Ottumwa, IA
Population 25,352 · Iowa
About Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa is a mid-sized city in Iowa with a population of 25,352 residents. The median household income is $56,994 per year, which is near the national average. The median age in Ottumwa is 37.4 years.
Housing in Ottumwa has a median home value of $92,400 and median monthly rent of $956. Of the 11,525 total housing units, the majority are owner-occupied, with 6,255 owner-occupied and 3,958 renter-occupied units.
The unemployment rate in Ottumwa is 3.7% and the poverty rate is 18.9%. 20.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The average commute time is 17.2 minutes.
How Ottumwa Ranks in Iowa
Cost of Living in Ottumwa, IA
Compared to national averages, Ottumwa has a median household income of $56,994 (24% below the national median of $75,149). Home values average $92,400, which is 62% below the national median. Monthly rent at $956 is 18% below the US average of $1,163. Within Iowa, Ottumwa's income is 16% below the state average of $67,947, and home values are 30% below the state median of $132,237.
Why Live in Ottumwa, IA?
Ottumwa offers affordable housing with a median home value of $92,400, below the US average of $244,900, and rent that’s lower than the national average at $956/month, and short commute times averaging just 17.2 minutes.
Potential considerations include median household income ($56,994) that falls below the national average. However, Ottumwa’s smaller community size offers a quieter lifestyle and tight-knit neighborhoods.
Ottumwa has a population of 25,352 with a median age of 37.4 years. Compare Ottumwa with other cities to see how it stacks up, or explore all cities in Iowa.
Similar Cities Near Ottumwa
Cities in Iowa with a similar population size.
| City | Population | Median Income | Home Value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Dodge | 24,788 | $61,769 | $128,900 | Compare |
| Clinton | 24,425 | $57,493 | $115,400 | Compare |
| Johnston | 24,196 | $103,430 | $346,200 | Compare |
| Burlington | 23,800 | $55,274 | $115,800 | Compare |
| Waukee | 26,974 | $106,728 | $328,200 | Compare |
| Mason City | 27,135 | $62,369 | $130,000 | Compare |
| Muscatine | 23,567 | $59,332 | $146,900 | Compare |
| Marshalltown | 27,491 | $68,854 | $117,100 | Compare |
Demographics
Racial & Ethnic Composition
Economy & Education
Housing
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 Ottumwa
What is the population of Ottumwa, IA?
The population of Ottumwa, IA is 25,352 according to the latest Census data.
What is the median household income in Ottumwa?
The median household income in Ottumwa, IA is $56,994 per year.
What is the median home value in Ottumwa?
The median home value in Ottumwa, IA is $92,400.
What is the average rent in Ottumwa?
The median monthly rent in Ottumwa, IA is $956.
What is the unemployment rate in Ottumwa?
The unemployment rate in Ottumwa, IA is 3.7%.