Median Income
$56,994
24% lower than US avg
Home Value
$92,400
67% lower than US avg
Violent Crime
547/100K
44% higher than US avg
Bachelor's+
20.1%
40% lower than US avg
Median Rent
$956
18% lower than US avg
Obesity Rate
42.5%
32% higher than US avg
Unemployment
2.3%
36% lower than US avg
Poverty Rate
14.0%
13% higher than US avg
How Ottumwa Compares to the U.S. Average (100% = U.S. avg)
People
Population25,352
Median Age37.4 yrs
Density1,579/mi²
Male / Female51% / 49%
Largest GroupWhite 78%
Veterans6.2%
Economy
B+
Median Income$56,994
Per Capita$31,698
Unemployment2.3%
Poverty14.0%
County GDP$2,160M
Commute17 min
Housing
A+
Home Value$92,400
Rent$956
Ownership61.2%
Zillow$118,814
Housing Units11,370
Rent Burden28.7%
Crime
F
Violent547/100K
Property4,120/100K
Murder8.2/100K
Assault445/100K
Burglary743/100K
Health
Obesity42.5%
Uninsured11.5%
Smoking19.3%
Depression21.4%
Heart Disease6.3%
Climate
Avg Temp51°F (10°C)
AQI43 (Good)
Rain37.0 in/yr
Sunny Days275/yr
Elevation647 ft (197 m)
Education
C+
Bachelor's+20.1%
High School+85.6%
Graduate+7.9%
School Score4.85
Community
2024 VoteR 65% / D 34%
Commute17 min
Broadband83.3%
EV Stations2
Libraries5
Is Ottumwa a Good Place to Live?
Based on current data, Ottumwa receives an overall livability score of 3.1 out of 5.0, earning a grade of B. Key strengths include low unemployment, affordable housing, abundant sunshine, high health insurance coverage. Areas to be aware of include elevated crime rates, below-average incomes, high obesity rates. Ottumwa offers a solid quality of life with a good balance of affordability, safety, and opportunity.
Economy & Jobs
The median household income in Ottumwa is $56,994, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The job market is very strong with unemployment at just 2.3%. 14.0% of residents live in poverty, near the national average of 12.4%. Workers commute an average of 17 minutes, shorter than most U.S. cities.
Cost of Living & Housing
The median home value in Ottumwa is $92,400, 67% below the national median / offering relatively affordable homeownership. Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average / a plus for affordability. At just 1.6x median income, home prices are very affordable relative to local earnings.
Safety & Crime
The violent crime rate of 547 per 100,000 is above the national average of 380 / something for prospective residents to consider. Property crime occurs at a rate of 4,120 per 100,000, 110% above the national average.
Education
20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. Area schools have an average test score of 4.8/10.
Climate & Weather
Ottumwa experiences four distinct seasons with an average temperature of 51°F. Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°F in July. With 275 sunny days per year, residents enjoy well above the national average of sunshine. Annual precipitation totals 37.0 inches, including 23.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median AQI of 43.
Ottumwa has a population of 25,352 with a density of 1,579 people per square mile, spread across 16.5 square miles. The median age is 37.4 years, 4% younger than the national median of 38.9. The gender split is 48.8% female and 51.2% male. The city is predominantly White (77.5%), with 2.7% Hispanic, 4.6% Black. English is the primary language spoken at home by 84.4% of residents, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.
Population
37.4yrs
Median Age
4% below US avg
Language Spoken at Home
English Only
84.4%
8% above US avg
Spanish
15.6%
16% above US avg
The median household income in Ottumwa is $56,994, which is 24% below the national average of $75,149. Per capita income is $31,698 (below the $39,052 national figure). The average weekly wage is $1,021, 29% lower than the U.S. average. The unemployment rate is 2.3% (below the 3.6% US average). 14.0% of residents live below the poverty line. The area has 887 business establishments, including 77 restaurants. The cost of living index is 87.8, below the national baseline of 100 / offering relatively affordable living. Workers commute an average of 17 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 | $56,994 |
| 24% below US avg |
| Per Capita Income | $31,698 |
| Avg Weekly Wage | $1,021 |
| IRS Avg AGI | $61,051 |
| Gini Index | 0.431 (0=equal, 1=unequal) |
Employment & Poverty
| Unemployment | 2.3% |
| 36% below US avg |
| Poverty Rate | 14.0% |
| 13% above US avg |
| Establishments (County) | 887 |
| County GDP | $2,160M |
Business (County)
| Restaurants | 77 |
| Healthcare | 87 |
| Retail | 116 |
| Manufacturing | 25 |
Tax & Cost of Living
| Property Tax (IRS) | $3,777 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Cost of Living | 87.80 (100=avg) |
| Effective Tax Rate | 4.09% |
Commute & Transportation
| Commute Time | 17.2 min |
| Drive Alone | 77.9% |
| Public Transit | 0.5% |
| Work from Home | 3.7% |
The median home value in Ottumwa is $92,400, 67% below the national median of $281,900. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,814, higher than the Census estimate. Homes sell for 95.4% of their list price, suggesting buyers have room to negotiate. Monthly rent averages $956 (18% below the national average of $1,163). Fair market rent ranges from $788 for a one-bedroom to $989 for a two-bedroom apartment. 61.2% of housing units are owner-occupied. There are 11,370 total housing units in the city. The median year a home was built is 1954. The average annual property tax is $3,777. 28.7% of renters spend 30% or more of their income on housing. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, well within the affordable range.
Home Values
| Census Median | $92,400 |
| 67% below US avg |
| Zillow ZHVI | $118,814 |
| Median List Price | $158,000 |
Real Estate Market (Redfin)
| Median List Price | $158,000 |
| $/Sq Ft | $98 |
| Homes Sold | 21 |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 95.4% |
| Price Drops | 25.0% |
| Inventory | 64 |
Rental Costs
| Census Median Rent | $956 |
| 18% below US avg |
| Rent Burden | 28.7% |
HUD Fair Market Rent
| Studio | $738 |
| 1 Bedroom | $788 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $989 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $1,282 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $1,420 |
Ownership & Property
| Homeownership | 61.2% |
| Owner-Occupied | 61.2% |
| Renter-Occupied | 38.8% |
| Housing Units | 11,370 |
| Median Year Built | 1954 |
Property Tax
| Avg Tax (IRS) | $3,777 |
| 8% above US avg |
| Effective Rate | 4.09% |
In Ottumwa, 42.5% of adults are obese, above the national rate of 32.1%. 12.0% have diabetes. Heart disease affects 6.3% of residents. 32.3% have high blood pressure. 19.3% are current smokers (above the 14.0% national rate). 19.8% report binge drinking. 31.1% are physically inactive, above the national average. 21.4% report depression. 18.8% experience frequent mental distress. 11.5% of residents lack health insurance (above the 8.6% national rate). The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,763. The dentist ratio is 1:1,252. 75.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The food environment index is 6.0 out of 10.
Air Quality (Open-Meteo CAMS — 2026-05-22)
PM2.5
3.3
μg/m³
Fine particulate
PM10
3.4
μg/m³
Coarse particulate
NO₂
8.6
μg/m³
Nitrogen dioxide
SO₂
1.6
μg/m³
Sulphur dioxide
CO
144.0
μg/m³
Carbon monoxide
Health Metrics: Ottumwa vs U.S. Average (%)
Chronic Conditions
| Obesity | 42.5% |
| 32% above US avg |
| Diabetes | 12.0% |
| Heart Disease | 6.3% |
| High Blood Pressure | 32.3% |
| Asthma | 10.6% |
| COPD | 7.9% |
| Cancer | 7.0% |
| Stroke | 3.4% |
Behaviors & Mental Health
| Smoking | 19.3% |
| 38% above US avg |
| Binge Drinking | 19.8% |
| Physical Inactivity | 31.1% |
| Depression | 21.4% |
| Mental Distress | 18.8% |
| Physical Distress | 14.7% |
| Short Sleep | 38.8% |
Healthcare Access
| Insurance Rate | 93.1% |
| Uninsured | 11.5% |
| 34% above US avg |
| Primary Care | 1:1,763 |
| Dentists | 1:1,252 |
| Mental Health | 1:567 |
| Checkup Rate | 75.2% |
| Dental Visits | 58.1% |
| Premature Death | 9,638/100K |
Food & Exercise
| Food Environment | 6.0/10 |
| Exercise Access | 75.1% |
| Healthcare Facilities | 87 |
Ottumwa has a violent crime rate of 547 per 100,000 residents, 44% above the national average of 380. This breaks down to aggravated assault at 445.1 per 100,000, robbery at 20.4, rape at 73.5. The murder rate is 8.2 per 100,000 (above the national rate of 6.3). Property crime stands at 4,120 per 100,000, 110% above the U.S. average. This includes larceny/theft at 3,055, burglary at 743, vehicle theft at 323 per 100,000 residents. The county recorded 3 fatal traffic crashes. Overall, Ottumwa receives a safety grade of F.
Crime Rates: Ottumwa vs U.S. Average (per 100,000)
Violent Crime
| Total Violent | 547.2/100K |
| 44% above US avg |
| Murder | 8.2/100K |
| 30% above US avg |
| Rape | 73.5/100K |
| Robbery | 20.4/100K |
| Assault | 445.1/100K |
Property Crime
| Total Property | 4,120.4/100K |
| 110% above US avg |
| Burglary | 743.2/100K |
| Theft | 3,054.6/100K |
| Vehicle Theft | 322.6/100K |
| Arson | 44.9/100K |
Traffic Safety
| Fatal Crashes (County/yr) | 3 |
| Traffic Accidents | 115 |
| Avg Accident Severity | 2.4 / 4.0 |
Safety Score
| Safety Grade | F |
| Safety Score | 1.0 / 5.0 |
Ottumwa experiences four distinct seasons with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winters average 23°F in January while summers reach 75°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 37.0 inches. The area receives 23.6 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 647 feet.
Temperature
23°F Jan (-5°C)
75°F Jul (24°C)
| Annual Average | 50.7°F |
| 6% below US avg |
| January Average | 23°F (-5°C) |
| July Average | 75°F (24°C) |
| Sunny Days | 275 days/yr |
Geography
| Elevation | 647 ft (197 m) |
| Area | 16.5 sq mi (42.8 km²) |
| Population Density | 1,579/sq mi |
| Coordinates | 41.0223°N, 92.4233°W |
| Timezone | America/Chicago |
| County | Wapello County County |
| Nearest Airport | Ottumwa Regional (OTM) 6 miles away |
Precipitation & Snow
Annual Rainfall
37.0"
3% below US avg
Wettest Month (Jul)
4.65"
Air Quality
| AQI Median | 43.0 |
| Rating | Good |
Natural Hazard Risk
| Overall Risk | Relatively Low |
| Risk Score | 65.3 / 100 |
| Social Vulnerability | 43.3 / 100 |
| Community Resilience | 70.2 / 100 |
Hazard Breakdown
| Tornado |
Relatively Moderate |
| Hurricane |
Very Low |
| Earthquake |
Very Low |
| Wildfire |
Very Low |
| Flood |
Relatively Low |
| Hail |
Relatively Low |
| Strong Wind |
Relatively Moderate |
| Heat Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Winter Weather |
Relatively Low |
| Lightning |
Relatively Low |
| Ice Storm |
Relatively Low |
| Drought |
Relatively High |
| Cold Wave |
Relatively Low |
| Landslide |
Relatively Low |
Source: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (Dec 2025)
Tornado History
486 tornadoes (EF0+) within 100 km since 1950.
Strongest: EF4. Total: 12 fatalities, 216 injuries.
| Date |
Rating |
Distance |
Fatalities |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF4 |
46 km |
0 |
| Aug 12, 1974 |
EF4 |
83 km |
0 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF4 |
70 km |
0 |
| May 20, 1959 |
EF4 |
71 km |
0 |
| May 10, 1953 |
EF4 |
78 km |
0 |
| Mar 31, 2023 |
EF3 |
9 km |
0 |
| Mar 5, 2022 |
EF3 |
81 km |
1 |
| Aug 20, 2019 |
EF3 |
96 km |
0 |
| May 27, 2019 |
EF3 |
53 km |
0 |
| Jul 19, 2018 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| Jun 22, 2015 |
EF3 |
60 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
30 km |
0 |
| Apr 8, 1999 |
EF3 |
92 km |
0 |
| May 15, 1998 |
EF3 |
65 km |
0 |
| May 1, 1973 |
EF3 |
89 km |
2 |
| Apr 20, 1973 |
EF3 |
73 km |
0 |
| Apr 21, 1967 |
EF3 |
42 km |
0 |
| Apr 16, 1967 |
EF3 |
45 km |
2 |
| Jan 24, 1967 |
EF3 |
33 km |
0 |
| Oct 14, 1966 |
EF3 |
80 km |
0 |
Source: NOAA SPC (EF0+, 1950–2024)
Wildfire History
5 wildfires (100+ acres) within 100 km.
Largest: NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 (1,050 ac, 2016).
| Year |
Name |
Acres |
Distance |
| 2016 |
NEAL SMITH WUI 2016 1 |
1,050 |
95 km |
| 2009 |
UNNAMED |
939 |
95 km |
| 2010 |
FOLEY |
786 |
94 km |
| 2011 |
ACE AUTO |
676 |
93 km |
| 2011 |
IRCP WUI ROFAE #2 FY11 |
510 |
97 km |
Source: NIFC/IRWIN (100+ acres)
Monthly Weather
| Month |
Avg Temperature |
Precipitation |
Summary |
| January |
23°F (-5°C) |
1.1 in |
Coldest |
| February |
28°F (-3°C) |
0.9 in |
Driest |
| March |
39°F (4°C) |
2.4 in |
|
| April |
51°F (11°C) |
3.6 in |
|
| May |
62°F (17°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| June |
72°F (22°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| July |
75°F (24°C) |
4.7 in |
Warmest, Wettest |
| August |
74°F (23°C) |
4.1 in |
|
| September |
65°F (19°C) |
4.3 in |
|
| October |
54°F (12°C) |
2.6 in |
|
| November |
39°F (4°C) |
2.2 in |
|
| December |
27°F (-3°C) |
1.4 in |
|
Ottumwa has a seasonal temperature swing of 52°F / from 23°F in January to 75°F in July. Total annual precipitation is 35.3 inches, with July being the wettest month (4.7") and February the driest (0.9").
Average costs for common services in Ottumwa. 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 | $713 |
| Toddler | $614 |
| Preschool | $614 |
| Family Childcare (monthly) |
| Infant | $481 |
| Toddler | $473 |
| Preschool | $473 |
Source: DOL Women's Bureau (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions About Ottumwa
What is the population of Ottumwa?
Ottumwa has a population of 25,352 residents and is located in Iowa. The population density is 1,579 people per square mile, spread across 16.5 square miles. The median age of residents is 37.4 years. The population is 48.8% female and 51.2% male.
Is Ottumwa expensive to live in?
Ottumwa 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 $56,994, 24% below the national average of $75,149. The median home value is $92,400 (67% below the U.S. median). Renters pay a median of $956 per month, below the national average of $1,163. The home price-to-income ratio is 1.6x, indicating housing is reasonably affordable relative to local income levels.
Is Ottumwa safe?
The violent crime rate in Ottumwa is 547 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 4,120 per 100,000 (above the national average). Overall, Ottumwa receives a safety grade of F based on combined crime data.
What is the weather like in Ottumwa?
Ottumwa has a four-season climate with an average annual temperature of 51°F (10°C). Winter temperatures average 23°F in January, while summers reach an average of 75°F in July. The area receives 275 sunny days per year, well above the national average of 205. Annual rainfall totals 37.0 inches, with 23.6 inches of snow. Air quality is rated Good with a median Air Quality Index (AQI) of 43.
How is the job market in Ottumwa?
The job market in Ottumwa is very strong, with unemployment at just 2.3% / well below the national rate of 3.6%. The average weekly wage is $1,021. There are 887 business establishments in the area, including 77 restaurants and food service locations. The average commute time is 17 minutes, and 3.7% of workers work from home.
How much does housing cost in Ottumwa?
The median home value in Ottumwa is $92,400. Zillow estimates the typical home value at $118,814. For renters, the median monthly rent is $956. Fair market rent is $788 for a 1-bedroom and $989 for a 2-bedroom apartment. The homeownership rate is 61.2%. The average annual property tax is $3,777.
How are the schools in Ottumwa?
Schools in Ottumwa have an average test score of 4.8 out of 10, below typical national benchmarks. Families may want to research individual school ratings. 20.1% of adults in Ottumwa hold a bachelor's degree or higher, below the national average of 33.7%. 85.6% have completed high school. 7.9% hold a graduate or professional degree.
How healthy is Ottumwa?
The obesity rate in Ottumwa is 42.5% (above the national rate of 32.1%). 19.3% of adults are smokers. 31.1% are physically inactive. 21.4% of residents report depression. 11.5% lack health insurance (above the national rate). 75.1% of residents have access to exercise opportunities. The primary care physician ratio is 1:1,763.
What is transportation like in Ottumwa?
The average commute in Ottumwa is 17 minutes, shorter than the national average of 28 minutes. 77.9% of workers drive alone to work, and 3.7% work from home.
What are the demographics of Ottumwa?
The racial and ethnic makeup of Ottumwa is 77.5% White, 4.6% Black or African American, 2.7% Hispanic or Latino. 84.4% of residents speak only English at home, while 15.6% speak Spanish. 6.2% of the population are military veterans. 15.3% of residents have a disability. 93.1% have health insurance coverage.