 - Outdoor accessNot scored
No city-level park or public land measure exists, so outdoor access is not scored for cities.
—
Bar: Ottumwa's category score out of 100. Tick: median of the 208 cities of 25,000 to 50,000 we track. Shares of score are the category weights rescaled over the categories Ottumwa has data for. City scores use city formulas and are not on the same scale as state scores. Grades follow rank among the 1,312 cities. Methodology
Frequently asked questions about living in Ottumwa
Is Ottumwa, IA a good place to live?
Ottumwa ranks #910 of the 1,312 US cities we track, #147 of 208 small cities and #17 of 20 in Iowa. Against similar-size cities it stands out for affordable homes ($106,300, #4 of 208) and low living costs (84.1, #17 of 208), and trails on a shrinking population (-0.6%, #157 of 182).
What is the cost of living in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa's cost of living index is 84.1, 16% below the US level of 100 and #24 of 1,308 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent is $921/mo against $1,178/mo in similar-size cities. The typical home is worth $125,640, 48% below the typical Iowa home ($239,547).
What is the crime rate in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa recorded 272 violent crimes per 100,000 residents, 17% below the US rate of 328 and 16% above Iowa's 234. That ranks #509 of 1,085 cities with data (1 = safest) and #93 of 174 small cities, from a full year of reports to the FBI by Ottumwa Police Department. Property crime runs 2,207 per 100,000 (US 1,548).
What is the median household income in Ottumwa?
The median household in Ottumwa earns $61,103, 27% below the US figure of $83,163 and 19% below Iowa ($75,501). Unemployment is 4.3% (US 4.3%). 17.2% of residents live below the poverty line. The population fell 0.6% in the latest year (US +0.5%).
How much is rent in Ottumwa?
Median rent in Ottumwa is $921/mo (Census), #116 of 1,309 cities with data (1 = cheapest). Median rent takes 18.1% of the median household's income.
How much does a house cost in Ottumwa?
The typical home value in Ottumwa is $125,640, up 2.1% in a year, against $239,547 for Iowa and $368,697 nationally. The Census median value of owner-occupied homes is $106,300.
How are the public schools in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa's 10 public schools graduate 89% of students in four years (Iowa 89.9%), with 15 students per teacher and $12,314 spent per pupil.
How long is the commute in Ottumwa?
The average commute is 17.8 minutes, #182 of 1,312 cities (1 = shortest), against 20.4 minutes across Iowa. 4.6% of workers spend an hour or more getting to work.
What is the weather like in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa averages 50.7°F over the year, 73.2°F in summer and 26.2°F in winter, with 37 inches of precipitation. Figures are NOAA climate normals.
Is Ottumwa walkable?
Ottumwa scores 8.1 out of 20 on the EPA's National Walkability Index (below average walkable), #1031 of 1,312 cities (1 = most walkable). The index weighs street intersection density, distance to transit and the mix of homes and jobs in each neighborhood.
What natural disasters is Ottumwa at risk for?
Relative to other US counties, FEMA's National Risk Index puts Wapello County's biggest natural hazard losses in inland flooding, strong wind, and hail, with expected yearly losses of 0.18% of building value, higher than 66% of US counties.
Who lives in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa has 25,430 residents. The median resident of Ottumwa is 36.7 years old, against 37.3 in similar-size cities. 20.8% of adults have a bachelor's degree or more, #1147 of 1,312 cities (1 = highest). 61.7% of occupied homes are lived in by their owners; the rest are rented.
How does Ottumwa compare with the rest of Iowa?
Ottumwa ranks #17 of the 20 Iowa cities we track, with a score of 51.6 against Iowa's statewide 69.2. Its households earn 19% below the Iowa median. Violent crime is 16% above the statewide rate. Homes are 48% below the typical Iowa home.
What cities are similar in size to Ottumwa?
The tracked cities in other states closest to Ottumwa's population of 25,430 are Derby, KS (#655 overall), Brandon, MS (#253 overall), Yukon, OK (#504 overall), Dickinson, ND (#274 overall), and Papillion, NE (#87 overall). Ottumwa is #910.