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Ottumwa, IA Community

18 discussions from residents and visitors

Wyatt Martin

Is Ottumwa worth moving to in 2026?

So, Poverty rate is 14.0%, which is around average. Median household income is $56,994, which feels about average for the area. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. The weather takes some getting used to. Property taxes are high but you get good services. There's a growing tech scene whic...

7 replies 5 upvotes moving
Allison Parker

Starting a business in Ottumwa?

First post here. What neighborhoods would you suggest? It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse.

3 replies 7 upvotes jobs
Luca Alvarez

How are the schools in Ottumwa?

Hi all, Rent is about $956/month for a decent place. The median home value here is around $92,400, which is actually reasonable. It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Anyone in a similar situation? Looking forward to hearing from you all.

15 replies 25 upvotes qa
Silas Adams

Should I move to Ottumwa or stay in Portland?

Alright, I'm single, late 30s, and With a population of 25,352, Ottumwa is a smaller city. The school system varies a lot by neighborhood. Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Should I be concerned? Downtown has improved a lot in recent years. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still m...

2 replies 14 upvotes moving
Mason Brown

Is Ottumwa getting better or worse?

I'm single, late 30s, and Median household income is $56,994, which feels about average for the area. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,352 people. Property taxes are high but you get good services. The suburbs are where most families end up. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or wors...

4 replies 1 upvotes living
Wyatt Martin

Things that make Ottumwa unique

Hello, Military spouse here. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,352 people. You can expect to pay around $956 for rent here. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still ma...

2 replies 14 upvotes best-worst
Leah Green

What I wish I knew before living in Ottumwa

OK so Homes are going for about $92,400 on average. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. I'd say it's better for families than young singles. Should I be concerned? It's changing fast -some good, some not so much. The city has invested a lot in new development. The food scene here is surpri...

0 replies 16 upvotes living
Gabriel Allen

Housing in Ottumwa compared to Albuquerque

The median home value here is around $92,400, which is actually reasonable. The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. You can expect to pay around $956 for rent here. It's a very car-dependent city, for better or worse. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Downtown ha...

2 replies 19 upvotes housing
Nevaeh

Working remotely from Ottumwa

My partner and I are Household incomes average around $56,994 in Ottumwa. The median home value here is around $92,400, which is actually reasonable. Poverty rate is 14.0%, which is around average. With a population of 25,352, Ottumwa is a smaller city. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. ...

4 replies 2 upvotes jobs
Naomi Castillo

Job market in Ottumwa for tech?

Hey folks, Rent is about $956/month for a decent place. With a population of 25,352, Ottumwa is a smaller city. Crime rate is something to consider -Ottumwa sits at 547.2 per 100K. The weather takes some getting used to. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. Public transit need...

1 replies 22 upvotes jobs
Aaliyah Reed

Relocating to Ottumwa, IA -pros and cons?

We have two kids and The unemployment rate is 2.3%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. Cost of living is definitely rising, but still manageable. Any advice would be great.

0 replies 7 upvotes moving
Olivia Bailey

Ottumwa vs Seattle -which is better?

Average temperature is around 51--F, so expect cold winters. It's a a smaller city city with about 25,352 people. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. Property taxes are high but you get good services. Thoughts? TIA!

1 replies 7 upvotes best-worst
Wyatt Martin

Cheapest neighborhoods in Ottumwa?

Hey, I'm single, late 40s, and Median household income is $56,994, which feels about average for the area. The median home value here is around $92,400, which is actually reasonable. Household incomes average around $56,994 in Ottumwa. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. Cost of living is d...

3 replies 7 upvotes housing
Nevaeh

Cheapest neighborhoods in Ottumwa?

Rent is about $956/month for a decent place. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting. Does this match your experience? Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The city has invested a lot in new development. Property taxes are ...

0 replies 2 upvotes housing
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