Home Value
$50,600
82% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
411/100K
8% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
25.0%
26% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
31.8%
1% lower than US avg
Unemployment
15.0%
317% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.3%
15% higher than US avg
How Oto Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population66
Median Age46.5 yrs
Density244/mi²
Male / Female49% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 99%
Veterans55.0%
Economy
Per Capita$92,233
Unemployment15.0%
Poverty14.3%
County GDP$462M
Commute27 min
Housing
Home Value$50,600
Ownership87.9%
Zillow$158,068
Housing Units70
Rent Burden37.5%
Crime
F
Violent411/100K
Property1,984/100K
Health
Obesity31.8%
Uninsured5.3%
Smoking12.7%
Depression21.1%
Heart Disease4.0%
Climate
Avg Temp47°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain32.2 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,148 ft (350 m)
Education
B
Bachelor's+25.0%
High School+90.0%
Graduate+8.2%
School Score5.24
Community
2024 VoteR 72% / D 27%
Commute27 min
Broadband33.0%
EV Stations1
Libraries5
Is Oto a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Oto receives an overall livability score of 2.0 out of 5.0, earning a grade of C. Key strengths include affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include above-average unemployment. Oto has some notable strengths but also faces challenges that prospective residents should consider.
Economy & Jobs
At 15.0%, unemployment is notably high. 14.3% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Oto is $50,600, 82% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,984 per 100,000, near the national average.
Education
25.0% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Oto experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 47°F. Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches, including 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Oto has a population of 66 with a density of 244 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age is 46.5 years, 20% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 51.5% female and 48.5% male. The city is predominantly White (98.5%), with 1.5% Hispanic. English is the primary language spoken at home by 95% of residents. 55.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 31.3% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
46.5yrs
Median Age
20% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
95.0%
21% above US avg
Spanish
5.0%
63% below US avg
Per capita income is $92,233 (above the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $879, 39% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 15.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 14.3% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 299 business establishments, including 25 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 27 minutes. 8.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| |
| Per Capita Income | $92,233 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $879 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $70,442 |
| Gini Index | 0.400 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 15.0% |
| 317% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.3% |
| 15% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 299 |
| County GDP | $462M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 25 |
| Healthcare | 22 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 6 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.51% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 26.9 min |
| Drive Alone | 87.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 8.7% |
The median home value in Oto is $50,600, 82% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,068, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 87.9% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 70 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1944. The average annual property tax is $3,800. 37.5% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing.
Home Values
| Census Median | $50,600 |
| 82% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $158,068 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 87.9% |
| Owner-Occupied | 87.9% |
| Renter-Occupied | 12.1% |
| Housing Units | 70 |
| Median Year Built | 1944 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,800 |
| 9% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.51% |
In Oto, 31.8% of adults are obese, below the national rate of 32.1%. 6.8% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.0% of residents, below the national average. 23.8% have high blood pressure. 12.7% are current smokers. 20.0% report binge drinking. 19.6% are physically inactive, below the national average. 21.1% report depression. 17.1% experience frequent mental distress. 5.3% of residents lack health insurance (below the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,072. The dentist ratio is 1:2,829. 57.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.4 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Oto vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 31.8% |
| 1% below US avg |
| Diabetes | 6.8% |
| Heart Disease | 4.0% |
| High Blood Pressure | 23.8% |
| Asthma | 9.2% |
| COPD | 4.7% |
| Cancer | 5.8% |
| Stroke | 2.0% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.7% |
| 9% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 19.6% |
| Depression | 21.1% |
| Mental Distress | 17.1% |
| Physical Distress | 10.2% |
| Short Sleep | 27.5% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 100.0% |
| Uninsured | 5.3% |
| 38% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,072 |
| Dentists | 1:2,829 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,213 |
| Checkup Rate | 66.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.2% |
| Premature Death | 8,367/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.4/10 |
| Exercise Access | 57.7% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 22 |
Oto has a violent crime rate of 411 per 100,000 residents, 8% above the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 1,984 per 100,000, 1% above the U.S. average. Overall, Oto receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Oto vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 410.5/100K |
| 8% above US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,984.3/100K |
| 1% above US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Oto experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winters average 18°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 32.2 inches. The area receives 31.1 inches of snow annually, a moderate snowfall amount. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,148 feet.
Temperature
18°F Jan (-8°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 47.2°F |
| 13% below US avg |
| January Average | 18°F (-8°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,148 ft (350 m) |
| Area | 0.3 sq mi (0.7 km²) |
| Population Density | 244/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.2822°N, 95.8946°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Monona County County |
| Nearest Airport | Sioux Gateway/Brig General Bud Day Field (SUX)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
32.2"
15% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.17"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 25.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 36.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 82.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
No Rating |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Relatively Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Moderate |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Very Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
3 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.6. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Feb 6, 1996 |
1 km N of Wausa, Nebraska |
M3.6 |
138 km |
| Aug 9, 1997 |
9 km NW of Clarkson, Nebraska |
M3.4 |
120 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
89 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
558 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 10 fatalities, 222 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 16, 2014 |
EF4 |
82 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Oct 4, 2013 |
EF4 |
19 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 27, 1995 |
EF4 |
85 km |
0 |
| Jul 28, 1986 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jul 7, 1977 |
EF4 |
68 km |
0 |
| Jun 26, 1976 |
EF4 |
96 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
97 km |
1 |
| Jun 23, 1952 |
EF4 |
52 km |
0 |
| Jul 15, 1950 |
EF4 |
79 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
51 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
15 km |
0 |
| Jun 11, 2008 |
EF3 |
57 km |
4 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
99 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| May 16, 1999 |
EF3 |
76 km |
2 |
| Jul 5, 1994 |
EF3 |
34 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (629 ac, 2010).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2010 |
UNNAMED |
629 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
18°F (-8°C) |
0.6 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
25°F (-4°C) |
0.7 in |
|
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.1 in |
|
| April |
50°F (10°C) |
2.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
4.0 in |
|
| June |
71°F (21°C) |
4.2 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.4 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.4 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.1 in |
|
| October |
52°F (11°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| November |
36°F (2°C) |
1.2 in |
|
| December |
23°F (-5°C) |
0.8 in |
|
Oto has a seasonal temperature swing of 55°F / from 18°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 28.4 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.2") and January the driest (0.6").
Average costs for common services in Oto. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$220 ($132–$351) |
| Specialist Visit |
$307 ($176–$483) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$176 ($88–$307) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$1,932 ($702–$4,390) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$114 ($66–$176) |
| Dental Filling |
$220 ($132–$351) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$40 ($22–$66) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$66 ($44–$105) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Tire Rotation |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$527 ($351–$878) |
| Battery Replacement |
$176 ($88–$307) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$88 ($53–$132) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$79 ($44–$123) |
| HVAC Repair |
$351 ($132–$702) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,146 ($3,512–$10,536) |
| Roof Repair |
$878 ($351–$1,756) |
| Roof Replacement |
$7,902 ($4,829–$13,170) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,317 ($439–$3,073) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,170 ($4,390–$26,340) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,390 ($1,756–$8,780) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,317 ($702–$2,634) |
| Will Preparation |
$439 ($176–$878) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,195 ($878–$4,390) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Women's Haircut |
$48 ($26–$88) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$132 ($66–$220) |
| Manicure |
$22 ($13–$40) |
| Pedicure |
$35 ($22–$57) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$70 ($44–$114) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.60 ($2.63–$4.83) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.07 ($2.20–$4.39) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.34 ($2.20–$4.83) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$3.95 ($2.63–$5.71) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$4.83 ($3.51–$6.59) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.88 ($0.53–$1.58) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$123 ($70–$220) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$132) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$105) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$61 ($35–$88) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$57 ($26–$88) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$75 ($44–$132) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$176 ($66–$439) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,756 ($1,054–$3,073) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$61 ($26–$114) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$13 ($7.02–$22) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$88 ($26–$220) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$26 ($13–$66) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,054 ($527–$2,195) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$878 ($439–$1,756) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$351 ($176–$615) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$44 ($22–$88) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$878 ($351–$2,195) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$10,975 ($4,390–$26,340) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$88 ($44–$176) |
| Dog Grooming |
$53 ($26–$88) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$35 ($18–$66) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$263 ($132–$439) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$176 ($88–$351) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $698 |
| Toddler | $601 |
| Preschool | $601 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $458 |
| Toddler | $451 |
| Preschool | $451 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Oto
What is the population of Oto?
Oto has a population of 66 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 244 people per square mile, spread across 0.3 square miles. The median age of residents is 46.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 51.5% female and 48.5% male.
Is Oto expensive to live in?
Oto is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median home value is $50,600 (82% below the U.S. median).
Is Oto safe?
The violent crime rate in Oto is 411 per 100,000 residents, above the national average of 380. Prospective residents should research specific neighborhoods, as crime rates can vary significantly within the city. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,984 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Oto receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Oto?
Oto has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 47°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 18°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 32.2 inches, with 31.1 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Oto?
The job market in Oto faces challenges, with unemployment at 15.0% / significantly above the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $879. There are 299 business establishments in the area, including 25 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 27 minutes, and 8.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Oto?
The median home value in Oto is $50,600. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $158,068. The homeownership rate is 87.9%. The average annual property tax is $3,800.
How are the schools in Oto?
Schools in Oto score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 25.0% of adults in Oto hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 90.0% have completed high school. 8.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Oto?
The obesity rate in Oto is 31.8% (below the national rate of 32.1%). 12.7% of adults are smokers. 19.6% are physically inactive. 21.1% of residents report depression. 5.3% lack health insurance (below the national rate). 57.7% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,072.
What is transportation like in Oto?
The average commute in Oto is 27 minutes. 87% of workers drive alone to work, and 8.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Oto?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Oto is 98.5% White, 1.5% Hispanic or Latino. 95% of residents speak only English at home, while 5% speak Spanish. 55.0% of the population are military veterans. 31.3% of residents have a disability. 100.0% have health insurance coverage.
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