Ottosen, IA
Population 31 · Iowa
About Ottosen, IA
Ottosen is a small community located in Iowa with a population of 31 residents according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey data. The median household income is $43,125 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149. The median age of 51.5 years is notably older the US median age of 38.9 years, suggesting a more established community with a higher proportion of long-term residents.
Housing Market Overview
The housing market in Ottosen features a median home value of $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. This makes Ottosen one of the more affordable markets in the country, potentially attractive for first-time homebuyers. Median monthly rent is $0, 100% below the national average of $1,163/month. Of the 22 total housing units, 85% are owner-occupied (11 units) and 15% are renter-occupied (2 units). The high homeownership rate suggests a stable, established residential community.
Economy & Employment
The local economy in Ottosen shows an unemployment rate of 9.1%, which is significantly above the national rate of 3.7%, suggesting economic challenges in the area. The poverty rate stands at 6.5%, below the national average of 12.4%, reflecting generally favorable economic conditions. Workers in Ottosen have an average one-way commute time of 0 minutes, one of the shorter commutes in the region.
Education & Demographics
20.8% of Ottosen residents aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The lower educational attainment rate may reflect the area's industry mix, with more employment in trades, manufacturing, or agricultural sectors. The community's demographic composition includes 6.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, and 0.0% Asian residents, with 3.2% of the population being foreign-born.
Cost of Living in Ottosen, IA
Compared to national averages, Ottosen has a median household income of $43,125 (43% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $65,000, which is 73% below the national median. Monthly rent at $0 is 100% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ottosen's income is 37% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 51% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ottosen, IA?
Ottosen offers affordable housing with a median home value of $65,000, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $0/month, and a low poverty rate of 6.5%, better than the national average. Additionally, the city features short commute times averaging just 0 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($43,125) that falls below the national average. However, Ottosen’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ottosen has a population of 31 with a median age of 51.5 years. Compare Ottosen with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
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Other Cities in Iowa
Data source: US Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates. Last updated: 2026-04-05.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Ottosen
What is the population of Ottosen, IA?
The population of Ottosen, IA is 31 according to the latest US Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates. This makes it a small community in Iowa.
What is the median household income in Ottosen?
The median household income in Ottosen, IA is $43,125 per year, which is 43% below the national median of $75,149.
What is the median home value in Ottosen?
The median home value in Ottosen, IA is $65,000, which is 73% below the national median of $244,900. The majority of housing units are owner-occupied.
What is the average rent in Ottosen?
The median monthly rent in Ottosen, IA is $0, which is 100% below the national average of $1,163/month.
What is the unemployment rate in Ottosen?
The unemployment rate in Ottosen, IA is 9.1%, compared to the national average of 3.7%. Job seekers may want to research the dominant industries in the area.
Is Ottosen, IA a good place to live?
Ottosen offers a moderate cost of living, affordable housing, and growing employment opportunities. With a population of 31 and a median age of 51.5, the city appeals to established professionals and retirees.
How educated is Ottosen, IA?
20.8% of residents in Ottosen aged 25 and older hold a bachelor's degree or higher, compared to the national average of 33.7%. The educational profile reflects the area's industry mix and employment landscape.
What is the cost of living in Ottosen?
Key cost-of-living indicators for Ottosen, IA: median home value is $65,000 (73% below national), median rent is $0/month, and median household income is $43,125. The home-value-to-income ratio is 1.5x, indicating relatively affordable housing relative to local incomes.
What is the poverty rate in Ottosen?
The poverty rate in Ottosen, IA is 6.5%, compared to the national average of 12.4%. This below-average poverty rate reflects generally favorable economic conditions in the community.
How diverse is Ottosen, IA?
Ottosen's population is 6.5% White, 0.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.0% Black or African American, 0.0% Asian, and 0.0% two or more races. 3.2% of residents are foreign-born.