Median Income
$66,268
12% lower than US avg
Home Value
$175,300
38% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
23/100K
94% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
33.6%
0% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$739
36% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
43.0%
34% higher than US avg
Unemployment
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
6.8%
45% lower than US avg
How Ottawa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population4,439
Median Age41.8 yrs
Density976/mi²
Male / Female49% / 51%
Largest GroupWhite 83%
Veterans3.5%
Economy
A
Median Income$66,268
Per Capita$34,044
Unemployment0.0%
Poverty6.8%
County GDP$1,690M
Commute20 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$175,300
Rent$739
Ownership74.6%
Zillow$271,879
Housing Units1,858
Rent Burden33.3%
Crime
F
Violent23/100K
Property185/100K
Murder0.0/100K
Assault23/100K
Burglary23/100K
Health
Obesity43.0%
Uninsured8.3%
Smoking12.9%
Depression24.7%
Heart Disease5.2%
Climate
Avg Temp50°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.7 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation733 ft (223 m)
Education
B+
Bachelor's+33.6%
High School+93.7%
Graduate+11.2%
School Score6.17
Community
2024 VoteR 84% / D 15%
Commute20 min
Broadband86.3%
EV Stations1
Libraries8
Is Ottawa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ottawa receives an overall livability score of 3.5 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B+. Key strengths include low unemployment, low crime rates, affordable housing, abundant sunshine. Areas to be aware of include high obesity rates. 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 $66,268, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 0.0%. Only 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ottawa is $175,300, 38% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 2.6x 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 23 per 100,000 residents / well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 185 per 100,000, 91% below the national average.
Education
Educational attainment is solid, with 33.6% holding a bachelor's degree or higher, near the national average. 93.7% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.2/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ottawa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 50°F. Winters average 25°F in January while summers reach 74°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.7 inches, including 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ottawa has a population of 4,439 with a density of 976 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age is 41.8 years, 7% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 50.9% female and 49.1% male. The city is predominantly White (83.3%), with 2% Hispanic, 3.1% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 97.2% of residents. 3.5% of the population are veterans, below the national rate of 6.0%. 8.2% of residents have a disability (below the 13.0% national average). 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
Population
41.8yrs
Median Age
7% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
97.2%
24% above US avg
Spanish
2.8%
79% below US avg
The median household income in Ottawa is $66,268, which is 12% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $34,044 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $962, 33% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 0.0% (below the 3.6% US average). 6.8% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 868 business establishments, including 64 restaurants. The cost of living index is 92.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 20 minutes (shorter than the 28-minute US average). 5.3% of workers work from home (below the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $66,268 |
| 12% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $34,044 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $962 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $77,279 |
| Gini Index | 0.389 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 6.8% |
| 45% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 868 |
| County GDP | $1,690M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 64 |
| Healthcare | 57 |
| Retail | 92 |
| Manufacturing | 54 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,100 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 92.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 2.34% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 20.4 min |
| Drive Alone | 88.7% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 5.3% |
The median home value in Ottawa is $175,300, 38% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,879, higher than the Census estimate. Monthly rent averages $739 (36% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $843 for a one-bedroom to $1,106 for a two-bedroom apartment. 74.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 1,858 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1971. The average annual property tax is $4,100 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 33.3% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $175,300 |
| 38% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $271,879 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $739 |
| 36% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 33.3% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $807 |
| 1 Bedroom | $843 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1,106 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,326 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,696 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 74.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 74.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 25.4% |
| Housing Units | 1,858 |
| Median Year Built | 1971 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,100 |
| 17% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 2.34% |
In Ottawa, 43.0% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 9.7% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 5.2% of residents. 30.5% have high blood pressure. 12.9% are current smokers. 21.0% report binge drinking. 22.7% are physically inactive. 24.7% report depression (above the 20.0% national average). 17.0% experience frequent mental distress. 8.3% of residents lack health insurance. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,145. The dentist ratio is 1:3,815. 54.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.7 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ottawa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 43.0% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 9.7% |
| Heart Disease | 5.2% |
| High Blood Pressure | 30.5% |
| Asthma | 10.5% |
| COPD | 5.7% |
| Cancer | 7.6% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 12.9% |
| 8% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 21.0% |
| Physical Inactivity | 22.7% |
| Depression | 24.7% |
| Mental Distress | 17.0% |
| Physical Distress | 11.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 97.6% |
| Uninsured | 8.3% |
| 3% below US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:2,145 |
| Dentists | 1:3,815 |
| Mental Health | 1:1,629 |
| Checkup Rate | 78.0% |
| Dental Visits | 69.4% |
| Premature Death | 6,060/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.7/10 |
| Exercise Access | 54.4% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 57 |
Ottawa has a violent crime rate of 23 per 100,000 residents, 94% below the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 23.2 per 100,000, robbery at 0.0, rape at 0.0. The murder rate is 0.0 per 100,000 (below the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 185 per 100,000, 91% below the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 139, burglary at 23, vehicle theft at 23 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 1 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 | 23.2/100K |
| 94% below US avg |
| Murder | 0.0/100K |
| 100% below US avg |
| Rape | 0.0/100K |
| Robbery | 0.0/100K |
| Assault | 23.2/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 185.3/100K |
| 91% below US avg |
| Burglary | 23.2/100K |
| Theft | 139.0/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 23.2/100K |
| Arson | 0.0/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 1 |
| Traffic Accidents | 10 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 4.0 / 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 25°F in January while summers reach 74°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 37.7 inches. The area receives 24.2 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 733 feet.
Temperature
25°F Jan (-4°C)
74°F Jul (23°C)
| Annual Average | 50.4°F |
| 7% below US avg |
| January Average | 25°F (-4°C) |
| July Average | 74°F (23°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 733 ft (223 m) |
| Area | 4.8 sq mi (12.3 km²) |
| Population Density | 976/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0198°N, 84.0353°W |
| Timezone | America/New_York |
| County | Putnam County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Wayne International (FWA)
61 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.7"
1% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
3.74"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 32.9 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 12.8 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 98.3 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
No Rating |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
15 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M3.4. Most recent: M2.5 on Mar 18, 2024.
| Apr 20, 2018 |
Michigan |
M3.4 |
149 km |
| Jan 26, 2012 |
5 km NE of Topeka, Indiana |
M3.0 |
136 km |
| Apr 17, 1990 |
8 km NW of Fort Recovery, Ohio |
M3.0 |
93 km |
| Apr 4, 1994 |
2 km WNW of Minster, Ohio |
M2.9 |
76 km |
| May 12, 2006 |
2 km E of Lima, Ohio |
M2.8 |
31 km |
| Apr 12, 2007 |
11 km NW of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.8 |
121 km |
| May 14, 2010 |
1 km ENE of Gibsonburg, Ohio |
M2.7 |
74 km |
| Nov 25, 1998 |
1 km SSW of New London, Ohio |
M2.7 |
137 km |
| Jun 12, 2015 |
6 km NW of Convoy, Ohio |
M2.6 |
61 km |
| May 20, 2023 |
3 km SSE of Walbridge, Ohio |
M2.6 |
75 km |
| Jan 30, 2004 |
2 km S of Rockford, Ohio |
M2.5 |
65 km |
| Jun 4, 1990 |
4 km SSE of Van Buren, Ohio |
M2.5 |
34 km |
| Mar 18, 2024 |
4 km WSW of Millbury, Ohio |
M2.5 |
76 km |
| Sep 7, 2012 |
17 km ESE of Stony Point, Michigan |
M2.5 |
123 km |
| Feb 7, 2016 |
6 km W of Put-in-Bay, Ohio |
M2.5 |
118 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
421 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 88 fatalities, 1,319 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Jun 5, 2010 |
EF4 |
72 km |
7 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF4 |
67 km |
4 |
| Feb 18, 1992 |
EF4 |
55 km |
0 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
81 km |
18 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
80 km |
3 |
| Apr 11, 1965 |
EF4 |
28 km |
13 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
93 km |
4 |
| Jun 8, 1953 |
EF4 |
25 km |
17 |
| Mar 14, 2024 |
EF3 |
57 km |
3 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
76 km |
1 |
| Aug 24, 2016 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
73 km |
1 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
84 km |
0 |
| Nov 10, 2002 |
EF3 |
85 km |
0 |
| Oct 24, 2001 |
EF3 |
31 km |
0 |
| Mar 27, 1991 |
EF3 |
91 km |
0 |
| May 2, 1983 |
EF3 |
39 km |
1 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
97 km |
0 |
| Apr 3, 1974 |
EF3 |
35 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1973 |
EF3 |
56 km |
6 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
25°F (-4°C) |
1.9 in |
Coldest |
| February |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.8 in |
Driest |
| March |
37°F (3°C) |
2.8 in |
|
| April |
48°F (9°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.5 in |
|
| June |
69°F (21°C) |
3.7 in |
|
| July |
74°F (23°C) |
3.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
71°F (22°C) |
3.3 in |
|
| September |
64°F (18°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| October |
53°F (11°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
41°F (5°C) |
2.9 in |
|
| December |
30°F (-1°C) |
2.8 in |
|
Ottawa has a seasonal temperature swing of 49°F / from 25°F in January to 74°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 34.9 inches, with July being the wettest month (3.7") and February the driest (1.8").
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) |
$232 ($139–$371) |
| Specialist Visit |
$325 ($186–$510) |
| Urgent Care Visit |
$186 ($93–$325) |
| Emergency Room Visit |
$2,042 ($742–$4,640) |
| Dental Cleaning |
$121 ($70–$186) |
| Dental Filling |
$232 ($139–$371) |
View all 40 services
Auto Repair
| Oil Change (Conventional) |
$42 ($23–$70) |
| Oil Change (Synthetic) |
$70 ($46–$111) |
| Brake Pad Replacement |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Tire Rotation |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| New Tires (Set of 4) |
$557 ($371–$928) |
| Battery Replacement |
$186 ($93–$325) |
View all 18 services
Home Services
| Plumber (Per Hour) |
$93 ($56–$139) |
| Electrician (Per Hour) |
$84 ($46–$130) |
| HVAC Repair |
$371 ($139–$742) |
| HVAC System Install |
$6,496 ($3,712–$11,136) |
| Roof Repair |
$928 ($371–$1,856) |
| Roof Replacement |
$8,352 ($5,104–$13,920) |
View all 25 services
Legal
| Divorce (Uncontested) |
$1,392 ($464–$3,248) |
| Divorce (Contested) |
$13,920 ($4,640–$27,840) |
| DUI Defense |
$4,640 ($1,856–$9,280) |
| Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) |
$1,392 ($742–$2,784) |
| Will Preparation |
$464 ($186–$928) |
| Trust Preparation |
$2,320 ($928–$4,640) |
View all 12 services
Personal Care
| Men's Haircut |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Women's Haircut |
$51 ($28–$93) |
| Hair Coloring (Full) |
$139 ($70–$232) |
| Manicure |
$23 ($14–$42) |
| Pedicure |
$37 ($23–$60) |
| Massage (1 Hour) |
$74 ($46–$121) |
View all 12 services
Food & Grocery
| Gallon of Milk (per gallon) |
$3.80 ($2.78–$5.10) |
| Dozen Eggs (per dozen) |
$3.25 ($2.32–$4.64) |
| Loaf of Bread |
$3.53 ($2.32–$5.10) |
| Chicken Breast (per lb) |
$4.18 ($2.78–$6.03) |
| Ground Beef (per lb) |
$5.10 ($3.71–$6.96) |
| Rice (per lb) |
$0.93 ($0.56–$1.67) |
View all 20 services
Utilities
| Electricity (Monthly) |
$130 ($74–$232) |
| Natural Gas (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$139) |
| Water/Sewer (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$111) |
| Internet (Monthly) |
$65 ($37–$93) |
| Cell Phone Plan (Monthly) |
$60 ($28–$93) |
| Cable TV (Monthly) |
$79 ($46–$139) |
View all 8 services
Transportation
| Monthly Parking (Downtown) |
$186 ($70–$464) |
| Car Insurance (Annual) |
$1,856 ($1,114–$3,248) |
| Bus Pass (Monthly) |
$65 ($28–$121) |
| Taxi/Uber (5-Mile Ride) |
$14 ($7.42–$23) |
| Car Registration (Annual) |
$93 ($28–$232) |
| Driver's License Renewal |
$28 ($14–$70) |
View all 8 services
Education & Childcare
| Daycare (Infant, Monthly) |
$1,114 ($557–$2,320) |
| Daycare (Toddler, Monthly) |
$928 ($464–$1,856) |
| After-School Care (Monthly) |
$371 ($186–$650) |
| Tutoring (Per Hour) |
$46 ($23–$93) |
| SAT/ACT Prep Course |
$928 ($371–$2,320) |
| Private School (K-12, Annual) |
$11,600 ($4,640–$27,840) |
View all 8 services
Pets
| Vet Visit (Routine Checkup) |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Dog Vaccination (Annual) |
$93 ($46–$186) |
| Dog Grooming |
$56 ($28–$93) |
| Pet Boarding (Per Night) |
$37 ($19–$70) |
| Dog Spay/Neuter |
$278 ($139–$464) |
| Cat Spay/Neuter |
$186 ($93–$371) |
View all 9 services
Childcare
| Center-Based (monthly) |
| Infant | $751 |
| Toddler | $693 |
| Preschool | $615 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $671 |
| Toddler | $660 |
| Preschool | $610 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottawa
What is the population of Ottawa?
Ottawa has a population of 4,439 residents and is located in Ohio. The population density is 976 people per square mile, spread across 4.8 square miles. The median age of residents is 41.8 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 50.9% female and 49.1% male.
Is Ottawa expensive to live in?
Ottawa is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 92.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $66,268, 12% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $175,300 (38% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $739 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 2.6x, 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 23 per 100,000 residents, well below the national average of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 185 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 25°F in January, while summers reach an average of 74°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.7 inches, with 24.2 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ottawa?
The job market in Ottawa is very strong, with unemployment at just 0.0% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $962. There are 868 business establishments in the area, including 64 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 20 minutes, and 5.3% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ottawa?
The median home value in Ottawa is $175,300. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $271,879. For renters, the median monthly rent is $739. Fair market rent is $843 for a 1-bedroom and $1,106 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 74.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,100.
How are the schools in Ottawa?
Schools in Ottawa score 6.2 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 33.6% of adults in Ottawa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 93.7% have completed high school. 11.2% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ottawa?
The obesity rate in Ottawa is 43.0% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 12.9% of adults are smokers. 22.7% are physically inactive. 24.7% of residents report depression. 8.3% lack health insurance. 54.4% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:2,145.
What is transportation like in Ottawa?
The average commute in Ottawa is 20 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 88.7% of workers drive alone to work, and 5.3% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ottawa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottawa is 83.3% White, 3.1% Black or African American, 2% Hispanic or Latino. 97.2% of residents speak only English at home. 3.5% of the population are military veterans. 8.2% of residents have a disability. 97.6% have health insurance coverage.
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