Median Income
$73,011
3% lower than US avg
Home Value
$144,500
49% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
150/100K
61% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
21.9%
35% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$922
21% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.3%
19% higher than US avg
Unemployment
4.0%
11% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
11.9%
4% lower than US avg
How Ottawa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population18,714
Median Age40.3 yrs
Density1,256/mi²
Male / Female48% / 52%
Largest GroupWhite 89%
Veterans7.3%
Economy
B+
Median Income$73,011
Per Capita$37,776
Unemployment4.0%
Poverty11.9%
County GDP$7,670M
Commute23 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$144,500
Rent$922
Ownership69.4%
Zillow$205,721
Housing Units8,544
Rent Burden27.0%
Crime
F
Violent150/100K
Property1,513/100K
Murder11.1/100K
Assault139/100K
Burglary155/100K
Health
Obesity38.3%
Uninsured9.6%
Smoking16.0%
Depression24.2%
Heart Disease5.7%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain39.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation482 ft (147 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+21.9%
High School+91.9%
Graduate+6.9%
School Score5.19
Community
2024 VoteR 59% / D 40%
Commute23 min
Broadband84.0%
EV Stations5
Libraries12
Is Ottawa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ottawa receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Ottawa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ottawa is $73,011, roughly in line with the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 4.0%, indicating a healthy job market. 11.9% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ottawa is $144,500, 49% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $922 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Ottawa is a very safe community with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,513 per 100,000, 23% below the national average.
Education
21.9% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 5.2/10.
Climate & Weather
Ottawa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 39.0 inches, including 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ottawa has a population of 18,714 with a density of 1,256 people per square mile, spread across 12.8 square miles. The median age is 40.3 years, 4% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 52.1% female and 47.9% male. The city is predominantly White (89.3%), with 2.9% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 93% of residents, while 7% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
40.3yrs
Median Age
4% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
93.0%
18% above US avg
Spanish
7.0%
48% below US avg
The median household income in Ottawa is $73,011, which is 3% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $37,776. The average weekly wage is $1,126, 21% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 4.0% (above the 3.6% US average). 11.9% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 2,450 business establishments, including 328 restaurants. The cost of living index is 100, roughly in line with the national average. Workers commute an average of 23 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 3.7% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $73,011 |
| 3% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $37,776 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,126 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $69,712 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 4.0% |
| 11% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 11.9% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 2,450 |
| County GDP | $7,670M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 328 |
| Healthcare | 242 |
| Retail | 377 |
| Manufacturing | 141 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $6,277 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 100.00 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 22.5 min |
| Drive Alone | 84.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.1% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Ottawa is $144,500, 49% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,721, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 98% of their list price. Monthly rent averages $922 (21% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $854 for a one-bedroom to $1,063 for a two-bedroom apartment. 69.4% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 8,544 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1957. The average annual property tax is $6,277 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 27.0% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $144,500 |
| 49% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $205,721 |
| Median List Price | $224,999 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $224,999 |
| $/Sq Ft | $140 |
| Homes Sold | 18 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 98.0% |
| Price Drops | 12.6% |
| Inventory | 87 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $922 |
| 21% below US avg |
| Zillow Rent (ZORI) | $1,288 |
| Rent Burden | 27.0% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $774 |
| 1 Bedroom | $854 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,063 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,370 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,561 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 69.4% |
| Owner-Occupied | 69.4% |
| Renter-Occupied | 30.6% |
| Housing Units | 8,544 |
| Median Year Built | 1957 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $6,277 |
| 79% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.34% |
In Ottawa, 38.3% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 10.3% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.7% of residents. 31.5% have high blood pressure. 16.0% are current smokers. 20.5% report binge drinking. 24.2% are physically inactive. 24.2% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 19.0% experience frequent mental distress. 9.6% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,658. The dentist ratio is 1:1,832. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 7.8 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
2.4
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
2.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
9.2
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
3.3
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
151.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Ottawa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.3% |
| 19% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 10.3% |
| Heart Disease | 5.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 31.5% |
| Asthma | 10.7% |
| COPD | 7.2% |
| Cancer | 7.3% |
| Stroke | 3.1% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 16.0% |
| 14% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 20.5% |
| Physical Inactivity | 24.2% |
| Depression | 24.2% |
| Mental Distress | 19.0% |
| Physical Distress | 13.6% |
| Short Sleep | 37.1% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 95.1% |
| Uninsured | 9.6% |
| 12% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,658 |
| Dentists | 1:1,832 |
| Mental Health | 1:774 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.5% |
| Dental Visits | 58.7% |
| Premature Death | 8,943/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 7.8/10 |
| Exercise Access | 77.6% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 242 |
Ottawa has a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, 61% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 138.5 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 11.1 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 1,513 per 100,000, 23% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 1,330, burglary at 155, vehicle theft at 28 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 13 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ottawa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ottawa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 149.6/100K |
| 61% below US avg |
| Murder | 11.1/100K |
| 76% above US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 138.5/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 1,512.7/100K |
| 23% below US avg |
| Burglary | 155.2/100K |
| Theft | 1,329.9/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 27.7/100K |
| Arson | 11.1/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 13 |
| Traffic Accidents | 100 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.7 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ottawa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 73°F in July. The area gets 275 sunny days per year, well above the U.S. average of 205 / making it one of the sunnier locations in the country. Annual precipitation totals 39.0 inches. The area receives 25.0 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 482 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
73°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 49.7°F |
| 8% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 73°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 482 ft (147 m) |
| Area | 12.8 sq mi (33.2 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,256/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.3540°N, 88.8234°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | LaSalle County County |
| Nearest Airport | Illinois Valley Regional-Walter A Duncan Field (VYS)
17 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
39.0"
3% above US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.09"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Moderate |
| Risk Score | 86.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 38.9 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 90.7 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Relatively Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively High |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Moderate |
| Lightning |
Relatively Moderate |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Moderate |
| Drought |
Relatively Moderate |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively High |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
8 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M4.2. Most recent: M2.6 on Mar 15, 2025.
| Jun 28, 2004 |
12 km NW of Dayton, Illinois |
M4.2 |
13 km |
| Feb 10, 2010 |
2 km NW of Lily Lake, Illinois |
M3.8 |
74 km |
| Sep 2, 1999 |
8 km W of Amboy, Illinois |
M3.5 |
65 km |
| Nov 4, 2013 |
1 km SSW of Lyons, Illinois |
M3.2 |
97 km |
| Jul 15, 2024 |
2 km WNW of Somonauk, Illinois |
M3.1 |
34 km |
| Mar 25, 2015 |
3 km WNW of Lake in the Hills, Illinois |
M2.9 |
100 km |
| Jun 10, 2013 |
4 km NNE of Virgil, Illinois |
M2.6 |
75 km |
| Mar 15, 2025 |
6 km W of Dwight, Illinois |
M2.6 |
40 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
725 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 113 fatalities, 1,969 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Aug 28, 1990 |
EF5 |
54 km |
29 |
| Apr 9, 2015 |
EF4 |
68 km |
2 |
| Jul 13, 2004 |
EF4 |
75 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1979 |
EF4 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 29, 1976 |
EF4 |
99 km |
0 |
| Jun 13, 1976 |
EF4 |
77 km |
2 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
97 km |
24 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
90 km |
33 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF4 |
100 km |
1 |
| Apr 17, 1963 |
EF4 |
64 km |
1 |
| Jun 20, 2021 |
EF3 |
68 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
67 km |
0 |
| Feb 28, 2017 |
EF3 |
11 km |
2 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
37 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
95 km |
0 |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF3 |
29 km |
0 |
| Apr 20, 2004 |
EF3 |
40 km |
8 |
| May 9, 1995 |
EF3 |
82 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Apr 27, 1984 |
EF3 |
47 km |
1 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
8 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: UNNAMED (1,741 ac, 2019).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,741 |
55 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
1,664 |
59 km |
| 2021 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE UNIT 3 |
978 |
66 km |
| 2024 |
NORTHEAST PRAIRIE 3 RX |
938 |
66 km |
| 2021 |
UNNAMED |
738 |
65 km |
| 2021 |
MIDDLE GRANT CREEK |
700 |
56 km |
| 2019 |
UNNAMED |
698 |
66 km |
| 2017 |
UNNAMED |
549 |
56 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.5 in |
Coldest |
| February |
26°F (-3°C) |
1.3 in |
Driest |
| March |
38°F (3°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| April |
49°F (10°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| May |
61°F (16°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.1 in |
Wettest |
| July |
73°F (23°C) |
3.8 in |
Warmest |
| August |
72°F (22°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
2.2 in |
|
Ottawa has a seasonal temperature swing of 50°F / from 23°F in January to 73°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 36.0 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.1") and February the driest (1.3").
Average costs for common services in Ottawa. Prices are estimated based on regional cost of living data and may vary by provider.
Healthcare
| Doctor Visit (Primary Care) |
$250 ($150–$400) |
| Specialist Visit |
$350 ($200–$550) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$200 ($100–$350) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,200 ($800–$5,000) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$130 ($75–$200) |
| Dental Filling |
$250 ($150–$400) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$45 ($25–$75) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$75 ($50–$120) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Tire Rotation |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$600 ($400–$1,000) |
| Battery Replacement |
$200 ($100–$350) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$100 ($60–$150) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$90 ($50–$140) |
| HVAC Repair |
$400 ($150–$800) |
| HVAC System Install |
$7,000 ($4,000–$12,000) |
| Roof Repair |
$1,000 ($400–$2,000) |
| Roof Replacement |
$9,000 ($5,500–$15,000) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,500 ($500–$3,500) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$15,000 ($5,000–$30,000) |
| DUI Defense |
$5,000 ($2,000–$10,000) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,500 ($800–$3,000) |
| Will Preparation |
$500 ($200–$1,000) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,500 ($1,000–$5,000) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Women's Haircut |
$55 ($30–$100) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$150 ($75–$250) |
| Manicure |
$25 ($15–$45) |
| Pedicure |
$40 ($25–$65) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$80 ($50–$130) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$4.10 ($3.00–$5.50) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.50 ($2.50–$5.00) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.80 ($2.50–$5.50) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.50 ($3.00–$6.50) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.50 ($4.00–$7.50) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$1.00 ($0.60–$1.80) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$140 ($80–$250) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$150) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$120) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$70 ($40–$100) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$65 ($30–$100) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$85 ($50–$150) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$200 ($75–$500) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$2,000 ($1,200–$3,500) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$70 ($30–$130) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$15 ($8.00–$25) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$100 ($30–$250) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$30 ($15–$75) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,200 ($600–$2,500) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$1,000 ($500–$2,000) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$400 ($200–$700) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$50 ($25–$100) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$1,000 ($400–$2,500) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$12,500 ($5,000–$30,000) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$100 ($50–$200) |
| Dog Grooming |
$60 ($30–$100) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$40 ($20–$75) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$300 ($150–$500) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$200 ($100–$400) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $1,144 |
| Toddler | $801 |
| Preschool | $743 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $830 |
| Toddler | $830 |
| Preschool | $830 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottawa
What is the population of Ottawa?
Ottawa has a population of 18,714 residents and is located in Illinois. The population density is 1,256 people per square mile, spread across 12.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 40.3 years. The population is 52.1% female and 47.9% male.
Is Ottawa expensive to live in?
Ottawa has a cost of living roughly in line with the national average, with an index of 100 (baseline: 100). The median household income is $73,011, 3% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $144,500 (49% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $922 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ottawa safe?
Ottawa is considered a very safe city with a violent crime rate of 150 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 1,513 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ottawa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ottawa?
Ottawa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 50°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 73°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 39.0 inches, with 25.0 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ottawa?
Ottawa has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 4.0%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,126. There are 2,450 business establishments in the area, including 328 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 23 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ottawa?
The median home value in Ottawa is $144,500. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $205,721. For renters, the median monthly rent is $922. Fair market rent is $854 for a 1-bedroom and $1,063 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 69.4%. The average annual property tax is $6,277.
How are the schools in Ottawa?
Schools in Ottawa score 5.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 21.9% of adults in Ottawa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 91.9% have completed high school. 6.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ottawa?
The obesity rate in Ottawa is 38.3% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 16.0% of adults are smokers. 24.2% are physically inactive. 24.2% of residents report depression. 9.6% lack health insurance. 77.6% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,658.
What is transportation like in Ottawa?
The average commute in Ottawa is 23 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 84.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ottawa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottawa is 89.3% White, 2.9% Black or African American, 0.6% Hispanic or Latino. 93% of residents speak only English at home, while 7% speak Spanish. 7.3% of the population are military veterans. 13.2% of residents have a disability. 95.1% have health insurance coverage.
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