Median Income
$43,125
43% lower than US avg
Home Value
$65,000
77% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
254/100K
33% lower than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.8%
38% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
38.7%
21% higher than US avg
Unemployment
3.8%
6% higher than US avg
Poverty Rate
0.0%
100% lower than US avg
How Ottosen Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population31
Median Age51.5 yrs
Density63/mi²
Male / Female45% / 55%
Largest GroupWhite 94%
Veterans26.0%
Economy
B+
Median Income$43,125
Per Capita$21,313
Unemployment3.8%
Poverty0.0%
County GDP$598M
Housing
A+
Home Value$65,000
Ownership84.6%
Zillow$159,873
Housing Units19
Rent Burden19.9%
Crime
F
Violent254/100K
Property636/100K
Health
Obesity38.7%
Smoking13.5%
Depression20.8%
Heart Disease4.7%
Climate
Avg Temp46°F (8°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain35.0 in/yr
Sunny Days260/yr
Elevation1,152 ft (351 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.8%
High School+100.0%
Graduate+0.0%
School Score6.40
Community
2024 VoteR 74% / D 24%
Broadband13.0%
EV Stations2
Libraries4
Is Ottosen a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ottosen 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, a low poverty rate. Areas to be aware of include below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ottosen offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ottosen is $43,125, 43% below the national average of $75,149. Unemployment stands at 3.8%, indicating a healthy job market. Only 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, well below the national rate of 12.4%.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ottosen is $65,000, 77% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. At just 1.5x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
Violent crime in Ottosen is below the national average at 254 per 100,000 residents (U.S. avg: 380). Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000, 68% below the national average.
Education
20.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. Local schools score 6.4/10 in standardized testing, reflecting strong academic performance.
Climate & Weather
Ottosen experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 46°F. Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. With 260 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ottosen has a population of 31 with a density of 63 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age is 51.5 years, 32% older than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 54.8% female and 45.2% male. The city is predominantly White (93.5%). English is the primary language spoken at home by 100% of residents. 26.0% of the population are veterans, above the national rate of 6.0%. 20.0% of residents have a disability (above the 13.0% national average). 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
Population
51.5yrs
Median Age
32% above US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
100.0%
27% above US avg
Spanish
0.0%
100% below US avg
The median household income in Ottosen is $43,125, which is 43% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $21,313 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,014, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 3.8% (above the 3.6% US average). 0.0% of residents live below the poverty line, lower than the national rate of 12.4%. The area has 367 business establishments, including 20 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. 20.0% of workers work from home (above the 15.2% national rate).
Income
| Median HH Income | $43,125 |
| 43% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $21,313 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,014 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $86,410 |
| Gini Index | 0.435 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 3.8% |
| 6% above US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 0.0% |
| 100% below US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 367 |
| County GDP | $598M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 20 |
| Healthcare | 21 |
| Retail | 38 |
| Manufacturing | 24 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 7.57% |
Commute & Transportation
| Drive Alone | 60.0% |
| Public Transit | 0.0% |
| Work from Home | 20.0% |
The median home value in Ottosen is $65,000, 77% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,873, higher than the Census estimate. Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 84.6% of housing units are owner-occupied (above the 65.4% national rate). There are 19 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1938. The average annual property tax is $4,919 (higher than the $3,500 national average). 19.9% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $65,000 |
| 77% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $159,873 |
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 | 84.6% |
| Owner-Occupied | 84.6% |
| Renter-Occupied | 15.4% |
| Housing Units | 19 |
| Median Year Built | 1938 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $4,919 |
| 41% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 7.57% |
In Ottosen, 38.7% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 8.4% have diabetes (below the 10.5% national rate). Heart disease affects 4.7% of residents, below the national average. 28.6% have high blood pressure. 13.5% are current smokers. 23.7% report binge drinking. 21.5% are physically inactive. 20.8% report depression. 16.6% experience frequent mental distress. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634. The dentist ratio is 1:2,393. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 8.0 out of 10.
Health Metrics: Ottosen vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 38.7% |
| 21% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 8.4% |
| Heart Disease | 4.7% |
| High Blood Pressure | 28.6% |
| Asthma | 9.9% |
| COPD | 5.2% |
| Cancer | 7.4% |
| Stroke | 2.5% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 13.5% |
| 4% below US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 23.7% |
| Physical Inactivity | 21.5% |
| Depression | 20.8% |
| Mental Distress | 16.6% |
| Physical Distress | 11.1% |
| Short Sleep | 33.6% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 92.0% |
| |
| Primary Care | 1:9,634 |
| Dentists | 1:2,393 |
| Mental Health | 1:3,167 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 67.3% |
| Premature Death | 7,220/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 8.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 63.8% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 21 |
Ottosen has a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 residents, 33% below the national average of 380. Property crime stands at 636 per 100,000, 68% below the U.S. average. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ottosen receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ottosen vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 254.4/100K |
| 33% below US avg |
| |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 635.9/100K |
| 68% below US avg |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 0.0 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ottosen experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winters average 16°F in January while summers reach 72°F in July. The area gets 260 sunny days per year, above the national average. Annual precipitation totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43. The city sits at an elevation of 1,152 feet.
Temperature
16°F Jan (-9°C)
72°F Jul (22°C)
| Annual Average | 46.2°F |
| 14% below US avg |
| January Average | 16°F (-9°C) |
| July Average | 72°F (22°C) |
| Sunny Days | 260 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 1,152 ft (351 m) |
| Area | 0.6 sq mi (1.5 km²) |
| Population Density | 63/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 42.8977°N, 94.3760°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Humboldt County County |
| Nearest Airport | Fort Dodge Regional (FOD)
26 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
35.0"
8% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jun)
4.53"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Very Low |
| Risk Score | 24.1 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 19.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 74.0 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Low |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Very Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Low |
| Heat Wave |
Very Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Very Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Very Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Earthquake History
2 earthquakes (M2.5+) within 150 km since 1990.
Strongest: M2.8. Most recent: M2.7 on Jun 30, 2021.
| Apr 25, 2017 |
Near Mankato, Minnesota |
M2.8 |
147 km |
| Jun 30, 2021 |
4 km E of Rembrandt, Iowa |
M2.7 |
60 km |
Source: USGS (M2.5+, 1990–2025)
Tornado History
589 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF5. Total: 15 fatalities, 353 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF5 |
60 km |
6 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF4 |
43 km |
0 |
| Jun 17, 2010 |
EF4 |
96 km |
1 |
| May 24, 1989 |
EF4 |
87 km |
0 |
| Jun 28, 1979 |
EF4 |
35 km |
3 |
| May 4, 1977 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| Jun 8, 1967 |
EF4 |
45 km |
0 |
| May 5, 1965 |
EF4 |
67 km |
0 |
| Aug 29, 1964 |
EF4 |
12 km |
0 |
| Jun 9, 1954 |
EF4 |
74 km |
1 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
72 km |
0 |
| Jul 14, 2021 |
EF3 |
78 km |
0 |
| Jun 12, 2013 |
EF3 |
57 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
75 km |
0 |
| Apr 9, 2011 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| Nov 12, 2005 |
EF3 |
85 km |
1 |
| Jun 11, 2004 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jun 18, 1994 |
EF3 |
66 km |
0 |
| Jun 7, 1984 |
EF3 |
36 km |
0 |
| Sep 20, 1980 |
EF3 |
69 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
1 wildfire (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: DEWEYS PASTURE (641 ac, 2008).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2008 |
DEWEYS PASTURE |
641 |
55 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
16°F (-9°C) |
0.7 in |
Coldest, Driest |
| February |
21°F (-6°C) |
0.8 in |
|
| March |
33°F (1°C) |
2.0 in |
|
| April |
47°F (8°C) |
3.0 in |
|
| May |
60°F (15°C) |
3.8 in |
|
| June |
70°F (21°C) |
4.5 in |
Wettest |
| July |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
Warmest |
| August |
70°F (21°C) |
3.9 in |
|
| September |
63°F (17°C) |
3.2 in |
|
| October |
50°F (10°C) |
2.3 in |
|
| November |
34°F (1°C) |
1.6 in |
|
| December |
20°F (-7°C) |
1.0 in |
|
Ottosen has a seasonal temperature swing of 56°F / from 16°F in January to 72°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 30.7 inches, with June being the wettest month (4.5") and January the driest (0.7").
Average costs for common services in Ottosen. 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 | $652 |
| Toddler | $562 |
| Preschool | $562 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $440 |
| Toddler | $433 |
| Preschool | $433 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottosen
What is the population of Ottosen?
Ottosen has a population of 31 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 63 people per square mile, spread across 0.6 square miles. The median age of residents is 51.5 years, which is older than the national median of 38.9 years. The population is 54.8% female and 45.2% male.
Is Ottosen expensive to live in?
Ottosen is more affordable than the national average, with a cost of living index of 87.8 / below the baseline of 100. The median household income is $43,125, 43% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $65,000 (77% below the U.S. median). The home price-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ottosen safe?
Ottosen is safer than the national average, with a violent crime rate of 254 per 100,000 compared to the U.S. rate of 380. Property crime occurs at a rate of 636 per 100,000 (below the national average). Overall, Ottosen receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ottosen?
Ottosen has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 46°F (8°C). Winter temperatures average 16°F in January, while summers reach an average of 72°F in July. The area receives 260 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 35.0 inches. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ottosen?
Ottosen has a healthy job market with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, near the national average of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,014. There are 367 business establishments in the area, including 20 restaurants and food service locations.
How much does housing cost in Ottosen?
The median home value in Ottosen is $65,000. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $159,873. The homeownership rate is 84.6%. The average annual property tax is $4,919.
How are the schools in Ottosen?
Schools in Ottosen score 6.4 out of 10 on standardized testing, near the national average. 20.8% of adults in Ottosen hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 100.0% have completed high school. 0.0% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ottosen?
The obesity rate in Ottosen is 38.7% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 13.5% of adults are smokers. 21.5% are physically inactive. 20.8% of residents report depression. 63.8% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:9,634.
What are the demographics of Ottosen?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottosen is 93.5% White. 100% of residents speak only English at home. 26.0% of the population are military veterans. 20.0% of residents have a disability. 92.0% have health insurance coverage.
All Countries
